Ski/Board Set-Ups!

[cam_wmh]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

they also kept those brands alive for 8 years longer than the industry initially allowed

Mike how do you know that? Were there competing bids?

The Program brands werent producing, plain and simple. If the snowboard community wants to see these brands survive, then they should step up and start buying the product.

Now all we can do it hope that someone out there steps up and buys out what is left, to keep them alive. wouldnt get your hopes up, though.

The image value takes a massive hit, when you're reduced to the Sport Marts, and Sport Cheks. So of course they aren't producing, when the Forzani Firefly brand has similar quality, for %33 less, on the rack right beside it. The snowboard community didn't have the opportunity to give them the chance, when they were reduced from the core shops.

Now all we can do it hope that someone out there steps up and buys out what is left, to keep them alive. wouldnt get your hopes up, though.

From the most popular team to now. Nice of Burton to be keep them "snowboarder" owned, but to hear that it was these philanthropic or charitable angles, is laughable.

It's too bad. The damage has already been done. They'll never be what they were again.

[miketweedie]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

Cam,

You know I worked in the industry when the takeover happened. We had been told that Forum (et all) were shutting the doors, as they were no longer profitable. Some of the usual suspects stepped in (Quiksilver, Vanity Fair, Rossigol), but details of actual offers were never disclosed. Could all be speculation.

As for the image taking a hit, I agree entirely. Core brands do not belong in big box stores. Mission, the source, and Skaters all sold Forum for years after the takeover. Furthermore, Burton is available at Sport Check, so logically they would distribute all their brands.

Lastly, as far as charity, Burton built forum an entire new boot factory, they took over 100% of the warranty and distribution, and they bought out all their facilites so they wouldnt have to displace the employees. Obviously, this was done with profit in mind, but every effort was made to keep Forum true to its roots (Ask Mike Wilson, they offered to let him keep his job as the rep).

The one thing i really agree with, though, is that this sucks. Forum played a huge role in shaping the sport for the last 16 years. Oh, and the new video is sick.

[cam_wmh]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

Cam,

You know I worked in the industry when the takeover happened. We had been told that Forum (et all) were shutting the doors, as they were no longer profitable. Some of the usual suspects stepped in (Quiksilver, Vanity Fair, Rossigol), but details of actual offers were never disclosed. Could all be speculation.

As for the image taking a hit, I agree entirely. Core brands do not belong in big box stores. Mission, the source, and Skaters all sold Forum for years after the takeover. Furthermore, Burton is available at Sport Check, so logically they would distribute all their brands.

Lastly, as far as charity, Burton built forum an entire new boot factory, they took over 100% of the warranty and distribution, and they bought out all their facilites so they wouldnt have to displace the employees. Obviously, this was done with profit in mind, but every effort was made to keep Forum true to its roots (Ask Mike Wilson, they offered to let him keep his job as the rep).

The one thing i really agree with, though, is that this sucks. Forum played a huge role in shaping the sport for the last 16 years. Oh, and the new video is sick.

Word. I only heard rumours that Burton was the only real bidder.

We (WMH) wanted $/product support from 4*, but that 2005 turbulence affected that from happening. Burton were awesome and helped though.

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

the closing of Skaters Sportshop was the saddest day for me. i hate mall stores and those who purchase from them.

i have a snowboard and skis. started skiing in '80 and boarding in '88. i barely ride either of them anymore. i've maybe gone snowboarding 5 times in as many years have past. it's a rich mans sport, as far as i'm concerned. i might get a day in this year but realistically, i would rather go skateboarding, so that makes my current ride, and preferred location, this:



SKATE OR DIE!!!

[P Arkus]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

Thats a sick pic Dan. Is that in your garage or your basement?

[Danaldson]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

good point in that skiing/boarding is a rich man's sport. its a really expensive day including the food and stuff you buy, hell even if you have to rent equipment. and i would love to be able to skate but i dont think its possible due to the fact that im so tall and the board isnt very long... :/

[Tuna]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

I have some of these.....



And something similar to these....(mine were all metal but I can't find them on google and too lazy to take an actual picture. Probably can't find because they are before the internetz). The power ramp was so innovative!!



My Board is "new" though (it's only 6 or 7 years old haha) A Burton 167 (I actually never got around to using this board or my "new" bindings they just sit in my closet).

Does that make me old?

[Danaldson]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

no way! makes you a complete Og baller. Must be a pretty heavy set up though haha.

[asp gti]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

awesome to see so many skiers/boarders on here!
both are rich mans sports but if you get a seasons pass somewhere you can make it alot more affordable

[danno]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

Just a quick but rather in depths question. What are the best gloves heated, mitts, leather or just regular gloves. Does MEC make good stuff? My requirements are that they must be long. My price range is $100 or so.

[Geobmx4life]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

I'm no rich man...yet...I just happen to live out here...haven't payed for skiing in 6yrs...too lazy to put pics up...I have a few sets for different conditions...and an older Sims snowboard...Volkl Explosives are my fav skiis I own...

[flipstah]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

General question: I loathe winter sports but snowboarding looks fun to do recreational.

What are the essentials to get? How can I start? Budget?

Will the Golf be able to fit a board through the center pass-through or are those ski's? I don't want to get a roof rack =(

[CGY_GTI]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

I'm 95% sure a snowboard would fit through the pass-through in a MK6. You'd have to put it on its side, so you'd probably want to use a towel or something to pad the bottom edge off the pass-through, but other that I think you'd be set!

Back on topic... I don't own any equipment and I rarely go skiing... once a year at most, although I do enjoy it!

[asp gti]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

General question: I loathe winter sports but snowboarding looks fun to do recreational.

What are the essentials to get? How can I start? Budget?

Will the Golf be able to fit a board through the center pass-through or are those ski's? I don't want to get a roof rack =(

get ready to change from a loather to a lover of winter!

[BolideVW]

Re: Ski/Board Set-Ups!

I have Line Invaders as my current set up, but they are a little on the small side. And some rossi scratch's for rock skis that are tiny that I got for like 35$ when I was younger. I also have a set of snowblades...somewhere. Used them once when I was about 10. I miss the times when I was younger and we would get out 35 times a year, now I'm lucky to get out 10.



^to the guy asking about gloves; as you can see in the one pic, I have a set of level gloves. They look awesome, feel great, expensive but really aren't that great at keeping you warm. When I gets cold I wear a pair of leather mitts my grandpa used to wear...best thing ever.

Edit: If there is someone looking for some 140 rock skis for their kid or if you are rather short let me know and you can probs have my old rock skis for next to nothing.