AcousticBoarder Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 I just got my hands on a set of Apex Gecko Carve plates, with both colors of bumpers. Curious as to what people have found for the different bumpers and how to set them up? Seems there is a lot of room for tinkering here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonbordin Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) I currently run mine with hard bumpers (red) on the very end fingers (1,5) and medium bumpers (orange) in the middle (2,3,4). I also run them asymmetrically (as seen in the photo below). I've tried all medium, all hard, symmetrical, even more asymmetrical, and this just felt best to me, YMMV! I'm really large, I'm riding a wide board (23.5),"low" angles (45,40), F2 Carve RS (flexy) and fairly stiff boots (Track 425 Pro). The geckos really allow me to keep riding when conditions are poor. They are also soooo light I just don't notice them. In the photo below the smaller board setup weighs noticeably more than the larger board setup (this is mostly due to the weight of the TD3s vs the weight of the geckos + the F2 Carve RS). Gecko things to note: Check the tightness of the assembly and bumpers to the board every trip. Slightly rocking the carbon plates while pressing down often makes it easier to get them on the assemblies. Double-check the bumper divots when assembling to make certain they are on the correct side. Edited January 25, 2018 by lonbordin I'm gushing... I know... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 My .02. Geckos don't work best with a "standard" binding. Does Not play well with a binding that already dampens the ride - aka: Sidewidners for example.......and watch your binding stack/height...a lot of people use a thinner E-ring to decrease the "Lever" action. Hmm.....Geckos might provide More performance than Bomber power plates with my Burton Step On project Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokkis Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Run with max asym and with orange bushings, rocks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcousticBoarder Posted January 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 36 minutes ago, barryj said: My .02. Geckos don't work best with a "standard" binding. Does Not play well with a binding that already dampens the ride - aka: Sidewidners for example.......and watch your binding stack/height...a lot of people use a thinner E-ring to decrease the "Lever" action. Hmm.....Geckos might provide More performance than Bomber power plates with my Burton Step On project Hm, I am running SWs, so I will have to see how they do with them... 3 hours ago, lonbordin said: I currently run mine with hard bumpers (red) on the very end fingers (1,5) and medium bumpers (orange) in the middle (2,3,4). I also run them asymmetrically (as seen in the photo below). I've tried all medium, all hard, symmetrical, even more asymmetrical, and this just felt best to me, YMMV! I'm really large, I'm riding a wide board (23.5),"low" angles (45,40), F2 Carve RS (flexy) and fairly stiff boots (Track 425 Pro). The geckos really allow me to keep riding when conditions are poor. They are also soooo light I just don't notice them. In the photo below the smaller board setup weighs noticeably more than the larger board setup (this is mostly due to the weight of the TD3s vs the weight of the geckos + the F2 Carve RS). Gecko things to note: Check the tightness of the assembly and bumpers to the board every trip. Slightly rocking the carbon plates while pressing down often makes it easier to get them on the assemblies. Double-check the bumper divots when assembling to make certain they are on the correct side. Funny, when I received mine, they are set up the exact opposite, with red on the middle 3 and orange on the outsides! I also do not think I am as hard charging as you IIRC, but I would think that the bumpers setup with red to the outside would be more rigid overall than the middle, but I guess it would also affect the flex more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonbordin Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 1 minute ago, AcousticBoarder said: Hm, I am running SWs, so I will have to see how they do with them... I have SWs as well. No issues for me (blue e-pads, red bumpers, normal cants). Stack height of Geckos is lower than some other plates out there... 3 minutes ago, AcousticBoarder said: but I guess it would also affect the flex more Flex of the Geckos? Flex of the board underneath? From my experience the different bumpers only affect amount of feedback/input (vibration) you get from the board not really the flex of the geckos or the board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Acoustic. - be forewarned the added damping of Geckos plus the damping in the SW's will dramaticaly decrease any input from the rider! aka: the board will not know what you want it to do! Additionally with the Geckos and SW's added height together will Significantly Increase the LEVER action .....I mean it will throw you to the ground! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcousticBoarder Posted January 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) On 1/25/2018 at 9:42 AM, lonbordin said: I have SWs as well. No issues for me (blue e-pads, red bumpers, normal cants). Stack height of Geckos is lower than some other plates out there... Flex of the Geckos? Flex of the board underneath? From my experience the different bumpers only affect amount of feedback/input (vibration) you get from the board not really the flex of the geckos or the board. I only have yellow I have Blue epads at the moment, I do have yellow and blue rings. Good to know though that you have not had problems. Since I am 175-180 and ride more relaxed, it may work with my yellow epads. I've only used these in my riding development, so I am not used to any other setups. I am not too concerned about the stack height. I was thinking flex of either, albeit minimally. I remember reading a review post that mentioned being able to get tighter turns with all orange bumpers. If true, it would stand to reason that the softer bumpers on the outside would allow more flex from the board. I have not ridden mine yet, so time will tell! Edited January 28, 2018 by AcousticBoarder I thought I had the other epads lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 34 minutes ago, AcousticBoarder said: My .02. Geckos don't work best with a "standard" binding. Sorry.............meant to say - "Geckos work best with a standard binding" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big canuck Posted January 27, 2018 Report Share Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) First to admit, I’m a total hack but I’m using SW SI w Geckos and it’s easily the best plate binding combo I’ve ever tried and Ive tried Vist, all the Bomber Plates, F2 S Flex, Apex snowboard (the board) etc IMHIO they work awesome together. my $0.02 Set up, all red, asymmetric 220 lb rider k Edited January 27, 2018 by big canuck 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big canuck Posted January 27, 2018 Report Share Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) Oh yeah Kessler Speed Plates too oh and JJA (for the record his version is the best hinged plate system I’ve tried) Edited January 27, 2018 by big canuck 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonbordin Posted January 27, 2018 Report Share Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) 7 hours ago, big canuck said: Oh yeah Kessler Speed Plates too oh and JJA (for the record his version is the best hinged plate system I’ve tried) Oooo I like the look of that 168 SGX2. I assume that's a Shred design. Specs? Is there a review anywhere? Nevermind... found the post in an previous Board Porn thread here-> Edited January 27, 2018 by lonbordin Found it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcousticBoarder Posted January 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) 17 hours ago, big canuck said: First to admit, I’m a total hack but I’m using SW SI w Geckos and it’s easily the best plate binding combo I’ve ever tried and Ive tried Vist, all the Bomber Plates, F2 S Flex, Apex snowboard (the board) etc IMHIO they work awesome together. my $0.02 Set up, all red, asymmetric 220 lb rider k Good to know others are having success with the SW and geckos. I was unable to try anything today (didn't make it out because of work) but this next week I should be able to test. Think I am going to try all red first and go from there. I have a suspicion that I will end up favoring some combination of red and orange, dunno what that might be yet though! And update, I swore my epads were yellow, but that was just what was on the stepin bindings I sold... so I actually have blue epads Edited January 28, 2018 by AcousticBoarder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gossamer Posted January 30, 2018 Report Share Posted January 30, 2018 I've now made three trips with the Geckos and I can say there are no negatives, only positive. I've been riding a Coiler Monster 182 for the past eight years along with a Donek Ax (before Sean changed it to Axis) the board is 15 years old and is a solid piece of lumber and it still confidently rails the icy ravines here but can wear me out quickly so I picked it to ride with the Geckos Carves first (red bumpers with one yellow at the front toe side and aft on the heel side.) Sidewinders with blue elastomer, TD2 rings with blue again. On the first trip down I was aware of the increased height but after 4 turns that feeling was gone, the board felt exactly the same but as I crossed the chop that skiers make as they enter a run the Ax pushed through as sweet and easy as my Monster and as I railed heel side on the shiny ice the board held perfectly and I found myself a little closer to the ground than I usually get. By the third run I was setting my heel side edge harder and scrubbing speed better than I ever had on the Ax. It was a very predictable and confident feeling.I was able to ride for an additional hour and a half that first day. I should mention that I weigh 205 without gear on. Today I did have the Geckos on my Monster and had the same positive results, tighter turns, smoother ride and just more fun in every way, I think I may experiment with orange bumpers just to get that feeling of a Big Ol' Caddy cruising across the desert at 150mph. Kipp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcousticBoarder Posted January 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2018 Tried them today for the first time. As others have noted, it took a few turns to get used to the stack height, but after a run it felt like the height wasn't even there. I used all red bumpers today with blue e-pads and e-rings on the SWs. It definitely made the board feel like a whole new board. Conditions today were sierra cement hard pack, and pretty fast, so I cannot say I was as confident as normal. Hoping I can get out this week when it is softer. I could feel the extra edge pressure they provide, and they also helped with what minimal choppiness there was today. I ended up having to stop though because of foot pain on my lateral arch, though I think that is a change in technique thing I am trying to figure out too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePeonsChamp Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 How well do gecko plates work for a wider EC style board? I am thinking of getting a Coiler EC next year and was wondering how well these plates would do on it. I have a bomber boiler plate and I like it but it is a bit heavy and it increases my stack height (I am 6'4'') to the point where my front knee is compressed under the chairlift footrest bar and I kind of have to lean forward to get comfy. So maybe these would be a nice alternative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonbordin Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 5 hours ago, ThePeonsChamp said: How well do gecko plates work for a wider EC style board? I am thinking of getting a Coiler EC next year and was wondering how well these plates would do on it. I have a bomber boiler plate and I like it but it is a bit heavy and it increases my stack height (I am 6'4'') to the point where my front knee is compressed under the chairlift footrest bar and I kind of have to lean forward to get comfy. So maybe these would be a nice alternative. I ride a 23.5cm wide Nirvana with mine and they work great. I hear ya' about those chairlift bars! I just dangle my feet... Just not enough room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 5 hours ago, ThePeonsChamp said: I have a bomber boiler plate and I like it but it is a bit heavy and it increases my stack height (I am 6'4'') to the point where my front knee is compressed under the chairlift footrest bar and I kind of have to lean forward to get comfy. So maybe these would be a nice alternative. Three options I've used: Deeluxe boots with BTS - hook the lower portion of the BTS on the footrest, with your foot in front of it. UPZ boots - similar, except using the heel cup. Finally, that recessed heel pays off! If it's a skinny tube, stick it between the toe/heel blocks of the binding in the middle of your foot. Unhook this well before the top in case it jams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePeonsChamp Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 @Corey Fantastic ideas! Ill give those a shot. Also, I wanted to pick your brain about your Coiler EC specs and what if anything you would change but ill PM you as to not derail the thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gossamer Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 (edited) After 5 weeks of riding the Apex Geckos all I can say is every time I go out turns just keep on getting better, tighter and easier. A year ago I would have said that there was no way to improve my Coiler Monster, like Frankenstein I'm now just seeing the Monster come alive! I'm even dipping my toes into the steeper stuff now and again, not bad for a 55 year old man if I may say. I'm going to have to ask Bruce how he injected helium into the board, believe it or not the 182 got even more nimble! Not since I added BTS to my boots have I felt such a step up on how aggressive I can ride, now I slice through crap snow that in the past I would avoid. Take all this for what it's worth, I know it's hard to judge opinions when you haven't seen how someone rides, but it was money well spent for sure! Kipp Edited March 12, 2018 by Mr. Deep spelling, Tori Spelling 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 On 1/30/2018 at 12:42 PM, AcousticBoarder said: foot pain on my lateral arch, Interesting AB....I too had lateral arch foot pain with my attempt with Geckos........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Kirk Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 I'm running Geckos (all red bumpers) on a Kessler 185 with TD-2s and I really like them. I'm 6'4" and weight about 185. The ride is damp but not dead and the edge hold is very, very good. I've been using them for about 1/2 of this season and have thus far not been messing with them much. I'm interested in trying the Geckos moved forward or aft to see how they affect the turn radius as they will theoretically add stiffness to the nose/tail or the midbody. I'm waiting for a day with good consistent conditions where I can carry tools out onto the hill and make quick changes and make back-to-back runs with the Geckos in different positions. Should be interesting. I like my Geckos and would buy them again. dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Some theoretical thoughts on Geckos... the advertised function is to "spread out" the footprint of the binding. At first I thought this would create large flat spots in the board, but apparently the flex of the plates and squishiness of the bumpers means this is not the case. I can't feel the flex by hand, but it would make sense that they would be designed to flex. The Geckos prevent the board from folding right at the binding, and make the impact of the binding on the board less abrupt. This is good. However, I believe that offsetting the two halves of each Gecko to somewhat align the plates with your binding angle will introduce a twist in the board as it bends. I think this defeats the purpose. Thoughts? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokkis Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Jack, i hope you get change also to test run them, if you have not yet done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 1 hour ago, pokkis said: Jack, i hope you get change also to test run them, if you have not yet done. I rode them for 1 day in pretty bad conditions, it wasn't a fair test. I'd be interested to try them again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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