New Guy here!

[*Ace*]

You might forget it though if your in there with me or the Snowman.

[Wolfman]

Welcome! Getting boots that really fit your feet is more work than you'd think, but it's worth every second of effort. Read this and this before buying any boots. The comfort level of your boots will literally make or break your experience. The cool thing with plastic shells is that almost any ski shop can easily 'punch' the shell to remove pressure points.

There's tons of tech here but in the end it's all about having fun. Some are tech nerds that worry about tiny details, some just make do with whatever they have. Play around and see which approach you like.

Hi guys, welcome to Bomber. I couldn't agree more with the above! I have been riding since 87 (Burton Cruzer 165, Peter Bauer anyone!!!??? Those were the days) Boots are everything, having your feet hurt after only 30 minutes of trench digging sucks. Once you are dialed in and get the hang of carving you can ride ANY board, at ANY length. My board collection varies from 162 to 195. Have fun, test as much of you can. Nice score on your board BTW.

[AussieCarver]

Sorry to piggyback on the new guys to this great site... but I'm new too -albeit on the other side of the planet in Melbourne, Australia.

I've been a surfer for most of my life. I skied for a while, then crossed over to soft boot snowboarding about ten years ago... but you know what? I always thought snowboarding was the poor cousin to surfing.

Then two weeks ago, I borrowed some too tight Burton boots and an old F2 'Route 66' Speedster from my business partner.

YEEEEEHAAAA! ::):):):):):):):)

I had an absolute ball! Why in hell do people bother with soft boots? It just doesn't compare. Carving is amazing and even though I'm not laying down on the snow like you guys probably do, I'm hooked - it's just like a bottom hand turn in surfing!

So, I spoke to another mate who also rides hardboots about next steps. He said I gotta get good boots (good advice also in this thread) and he told me that he's got these old Raichles that are just like comfy slippers - he said he wouldn't swap them for the world. They're the ones with the Vibram sole. He said I wouldn't find them anywhere in Australia... but guess what? I did! Went to the local hire joint and they found these in the corner under a bunch of cobwebs:

The guy in the shop didn't even know how they worked. They're virtually new and I got them for $70. They fit beautifully and are more comfortable than my soft Sorells! I can walk around in them with no pressure points whatsoever. I'm super excited and I'm sure everyone out there is saying 'Why? They're ancient boots!'

Now I'm on the hunt for a board (even harder to find here in Oz). So maybe I might have to buy from the US. But before I commit to something, this weekend, before the snow disappears here in Oz, I'm going to try out either one of the following two boards:

This circa 2000 Roadster from the guy with the old Raichles like mine:

and this more recent (I think) Nidecker All rounder on the left from his bro:

A couple of questions:

1. If I'm only going to try one board, which one do people think I should test drive?

2. I also found another pair of more recent boots (new this time... Deelux) with a bunch more straps and much less forgiving than my new/ancient 'comfy as old slippers' Raichles. They fit well and feel like they'd be much more solid - like ski boots. The shop owner said I could have them for $200 bucks (the guy wants to get rid of them I think). Should I snap these up in case they're better for a more 'racey' board like an f2 Speedster that I might get later? Maybe they'd be more compatible with step in bindings? Oh... and how the hell do those step ins work? They look awesome!

I really am showing that I don't know much. But what I lack in knowledge, I more than make up for in enthusiasm!

Thanks heaps for any advice!

Pete

[b0ardski]

The old raichles you have there are based on their randonee ski boot and will have a longer base sole length. This could cause issues with boot out from toe/heel over hang. If they are really a good fit they'll get you by but are more suitable to a wider board. Some guy,s still use them for hiking/backcountry and split boards due to the vibram sole. they will not accept the step-in heel but the deelux will.

The deeluxe boots are what the raichles evolved into, and will have a flex designed for the movements in snowboarding. For carving the groomers go for the deelux.

I use a nidecker escape and it'll be a great board for transitioning to hardboots, it's more of an all around shape but carves like an alpine board and is still great for off piste and even switch riding, and being a bit wider than the F2, or rossi you can ride with lower binding angles which will make the adjustment to hardboots less of a jump.

Use the search function at the top and do some reading, you'll find lot's of info/help about gear, setups/angles, and techniques.

Happy carving on ya mate:biggthump

[leeho730]

Hi,

Nice to see another Aussie carver! I live in Kalgoorlie, WA.

2. What is the model of the deeluxe boots?

The new one costs +450 dollars so that sounds like a bargain to me.

[SEJ]

Yes Snowman, you are correct. There is much to be learned in the Bomber House garage. (Like Ace said,) if you can remember any of it.

[kieran]

They fit well and feel like they'd be much more solid - like ski boots. The shop owner said I could have them for $200 bucks (the guy wants to get rid of them I think). Should I snap these up in case they're better for a more 'racey' board like an f2 Speedster that I might get later?

if they truly fit well, then yes. especially at that price.

it's highly probable that you will want something stiffer once your skills improve.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Sorry to piggyback on the new guys to this great site... but I'm new too -albeit on the other side of the planet in Melbourne, Australia.

I've been a surfer for most of my life. I skied for a while, then crossed over to soft boot snowboarding about ten years ago... but you know what? I always thought snowboarding was the poor cousin to surfing.

Then two weeks ago, I borrowed some too tight Burton boots and an old F2 'Route 66' Speedster from my business partner.

YEEEEEHAAAA! ::):):):):):):):)

I had an absolute ball! Why in hell do people bother with soft boots? It just doesn't compare. Carving is amazing and even though I'm not laying down on the snow like you guys probably do, I'm hooked - it's just like a bottom hand turn in surfing!

So, I spoke to another mate who also rides hardboots about next steps. He said I gotta get good boots (good advice also in this thread) and he told me that he's got these old Raichles that are just like comfy slippers - he said he wouldn't swap them for the world. They're the ones with the Vibram sole. He said I wouldn't find them anywhere in Australia... but guess what? I did! Went to the local hire joint and they found these in the corner under a bunch of cobwebs:

The guy in the shop didn't even know how they worked. They're virtually new and I got them for $70. They fit beautifully and are more comfortable than my soft Sorells! I can walk around in them with no pressure points whatsoever. I'm super excited and I'm sure everyone out there is saying 'Why? They're ancient boots!'

Rode on these myself Pete: Dude, use what you have that works for you. You will have a blast! No, they are not perhaps the newest or greatest but who gives a flying fk, tear it up!! My oldest and best riding buddy still flows all conditions on a pair of "Concordia" boots that are the same shell (mold) I think. The guy has more hours log than nearly anyone I know. Enjoy!!

Now I'm on the hunt for a board (even harder to find here in Oz). So maybe I might have to buy from the US. But before I commit to something, this weekend, before the snow disappears here in Oz, I'm going to try out either one of the following two boards:

This circa 2000 Roadster from the guy with the old Raichles like mine:

and this more recent (I think) Nidecker All rounder on the left from his bro:

A couple of questions:

1. If I'm only going to try one board, which one do people think I should test drive?

Pete, depends on you. Your riding style, conditions and what will act as the proper tool for your pursuit. Sounds like you are definitely hooked and hearing the pure STOKE in your voice , I would go for the carving board and be prepared to get barreled!! Good on ya mate!!

2. I also found another pair of more recent boots (new this time... Deelux) with a bunch more straps and much less forgiving than my new/ancient 'comfy as old slippers' Raichles. They fit well and feel like they'd be much more solid - like ski boots. The shop owner said I could have them for $200 bucks (the guy wants to get rid of them I think). Should I snap these up in case they're better for a more 'racey' board like an f2 Speedster that I might get later? Maybe they'd be more compatible with step in bindings? Oh... and how the hell do those step ins work? They look awesome!

If money is not an issue and they fit, snap them up! Keep the box and everything that came with them and sell them or help the next alpine convert get set up!! Start your own wave of hard core carving Aussies! The world will never be the same!!I really am showing that I don't know much. But what I lack in knowledge, I more than make up for in enthusiasm!

Thanks heaps for any advice!

Pete

Pete , welcome to bomber mate, dude, you are exactly the spirit needed to stay this wave!! Post some photos when you get them. Then book some tickets to coninue your winter!!

[SunSurfer]

I'm in NZ.

e-Bay Australia has the occasional carving board on it.

Trademe in NZ (no e-Bay in NZ) has a few come through too. I bought my 180 cm Riot Supercarve, 177cm Coiler AM, and an old Avalanche board with SnowPro race bindings all on TradeMe over the last two years.

Recently spotted a pair of near new Northwave 350 carving boots 27.5 on TradeMe just as an example of what can turn up.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Ski-board/Snowboarding-boots-bindings/Boots/auction-317874603.htm

SunSurfer

[Algunderfoot]

Or the garage!

Think Snow!

What's the first rule about "The Garage "?

[lowrider]

Get a plate from sunsurfer and you will be surprised what you will be able to do on either of those boards.

[AussieCarver]

Thanks for the big welcome. It’s a bit lonely down here in Oz for hardbooters (can you hear the crickets in the background?)

Great advice bOardski. I’m looking forward to using the Nidecker Escape as it represents an escape from softbooting!

Since my last communique, I've been offered a couple of boards from a mate at Quiksilver in Australia. This is what he has told me about the boards and boots he's allowing me to trial:

"One’s a classic alpine Serge Vitteli carve board with Arcane step in bindings also a pair of size US 9 compatible boots. Put what ever bindings you want on it. Same as the other board it’s a Current model Lib tech skunk ape which is an all mountain board most suited to regular hiback bindings and soft boots but again try what ever floats your boat. Check the Banana and double camber in the bottom line and the magna traction sidecut.

The sucker still carves in soft boots."

So there you have it... I will probably need to translate some of what he has said here into English, but it will be fun comparing these boards with the Roadster and the Escape.

G’day Leeho! Man, I reckon I’m about as far away from you in Kalgoorlie as I am from the US! At least we’re on the same continent anyway. In answer to your question, the model of the Deeluxe boots I bought about half an hour ago are Salt Lake City 2002. Here's a pic:

Eight years old and a shocking colour… so I bargained him down to $150 which I reckon is half OK given that they’re probably the only other boots that are going to fit me anywhere in Melbourne (probably Australia). Anyway... they fit great and are super snug. Looking forward to comparing the old Raichles and my new tangerine specials.

If anyone can tell me anything about what I’ve just bought, that would be good! Particularly what bindings will work well with them and whether they’re compatible with these mysterious Step Ins I keep reading about. I’d love to see a pic of what the step ins look like with the boot and the binding if anyone has one.

Good advice too Kieran (and I took that advice and bought the Tangerine specials) but it’s unlikely my skills will improve inside a day (the snow is melting in the Melbourne Spring sunshine as I type). Monday is the day I’ll test it all out on the last bit of white.

Great welcome oldsnowboards! Money is OK… not too much of an issue, but like I said herein, managed to get them for $150 so I’ve got two pairs – one softish, ancient and wacky and the other more modern and snug for $230! Can’t be too bad eh? I’ve even got the guys in the hire shop saying ‘Can you bring your board and boots in so I can have a go of this hardboot thing? Looks interesting!’ So think of me as Pastor Pete, spreading the Carver Gospel Down Under.

Thanks also SunSurfer, I’d love to get to NZ where real snow is. I’ll check out Trademe too. Good advice.

Finally to Lowrider… I don’t know what a plate is or does… but I will hopefully learn and I will be happy to track one down when I found out!

Cheers guys,

Pastor Pete.

[kieran]

those boots were a steal.

[leeho730]

Those look like 2002 deeluxe indy boots (AF700) with RAB mechanism. The label "2002 Salt Lake City" was to commemorate 2002 winter olympics held in salt lake city in 2002.

You got that for $150? Damn good deal!

My suggestion is to replace RAB with BTS ASAP

[AussieCarver]

That sounds like I done good. Hey, whats an RAB and a BTS?

I know what ASAP is!

[Snowman]

What's the first rule about "The Garage "?

Nobody talks about Fight Club oops er the Garage>

Think Snow!

[Michelle]

Thanks for the big welcome. It’s a bit lonely down here in Oz for hardbooters (can you hear the crickets in the background?)

Pete, you should get in touch with DantheMan. Actually surprised he hasn't piped in here, must be busy with his ladies. He's in Auz land too! Also MozzMan is down there, and both of them are talking about coming to the SES this year.

As for the RAB and BTS, the RAB was a system that Raichle (now Deeluxe) used to have on their boots. It was ok, but Fin has now developed a much better system for fine tuning the flex of the boot. It's called the BTS and you can read more about it here.

The plate system is something brand new, and the race is on with all the manufacturers. It is a plate that goes in between your bindings and board and is designed to isolate the rider with the equipment. It's on the front page of our web site and you can find the article here. Of course there are a few out there, but naturally we are a bit biased to the one we are building in house. :)

You did get a steal on those boots - even though they are a super snazzy pumpkin color they were one of the stiffest boots made, and people would pay lots of money for them in the states. They look brand new too - Good job!

And finally, THANK YOU for spreading the good word of carving aka hard boot snowboarding down under. We've been trying to expand in that market for years, but with opposite seasons it's difficult.

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you! Have an awesome time on your new toys, and come see us at the SES in Aspen!

[Michelle]

Finally to Lowrider… I don’t know what a plate is or does… but I will hopefully learn and I will be happy to track one down when I found out!

Also, there's a big discussion going on here about the new plate systems that you might want to read. It hosts a lot of information, and opinions and will give you a good introduction into the world of BOL too!

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

That sounds like I done good. Hey, whats an RAB and a BTS?

I know what ASAP is!

http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28903&highlight=RAB

http://www.bomberonline.com/store/boots/BTS_kit.cfm

"Search is your friend"

Have you checked out http://www.alpinecarving.com/ yet?

So much good info there to get you up to speed.

[AussieCarver]

Thanks Michelle. I've read about the RAB and BTS and I'm all over that! Need to gets me some of those. And that Plate gizmo looks awesome. I've worked a bit with Carbon Fibre and epoxy in surfboard construction. It's cool stuff. Actually, maybe Bomber Gizmo could be the name huh?

Your comments on the pumpkin boots I've picked up make me feel all warm inside like I've done something good! As it turns out, there is a second pair at the shop (same size as the ones I got and bright orange too) that fit my mate like a glove and he's picking them up too. This has given me some credibility with him (as I have zero credibility in this discipline, earning a little is good) and he is going to join me on Monday, give me some tips and let me ride a couple of his boards including a Nidecker Escape and a Rossignol race board. Cannot wait!!!

As for Aspen... I DREAM of Aspen. But at the moment, I'm kind of committed to Indonesia and left hand barrels. It's a bit cheaper to get there and I wager that the beer isn't quite as expensive. But one day... one day.

Anyway, I'm stoked that people are so friendly and that the original owner of this thread hasn't ripped my head off for invading it. I shall back out quietly now and start my own!

Cheers,

Pete.

[tekkheadd]

Just don't ever let it happen again.

[AussieCarver]

:) Hi Tekkhead! How was that Rossignol board? My mate is taking the same board with us next Monday for me to try out.

[tekkheadd]

Hey man,

I have no idea. I'm a soft booter going to start hard booting this season. Hence why i've joined this forum!

[Michelle]

As for Aspen... I DREAM of Aspen. It's a bit cheaper to get there and I wager that the beer isn't quite as expensive. But one day... one day.

Actually, Aspen can be done "cheaply" if you are in the know. Email me if you want more information. Beer and food can be cheap, and shared housing makes it more affordable than one would think. The lift tickets aren't that bad either, a 6 day pass works out to about $60-65/day. Cheaper than most resorts around the US at least.

Anyway, I'm stoked that people are so friendly and that the original owner of this thread hasn't ripped my head off for invading it.

People on this forum are usually pretty cool. Honest, and blunt, but nice about it :). Their bark is usually worse than their bite!

Welcome to both of you! And please let me know if you guys have questions.

[Helmut Karvlow]

Or the garage!

Think Snow!

Amen Brother!!!

the only thing is.... I can never remember anything when I leave the garage.