Helvetico Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 So I bought new hardboots and bindings last year but I've yet to use them. There's been plenty of untracked off-piste here, so why bother? At least that's what I tell myself. To tell the truth, I'm intimidated by the thought of being a beginner again. So now I'm toying with the idea of selling the unused boots and bindings and getting a Donek Razor, which is a carving board for soft boots. Is this enough to make groomed runs interesting again or do I have to suck it up and put on the scary hard boots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 Do whatever you want... ... I would like to say that I was amazed at how much learning to ride in hard boots helped my soft boot riding. (And that was before I got new soft bindings last year, and new soft boots this year) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullwings Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 ^^^ +1 on what he said. My softboot riding skills improved so much after a season of riding hardboots (according to me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 ..... or do I have to suck it up and put on the scary hard boots? Hard boots not scary! Hard boots warm and cozy:biggthump Hard boots make very happy inside:1luvu: Do not be afraid of hard boots....just try them Then you happy inside too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjl Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 You should put on the scary hardboots. iirc (and it's been a while now), it only took a day or two before I basically felt just fine in hardboots. Like, I wouldn't try to do jump turns down double-black moguls, but after 2-3 days it was no longer really weird to have locked ankles. I agree with the others - hardboot riding made my softboot riding significantly better (and different). If you start out with moderate angles (i.e. only going up to 45/30, instead of going straight up to 65/60 or whatever), the only weird thing will be your toesides will feel super grippy, because you can no longer feather down the edge angle with your ankles to do controlled skids, but if you're a pretty competent softbooter it should not be that big of a deal - you just have to do it in your hips. Later on when you start bumping up your binding angles other issues will come up, but that's all the fun stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkaholic Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 new challenge. If you already have the equipment then go for it. Like the others said, it will improve your softie riding. On days that it is hard out you will end up carving all over while the jibbers are inside icing their knees and butts from bad landings. And you will have a big grin on your face. Ink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxguitarist Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 I didn't find the transition to hardboots too bad, though I'd only had several sessions on softboots first. That said, after several sessions on softboots I was already getting enough lean to hit boot-out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfinsmiley Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Lets relate the question to driving cars. An SUV or 4WD are great fun to drive in the right conditions. (softboots) A sports car is fun to drive in the right conditions. (hardboots) Wouldn`t you like to have one of each in the garage to drive which ever one you please when it pleases you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b0ardski Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Lets relate the question to driving cars.An SUV or 4WD are great fun to drive in the right conditions. (softboots) A sports car is fun to drive in the right conditions. (hardboots) Wouldn`t you like to have one of each in the garage to drive which ever one you please when it pleases you? No my sports car is a 4wd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfinsmiley Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Nomy sports car is a 4wd You mean an AWD sports car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b0ardski Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Yes my boots rail a turn and charge through deep snow in tight trees on the same run, and if I want to change boards I step out of one & into the other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJFluff Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 I've been riding soft stuff all season long, and enjoying it a ton. Working a lot on becoming comfortable riding switch to the point where I can't tell which direction I'm traveling. It's been a great season so far. Then,,,, I through on the alpine gear tonight for the first time and remembered why I love it so much. There is no comparison between the two. Take if from me. I feel that when it comes to carving in soft gear I can do it with the best out there, but when you have on the hard stuff the difference is night and day. So, my opinion, hang onto the hard gear and give it some time, because you can't get that "feeling" in the soft boots. Variety is a great thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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