Any recomendations on Snowkiting gear

[Jon Manwaring]

Hey Todd,
I've got a clean one owner 07 12M Frenzy. Give me a call if interested
Jon Mzee
435 901 1420

[KyrkWright]

I have never used a snow board and appreciate all of the advice given in this forum on what works for kiting. I have a question about the clicker bindings. One comment made is that taking the backs off of regular bindings is not a good idea as it provides necessary support. So the clicker bindings don't have backs on them all (they are the "clipless" bindings right? -cycling term is natural for me), so how is it that clicker bindings are still great with no backs on them? And I only ask in relation to the rear support. I understand the stiffness of the clickers and stiff snowboard boots allows you to not have the "toe lifting" problem as mentioned above.

Thanks!

[natehastings]

The boots that go with the clicker bindings have the rear support build into them, in other words, the boots are a lot stiffer than regular snowboard boots. The k2 clicker is not made anymore so online is the only place to find them.... they are faster to get in and out of rather than a regular binding, but most people I've talked to say they don't offer the support a regular binding provides.
But what do I know? I'm a skier that works in a ski/snowboard shop.

[Kenny]

I have used the Clicker setup ever since I started snowkiting. I like them for quick in/out of the board. I find that they offer good support with one caveat - I don't use a snowboard on ice or hardpack. I switch to skis when the surface is very hard, so if your plans are to ride your snowboard on hardpack, the clickers may not be for you.

[JimSouthwick]

There are at least two generations of Clickers. The Gen 1 version quickly earned the nickname "Cloggers" because of their infuriating habit of packing with snow, which had to be dug out before they would lock on. Hopefully, they're all in landfills by now. The Gen 2 version also clogs, but much less often.

[jason morton]

jake you're full of shit. go big with boards or skiis. we're riding on flat terrain for the most part in light wind and every bit of float helps. Todd you need a 15m for snow. If the snow is hard you can ride whatever you want but it's tough on the legs regardless and not that much fun, unless it's groomed?????? That's what we need a friggin snowcat for when the snow gets crappy. Maybe brian will get one and we can groom the flats and bosco hill when the snow gets bad. less resistance for light wind. Deer valley snowkiting manwaring style. After all it's not north facing and 40 degrees.

[tjacques]

jason/ carl
been waiting for you to chime in. too bad already got a 13m frenzy, oh well bring it on. lets go to mojave for tbird-day and rum, get another water days in? or wyo? tommorow willard?
todd

[bordy]

Just a little off topic.

I'd really like to get Billy's thoughts on boards.

Chime in, with your board background, I'd like to hear your thoughts.


-Marty

Just saw the post, Heres my 2cents.

The best board is currently the best snowkiteboard I have ridden, for only one reason the sidecut is 20m This means a your board is not trying to hook up wind forcing you to counter foot stear and create, strange twisting of your lower body that leads to fatigue. Almost all Snowboards have around a 7-10 meter radius just way to tight to offer a kite spacific line. Sure you can make any twin or even dirrectional work, but I think the sidecut radius is just to tight to go straight on efficatlly.

Jake and I currently have about 4 new flexes of the best board to test this season so my thoughts on flex are still based on only a season of snowkiting and i am hoping to learn more as we get snow and a chance to ride the other boards. I think there is a huge need for improvement in snowkite boards and as a board builder plan on making some changes myself.

If I had the money I would buy a Lib Tech banana Hammock. It is what I think the future kite boards will be like once the radius is adjusted to kiting.

As Bindings go I profer burtons. Putting bindings on is like tiying shoes to me so I am not as concerned about in and out convenance as much as support and power. I like riding high backs and am glad they are there for bigger landings. Plus as a SLE rider I can strap in and then launch, and land and then unstrap it has not been a issue getting in and out with this method. Athough it is fun to watch riders get in and outr with the kite in the air.

I also went to the softest boots and bindings I have, getting the softest boot made to ride with this year. We ride water boards with just straps I think too much binding and boot are over kill and limit the freedom we get while kiting. I also have just a bit of practice snowboarding so with all the soft snow we ride I want a soft system.

Sorry Kenny but here goes.

I rode for K2 when clickers where R&D I had a lot of input, on ride charicteristcs, Not mechnical workings but ride feel. We made the system to help bridge the gap from soft boots to stiffer hard boots, while still providing the convenance of a "step in style" binding like skiis. I think everything about the clikers system has severe flaws for kiting. The number one being flex, number 2 being the fatigue introduced to some of the metal "pins" while riding mostly heel side. On groomed Ski runs i also make enough power to rip right out of clickers so I am a bit scared or them...

where is the snow I am going crazy....

[Marty Lowe]

best snowkiteboard I have ridden, for only one reason the sidecut is 20m This means a your board is not trying to hook up wind forcing you to counter foot stear and create, strange twisting of your lower body that leads to fatigue. Almost all Snowboards have around a 7-10 meter radius just way to tight to offer a kite spacific line.

I rode the Nobile snowkiteboard last year and did not like the lack of sidecut.
Is the Best sidecut like the Nobile, or in between.
Less side cut makes sense, but I hated the lack of carve.
Not putting any boards down, just discussing.
Of course this is my personal opinion, boards are always personal preference.

What is it about the Lib Tech banana Hammock that interests you?

-Marty

"How many boards do you need? As many as you can afford"

[bordy]

I am not sure what the radius is on the nobile? I flexed one last year I thought it was to stiff, again I haven't ridden it so I have no opinion,

the Banana hammock has revearse camber and revearse side cut. Its the first ever twin tip powder board.

When it comes to pow side cut means less then flex and shape.
On a packed snow things are different.

I think you almost need a packed snow stick and a freash snow stick.

Finding a blend that does both well is possible but diffacult.

Again all this from a guy with only a year of snowkiting under his belt.

[Mark Johnson]

Well I decided to go withthe K2 Raider Boa boots and the Cinch CTS bindings. Tried on about 6 or 7 different boots and these were the most comfy for me, also less expensive than many others. I tried on one of the highest price boots that was very comfortable. It had the boa system on the liner instead of the shell, but it had laces on the shell and I did not like this. Maybe if i learned to tie my shoes this would be the boot. I can't remember the name of them. I liked the larger ratchets on the cinches rather than those on th flows. They seem like they will be easyer to work with gloves.
The guy over at the Sports Chalet someone named "Jdog "
said to say hi to all those poleboarders.
Thanks for all the input! Glad to hear the discusion on the boards also, this could be next.
SSB on Sunday?

[bordy]

Mark,
Wait intill there is snow And I am sure my self and other whould let you demo boards.

[lesvierra]

Well, I want to share my excitement. My choice finally arrived after skiing on skis minus an edge for half a season.

Volkl Katanas 140-111-130



+

Marker Duke Randonee Bindings



I'm hoping =

[tjacques]

les that a boy. i got the same ski brand new , i won in a raffle with hard corp volle tele bindings and my T-1's.
that ski is going to cut it up!!!!
todd

[JimSouthwick]

What does Chasta ride?