What Soft boot set up do you ride???

[Jon Rutherford]

So I finally broke down and picked up a soft boot set up. I can't rember the last time I rode soft boots. Every time I thought about picking up a soft boot set up, I'd go around to the local shops and just walk out dissapointed. After riding a hard boot for so long, I simply could not find a stiff enough set up!

After many hours of research, and many trips to the various snowboard shops around town, I found my set up.

Board: RAD AIR Tanker 167 (thanks to a good friend hook'in it up)

Boots: Burton Driver w/ the RAF insert (I challenge anyone to find a stiffer soft boot)

Bindings: Burton P1 HD (carbon fiber high backs, with a REEEAALY TALL high back)

I've been dead against owning any burton products. For the most part, I don't like supporting the company because I believe they are marketing to the "general" consumer. Most everything I've put under me that was made by Burton has just plain sucked.

Today...I stand corrected. They must be putting some serious R&D $$$ into their boots/bidings

SO>>>>what soft boot set up do you ride???

[Aisling]

burton Lexa bindings, northwave softie boots. :)
ride a Nidecker Nextstep for a board.

[chris_eco]

Since I am not allowed to instruct in hardboots and plates at the Dartmouth Skiway unless carving lessons are specifically requested my teaching set up is:

Donek Incline 164
02/03 Burton Driver with RAF
SnowPro LTD binding

the binding is the weak link - gotta get some Catek Freerides

[jason_watkins]

donek wide 161
salomon malamutes boots
salomon spx6 bindings

Been great to learn on. The boots seem to be packing out now though, and I'm thinking I should have bought a size smaller than was comfy in the store to allow for that.

[OlderBoarder]

i am new to the carving scene. i am 47, and started boarding 7 years ago after an ankle injury ended my skiing career. i can do heel/toe stuff, but can't side load my ankle to set an edge on skiis. my freeride board is/was a silence 159. my carving board is a Sims Carve II 167. i am using K2 Yak boots and K2 CLicker bindings, and i find the combination plenty stiff and responsive enough for the variable conditions where i ride, which is Mt. Wachusett, in MA. all comments/suggestions are welcome

[Mike T]

Donek Wide 161
Salomon S6 bindings
Salomon Malamute boots

[Pre School Rider]

On my Reto 156,which is stiff,short,narrow-ish,it's Burton Torques (3-straps) on Palmer lifts,usually with my haggard old Burton Drivers.With the Tanker 172,I like the Nidecker Carbon binding(w/an LDS pad built-in underneath),and the DeeLuxe Spark boot.I run 30* F,18*-12* R on these.On the O-Sin Swallowtail,it's a looser setup,old Burton Freestyles (w/ Sims stretchy straps at the ankles),and a softer boot,like the Rulers,or if hoofing it to roadside freshies,I'll dig out my '95 Airwalks(you know,the brown ones w/ the velcro heel-hold strap-I can hike easily + just hop back in the car and drive off if I'm riding the 'shelfs' on along Rt 7).For the older boards,the Elfgen Toungue (CX 11) binding is Da $#!T,heck I can even ride in hightop sneakers with them.

[GeoffV]

[QUOTE Dartmouth Skiway QUOTE]

Hey Chris, I might be up at Dartmouth once and a while this season. My brother-inlaw lives in Hanover. I was up there once last year on an F2. I'll be on a blue or red Donek this season.

Geoff

[C5 Golfer]

I ride
Arbor Munoz 170 with
Switch step-ins (this old guy does not like to sit down and buckle up and the Switch is the best stepin in MHO)
Vans Performance Boots

The thing here is I have these boots for about 3 years and they look new cuz I ride soft set up only 10% of the time.

[Derf]

Here my *soft* softboot setup.

1993 Burton Air 6.1 board (first year of 3D)
1993 Burton Freestyle bindings (no ratchet like modern bindings)
2000 Burton Glide boots (freestyle, not freeride)

The reason such a soft setup and all Burton?

Soft board because it is my first snowboard.
Soft boots because I didn't know there where stiffer boots available, thought they where all the same except for the comfort.
Burton because it is what was available at the store.

I barely use it, I mostly lend it to some skier friends.

Derf

[Matt D]

1) 03 Prior MFR 168XW w/04 Burton P1 HD bindings (this is my #1 setup)
2) 04 Burton Dominant 159 w/04 Burton P1 MD bindings. This setup is for freestyle + jibbing and is a lot of fun.
Boots are 04 Burton Ion HD as I find the Driver is too stiff and I think ankle flex is good!

Jon, you are correct when you say Burton spends a lot of money on R&D for their Boots + Bindings. Boots and bindings are co-developed together so they fit perfect. There is a reason they are the #1 selling boot/binding company in the world. Northwave/Drake is #2.

[pnut]

Soft set:
Rossignol 166 strato
K2 Yak boots w/ clicker bindings
all of it almost like new

[thefishinmagician]

I inherited my bro's old Checker Pig 163. Even had to drill holes and put some T-Nuts in it 'cause the old drill holes (they just drill into the board) wore out. That puppy still rides like a champ though. Actually like it better than any newer board I've rented... ever! Can't compete with my Prior 4x4 though.

~Adam~

[Hugh]

My only soft setup is for pow...

164 wide Santa Cruz Flame (2001)
Burton 3 buckle bindings (1997)
Santa Cruz freestyle boots (1997)

Hugh

[Skully]

Board: Rossi Levitation 167 (2000)
Boots: Salomon Malamutes (2001)
Binders: Flow Pro-C BX (2002)

I love this setup. The Levitation has an 11.something meter sidecut - much bigger than most freestyle/freeride boards.

The Malamutes and the Flows are very stiff for a soft setup. I rode Switch/Vans stepins for way too long, the boots were way to soft when I got rid of them. When I got the new setup, I caught a couple of toeside edges (superman style, like beginners) because the boots were so much stiffer than my old ones, I would not be expecting to switch edges soo quickly.

I'm running fairly low angles (24 front, 12 rear) but one of these days I'm planning on kicking the front up to 45, and rear aroudn 33, just to see how the flows/mals perform at higher angles......

[Linus]

I haven't ride soft setup for a while....
but I do or had(my deck broke) soft setup

2000 Timless 168(Broke In half)
2000 Flow FL11
2000 Burton Glide(fits my Flow well)

I do recommend Flow binding because it's very stiff and feels like you are on hard boots......

[Hans]

All mountain and touring soft set up, just having fun:
- POGO Longboard 175, a board for guys who want to drive
like an alpine deck and freeride like hell. All versatility in one
board.
- boots: Vans Fargo Boa 03/04 (former Flow Domain)
- bindings: Flow Pro S Freeride 2002 set up 50 cm, 30/25


Greets, Hans

[utahcarver]

Board: Rossi Recycler 172
Binders: Rossi SIS
Boots: Rossi F5's

The Recycler is softer than a (Rossi) Levitation and doesn't grip as well as the Levee.
After having used step-ins I'd have a very hard time going back to strap bindings.
The F5's are VERY stiff. I don't know if they are as stiff as Burton Drivers, though.

The SIS boot/binding is made by Emery for Rossignol. The main complaint about
the Emery SI system is that it looks like a screen door latch attached to a snowboard.
In 5+ years of riding this Rossi/Emery system I haven't experienced any problems.

I think the two best boards Rossignol makes are the Levitation and Undertaker 185.
Both of which are at home in powder or on the groomers, soft or hard set-up.

[sluggomania]

Boots: Vans Switch (N Series) Isotope and Mach.
Bindings: Switch A66 N Series (no highback) mounted to a 1996 Burton Rippey, 2002 Burton Motion and most recently an old Burton Wire 56 that was used as my first Alpine set-up

Although I have been predominately using my alpine set-up over the past three years, I have been pretty impressed and happy with the Vans / Switch N Series set up for soft boot carving and would be hard-pressed to go back to straps.:)

[NMU Alpine Boarder]

I ride a 157 Lamar (1997) with Marker Interface Step-in boots/bindings. This is a farily stiff set-up, and really kicks @ss in Boardercross.

[jeffnstefanie]

mickey munoz 166

flow Bindings(I forget he number I think FL 19, they are orange, looks nice with the wood )

Old Original sin alphetbet boots that are as comfey as an old pair of sneakers

I love my Arbor, someone asked me if I made it myself, I wish !

[Gecko]

My soft (and only) setup

Flite 162 Weapon Asym
K2 Clickers
Ride Vapors
the Flite was the last board that I had a hand in making years ago when I was working for Flite (I'm pretty sure they ceased to exist in the mid 90's) it's old but only has about 50 days on it so it's still quite stiff. I T-bolted it to 4x4 last year for using the Clickers...for my feet Ride boots are comfy...DC are more comfy but they don't make Clicker boots...oh well.

I have never owned a Burton product and I never will...I don't like Jake...besides there are better products out there.

[svr]

I use Catek Freeride bindings w/Rad-Air RS-4 Highbacks on a 2003-2004 200cm Rad Air Tanker Crown and DeeLuxe Spark NT boots with all seven TPS sticks (stiff flex) for ultimate control.
My binding setup for freeriding is as follows:
Left Foot: 5 degrees cant and 3 degrees toe lift (27 degree stance angle) Right Foot: 12 degrees cant 10 degrees heel lift on my rear foot (12 degree stance angle). I also put my right foot off-centered 1 cm towards my toe side edge. The Tankers rock and I will not buy anything else. If you can go, and want to hang out with a bunch of longboarding fanatics, try to get to either the Longboard Classic-Japan in Hokkaido or the World Longboard Classic in Stuben (www.longboardclassic.com).

[Bordy]

BX super carvey set up- Oxygen BX 163 Binders Nidecker 850 carbons on 20mm of blue palmer lift.

Soft boot play board
Burton Custom X 160, Bindings, Burton P1-MD no lift.

Powder set up
Burton Fish 156, P1-MD. no lift.

Super pipe
Burton Balance 157.5, Nidecker 850 carbons.

Park,
Well my wife wont ley me ride park this year.:mad:

Boot depend on set up and conditions.
Burton Driver- Stiff
Deeluxe royal flush- Med
Burton Ion MD- Surfey!

[Biff]

Donek Wide 161
Northwave Project 9 Boots
Burton P1 HD Bindings

I tried those Burton boots on, the Northwaves fit me better. Both were similar stiffness, imo.

The overall responsiveness of this setup is great. Instant toe and heal transitions.

Angles: 30/15

[JohnSch]

Board: Generally Prior Freeride 172 for all-around riding.

Prior 162 old BX model for carving/pipe.

24cm wide Prior 4WD for those really firm days.

Bindings: Nidecker 800s, generally with moderate forward lean except for park where I go with virtually none.

Boots: DeeLuxe Freak TTs, with two sets of TPS stiffening spines (normal and stiff), plus both the original liners and Intuition ski boot liners. Normally I leave the ski liners in and simply vary the stiffener setup.

Also Nitro Team boots for park if I get the nerve up.

[Bill Boothby]

Boards: Rad Air Tanker 2000
Burton Supermodel 181

Boots: Salomon Malamute (first choice)
Burton Driver w/stiffener

Binding: Burton Mission GT w/Booster Strap
rear bindings on Burton cant plate

Highly recommend Mission GT Binding, highback locks upright,add third strap for toeside power. The wing on the highback adds power to heelside/backside turns.
Very" Big Wave "Surfy feel for your all-mountain rig.

[kjl]

161 Never Summer Premier (Great, stiff, heavy freeride board, advertised as all-mountain as opposed to freestyle). Since I now only take it out on powder days because all other days get the carving board treatment, I wish it was longer by 5-10 cm.

Salomon Malamutes (pretty stiff - stiffer than the Burton Ions I used to have)

Catek Freerides (nice and stiff - there's a little play on the highback/anklestrap assembly and I wish the highbacks were adjustable sideways or have wings so that it would support my 45 degree front foot angle a little better, but very nice nonetheless).

[patmoore]

154 cm K2 Zeppelin with Burton stepins. I'm too old to hook up straps. The setup works fine. I used it in my first halfpipe competition in Okemo's SuperPipe last year and I got down with all equipment and appendages intact.

USASA says that I graduate to the "Methusalah" age group in less than 3 years. Cool....

Pat

[gdboytyler]

Board: Burton Balance 152 for park/pipe.

Boots: Salomon Synapse

Bindings: Flow - best soft bindings available. Comfy, quick in and out, plenty of support to allow carving on a freestyle board.

When its a powder day, I put the Flow Bindings on my Burton Supermodel 161.

I ride my carving setup (Donek Incline 160/hard boots) in the morning and hit the park/pipe after lunch.

[Bubba]

Board: Forum Jeremy Jones 157, Evol Crest 159

Bindings: Ride Team Issue

Boots: Airwalk

[ncermak]

Elan Parralax 160
Northwave APX 9
Catek Freeride (undoubtably the best strap binding i've ever used)

or....

Rossi Crawford 157 (wicked graphics)
Rossi HC4000 binding
Now the northwave boot, but earlier the rossi ultimate...

-Noah

[Jack Michaud]

My soft setup, and a question:

'97 Burton Custom 164
Burton freestyle bindings (I forget which) with the "One" strap (Burton's old half-assed attempt at a Flow type binding)
Old Burton Ranger boots, which sucked before I put orthotics and gel heel pads in them. Now they're fine. They were the stiffest B-boot of the day.

This setup pretty much sucks for carving, but is pretty good for the rare NE powder day, spring days, rock days, and trees. I can't justify upgrading soft equipment until it disintigrates. My last pair of softboots were '89 Burton Comp boots.

My question is: do softboot step-in systems actually work? I have a hard time believing it because I have to crank my strap bindings down so tight to get any performance out of them, I can't imagine being able to get the same tightness/performance out of SI's.

Also, I have a good friend who was an engineer at Burton and I asked him why he didn't ride their SI's. His answer: "Dude... they suck. They just suck. They will never match the performance of straps."

Do any pro's use SI's?
-Jack

[nekdut]

Boards: Ride Timeless 158 and 167
Bindings: Drake F-50s, Burton Custom Freeride (3 straps! but soft :mad: )
Boots: Nidecker Project-X

I don't really have an answer to Jack's question, but regarding SI's, has anyone tried using an SI boot (one w/o an instep strap) in a strap binding for the extra stiffness provided by the SI? Do they even fit in strap bindings?

[Matt D]

I did use Burtons SI system for a bit, and K2/Shimano's clicker system for a little bit. The Clickers were pretty good, but my Burton SI's rocked. My friends convinced me to go with straps, and I'm kinda sorry that I did. My SI's were stiffer, and overall more comfortable then my cranked down straps. They also provided more lateral support. I had the 01 Driver SI + 01 Mission GT SI. Sick Combo!

[Phil]

Burton BMC 171 Wide
Burton Freestyle SI
Burton PSI and SI

The step ins are the ticket. Very stiff. I came off of clickers as well. I did not have highback clickers though. They may be as good as Burton SI's.

[Matt D]

I had high back clickers... Burton SI's are still better. I really want to try some Flow boots/bindings though.

[Baka Dasai]

Originally posted by Jack Michaud
My question is: do softboot step-in systems actually work? I have a hard time believing it because I have to crank my strap bindings down so tight to get any performance out of them, I can't imagine being able to get the same tightness/performance out of SI's.

Step in boots usually have a big ankle strap that is firmly anchored at the boot heel. Cranking down on this strap should provide exactly the same sensation as cranking down on a binding ankle strap.

I don't see how SIs could provide worse performance, unless there was actual slop in the connection interface.

This is all speculation though, as I haven't ridden step-ins for years.

[JohnSch]

SIs didn't suck, until K2 and Burton at least backed away from high-end boots/bindings in the SI niche. A few pros did use step-ins several years ago; I think Axel Pauporte may still ride Switch bindings, but don't know for sure. Jack, if part of what you're asking is "should I consider step-ins?" I'd say unequivocally no given the lack of product right now, though.

You might want to consider upgrading either your entire bindings or at least seeing if you can pick up some Team skybacks, doing either of these on E-bay to control cost. The difference between '97 vintage freestyle bindings and more modern,more supportive bindings would be significant, particularly if you crank up the forward lean on the better/stiffer bindings.

[Gecko]

Originally posted by Baka Dasai
Step in boots usually have a big ankle strap that is firmly anchored at the boot heel. Cranking down on this strap should provide exactly the same sensation as cranking down on a binding ankle strap.

I don't see how SIs could provide worse performance, unless there was actual slop in the connection interface.

This is all speculation though, as I haven't ridden step-ins for years.

My Ride Vapors that I use with Clickers have just such a strap. I have toyed with the idea of removing the highback though as of now it remains...later this season it may come off for a morning to "test" the new liners' stiffness. If it works then weeee less weight. Something to consider (I did) there is/are a bunch of NOS (new old stock) SI bindings that turn up on Ebay...I love the ease and comfort of mine

[slopetool]

Morrow Escape 176 matt goodwill
Rad Air Tanker 200 and 192

K2 Transformer Boa ---- stiff as hell
Clicker SST pros

Its a solid, no slop system. And the bindings weigh less than a pound. I've put a lot of thought into this and it works great for me.:D

Bachelor was sick over the New Years Holiday! wow:p

[420calvin]

Tanker 182
K2 Ambush 175
Mickey Munoz 170
Arbor Crossbow 167

APX Kevin Jones

Ride EX binders

the boots have a solid, stiff feel for a softie. handmade in italy, very quality and durable. do not pack out. they have a thin (but not too thin) sole which combined w/ torsional rigidity creates max sensitivity and feel on the board for me, which i really like. Superfeet liners.

bindings are personal things, but the EX are solid, simple, durable, relatively cheap and hard to beat. plus they fit my boots and feet. Ride has a huge line of bindings, but the Team, SPI, Flite MIG, etc all have bells and whistles that i don't care for. don't like toe ramps on my pow setups. don't need "dampening" stuff under the binder, don't need leather straps...

now i just need a winterstick swallowtail.

[420calvin]

Originally posted by JohnSch
Board: Generally Prior Freeride 172 for all-around riding.

Can you give me a bit of insight into how that Prior Freeride performs? I'm seriously considering one of those, they look great on paper and have an excellent reputation.

From what I can tell, the board is pretty stiff, has a big 'ol radial sidecut for easy carving, and is fairly moderate in width. Should be a great all around board that can also rip up the hardpack.

Thanks for any insight.
-adam

[Matt D]

The MFR is awesome. My favorite board so far.

[JohnSch]

Originally posted by 420calvin
Can you give me a bit of insight into how that Prior Freeride performs? I'm seriously considering one of those, they look great on paper and have an excellent reputation.

From what I can tell, the board is pretty stiff, has a big 'ol radial sidecut for easy carving, and is fairly moderate in width. Should be a great all around board that can also rip up the hardpack.

Thanks for any insight.
-adam

An extremely well-balanced freeride design, I'd say due to the stiffness you should definitely pair it with stiffer soft boots and bindings but your summary overall is accurate. Mine (one of their demos sold on their site) came with a lot of camber, which really gives it a lot of energy out of turns and makes it fun and lively overall. For a dedicated steeps/pow/bumps focus I might ask for one with reduced camber to take away some of the pop, but for overall use it's a great design as is. Depending on what all-around riding means to you, you may or may not also want
the large sidecut radius...riding moderate angles I find a radius in the 8 range easier for short carves, for instance. Anyway I've been happy with it. :)

[420calvin]

Very helpful reply, thanks!

I've also just looked into the Nidecker Project TM, I think I'll try one it looks interesting too.

-adam

[pike]

Hellacool New Gear

I just picked up a 157cm Head Force 27.0 off of eBay with wicked black paint and red flames plus a pair of Northwave Kevin Jones boots. I have an older pair of Stubby strap in binding, but I am lusting for a pair of Flow Amp 5 bindings to round out the rig.

[Biff]

Until this year, for the last 4 years I was using Shimano Clickers with their stiffest boot (Skylord?).

I really enjoyed this setup, the boot was very stiff (no integrated highback, and didn't need it).

I gave up on it though because last season the Shimano clicker system totally clogged on me during a slushy day. I had to constantly clear my boot cleat catch.

This season I am using Burton P1 HD and Northwave APX boots. So far, it matches the performance of the step-in system (but only had a few days on it so far this season).

[pike]

My older setup was switch steps in with Vanns boots. Which I enjoyed and have never had any issues with.

The one downside to the older models with integrated highback in the boot is the limitation of flex in the boot as well as the instep strap not being effective with only velcro vs rachet.

Although with this crowd tweaking, jibbing, and bonking doesn't seem like an issue....

Newer models have addressed this with the binding including the highback and improved instep straps.

Strap in binding design has improved greatly and is what my newest gear has and is nearly as easy as step ins but with better fit.

No gear can handle all situations. I think this is where the quiver syndrome starts....

[Mark Jeangerard]

I take soft booting pretty seriously because I see a great advantage to a flat stance/ankle tweaking setup for certain riding styles.

Clickers do not allow for proper control techniques in my NSHO. Stiff is besides the point. (Might as well ride hard and plates all the time, as I did for 6 years.) Highbacks do not come into play when controlling the snowboard but are there only as a safety device, to keep the ankle from opening too far under unplanned loads. Some people have big feet. Therefore:


Donek Wide or Pow 160. Not sure what it is. I bought it from Sean at the demo tent because it ruled so hard I could not leave without it.
Burton Synchro because they match the boots.
Burton Freestyle boots, because they fit my feet, are flexy, and have good features.
Most importantly - The tallest Palmer Power Link System available. Without it flat stance riding would not exist for me.


Still use a 181 Supermodel with hards and plates for the powdery steeps. :D

[Baka Dasai]

Originally posted by Mark Jeangerard
Highbacks do not come into play when controlling the snowboard but are there only as a safety device, to keep the ankle from opening too far under unplanned loads.

I've heard other people say this too, but I just don't get it. I need those highbacks to lean on in order to get some edge angle on heelsides. In fact, I need those highbacks to have a whole whack of forward lean or I just can't get the board up high enough to carve a decent turn.

[Mark Jeangerard]

I will start a thread titled Carving in Soft/Flat in order to stay off off-topic. :)

[Gecko]

Originally posted by Baka Dasai
I've heard other people say this too, but I just don't get it. I need those highbacks to lean on in order to get some edge angle on heelsides. In fact, I need those highbacks to have a whole whack of forward lean or I just can't get the board up high enough to carve a decent turn.

Yeah I gotta agree here I rode yesterday morning with no highbacks in powder but by lunch and the crude came in I was off to the locker and the ten minutes it took to add support. I would judge this akin to y'all riding in walk mode. Highbacks for safety might be a jibber issue but for the cruising crowd with softer boots highbacks are a performance issue

[Mark Jeangerard]

Originally posted by Gecko
Highbacks for safety might be a jibber issue but for the cruising crowd with softer boots highbacks are a performance issue

Nope, it's a carver with soft boots issue.


Originally posted by Gecko
Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons...
For you are crunchy and taste good with catsup

I love that quote. Somewhere in the recesses of my memory I know that. I remember it fondly, but know not from whence it came. ?

[Gecko]

Originally posted by Mark Jeangerard
Nope, it's a carver with soft boots issue.



I love that quote. Somewhere in the recesses of my memory I know that. I remember it fondly, but know not from whence it came. ?

yes well we all have our vices...my case I'm too poor for the hard boots and bindings I want

as for the Quote it was originally taken from JRR Tolkien and it read
"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger"
Somewhere along the line I'm sure a gamer developed the catsup part...I stole it fair and square from a motorcycle buddy:D