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#1
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Flow Amp 9 Binding: Should I?
Hello Folks,
I'm a relatively experienced rider, 4 seasons under my belt. I'm a big guy (210lbs) with big feet (12-13) that easily get uncomfortable. I'm a Freerider (?), don't venture into the park... just like to carve up the slope, picking up a bit speed here and there and just plain cruize. So shopping around the local shops and net I've picked out a few boards: - Salomon Transfer, 163cm - Burton Triumph - Atomic Endless - Atomic Radon, 169cm (I think I like this one best) Any suggestion on these is much appreciated... .... but, let's get to the topic of my post: bindings. I want something comfy and easy to strap into. Would You guys/girls recommend the unconventional Flow bindings? Specifically (as I found these at a local retailer), the Amp 9 bindings? These are "labeled" as Freestyle and "offer more flexibility" -- I have a feeling that as a Freerider with an all-mountain (Radon) board, this is actually something I DON'T want. Again, any suggestions on a package (in particular the Flow binding) are much appreciate. Thanks, Mike |
#2
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Big guy, get freeride bindings.
Be sure waist width is more than 26 cms, so your toes and highback don't drag on turns or pow..... I normally ride with two guys who use Flows. About the same speed in and out, I use CFX Burtons straps. Pow, we all gotta clear it out..... Don't step on your arch strap. Watch your hiback when you are out of the rear binding...it drags perilously close to anything near the snow..... |
#3
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#4
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Lonerider, do you work at a shop currently?.
You know lots, hope your customers appreciate your knowledge. |
#5
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LeeD wrote:
Lonerider, do you work at a shop currently?. You know lots, hope your customers appreciate your knowledge. I used to help run a snowboard club in Boston and so I'm used to helping people pick out boards as I rarely trusted the "store recommendations." Aside from a decent discount and free board tunings at your sponsor shop, I didn't get paid for it though. I really just can't stand it when a incompetent salesman pushes the wrong product on someone. |
#6
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I second LeeD's comment: that's some very insightful recommendations!
Thanks a LOT Lonerider. Bit dissapointed about the Radon... here is a question: for a given shoe size of a boot, are all boots made approximately equal size, or would some boots be shorter or have a different tip that would somehow offset the fact the Radon is relatively narrow? Thanks Again All, Mike |
#7
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Mike wrote:
I second LeeD's comment: that's some very insightful recommendations! Thanks a LOT Lonerider. Bit dissapointed about the Radon... here is a question: for a given shoe size of a boot, are all boots made approximately equal size, or would some boots be shorter or have a different tip that would somehow offset the fact the Radon is relatively narrow? Thanks Again All, Mike Some boots have a smaller footprint than others. For example, the DC Park Boot is said to have a footprint at least 1 size smaller than boots of the same size of other models. I've been seriously considering a pair like this, because my size 13 boots are awfully big. Rick |
#8
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Mike wrote:
I second LeeD's comment: that's some very insightful recommendations! Thanks a LOT Lonerider. Bit dissapointed about the Radon... here is a question: for a given shoe size of a boot, are all boots made approximately equal size, or would some boots be shorter or have a different tip that would somehow offset the fact the Radon is relatively narrow? Thanks Again All, Mike There are a few brands that make boots with smaller profile boots. The first one that comes to mind is the Salomon F22 (I picked it over the similar F24 because it is more for an intermediate rider and cheaper) check it out here (http://www.backcountry.com/store/SAL...oard-Boot.html). So getting a shorter boot is one thing, another is getting riser pads like the the Palmer Link system http://www.backcountry.com/store/PAL...ml?id=Ez9WboPj). That will stiffen up the board flex, which many heavier riders like anyways. You can also get bindings that have built in risers like the Catek Freeride (www.catek.com) or Nideckers (http://www.sfosnow.com/cgi-local/sfo...talogno=nid301) I thin the the Flows will actually do this a little as well. Finally, you can also start increasing your binding angles up to like 36/33. With the riser plate and smaller profile boots you probably could get away with it if the snow isn't super soft where you ride, but I won't guarantee it will work. Good luck |
#9
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Lonerider,
Cool, I'm really interested in the F22... the only thing is, I keep seeing the keyword "flex" in the product description. Is this the kind of "flex" I want to avoid as a big Freerider? And how will these boots work in Flow bindings. BTW, I think I've narrowed down my pick of a flow binding: the Pro 11. I was told that flow will go with any boot, and that in fact the Flow boots are not entirely too good. So, how would the Salomon F22's pair up with the Flow Pro 11's. Thanks Again for Your Help, Mike |
#10
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Mike wrote: Lonerider, Cool, I'm really interested in the F22... the only thing is, I keep seeing the keyword "flex" in the product description. Is this the kind of "flex" I want to avoid as a big Freerider? And how will these boots work in Flow bindings. BTW, I think I've narrowed down my pick of a flow binding: the Pro 11. I was told that flow will go with any boot, and that in fact the Flow boots are not entirely too good. So, how would the Salomon F22's pair up with the Flow Pro 11's. You are correct that you want to avoid too much flex as a big freerider. I've tried on the F22 and it is decently stiff the one caveat being I weigh 60 lbs less and so it may not be stiff enough for you. The F24 is stiffer... I have no idea how these boots work in Flows. Maybe someone else can comment. On a separate note, the Pro 11 looks like a good choice. P.S. Seeing as these boots are constructed such that they are "barely larger than street shoes", how will they work in keeping my toes warm?! I've got terrible circulation... have had some nasty frost-bites on my toes before, and would like to avoid any more (Again, this is one of the reason that the Flow have caught my attention: distributing the pressure on the foot). I think you need to work on getting better fitting boots and bindings so you don't have to overtighten them to make them work. In general, you shouldn't need to tighten any of the forefoot laces, just the ones above your ankle. I find that greatly reduces footpain and increases circulation. Similarly with the straps on a binding, don't crank them down... if you have to do this to secure your boot down, then you bindings don't fit your boots well. This goes back to the important point that no matter how good a boot/binding is with all the features and stuff... they are pretty worthless if it doesn't fit. Make sure the boot fits you extremely well, it should feet *very* snug to the point of a little squeezed, but with no pressure points or having your toes curled. If you toes do have warmth issues, I suggest going with a more active approach to getting them warm - heat packs. Aside from that I don't really know if the boots will be warm enough for you. |
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