advantyper

My friend had the DC Shoe BOA lacing system, after like 20 days of use the lace broke, then he return them for repair then after half a season the BOA system broke on him. I don't think the BOA is that good, but thats just my opinion. As for burton stuff, so far so good, hope they will last me several seasons. They wouldn't cheap. I also got their AK 2L jacket, the jacket so far is great, the goretex really keep all tthe water out. burton overall are a on the pricey side, but they do look good. I'll have to see how long these setup last me. probably going to ride at least 10

yea, the C60's highback is carbon fiber reinforced. the tip of the highback cracked after the second day of use. I have a bad habit of folding down the highback, before I get on the lift, I think during the day of boarding, a boarder or skiier must have ski or board over my folded down highback. there was a sharp cut on the EVA foam pad on the highback as well. so it looks like someone ride over my highback. Anyway, I used to ride Salomon and Flow gear. this is my first season with full burton gear. THe SL8 is so comfortable and light. the C60 and vapor combo is featherweight.. bef

the Burton Vapor, the finish and clearcoat on the board is mirror finish, just like an expensive automobile paint job. The graphic looks super too, at a distance you only see flames, but look closely you see the skull.

The burton warranty is great actually. I purchase the SL8, C60 & vapor two months ago. Somehow my C60's right highback crack, I never fill out the warranty card, I just call them, they told me to send it back. My new pair of C60 replacement arrived last friday. But then again, I don't know how the international warranty people treat their customers. When I called Burton's U.S. return number, everyone I talked to were really helpful.

once to twice a week. the snow is great right now, getting new snow almost daily. Drive up there ain't too bad either, around 1-1.5 hours.

to each its own, control you learn over time. in no means I am suggesting to crash on purpose. with snowboarding you will crash in the beginning, you can't avoid it. I would rather learn on a powder day, then on a non powder, if I have to chose. Again start with bunny slope and work your way higher as you feel comfortable. Get wrist guards, your wrist will thank you. I guess it depends on the person, some people learn faster then others. so even if you take lessons, it might take you several lessons, before you get comfortable. Either way do want you feel comfortable with.

I would go for the Burton Ion, which are on the tough side, if you don't want to spend too much. I just the SL8, they are the best IMO. super light and amazing support and very low profile. Salomon boots aren't bad either, they are cheaper but a bit heavier.

Thats weird, the pictures show up on my computer.

Pics up on my SJ page.

For those that never been to Mt.Hood in Oregon. Here is some picturs I took on Saturday, we got over 100+ inches at mid mountain. Pretty great season this year. Enjoy

Welcome aboard! I think the best way to get the fear out of your mind. Is to crash hard once, not on purpose of course. Keep riding the steep hills. When you feel you are going too fast, just keep on going. After you have one hard crash, you realize thats as painful as its going to get. Then you wouldn't be afraid of it anymore, its more of a mental thing. Of course make sure you have enough ability to break hard and turn both ways from one stance. Try going as fast as your mind allows you to, on a powder day. That way it doesn't hurt at all, on an icy day avoid going fast, untill you

Fedex and UPS are great, I send items overseas all the time. They aren't cheap, but their insurance claim system is one of the best and fastest. DHL is pretty good too.

Oops forgot about that.

Hows the snow condition at Hakuba 47? Anyone have website link to the resort? Tks

3M Scotch Guard, works not pretty good. They cost around $7 US a bottle, but one bottle can cover a whole honda civic interior. So one bottle can rewaterproof a lot of gear.

Good time to go, Whistler been geting dump with snow lately! I'll be there for new years! Looking forward to it!

Close enough in my book

ha..ha... sort of! so no resort open yet in lower Japan area? the snow wasn't that great at Mt.Hood anyway on friday, tons of people there got to wait 10-15 mins for the lift. bit icy, but after 5 months without boarding, can't complain too much.

Ouch, parking fees in Japan sounds pretty insane! Glad I lived in the states, don't have to pay parking for my two cars.

thats funny stuff! Pretty realistic looking too

Thanks Quattro, but at the moment I already booked rooms for Sapporo Guest House. That is until I could get find hotel that are closer.

I got a reply from Keio Plaza Hotel, all booked out already

Mt. Baker open last week Whistler BC open last week Mt.Hood open this friday , taking friday off to do first dips boarding. All the resort are in U.S. and Canada, so I guess it doesn't do much for members here.

Yes it does, for Whistler BC the resort is HUGE, one of the biggest one in Pacific Northwest. But then again my state's mountain Mt.Hood Meadows is not too big, not too small. But still cost $47 for a day pass. Resorts in Colorado usually cost more because its so famous for winter sport there, so make sense for them to mark up the lift ticket prices.

thanks Sakebomb for the link to Keio Plaza Hotel, how far is that hotel to Odari Park or downtown Sapporo? I am thinking about booking this hotel: http://www.plaza-sapporo.or.jp/sgh The lodge house said its 30min subway ride to Odari Park. But with most of the hotel already all book up. That might be only several lodging options. I need hotel for the 2/8-2/9. Price are pretty good, but around the same as Keio Plaza. How much are the love hotel per night? But then again, no reservation and got to take a chance, and hope they are not all book already. Plus an