"Christopher Cox" wrote in
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This posting is to share information. These opinions, subjective and
objective, are my own. Your mileage may vary.


Donek Phoenix (155):
After my son has rode this board for half a season, the conclusion is that
it is a great all around board. He has been popping rails, jumps, running
through trees and hitting steeps. It holds a line where others in his
party are washing out. It’s edge hold allows for him to carve hard,
jumping out to a 180 without a kicker. He has been abusing the base with
boardslides, rolloffs, and ripping through the trees in NY. The topsheet
seems soft at room temprature, but is rock hard and tough in the snow. He
suffered ‘Big board’ syndrome with it however. He is 5’5” tall at 106 lbs.
Moving from a 140cm to a 155cm caused him to let his guard down and this
board threw him onto the snow at low speeds. The mid section of the board,
between the bindings, is very flexable causing just about any ridged stomp
pad to pop off.


Chris,

I'm glad the Phoenix is working for your son. I have the same stomp pad on
my Twin which is WAY softer than the Phoenix so the board isn't the problem.
Make sure the board is clean and heated before applying the stomp pad. By
heated I mean take a hair dryer to both the board and the stomp pad. They
should be warm to the touch. Apply the pad then let the board sit at room
temp for 24 hours. I believe these are the same instructions Dakine provides
with the pad.

Malamute Boots:
I like the design of this boot. The lacing system has a pull handle and
lace locks. The boot actually becomes much stiffer in the cold, a plus. A
large minus is how fast it packs out. Working on its third season, approx
72 wearings, the ankle hold down strap now has to much play. The boot is
packing out.


3 yrs in the same boot? Mine only last a season but I usually ride 100+
days a year.

TechNine Pro Series (02/03)
Comfortable, very adjustable. Straps where a problem from day one.
Ratchets freeze up, wont let go if icy. Strap wear wont allow me to apply
allot of pressure ratcheting in on my forward foot. Binding base is too
soft. I can torque the binding significantly away from the board. Spring
let go on one of the ratchets (rust).
Baltimore Toe Straps
I initially thought these where a great idea. They mush up the front of
your boot. Lately they actually come off on hard demanding runs.


If you're having problems with the straps give TechNine a call and they will
replace them. The old Baltimore straps aren't the greatest but the
replacement straps are better.

Hope that helps!

--
Kevin Morrison
Donek Snowboards
Northwest Rep
206-227-3073