On Fri, 5 Feb 2021 Gary wrote:
>Dave Smith wrote:
>> Gary wrote:
>>> I did, this past week, offer to give my snowboard to my grandsons next
>>> time they come. Never snows here and no good hills if it did.
>>> They'll get more use out of it if they're interested.
>>
>> Has snowboard technology and equipment changed much? I took up skiing in
>> my mid 40s and was surprised to see how much different skis, boots and
>> bindings were than they had been when I was a kid. My old skis would be
>> antiques on the slopes these days. Boots, bindings and skis have all
>> changed again.
>
>It changes all the time. Mostly boards getting shorter (just like skis
>have over the years). Mine is only about 10 years old so not much
>change since then.
>
>It *IS* maybe a bit long for my young grandkids right now until they
>grow taller. I don't expect a visit in the next month or two so this
>will be for them next winter.
>
>Just something extra for them to play with next winter to see if they
>even like the sport. If they do, then they can ask mom&dad for more
>customized ones.

There's been a lot of change in the past ten years, skis, boots,
bindings... they wouldn't permit you on the slopes with your ancient
equipment. My wife skis and is constantly buying new in order to
comply, a new helmet almost every year. This year she even bought new
heated socks and mittens, powered from a rechargeable battery pack
worn on the waist. Years ago people would carry skis on a roof rack,
now they are short enough to fit inside the cars, even the new mini
vehicles. They won't allow people on the slopes with the old long
skis anymore, or the old style boots/bindings.
The older heated socks and gloves were powered with D cells strapped
to wrists and ankles, too many accidents with D cells flying off. The
long skis caused too many serious accidents getting on and off the
lifts. The new helmets are stronger, more comfortable, and permit
much better visibility. The newer tags are GPS enabled so they can
find you if you fall off the mountain or are covered in an avalanche.
I don't ski because I can't tolerate heights... a 6 foot ladder is
about my limit. My wife is an excellent skier, she skis the Blacks
but doesn't take risks, she's careful, as she puts it she skis to ski
another day.