So I have been super stoked to get my new gear, and even more so to use it.  I managed to get about 1.5 hours on Christmas Eve day on the slopes, and about another 6 hours on 12/27.  Most of that was spent getting a feel for the board, but more especially spent dialing in my bindings (Catek's are friggen insane!).

I now have my stance pretty comfortable, but 3cm wider so the insides of my legs ache a bit; I may need to live with it and let my body adjust, as I like the binding positions for stability and control.  I also have both bindings forward, alpine-style, which makes things much different: I was at 27° front -5° back, now I am at 43­° front and 18° back.  The rise, cant, and tilt of the footpad has also helped, but I am still tweaking it....it certainly makes the 3cm wider stance a bit easier to sit in :)

 

So, now that I have some time in and my setup at least comfortable although nto perfect, what do I think?  Amazing.  I compare it this way: my old Yukon was like driving my 99 Camry and the Tanker is like driving my old 76 Torino Elite.  The Yukon was smoother, faster, and more stable already.....but the Tanker with Catek's just kills it.  The ride is super stable and smooth, and it carves like a knife through hot butter.  Dusty noticed that the longer nose chatters, and I did after he pointed it out, but I don't feel it in the ride.....it's like it is simply dampening all the vibration.  Carving is super nice...I fet like I was skidding out, but inspecing my lines as I rode up the chair I could not see any skidding; the board is also a bit narrower in all areas, so it transitions from edge to edge very quickly.  The softer board flex makes for easy riding despite the additioanl 32cm in length, but I still have to muscle it a bit after strapping in.  Once pointed down, the Tanker accelerates quicker than any board I have ridden....I am still gettng used to it.  I did notice some boot-out on both heel and toe carves despite the raised bindings and alpine angles, but with a narrower board and sice 11.5 boots I had to expect it a bit.  Speaking of boots, the new Contra's are friggen sweet, but certainly get overshadowed by the board and bindings.  Very comfortable, stiff, and supportive....everything I wanted :)

 

Heading out the next 2 nights after work and on 12/31 and 1/1.  Hoping to have it dialed in and ready to rock.  I will type a full review of the setup then and post it:)

 

-B