Yonex/Shimano Accublade

Hi All,

I saw an article here about Accublades when doing a Google search. http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29645&OB=DESC

I am just winding up the end of the season here in Turoa NZ. It closes on 8 Nove 2009 and I believe is the last resort open in the Southern Hemisphere. See http://www.mtruapehu.com . Its the end of my fourth season on Shimano Accublades which I bought after I wrecked my K2 transformers. In the intervening year I had Burton Mission bindings which I hated.

My opinion? They are GREAT. They click far easier than the old k2 bindings with a 2 stage system. The control and precision is outstanding. Because I had to order them from Australia I chose the most expensive Pittard leather boots. It was a wise choice. 4 years later and there is a bit of tearing if the sole due to hiking on volcanic rock (Ruapehu is a very active volcano. After 4 years the right one is perhaps getting a tad harder to engage - but I am sure I can remedy that.

The only downside of the system for me? The boots (US11.5) have a VERY rounded clearance toe which can make hikes on variable pack a bit precarious. Its quite hard to get a good toe hold. Most other boots and of course ski boots are squarer and therefore more secure. Of course I know I should be using crampons and that indeed was what my Google search was for.

Importers please import Yonex Accublades. Your customers - at least the Masters ones will love you for it. Soft boots and straps are for terrain park kiddies. Dont let them spoil the whole thing for us that want a decent system which means you dont have to sit all the time!!

During the Turoa Masters BoarderX I had the old fogies like me lined up asking about them and in the Peak to Powderkeg race, which has a running start, I was the first boarder off - as usual. Didn't mean I was down first though!!

Julian