Zman

@T8skier We are similar. I am 4 weeks and 5 days post-op (July 19th). A week ago I started approx. 50% weight bearing walking with the boot and crutches. My PT has been mostly focused on ROM and massaging my ankle area. They have me do a number of easy movements to keep increasing the range of motion. As of today's PT visit I am pretty much back to normal on side to side range and also on pointing my toes down (plantarflexion). I have also progressed from almost no ability to raise my toes to where I can now move my foor up about 6 degrees (versus 10-12 normal). Whiel walking with the boot and crutches, they emphasize a good, normal stride and keeping my foot pointed forward. Are you getting in some sessions with a PT? Some of the movements they have me doing are: simple side to side movements bending at the ankle - first doing this with the foot pointing down some, then a few days later with the foot at neutral; point foot down, and then back up (but not to the point of any sharp pain); circular motions with the foot; "writing" the alphabit with the big toe without moving the leg, just foot movements; and "towel crunches" - sitting in a chair, foot on a towel on the floor and curl toes like trying to scrunch the towel towards the heal. Many of these seem silly on hand, but I see improved movements and ROM each day. I hope to be in a shoe next week with a heal lift and still only partial weight bearing for another week or so. Best wishes to you and Mike and Garn.

You absolutely can't go wrong with a visit to Seth Stisher's in South Carolina, near Charleston. Seth knows how to coach and really takes personal interest in helping you improve AND have fun. http://www.sethstisher.com/

@teammalibu - Hey Mike, please keep me posted on how your like the R Style set up. I have always used a double boot to keep my rear heal from angling off the side of the ski. Wondering if the R Style will hold my rear foot straight. Have you ever used the Radar Strada or RS-1 boots?

@DW I believe the Animal front boot I was using that hugged my heal very tight is a 2010 model. Before that I was using the old red, white and black Animal boot, a 2005 model. The older boot would always give some. In an OTF I almost always came right out. In the very few times I did not, my foot at least came part way out.

@Horton @Alberto Thanks for the info guys. I even think my old Animals would have given me better odds of not having the ATR. But, the new one I was using when it happened just seemed to really lock on my front heal, which seemed sort of odd for a rubber boot. So, I have not ruled them out altogether. I skied safe in Animals for about 10 years, including earlier years where OTF's and stuffing the tip was a little more common occurence.

Under the lights is awesome!

This was the first webcast I've watched where I could view in full screen mode with a good size monitor and everything still looked good! Of course there was some challenge due to the night time lighting - but overall the video was excellent! Thanks to everyone involved!

@bhs Thanks. I will be focusing on the Radar Strada boots and the Reflex options as next season approaches. Would love to also hear from @Horton regarding his thoughts comparing the two, performanca and particularly the safety.

@MattP Thanks for the info. Maybe this spring I run over to Seth's place and try the Reflex double boot set up and the single boot with R Style rear and see what I like best. Still would be curious if John thought the boot was a factor - or just one of those situations that happen. I really like the idea of my front foot being able to release if it needs to.

All these guys are in another galaxy with how good and consistent they ski! Congrats to all the Big Dawgs and thanks for an AMAZING SHOW!

Wow! Smokin stuff Todd!

Going with Team Goode. Let's recount what's left after round 1

@Horton John, do you have any info from your experience with Reflex? If so, would that be even fair comparison to what the current Reflex designs are? I'm looking for protection from stuffing the tip on my off-side (to go along with me correcting that stupid tendency).

@bhs You read my mind! I skied a couple days with Seth this spring and had also thought he would be great to consult with about the Reflex. And, purchase from him if that is the way I go. Maybe even go try a few set ups with him next spring after I get my ski legs under me again.

One thing I have found helpful with the Sporttube is also using a thin light weight soft case inside the tube. I do this because airport security folks really struggle putting it all back together when they open the tube. With the thin soft cast they don't have vests, handles, tools, etc. falling all over the place when trying to stuff it back together. Just my 2 cents. Got my soft case from perfski

@Brian M. - thanks! Looks like I have a lot of options with Reflex! Do you use Reflex? If so, what was your experience going from rubber to shells?

Oops, "Also", not "Laos" in my last post. Hmmm, any ski sites in Laos?

@Than - thanks - and yes, I am using my "downtime" to consider options for boots/bindings. Like Mike I like the thought of a front release. @Mr.Jones mentioned a "stuffing the tip" scenerio in the "Reflex R" thread that is exactly what I did when my AT popped. I 'think' a front release would have saved me. But, I am not sure the R-Type rear boot is still be supplied by Reflex. If not, might have to consider the new (2012) double boots/double releases - the ones with the white collar. Maybe Mike and I should get each other's email and touch base on what we are considering for next season. Laos - thanks for your updates on the N1 - maybe I'll blow the bank next spring! First priority is getting the safest boot system for what is my most common "injury prone screw up", stuffing the tip. And, of course, working on "not doing that"!

Now I see the Reflex R rear boot on Seth's web site. But, are they still being made? I did not see them on the Reflex web site. If you were buying new, would you consider the 2012 system, 2 boots with the white cuff?

@MAD11 Marc - is Bailey using Reflex boot/binding? What about you? Are you happy with this set up? I am considering something with a front foot release for next season.

@Mr.Jones - Is the new Reflex system what you are referring when talking about the Reflex R Type rear boot? I am also interested in a system I feel will release the front foot in exactly the situation your described where you broke your ankle. I did the same thing and ended up with ATR. http://reflexworld.com/hardshell-bindings.shtml

One more comment - although moving north has cut back on my ski time - I could not have been luckier to have landed on a lake that has some great fellow skiers who have also become great friends and neighbors! Sunset Lakes rocks!

This is John Zimmerman. Part of the older crowd in Men's 5. Currently residing in Illinois about 45 miles SW of Chicago. Moved up here from Alabama 2 years ago -yes, what the heck was I thinking? I gave up about 5 months of fine weather ski season - but I did build a house right on a very nice ski lake. Short season - but convenient. Have skied some in the course off and on since 1991 when I moved to Louisiana and got hooked up skiing with Joe Shea and Chad Scott. Finally did my first tourny about 6 years ago. This would not have happened - but I got a call from Chad to come over from Bama to ski in a touny at the Ski Ranch. I said I was still not interested in tournaments - then there was a pause on the phone - then Chad came back with two words, "You Pussy"! So, I signed up, came over the night before, drank lots of beer, then wrapped up the weekend with several good crashes, but one pass good for 1@35. Now I seem to ski a lil more consistent, maybe a lil smoother - but my best is still only 2@35. Well, that was until I moved north. I now have a sincer respect for northern skiers who ski so well with such a short season. I'm not sure I am cut out for skiing when my nads look like two-thirds of the Blue Man Group! Still have property on a fine ski lake north of Mobile, AL - one day we'll be back there skiing 10+ months a year again! Have my wife to thank for always being very supportive of my skiing, skiing some herself, and being a patient and very good boat driver! Hugs! Currently, on the mend - looking forward to next season! Cheers!

new record?

Wow - Badal, 4.5@41! A3?