New to X-carving. Need some help and advice

[yogaflame]

Ive been snowboarding for a while in california and I dont like hitting parks. I like tree runs, and going steep and fast. I really want to get into carving but i dont really know much when it comes to alpine carving boards, boots and bindings. I would really appreciate any advice.

I just bought a alpine board off of ebay. tell me what you think? its a Rossignol Throttle Dualtec 166

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0357690875

i am looking into some bindings and i found a pair of F2 race titanium for just over $200.00 but im still wondering if it would be worth it for me. i found another pair of hardboot bindings on ebay that are inexpensive. they the call Proflex freecarve for hardboots. they are made in germany. they are very inexpensive, so im wondering if its just a waste of my money.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

The hardboots are really hard to find. everything is expensive. This might sound stupid, but what is the difference between ski boots and hardboots for snowboards? the only difference that i can notice is that the heels are a little bit higher on the snowboard boots. This leads me to another question, could i use ski boots to save money? Also does alpine gear go on sale after the season, im thinking of just waiting so i could save money.
Im also wondering if its possible to ride alpine boards in the back country or are they too thin and will sink? Are alpine/carving boards only for groomed trails which would limit me to resort riding only?
thank you Patrice, i appreciate the help that u have given me.
Mike

[nils]

Hello Mike,
Welcome here,
I suggest you pop by www.bomberonline.com forum, and also there is a tahoe carver website ( forgot the url). You will find also lots of info on those sites as well as on www.alpinecarving.com ( the alpine almanach).

Board: good introduction to carving with it
Bindings: good choice ( we use them too)
Boots: a bit outdated, but if they are really cheap its ok

Nils

[yomama]

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the dark side.

Here is the link to the Tahoecarvers (TC).
http://www.tahoecarvers.com/
TC riders on the forum are mostly from the Northern California.

Cheers.

Peter[/url]

[harald]

Hi,
Regarding bindings: Choose the F2 Race titaniums. The Proflex bindings may be a little bit too soft. (Proflex and F2 are the same, but changed name). However, since the Proflex are cheap you may buy a pair for spare parts like bails.
Boots: Skiboots do not work. They are far too stiff both forward and sideways and the soles too long. You will have boot overhang. Go for snowboard hardboots. The Raichle/DeeLux boots are OK.

[Transistor Rhythm]

I believe Proflex was the previous brand name of F2 bindings, I think they are now called F2 Carve RS. You can compare pictures if you want to be sure. F2 Carve RS is still a decent binding, but the Race Titaniums are a class better ofcourse.

Lots of cheap hardboots can be found on eBay.de but the exchange and shipping rate are pretty steep these days. On the other hand I think second hand gear on BOL for example is more expensive than in Europe. You might try to bid low on less wanted items, you can sometimes win NOS boots for as low as €25, for example lower end Head or Blax boots.

[Hans]

those Proflex bindings are very good for the light weight persons, say till 65-70 kgs. They are forgiving and have a lot of lateral movement.