SamuiKitsune

Yep. One month. So far about 15-18 days for riding.

I was looking at the Union Force. I like the idea that the baseplate is machined. Anyone know if all the other companies are machining the baseplate and Union is just using this fact as a marketing gimmick?

No damage from the highback lever pull down.

K2 Cinch CTX Bindings are somewhat similar to a Flow Binding in two respects: (1) Step in option on Cinch and (2) heavy than average. The K2 Cinch can be used as a regular binding or as a step-in. However, the K2 Cinch has a seperate two strap that is adjusted independent of the ankle strap. Once you step in on the K2 Cinch you can still tighten down the ankle strap.

I guess I should mention I have had some classes and lessons.

Thanks for changing the list. Beacons are expensive, but gotta get one! I think a wireless communication device built into the helmet would be so sweet. I need to find one. Yeah, I am a tech junkie.

That good!

I noticed that my K2 Autos are Made In China. I know my present company has many problems relating to manufacturing quality at its China factories. It is such a big problem that they are sending a team of Japanese engineers and Patent Attorneys to China for the next year just to work on the quality issue. This is already in addition to the quality control staff that my company already maintains in China.

When you enter the powder through a resort control point (e.g., Gate 2 at top of Annupuri in Niseko) is this considered the backcountry? If this is the backcountry, what type of gear should I have in my day-pack? I always ride with a partner, but I am new to boarding so I do not know all the proper BC gear to carry with me. I have seen many boarders sporting Black Diamond and Dakine packs. It looks like they have a walkie talkie, telescoping poles, snowshoes, shovel, and two tubes on the shoulder straps. I am guessing from web searching one is a water nozzle and the other is some

I am surprised. When handling the Flux Bindings in the store they seem really strong and stiff. Of course, that all changes out on the mountain. I am putting the Burton Missions high on my list now.

Thanks for the tip. I will try to find the thread.

I am having bad luck with bindings this season or K2 Bindings are just the biggest P.O.S. on the market. First, I had the K2 CTX Cinch bindings. They lasted about 8 days before the cinch mechanism on the left binding broke. The coating on the cable snapped and the cinch lever permanently loosened. Second, I had the K2 Auto bindings. I broke the baseplate and the binding disc earlier this morning on Annupuri. I was speeding down (in control, of course) the fukayuki slope near the gondola/jumplift. The nose of my board caught under a large ice chunk. There was a loud crack sound

Good suggestion on the waxing paper. How do I use it?

Can you just file it smooth?

In Osaka, you best bet would be Spotaka. It would take you about 1hr to get to the store from Kansai Airport (KIX) and that is hustling and knowing your way. I know Spotaka has some Rossignol Boards. They even had some '07 Rossignol Boards on clearance, 50% off I believe. I was in Spotaka last night and the inventory is getting really low. They had a large sale running at the beginning of the year which is still going on now. I am heading out of town this weekend, but if you PM or post the specific board you are looking for I will see if they have it at Spotaka.

How do these type of passes work? They have these options at Niseko and I do not understand how they work? The system at Niseko is an electronic card. You wave the card to get into each lift. So, I figure that clocks you as the start ??? So, how does it clock you as stopping ???

Just finished my first base repair job. I ran over a tree stump in the powder at Naeba last weekend. Yeah, it was not visible. I did not fall, either. Anyway, I stripped and cleaned the board, prepared the base for the repair. It took me about 4 PTEX Candles to almost get it back to perfect. I still notice the big a$$ gash, but I think I am just being too critical. So, I did the Base Prep wax thing with the Swix stuff. 3 coats. It is a soft wax. Goes on very easy and smooth, cleans up well with scraping. Then, I decide to add the special wax coating, the -6 to -12 stuff

I just realized I was thinking GNU made the Mullet all this time. I went online and now realize it is Lib Tech. Duh!

Great. I saw their ad in the Hirafu Winter Guide I was looking at over lunch. I will be at Ronde, so the shop is just around the corner. I think I will go Mullet first, seems you can get more opinions about the more popular Malolo (or maybe it is just more often available). Thanks again NS.

F$& Forbes, then. Give us your list for Japan!

Given all the comments from you experienced riders. I think I will just stick with my Custom Wide. I just need to practice on the powder more. Sorry, for all the doods and gals that ride the powder after me, I might leave a make a few faceplants in the oh, so good powder. =).

Great pictures. Awesome! I wish I get that good in a hurry! So, for my noob questions: 1) What is a bowl? First, time I heard a guy mention it on the slopes I thought he was talking about smoking weed. Now I see it is something different. 2) Is it worth paying a tour guide to take you up to the powder spots? For example, in Niseko Hirafu. If so, what is the cost?

Anyone know which shop will rent me the Malolo and/or Mullet for a day? The shop should be located near Hirafu/Niseko. Thanks in advance.

Update; Heading to Niseko Jan. 11 to Jan. 15, instead of Hakuba. I found accomodations in Niseko at Lodge Ronde, 19,000 Yen per night , not per person. Total for two people for 4 nights is 76,000 Yen. The only resort I found available in Hakuba was White Horse. Total for two people for 4 nights is about 120,000 Yen. Before you go hitting that quick reply button, I am not inferring or suggesting or concluding that any one resort is more expensive or is a better quality establishment or is a better value or is cheaper or is more glamorous or is more friendly, etc. I am

Before I had my bindings at 21/-6 and 18/-9 at it was nearly impossible to ride switch. I changed to 15/-12 and it feels more natural to me. Still difficult, but not impossible. But, anyway, ignore my comments because I am still a noob.