astrokel Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I was reading on the EC site that Bomber was about produce an adjustable RAB for the Raichles. I also remember seeing something about it here a while ago. Are there any prototype photos or simple descriptions of how this was going to look? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 astrokel, Yep, we do have a Bomber version of the RAB pretty much ready to go. It uses two large springs for both forward and rearward flex and we will have three different spring rates to choose from. Should give you a ton of adjustment and allow you to make the boot feel just the way you want. We did have proto-types last season that several people/racers tried and the feedback was excellent. Those proto-types where pretty long and definitely gave the boot a "Star Wars" type look. The final version is about 1/2" shorter and lays more flat against the boot. Unfortunately, all new products we have planned to release are on hold right now. We have to figure out the legalities of how to protect ourselves against law-suits for the products we manufacture. Shoot, you can get sued for items you don't even make ! A sad reality of our times. We hope to have all of this cleared up soon and then have this available before the season is over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Donnelly Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 For a pre-order that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrokel Posted September 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Any way of getting a peek? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ah, why not :D . Like to get your guys feedback anyway. As you can see you can change out the bottom and the top spring as well as adjust the Pre-load (compression) of each. On the final version you can make this adjustment with your trusty Bomber 5mm Hex Key or use a 3/4"(19mm) wrench as well. The rear flexing spring is really the cool part of this, IMHO. The ability to have "suspension" on the heel side is key to controlling chatter and overall edge hold. The heel-side spring is about half the length of the forward-flex spring as you do not need tons of travel for the heel side direction. The system is made from aluminum and stainless and the springs will be coated. It should look and perform great for generations. It will work on ALL Raichle/Deeluxe boots from about the past 12 years (except the SB121). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Fin, This is lookin' awesome :D Like the possibility to have some several springs. Hope I can order this one within a few weeks time. Greets, Hans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobdea Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 it has the advantages that the UPZ springs offer but with much much longer forward travel which is what I saw the biggest problem with the springs on the UPZ boots the stock RAB on the raichle stuff tends to get gunked up and sieze, so yeah this should be a great upgrade for my old AFs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrokel Posted September 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Fin, Looks SUPER! There seems to be plenty of travel adjustment to forego the neccessity for a huge variety of springs. One suggestion would be to experiment with the top (toeside) spring by using a combination of a strong spring and weak spring to have a progressive spring rate (lighter in the first inch or so of travel and stronger as you get down toward the limits). The boot does have a natural stop and does progressively give more resistance toward the limit so this might not be neccessary. I guess it would be up to the individual rider to determine this. Liabilitywise it looks pretty bomb proof (as Bomber products should be :) ) and it's great that you don't need to make any modifications to the shell itself. The only safety issue I could possibly see is that you might want to supply some kind of rounded cover for the exposed threaded rod... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Dahl Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ya, some sorta plastic condom available commercially should work. See that kinda stuff all the time in automotive parts. Yeah, I want one to try out in my backcountry boots (SB123), then another for the SB224's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordy Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 It's good.... you all must have them or you'll riding will suffer.. Plus you need all the different springs for different days..... :D Give Fin your money quick befor they are gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 It's good.... you all must have them or you'll riding will suffer.. Plus you need all the different springs for different days..... :D Give Fin your money quick befor they are gone. Yeah, but we still don't know how much money to give him :D Hey Billy, didn't you try a prototype of these on your Indys? Sounds like it will be an improvement over original designs. Look forward to seeing these when they come out! My 224s could use some help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy D Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 What are the advantages of those, versus the 'locking' adjustable lean built into my 423's? Actually, the more I look at it, it looks like the lean is still adjustable. My question is, what is the benefit to having the springs, versus having lean locked in? Is it for greater flexibility? Damping? Control? All of the above? It certainly looks interesting. Could this device be used to 'stiffen' up my 423's? Toys. Too many toys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrokel Posted September 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Damping of the board/boot system is one advantage and allowing for more dynamic movement on the board is another. The most discussion I've seen of the dynamic movement issue is on the EC site. If you want more information on how it's used in that venue take a look the extreme carving fourm. This'll get you to one of many discussions over there alot of the more detail discussion is in the French forum so you might have to use Babelfish or Google translate (unless of course you understand French). I think the springs allow for more adjustment than changing the tongue stiffness on the Raichles. Personally I've been wanting to be able to have more heel toe movement but still have the lateral support that hard boots have so I've been setting the boots in walk mode. The springs give the advantage of assisting my old muscles to push the board out when doing push/pull turns or unweighting the board on transitions. And now that I think about it, it's sort of like playing around with the bushings on a skateboard (or the springs on Seismics)... But I think in reality it just gives me another variable that I can play with while on the slopes and getting my breath back after a run ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy S. Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 These look sweet. Any chance of making a mount for my Head boots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdboytyler Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 My question is, what is the benefit to having the springs, versus having lean locked in? Is it for greater flexibility? Damping? Control? All of the above? It certainly looks interesting. Could this device be used to 'stiffen' up my 423's? I put a modified RAB on my SB413's. In a locked forward lean mode, the boots felt too stiff. In walk mode, the boots felt too loose. With the modified RAB, I was able to adjust the stiffnes of the boot to my preference by changing the spring. The standard RAB tends to get locked up, so it was like riding in locked forward lean mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Day Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Hey Fin, Yeah, I saw the prototype at the SES and thought it looked like a great concept! I'd have to say this version is much cleaner looking! Let me ask you guys a question, especially those guys that had a chance to gives these things a test run. Do you guys think that this would be a worth while upgrade for a lightweight carver? And do you think it matters how aggressive of a carver a person is to consider this upgrade? I too would be interested in a version for Head boots too! Happy trails will be here soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Dahl Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I want 'em for my backcountry boots so I don't have to ride unlocked, which is too soft. I need 'em for my resort boots after getting TD2's 'cause they eliminated all my component related flex, and riding unlocked is too soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nic Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Looks cool . Its like the old Northwave boot system. What would happen if you put a shorter spring on top, make it a smaller system. My only concern would be boot out on heel side. And of course my pants over my boot. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I was stoked with my modified RABs. Bomber RABs look to be far superior and easy to dial in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_watkins Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Those look... well... bomber :) Awsome stuff. I've thought about putting the RAB on my boots. With them locked it feels like I'm fighting the boot to angulate, with them unlocked I don't feel stable. I probibly just need to ride more unlocked and build some muscle strength. Hope you guys find a business solution. Seems like a lot of customers are lined up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 I want a pair. Fin - can I have them sooner if I sign something saying I wont sue you :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordy Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Hey Billy, didn't you try a prototype of these on your Indys? I have spent 4 days in them 2 at SES and 2 at the WTC... very fun gives the boot some life. Spent some time in a SL course in them also Need mmore time to get used to them. Keep an Eye out at Hardbooter.com We will have a reveiw on them in Late November. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Sub Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 absolutely n o idea what springs feel like..only ridden the five position. ride it in walk mode now they look ever so slightly dangerous...one could fall and bonk onself in the back of the head, poke one's brain, and then have a LAWSUIT opportunity!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrokel Posted September 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Fin, On the RAB mod that I did I flipped the bottom nut that has the extension on it to the top nut in order to give the system a little more room for the springs. This also gave the top of the system a little more finished look. You might explore the possibility of using an extended top nut with a rounded top (or maybe even a thumb screw finish to facilitate toolless adjustment) and shortening the threaded rod portion of the system. I've attached a quick sketch... This would also make the system a bit more compact (only as long as the spring). See what you think... Kelvin A note for those who haven't used a sprung system... You need to use the softest tongue available or cut the tongue so that the tongue has minimal affect on the boot stifness and most of the resistance work is taken upon by the springs... PS how do you add an image within the text as opposed to inserting an attachment? I tried the image insertion tool but it calls for text insertion. Does one insert a link? RABtopnut.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Sub Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 yeah the image needs to be hosted elsewhere and you put in the url Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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