JGU

I have the 163BX w/o the buterfly and the board is perfect for me. It has the texlium (sp?) top sheet and I can carve on the board like no other. As far as tree riding, IMO, I don't think the board was really designed for that style of riding...you could do it but it isn't the best tool for the job. Another thing to consider is the boots that your using. If you're using plates only then the butterfly is probably better set-up...I ride my bx with soft boot set up...the butterfly would be way to stiff for softies. I also have the 158 alpine with the butterfly and I agree with the previous thread that it takes all the vibration out of the ride. The board is a rocket ship and is so fun to ride. Get both, an alpine and a texlium BX, it's the best of both worlds depending on the snow conditions.

Hi everyone, Does anybody have any riding experiences regarding Whistler/Blackcomb during the month of December. I was thinking of riding out there right before x-mas period. The mtn has has some decent deals taking place now. I didn't know if there was a quality snowpack during that time period...kind of afraid of no snow on the ground. I've been out there during the late winter and had a blast. In December, would it be just bowl riding or do they typically have snow all the way down to the village. Any experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 03/04 Donek Freecarve 1 171 about 30 days on it, camber is like new, $300 email me at guerini@comcast.net for pictures.

I don't think they had different ratings for stiffness on that year model. I know that the olympic upgrade is now an option. Olympic upgrade had not been developed yet when I purchased the board. Send me your personal email if interested. I byend to get pictures out to eveyone who has inquired this week. Thanks JG

For sale: Donek FC1 171 original owner Red top sheet 03/04 model ridden about 30 days over three seasons camber is like new top sheet has a few nicks board is good condition, base is perfect, waxed after each use. too many boards, must sell. $300.00 email me for pictures at guerini@comcast.net

Just hit you back...Thanks JG

Donek 171 FC1 2003/2004 Made for the Starting Gate in VT USA Has about 30 days on it. The base is mint. Topsheet has a few nicks in it.(Red in color) Camber is like it's brand new. I'm the original owner. Base has never been stone ground. I wax the base after each use...so it's in great shape. Awesome board but I have a new alpine deck and have no use for the Donek anymore. $300 plus shipping. If interested email me at guerini@comcast.net and I'll send pictures. Thanks - John

If you're interested I have a Donek FC1 171 - I know it's not the axis but if you're interested give a shout. John

I have one. I'm the original owner. Email me at guerini@comcast.net and I can give details. John

Hi Paulk, I believe you have me confused with another person who also signs on as JG...I am a novice compared to most riders who post here. I haven't rode Wachusett for the past two years due to negative experiences with straightliners in the past. I had the century pass for the three seasons where I got to ride with a few folks from this forum. So last Wednesday was my first Wednesday in a two years...I'm always looking for positive and negative feedback. Unfortunately I was the only hardbooter that evening...but I had a nice night...great conditions. Have a good one! John G.

Hey what's up folks, I bought three Madds at the end of last season in June. I got a 158 alpine (which is insane), 163 BX (which is unbelievable), and 158 twin tip that I gave away to my buddy...I'm not into freestyle. I rode a Donek 171FC 1 for two seasons and that board is great...but for east coast riding no company can touch Madd products. I'm hooked on the Madd product. So to say the least if anybody is looking for a Donek 171FC 1 with about thirty days on it...give a shout. I rode solo tonight and hung out on the blues...It's been about a month since I rode plates...I've been doing more BX and freeriding than alpine this season. The conditions were great at Wachusett...no complaints from me...got some nice turns in on the 158 alpine...We'll have to catch up sometime... I'll be up at Mt. Snow this Saturday...hopefully the conditions are just as good. Happy riding! John G.

Anybody heading up this Wednesday 2/21/07 - It would be my first time back in a few years...looking for some tips on handling my new Madd - John G.

No doubt Willy Whit, I'm up for some Wha Wha Wednesdays...I didn't renew my pass last year after a few straight liners decided to take a ride over the topsheet of my FC171. I have a renewed spirit though with my two new Madds, 163 BX and 158 Alpine. I feel like these boards have pushed me onto the next level. But I'll definately need some input from the Wednesday night crew seeing that this 158 is way beyond my riding ability. I got stopped by ski patrol up in Sunday River...after a quick apology for going too fast...I asked him how I looked. The Ski Patrol guy smiled and said real smooth and fluid. Sweet! Love the Madds...Every east coast rider should have one in the collection. Later - John

Just got out on my new madd 163 bx this past week...best board I have ever ridden. Great east coast board... John

Hey there, Just wanted to give you some input on the Madd 158. It is sometimes hard to buy something without trying it first. I purchased three Madd snow boards this past June 2006 and just got the opportunity to try two of the three Madd boards due to the lack of snow here in the Northeast. I have the 158 alpine and, 163 BX, and 158 twin tip. I've been riding for 17 years and I recently got back into the alpine scene with a Donek 171 FC1. That board is unbelievable and brought my riding ability to a entirely different level. We'll after riding Sunday River this past week up in Maine...I have to admit that the Madd snowboards are the most unbelievable weapon for east coast riding. These boards especially the 158 alpine pushed me over the plateau and raised my confidence so much. These boards are incredibly fast and stable at high speed. The 158 is a lot easier to manuever through crowds as well which makes it so appealing. The morale of the story is, wait for the board and don't go out and buy something just to get it. I fortunately live in the same area as these guys and I got to cherry pick all three boards in the basement of their house. The guys at Madd are extremely enthuisiatic and are a real pleasure to work with. Put your name in for a new one...you won't be disappointed. - John

The Longhorn rocks! That place is a good time...wish we had that type of snowfall back east...not looking too good out here...Enjoy the snow! Wish I was there...John

I went there last February...that place is unbelievable! I brought my free-ride board with soft boot set up as well as my cateks oylmpics with my hard boots with the intentions to rent a WCR from Prior. Long story short, I never got out to Prior. I went straight above the tree line and never hit the groomers. Everything below the treeline is groomed for the most part. The groomers are great for riding plates. But I'm from New England...and it is no comparison. Blackcomb glacier and Whistlers' bowls (especially sun bowl) are just so much fun you won't even need your plate binding set up. Every time I got into the tree line, I ended up dropping into the glades. That trip was unbelievable. Those who reside out in British Columbia have a great treasure in their back yard. Good luck with your trip. No matter what you bring, you'll have a blast. John

I have a Donek 171 FC1 - Red top sheet - Has about 30 days on it. The base is mint - A few nicks on the top sheet. I aslo have Catek Olympic standard bails. Looking for $300 for the board $450 for board and bindings. - John

Thanks for the update whistler rider...that's great news about the snow cover. I just came back from Sunday River, Maine about a few hours ago. I had a great time riding today but the snow is lacking here in the North East. My buddy and I hit the glades and he took a nice chunk out of his base...I'm looking forward to riding in BC! Thanks for the update.

Good looking out - I appreciate the advice. I didn't want to bring too much gear with me and the boot and binding idea is a great idea. Perhaps a Prior 4x4 would be fun to try out. Thanks again.

Hello, I'm headed out to Whistler BC next week and wanted some advice on whether to bring the alpine set-up. I ride in the Northeast on a regular basis and spend 50% of my time on the freeride (custom 166) and 50% on the alpine (fc 171). I've never been out west before. Is there too much powder out there to bring the alpine or am I better off just bringing the free-ride set up? Thanks for the advice.

Unfornately it will never change...you have to ride defensively...kinda like riding a motorcycle in city traffic...The bottom line is it's all about the cash...wah - wah isn't going to turn down the business in order to provide better quality riding conditions. Let's face it...Cash$$$ is King! If you and I want better riding conditions - hit ski 93 - other than that wah - wah is only good for the weeknight carve craving...you know? Too bad it wasn't like the old days and half to get certified - I've been riding for 16 years and enjoy riding with skiiers not snowboarders - The only select few I ride with are the non-scrapers / snowplows that can carve not slide. But "to each his own". JG

Bill aka Willywhit - That's me (JGU aka Johnny) I rode with you last year - new to the true alpine scene last year - That was my third time on the alpine deck this season...I've been riding my free ride board mostly this season due to conditions. I ran into Bob from RI in the parking lot - I probably got the most runs in with him out of your crew last year...I don't even come close to you guys in the alpine skills dept. - It's official my donek 171 fc1 has become a rock board...a hack snowboarder ran into me last night taking a good chunk out of my top sheet - I think I'm going to throw my cateks on my BX board while the Donek is in "sick bay" getting repaired. Wah - Wah is really rubbing me the wrong way but what can you do? Gotta deal with it. Later - Johnny

I rode Monday morning after the big storm...best conditions ever at Wah-Wah. Last Wednesday night was great too. I should have brought the alpine but went with the freestyle board...good decision due to crowds. Wednesday night this week will be perfect for alpine riding...the expected snow fall should scare away all the teenagers / hacks. 8pm - 10pm is the way to go. No crowds and perfect snow...