Snowboarding

Haha I’ll enjoy singing this to my friends this evening after some Stroh has been consumed

Good idea...

In other news I bought the burton step on things today as I spotted them in a sale. Will be back with an opinion in a few weeks after I've tried them out.

I’ve not heard much bad about them other than some issues from early adopters I think. Would be interested to hear your thoughts. Not an immediate purchase for me but maybe something for the future. Though I do like the sit down at the top of a mountain, I’m taking in the view you see (being lazy). Do they need a burton board with the slot system thing (can’t remember the name)?

.

I hadn't realised Burton had brought out a step on system - I went out with a mate more than 10 years ago and he had a set-up like that, by a brand called Cherry I think?

They were much quicker for him to bind in, when they worked. But in any kind of powder they were a nightmare - he was constantly digging snow out of the mechanism so they would click in correctly. We were in Japan which has very "dry" snow so that might have been part of it but I'd love to know if Burton have resolved that issue before I went near them.

Nice to see they work with the channel system though, as I need new bindings for my old Custom...

Since they're so expensive (you have to buy new boots as well as the bindings) I've done a ridiculous amount of online research. Including a long official vid on YT about Burton's design process, testing etc, several YT vids from people trying them on in various conditions including deep powder. As far as I can tell the system is solid.

The bindings work with any type of attachment, I asked as I've the traditional 4 screw on my board.

Sitting here with new boot buying anxiety. I've always been a US10 in boots though I've never had Burtons before. The 10 was a bit short, big toes never stopped touching the front of the boot no matter how I adjusted the boa things and bent my knees. With very thin socks. So I got the 11s instead. It's been years since I bought new boots, are they likely to stretch/widen?

Maybe a tiny bit but more likely is that the liner will pack down over time

@leggy_blonde do I know you from another snow forum?

Yeah not too worried about that as I'll be using my own fairly stiff footbeds. Will keep the 11s then. Got the fancier 'photon' model as there wasn't much difference in price with the sale, very pleased. Have never had posh stuff like this before, always bought 2nd hand or cheaper brands. Embracing middle age properly now ;)

waves

I'm excited for March already!

Ha, small virtual world! I do remember you talking about bikes now I think...

+1 for March!

First attempt at DIY sharpening edges and waxing. Don't get the little red plastic swix sharpening kit, I can report that it is shit. File bit kept dislodging. Edges feel sharp(ish) now but god knows what angle I ended up with. The waxing was pretty straightforward though.

1 Attachment

Any recommendations on salopette repair? Managed to make a slight nick in mine after a misjudged box attempt saw me smashing my shin on the edge. As the pictures show, it's only a small tear and only the outer section that is affected. It's on the shin though so worry that it could slowly increase in size if caught on things. Posted on the Ski thread also in case their is any advice there.

2 Attachments

How pretty do you want to keep it? I've repaired a small rip on pant pockets with this stuff:

https://www.tauntonleisure.com/gear-aid-tenacious-tape-repair-tape-p-1603.html

You can also get gore-tex patches from the same people.

Or if you want a proper repair these guys are recommended: https://lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk/

My friend just had a broken zip replaced in gore-tex pants with seams resealed etc and was very happy, and I've seen them recommended on other forums too.

Back with opinions on the Burton step on stuff. Ridden them for a week on and off piste ie hard pack and powder and no technical issues at all, clicking in and getting out of them is easy after a few runs. Boots are of course stiffer than normal boots but only a little. I did get a few hot spots though and pressure on my pinky toe so my verdict is the same as other reviews I've read - make sure the boots are a very good fit for you, the system itself is fine.

Sounds like the K2 Cinch back system? Bro been running fo years.

Possibly, haven't tried or even seen it myself.

Anyone got rental recommendation for board and boots in Meribel?
Heading out for a long weekend in March so just want something half decent
Unless a better idea I'll probably just hit up intersport but worried it'll be end of season knackered low end kit and I'd like knackered end of season high end kit!

No recommendations but I’ll be there 7-14th, staying in Les Allues.

Just looked up the Step On system and is a bit diff.

K2 allows fast rear entry to traditional binding. ((Heel hinge)

Not sure I would want the extra stiffness on a snowboard boot.

K2 cinch is more like a flow binding. K2 clicker would be the comparable system to burton step on really. Both has it’s good/bad points. The boots aren’t all that much stiffer when actually riding them(only my opinion)Might notice it whilst walking but that’s not the main purpose of them.

I forgot about this thread! I fucking love snowboarding. Luckily part of my job to test next seasons stuff each year. Not that it matters much. I’d still love snowboarding if I rode 15 year old knackered stuff.

Haven't been for 5 years. Using a shitty rental board and boots. But it snowed yesterday, there's a bit of powder and I had the biggest grin on my face. Off for first lift shortly.