Miltie
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Posts posted by Miltie
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Dear Britain,
I recently saw some posts on the Couloir mag forum/classified area. You may want to check them out.
http://www.telemarkskier.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi
Some of the experienced posters there are using softboot set-ups for splitboarding.
I mostly ride alpine style boards with hardboots at the resorts. Just picked up a set of Scarpa AT boots for splitboarding as I am used to stiff boots. Thought I'd give them a try.
You might try your softboots first before making the plunge into AT boots or hard boots. As Fattwins mentioned, it might take a bit of getting used to the AT/hard boots. Plus that is one less new thing you have to deal with when trying out your new splitboard.
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Mr. Squirrel,
What model and length are you looking for?
I checked out Shock Wave in Toyohashi on Saturday. They have a few Ride boards but very short (like 140 to 145cm).
For online ordering check out www.the-house.com or www.rei.com
Both have a selection of Ride boards. Not sure what they would charge for shipping. Usually have my stuff shipped to US address then shipped here. My company covers shipping from US so I have no clue about cost (sorry).
Another couple shops in Nagoya to check out are Himaraya Sports downtown (near Yaba-cho between Matsuzakaya and The Loft - across from Starbucks). Also you might check Victoria Sports on Hirokogi-dori near Shin-Sakae station.
Most stores should be putting out the winter stuff soon.
Good luck!
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Mr. Squirrel,
Where are you located in Aichi?
Alpen Sports has a small surf/skate/snowboard shop in Midori-ku area of Nagoya that used to carry Ride brand. Haven't been there in a while so not sure if they still have any. I can get the phone number or address if you want it.
Also, ASR in the Parco Mall (downtown near Yaba-cho station) may have some as well. They are a surf/skate/snowboard shop that is part of the Minami Sports chain. You might give them a look.
There is a big shop in Toyohashi called Shock Wave that supposedly sells Ride. Never been there so I can't confirm. May stop there on Saturday if I head down that way to go surfing.
As you mentioned, Burton and Kissmark are big in Japan. Most of the bigger stores carry them because majority of mainstream buyers are familiar with those names.
I purchase most of my boards and related gear at specialty shops or online (from the US). The prices at some specialty shops can be very steep unless you pick up an older model. Also, many specialty shops here would be happy to order what you want but expect to pay full retail. I can recommend a few shops if you want.
Let me know if you want more info.
Take care,
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There are many decent paces to buy winter sports equipment around the Nagoya area. What type of stuff are you looking for?
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Yo Boardbaka,
Alpine snowboarding is definitely bigger in Japan than where I come from in the US. There are a lot of Japanese Apline riders that rip it up. I have been to a few races this year in Nagano and Gifu. The scene was pretty cool. I find the local riders really friendly and super stoked.
Check out Echo Valley if you get a chance - tons of people in hard boots. I joined a shop club from Okazaki (near Nagoya) this season and ride with the members at Ciao Ontake some weekends.
Check the following Japanese Carving sites:
http://www.carvingmachine.com/
http://real-carve.hp.infoseek.co.jp/
Some of the Japanese Apline boards very nice. The most popular brands are Moss and Gray. The prices are steep but the quality is good.
Anyway.. I am always amazed how many people I see are on Apline setups. It's cool!
Miltie
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.Stoke.,
Have you detuned the edges of your board near the tip and the tail? Sometimes very sharp edges especially near the ends of the board running surface will cause the board to be squirly and hard to control on flats. If your board is fairly new, this could have some effect.
Unlike skis, you always need to apply pressure to an edge when on a board. It's almost like you can't relax. Skiers have a little advantage in that they can sometimes let their legs relax and let the skis run free on the flats.
One other thing that helps is to keep your shoulders parallel to the board with the front shoulder pointing down the slope. If you point both of your shoulders facing the down the mountain, your natural tendency is the swing the tail around. If this happens, keep you weight on your uphill edge (heel edge in this case). Otherwise, you might be in for a slam if you catch your toe edge.
Let me know if you questions about edge detuning.
Gambare!
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I prefer Dynaland because it has better runs(at least for me). Takasu has some flatter areas that can be difficult on a snowboard. Seemed to have to unbuckle my back foot and push a lot.
Overall facilities at both places are decent. One other benefit to Dynaland is that it opens really early on some weekends (5AM) so you can beat the crowds.
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Siren,
Glad to hear you are stoked!!
It's different feeling isn't it? Your board has about a 19.5 cm waist. That's what really speeds up the edge to edge changes.
Did you have any lower leg pain? If so, do some toe raises a couple times a week. I find this really helps especially in the early season.
Hope you continue to have fun. Let me know if you have any questions.
Take care,
Miltie
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Mikazooki,
I totally agree. For a country that prides itself with safety you would think they would do a leash check before allowing you on the lift. Some resorts in the U.S. used to do that.
The best runaway board story I have occurred at Dynaland last season. Some local dude with orange hair was bragging to his buddies how he was boarding with boot laces loose (duh!). Next thing I saw was a runaway board with the boots still in the bindings. Fortunately it didn't hit anybody.
The things I see here on slopes just amaze me. Two weeks ago at Ciao Ontake I saw a father carrying his baby in his arms while skiing down the hill. What would happen if the father biffed it? Surprised the resorts let that stuff happen.
Scary!
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Probably on Saturday 12/13 if I can swing it.
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FYI - Just wanted to remind anyone who might be interested that there is an alpine snowboard demo this weekend at Royal Hill.
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Ocean,
The info on the REI site fits with my foot situation. I have approximately 26 cm feet and use 8.5 street shoes and usually wear Mondo 26.5.
If I go by the Bomber info, I should use a Mondo 26 since my foot is 26 cm long.
As mentioned before, I have Mondo 26 and 26.5 Raichle boots. Both seem to fit OK. Maybe I'm just weird or something.
What does you foot measure out to in inches or cm. if you use the Bomber method?
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Ocean,
My feet are 8.5 in street shoes and I usually wear 26.5 in Mondo sizes.
Check out the info on REI.com about footwear sizing - http://www.rei.com/rei/gearshop/sizefinder/footwear.html
Never realized there were so many sizing conventions!
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Hey Ocean,
Siren is on the mark. I had a pair of 3 buckle SB124's which were similar. The SB213 or SB222 would be great boots for starting out. A little more forgiving than the 4 buckle design. Plus at $50 they are a smoking deal. Even the SB413's (4 buckle) Bomber has are a deal.
Also, most of the SB series boots come with standard liners (no baking necessary). Have had great luck with the standard liners over the years.
Just for your reference... My foot measures 26 cm and I use both 26 or 26.5 sizes.
If Bomber has your size, you might consider to give it a shot.
Gambare!
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Badmigraine,
Thanks for the info dude. My Boeri helmet cracked for no apparent reason (no impacts) at the end of last season. Just replaced with a Giro. Per Consumer Reports, my choice was good. Cheers!
Miltie
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Siren,
Sounds like you scored a smokin' deal on the bindings. I used to have a few sets of non-step-in SnowPros. They are good quality so you done well!
Advice about your first day.....
First - just take a few easy runs to get used to the feeling of having a different set-up. You will probably feel very confined at first. Remember to keep your weight forward or over the centerline of the board (on the balls of your feet). If you lean back too far your quads will be roasted in a few runs. Try setting the foward lean on your boots to the middle setting (setting 3 on Raichle SBs).
Second - get the feeling of going from edge to edge. The board you have is fairly narrow so it will seem much quicker than a freeride board.
Third - work on setting the edges by lean or tilt the board up a little more than normal. This is tough at first. You will probably catch a few edges but keep on it. A lot of the movement needed will have to come from your legs.
Forth - Take it easy and don't try to force things. You have to relax and just have fun with it.
One question.. have you detuned the edges of your board front and rear? This will help prevent catching edges. The edges on a new board are usually razor sharp. Let me know if you have questions about this.
Last - I would recommend to take your freeride set-up to ride in the afternoon. Your legs will probably be very tired afterwards. Riding your freeride gear will seam easy.
Gambare!!!!
Miltie
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For anyone interested in Alpine snowboarding or carving....
"Carve" magazine lists the following alpine on snow demos for the 03/04 season:
December 13 & 14 Nagano Area - Royal Hill
December 20 & 21 Tohoku Area - Resort TBD
February 22 & 23 Niigata Area - Gala Yuzawa
My understanding is that boards, boots and bindings should be available for demo.
Could be fun!
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Siren,
I agree with you man! Having worked in the retail snowboard business in the US for a few years, I must say the retail system in Japan is much different than what I am used to. Seems like it's all about maintaining the highest possible profit margin even if the stuff sits on the shelf for a few years. Noticed this with most sports equipment I've looked at (mostly surf and snowboard gear).
On the other hand, you can find smoking deals if you shop around a bit. Think the bigger and chain type stores are figuring this out.
Makes me wonder how much people in Japan shop around or if they buy things from certain shops so they can say they bought it there. Regardless, it is different than what I'm used to.
Think in general that you will find Carving gear in Japanese shops is priced high since it is considered "specialty" gear. There isn't much competition between shops so the prices remain high. Freestyle and Freeride gear is available at many places with a lot of retail competition. The prices are still high but a little more reasonable.
Just FYI - check out www.carvingmachine.com There is a lot of info about Carving in Japan.
Regards,
Miltie
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Siren,
About the Bomber Step-In bindings...
I have both the Bomber Trench Diggers and the TD Step-Ins. My setup is a little awkward because I use a normal Trench Digger binding in the front and a TD Step-In binding in the rear. You don't really detach your front boot that much during the day so that's why I use the normal binding in front. The TD Step-In system is really great for convenience - less bending down.
Don't know too much about the X-Bones, however, would bet they are decent since they are made by Raichle. They are probably a little more flexible than the Bombers. One thing you will want to make sure is that you can get Intec heels before you make your decision. Looks like Bomber is currently sold out of Intec heels.
Bomber usually receives stock of bindings and other associated parts around October. Check back with them in a few weeks. FYI - they are really helpful if you have questions about their products.
Take care,
Miltie
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Ocean,
Answer to your question..
does the size/weight ratio apply equally to alpine boards as to freeride boards? I ride a 169 freeride board which suits me fine, so I wonder what a 162 alpine board would be like.
Alpine boards generally have a longer contact length (length that rides on the snow - sometimes referred to as "effective edge") than a freeride board. For instance your 169 board probably has a contact length of around 130 to 135 cm. The Burton 162 I mentioned has a 142 cm contact length. When I started riding alpine stuff I lived in Utah and rode mostly like 170 to 175 cm freeride boards. My first carving board was a Nidecker Magnum 153 with a 140 cm contact length (very small nose and almost no tail). It took me about half a day to get used to that board - it was a rocket. I now ride alpine boards from 162 to 175 cm depending conditions. My recommendation would be to start on a around a 160 or so. Other things to consider when selecting an alpine board is sidecut radius and stiffness. Let me know if you want more info on this. I could scan some info I have and send it to you via email.
Hope this helps.
Siren,
About your question..
Do you think it is worth investing in a pair of slightly pricey boots – i.e. does it really make that much difference or it is just marketing?
First off.. I totally agree with you that it would be better to try on boots before purchase.
Second.. Look for median priced boots. Some of the higher priced boots are stiff (something you might not like if you are just starting out). I would for look some Raichle SB series boots which are middle of the road as far as stiffness - look for the 4 buckle ones. My experience with the SB series has been great. Think I am using SB325 model now (a couple of years old - my 4th set). Most of the SB series boot shells are similar so the difference in cost is the liners. Thermoflex liners will run you extra but you may find they fit better if you get them molded.
Hope you are able to find something you find comfortable.
One other recommendation I have is to take your alpine gear and your freeride stuff to the mountain if you have room in the car. Ride the apline stuff in the morning - it will wear you out the first few days. You can ride your freeride stuff in the afternoon after your legs are toasted.
Happy carving!!
Miltie
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Siren,
It's nice to see some enthusiam for alpine riding on the forum!
I have been riding hardboots and alpine boards since 1988. By far the most comfortable boots I have owned have been Raichle. You may also see them called Deeluxe in Japan(same brand as the softboots).
To answer your questions....
What are the considerations in selecting hard boots and bindings?
Most important thing is boot fit. You don't want them too tight or too loose. They have to be comfortable. I have custom footbeds which make a huge difference in either hard or soft boots. For bindings you will want to find a name brand have some ability to cant (angle) to customize your stance. I currently use Bomber bindings and have had good luck with Burton Race Plates in the past.
Possible mismatch between boots, bindings and board of different makers?
There are few boot/binding combinations that don't work. For the most part you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Price range?
Depends on if you buy new or used.
Boots could run you anywhere from $100 to $700 US. Bindings from probably $100 to $300. Shop around a little you might find some good deals. Check Yahoo Auctions Japan. If you can read Japanese, you might be able to find a smoking deal. Used stuff sells cheap in Japan. (FYI - Used Thermoflex liners can be remolded)
Is it possible (or practical) to purchase the boots and bindings online?
Yes. I buy most of my stuff on-line at www.bomberonline.com or other online shops.
How does the fitting process work and what are the possible adjustments to the boots?
Other than buckle adjustment, some boots will have forward lean adjustment. Better boots will have some canting adjustment around the ankle area. Forward lean adjustment is helpful to prevent thigh burn when you first start riding alpine stuff.
What are the shops in Japan that can provide fitting?
There is shop Okazaki (near Nagoya) called Bari (http://www.sun-inet.or.jp/~thebari/). They have all the goods to fit Thermoflex (moldable liners) and some of the staff speak some english. There is another shop called Spielen in Ibaraki Pref. (www.spielen-sb.com). They can fit Raichle boots and custom footbeds. Any good ski shop should be able to fit you up as well - similar fitting techniques are used for ski boots. Be prepared to pay for fitting though.
FYI - There are usually a lot of alpine riders at Nomugitoge (Nagano area). The lower mountain is a good place to learn to carve.
What length Moss Accel did you buy? Moss makes pretty nice boards.
Ocean,
You need an alpine board? I might be able to help you with your addiction problem. Have a Burton Ultra Prime 162 that is collecting dust. Let me know if you have any interest. Feel I owe it to you for all the posts you write!
Anyway... my contacts are drying out so I gotta call it a night.
Let me know if you guys have any more questions.
Gambare!!
Miltie
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Ocean,
Actually sounds cool. Unfortunately, already have plans that weekend (bachelor party).
Looks as though most of the top companies will be represented. Some of the Japanese companies put out some real high end stuff.
Give it a shot if you haven't already tried it. May seem a little confined or wierd at first. Once you get the hang of it the edge control is unreal.
Have been addicted to apline stuff since 1988. Nothing like the feeling of leaving ruts in the snow!
Have fun!
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I agree with Karnidge. Dynaland and Takasu are consistently pretty good and access from the toll road is easy. Takasu is a little flat in places - if you are on skis you shouln't have any problem.
You may want to also consider Winghills which is a little further south.
Have fun!!
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Would have to agree. Lift line organization in Japan leaves something to be desired. Seems like it is basically a free-for-all with the agressive crowd taking advantage of the "overly polite" crowd. Went to Hakuba 47 in early December and the lift lines were an absolute joke.
They need resort employees to organize the lines and make sure the chairs are full. Seems like common sense since most everything else in Japan is planned and organized so well.
Daytrips from Nagoya?
in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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Yo Bratpack,
Fattwins is right. The Takasu area in Gifu is definitely doable as a 1 day trip. My favorite is Dynaland because they open early and I can usually toast my legs carving by noon, start the drive home at 1 PM and beat the traffic. There are also resorts like Takasu, Washigatake and White-pia close by. Each resort has it's own merits.
The Shirotori Exit off the Tokai Hokuriku expresway (a little closer to Nagoya)also has a few resorts - Winghills and Shirotori.
There are a few other places even closer like Meiho. This place tends to get packed because it is less of a drive.
Just FYI - You can do some of the Nagano resorts in 1 day trip if you are willing to sacrifice much of your evening on Route 19 as you head home. Ontake, Ontake Ropeway, MIA, Nomugitoge and Ciao Ontake (actually in Gifu) are just a few.
What type of terrain (groomed, snow parks..etc.) are you looking for?