Options for the JJA C4 166

Posted by: @7b808

↑

should I move the front binding back/down one notch (green marks up top) or bring the back binding up one notch (white marks).

Neither. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW FOR C4 RIDERS:

Jasey added an extra set of inserts to the C4 toward the tail end.  So the recommended center of the stance is not the center of the insert pack.  That's why he put that center mark on the third insert from the front.  This mark is the recommended center!

So...  To get a 51cm (20 inch) stance you would center your bindings on the blue marks I added to your photo.  Narrower than that is getting a bit extreme for such a big board (even at your height @7b808), I suggest you ride it at 20" and see how it feels after a day.  (If it's still uncomfortably wide then try some heel and toe lift for better positioning, or try a better binding disk that you can slide and drop just 1/4" from each side, or use the Flow disks because the holes are offset so you can adjust in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, you don't have to choose just one.  A surprising number of binding center disks are compatible across brands.)

Posted by: @7b808

↑

should I move the front binding back/down one notch (green marks up top) or bring the back binding up one notch (white marks).

Neither. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW FOR C4 RIDERS:

Jasey added an extra set of inserts to the C4 toward the tail end.  So the recommended center of the stance is not the center of the insert pack.  That's why he put that center mark on the third insert from the front.  This mark is the recommended center!

So...  To get a 51cm (20 inch) stance you would center your bindings on the blue marks I added to your photo below.  Narrower than that is getting a bit extreme for such a big board (even at your height @7b808), I suggest you ride it at 20" and see how it feels after a day. 

(If it's still uncomfortably wide then try some heel and toe lift for better positioning at the wider stance, or try a better binding disk that you can slide and drop just 1/4" from each side, or use the Flow disks because the holes are offset so you can adjust in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, you don't have to choose just one anymore.  A surprising number of binding center disks are compatible across different brands so check that old parts box or your local thrift store.)

But you're right @7b808 to move your bindings the same distance each from the center mark for best results.  Not everybody knows how to do this properly, I think it's important and I also find it frustrating sometimes when the insert spacing won't allow for my favorite stance width while staying centered as recommended by the builder.  (Had this problem only with my TD3s that could only move in 1cm increments, F2 bindings I could slide, and I swap my center disks on soft boot bindings as needed when I want to fine tune my stance.)

So, for the uninitiated: 

1. Find and measure the center of the insert packs (or for a C4, use the C marks - it's 55cm).

2. Calculate the difference between the measurement from step 1 and your preferred stance width.

3. Move each binding half the difference you calculated in step 2, this is the recommended stance center for you on the subject board.  Start there.  This method yields a balanced stance in harmony with the board's design. 

4. Move both bindings together forward or back the same distance from the recommended stance center position you determined in step 3 if you like to ride your carving boards forward or rearward of center.  This maintains that balanced stance in harmony with the board's design. 

Step 4 is optional, moving them forward or back is a personal preference.   I ride the C4 at 55cm at the recommended center; I'm 5'10", with slightly longer than average legs for my height.  (In truth I ride all of my other carving boards one notch (2cm) forward of the recommended center but with all the testing last season and only one set of Flow bindings, I never had the time to test out the forward position properly.)

Posted by: @wild-cherry

↑

for a C4, use the C marks - it's 55cm

Splitting hairs here, but I think ref is an even 22" (actually 55.88cm, which is closer to 56cm).

I am happy to see the additional setback inserts.  Sometimes I like to have my rear at reference (as designed) and not necessarily centered on sidecut (as designed, but with a narrower stance).  For me it's easier to shift my weight forward to initiate a turn, rather than get it back when completing a turn.

Glad to say that the C4 #20 has arrived here in Norway! It looks and feels awsome. If the riding is as good, I'll be a very happy guy 😊

@wild-cherry I appreciate the information! Glad I asked 🙂 Understood, I'll take your instructions and slide out to a 20" width and see how it treats me. I had no idea those marks were the centers. Good to know!

I took your recommendation on boots and found some Ride Insanos. Love them. I got a new set of Ride A-10 aluminum bindings. I personally love them on any board. Very responsive and comfy.

Thanks again.