Raichle SB 323

[Alexey]

Anyone tried Raichle SB 323 for EC ?

[vkrouverk]

IIRC, it's 5-position forward-flex model with walking mode?
I have Raichle 423, which is similar and I had problems with it while riding (not EC yet, but freecarving): in locked mode it was too stiff for me to bend boots for push-pull technique, for cross-over turns (where you stand up between turns and go down in the beginning of turn) it worked better.
In walk mode it worked quite OK for push-pull on easier slopes, but on steeper slopes walk mode does not provide enough support and it's quite hard to carve.
So I guess that's if you are looking EC-specific boot, then something with progressive flex (i.e. boot with springs) will probably work better.

[Alexey]

Nope. Only 2 position. Lock and walk mode. Very soft Raichle model. They already throw out it from them line models.

[vkrouverk]

Oh, then my IIRC was incorrect
But I think that they are still not suitable for EC. If they are available really cheaply, then perhaps I'd consider them, otherwise I'd look something more rigid. Soft boots don't support legs enough for forces, experienced during EC: I damaged my legs with my 423 (not stiff enough sideways and their canting is totally useless, during riding it shifted into opposite position in steep slopes/higher speeds and created pressure points in outside part of shin) to such extent, that I wasn't able to sleep at night, my legs hurt so much.

[Hans]

I agree with Vahur. I find them a little bit too soft in walk mode. But okay that's what walking mode is about. In riding mode I find them not flexible enough in forward position, indeed they do block because of the rigid lockmode. I also weigh about 85 kgs, I like the boots with a little bit of support. So I think for a lighter person and modified with a RAB, like Deeluxe Indy, I think you have a very comfortable boot for EC for cheap money now. And what about the shinbang what Vahur was telling about, well you can solve this problem with this great article http://www.skimetrix.com. I use them myself and never have to buckle my boots tight.

Greets, Hans.

[pokkis]

I had those earlier and if i remember they have 5 locked positions plus walk mode.
I, as lazy guy, was riding them on walk mode and they functioned very nicely, even better than my current 700s. If i was on race track or on icey surface i might lock back boot.
So i think these are quite good boots for EC.

[harald]

Well, there seems to be different opinions on the Raichle 323. I have one pair, the golden ones, that I do not use any more. My pair has only two positions, locked and unlocked (walk mode). In the beginning I found them very good for a beginner. They fit my feet very snuggly and are very comfortable without any pressure points. However, after having improved, I found the shells too soft sideways, especially in warm weather as in the spring, but at the same time a little bit too stiff forward when I buckled the boots firmly to achieve proper ankle support. Using them on racing boards, like the F2 RS 173, I found that the shells twisted when initializing the turns while the board run straight away without turning. It could be due to my bad technique? I have also tried to run in walk mode position, but in my opinion that gave too little support backwards. I then bought a pair of UPS RSV that has a spring system. I think these boots give more direct contact with the board while they at the same time give more progressive forward flex when they are buckled up to give proper sideways support. However, I am considering to buy a RAB system and modify my 323s in order to have a spare pair as hard boots are difficult to obtain. If and when I have done that, I will report my experiences.

[vkrouverk]

And what about the shinbang what Vahur was telling about, well you can solve this problem with this great article http://www.skimetrix.com. I use them myself and never have to buckle my boots tight.

Well, I probably expressed myself incorretly, it was not "standard" shin bang, where pressure point is in front against bone, but my boots pressed against outer side due to boots inability to hold cuff canting (in harder turns they went into opposite side, my normal canting would be slightly outward, but they went inward
And I do have booster straps...

[ablazespy]

I have them at the moment. After Zinal 2004, I have noticed the problems I had with the boots as mentioned above too soft in walk mode too rigid (do not read stiff) in the wrong parts, it prevented me from pulling and pushing in the right way! I am already looking for new/ other boots.

Gr D

[Hans]

Saw this one at Bomber, interesting and easy to make
http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/s ... eadid=2865

Greets, Hans

[skywalker]

...don't think, that it will work. You either have not eneugh forward-lean or the spring will fall apart when relaxed. Maybe it might work combined with a compression spring inside the one you see on the pic

[Matt]

...don't think, that it will work. You either have not eneugh forward-lean or the spring will fall apart when relaxed.

Hello Luke!

The spring might remain in the place if you put it on the relaxed position with a little traction.

May the force be with you luke!

[István]

That spring looks like if it was stolen from granny's old matress....

There must be many others in that matress that you can sell to the happy SB323 owners hehe granny will go crazy....

Cheers,

István

[tommaso2k]

Istvan,

this was the best answer so far

Greetings

Thomas