for my senior project i was going to design a boot with the boa system... the even sent me their parts...
i ended up going with another project because it was a group effort...
but the boa is a work in progress.
the system is designed well... it's just missing the right assembly.

Ride two boards. Palmer Honeycomb with Burton C60 bindings and a Burton Custom with Flows. Both are freeride outfits.

The Palmer rides too fast and it's too easy to catch the edge. The Burton Custom is great. I think it's one of the most versatile boards out there is excellent for intermediate level boarders, as well as newbies. I've heard the Custom X is even better.

The C60 bindings are awesome The new Flow bindings are a lot lighter, but they still have a ways to go. They are, however, very convenient if you board with skiers.

As for clothing, Burton makes some of the best stuff in its AK line. Burton R.E.D. helmets rock, Burton AK Oven mitts rock and so do their gloves. I use a Foursquare jacket, which is nice and the much cheaper Dub.

For boots, I've never found one that really fits. My feet are too narrow. I like the BOA system but no one has designed it well - you should have two BOAs, one for the ankle and one for the top. I have the Vans Contra BOA (they suck) and the DC Rogue, which is full of gimmicks like an inflatable pump (anyone want to explain air pressure to the "engineers" at DC?).

Equipment matters.

Anyone going to the Alps this year? I did Val Thorens and am trying to do another trip in a few weeks.

Depends on what you do on a board... I am partial to step-ins b/c they're convenient for me. I don't like the hassle of strap-ons... then again, I'm not out in the half-pipe catching mad air and doing tricks either... I'd go with strap-ons if I was that into freestyling. There's nothing wrong w/ step-ins or clickers for freeriders. And if u think otherwise, then u suck :P

And Northwave does make nice boots...

And the board DOES matter... makes no difference if your "decent" - it matters in reference to the quality of your ride.

Step-ins and clickers suck. If you want to get good use traditional strap-in bindings - preferably aluminum bindings like Drake or Ride bindings. They're the most responsive. Alot of my friends swear by Burton Customs, but I think they're too soft.

I'm sure if you've snowboarded enough, you know that the most important piece of equipment is the boot. Northwave, 32boots are all good. I would get the thermal form ones that they heat up at the shop and mold to your foot. I love them.

The board doesn't matter too much. If you're decent, you can put bindings on a piece of plywood and be alright.

I've never tried clickers.... do you have high-backs w/ yours?

Palmer is a TERRIFIC board

that's what I rode before Never Summer --- but I'm a bigger Never Summer fan now

Ya know - I tried Flow bindings a few years ago, and I thought that they were way too heavy

what is your opinion on clickers?

the nicest board i ever used was when my buddy let me borrow his Palmer. It has a honeycomb wood core... meanings it's very light, strong, and flexible... it's amazing how much better your ride is when you have better equipment.

the first board i had was a Lamar, but I didn't know what i was buying... though it wasn't bad, just a bit too long for my height. Now I have a Palmer w/ my switch bindings.

I might try Flow bindings again... hmmm... when i can afford them lol.

my setup is a pair of clickers with a Never Summer Titan

Never Summer makes the most AWESOME boards in the world!

Extremely flexible, very strong, and very light -- they are hand made in Denver, Colorado, with no wood, only Poly-Carbon -- and man, they are a SWEEEET ride!

try and demo one if you ever get a chance

outerwear wise ---- I just grabbed a Burton Audex, with an iPod connector ---- life is good, folks!

as far as bindings go --- gotta admit --- I love my clickers -- its just a much lighter ride with them and easier setup

I'm a freerider --- no tricks for me --- the clickers make for good carved turns and a swifter ride

wish i was too.... :(

oh i get it.... everyone's out on the slopes... ;)

ok.... so .... like .... am i having a monologue here?

Personally, I like the old school switch n-type bindings. I've used the strap ons and the high backs, even tried flows, but I really like the convenience of clicking in and just taking off.

Haven't tried clickers, but I heard they're a pain when ice freezes in the grooves.

And if you're in the market for gear, I saw this pretty informative article on purchasing equipment... Check it out: www.ifyouski.com