Looking for ski advice

hammer · Mar 12, 2008, 6:39 AM

I've been starting to look at end-of-season sales and there are a few good deals out there, so I think I'm going to get another pair that will help this "temporarily-terminal intermediate" in getting to the next level in my skiing.

My thinking is that I'd want to get an "advanced" all-mountain ski...something that can handle the variable conditions that we can get around here in NE but also has good enough edge hold to cruise down groomed hardpack. Some of the skis that may be contenders include Elan Magfire 10/12, Dynastar Legend 8000, Head Xenon 9.0...I'm sure that there are others.

Also, I tried out a NASTAR course this past weekend...think I have a new addiction

. Would an all-mountain ski be OK for recreational racing or should I really get a pair of cheap-a$$ race skis for that purpose?

I may have the opportunity to demo some skis but I'm not sure I'll be able to demo exactly what I'm looking for...any input would be appreciated.

Rushski · Mar 12, 2008, 6:44 AM

Deals are really starting to kick in. In my area they have one shop doing 50% storewide and another doing 2-for-1.

Seems all mountain skis are starting to be pushed in wider waist widths. The few you mentioned are good bets and also look into the Fischer line if your local shop carries them.

As for Nastar, if that is where your racing ends, you don't really need a race ski, IMO. If you plan on going further to club or corporate racing leagues you would be better served by a race ski.

Sure you'll get plenty of sound wisdom from others on the boards.

drjeff · Mar 12, 2008, 7:17 AM

For the "terminal intermediate rut" nowadays, you should be looking for something with a minimum of a 120mm tip, and a 90mm waist. Look also for a softer flexing tip as that will help the ski tip "bite" the snow and let the radius of the ski take over and help with the transition from skidded turns to carved turns.

Plus the extra width of the ski will help ALOT in the softer condtions (powder/spring snow) that tend to give the intermediate skier trouble.

wa-loaf · Mar 12, 2008, 8:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammer

Also, I tried out a NASTAR course this past weekend...think I have a new addiction

. Would an all-mountain ski be OK for recreational racing or should I really get a pair of cheap-a$$ race skis for that purpose?

Don't need a race ski, but a front side ski with a narrower waist would be good. Something in the 70mm or less range.

deadheadskier · Mar 12, 2008, 9:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drjeff

For the "terminal intermediate rut" nowadays, you should be looking for something with a minimum of a 120mm tip, and a 90mm waist.

I'm curious why you suggest this?

I ski a B2, so 116mm tip and 78mm waist. Just wondering why a beefier ski would better contribute to improved skiing for an intermediate.

**MichaelJ** · Mar 12, 2008, 9:04 AM

I also ski a B2 and find it to be an excellent all-mountain ski. They work great here in the northeast, as well as in Utah (and I saw tons of them all over Snowbird).
Much depends on the ride you prefer ... do you want something smooth and mellow but a little out of touch with the snow? Rossi Bandit B2 is like that. Want something that feels every little bump but turns on a dime? I've heard many a recommendation for the Volkl AC-30.

RISkier · Mar 12, 2008, 9:44 AM

I think you're in the ball park. I might add the Nordica Nitrous, or the 84mm waisted version. I've been on the Nitrous and really like it as an all arounder. The Nordicas with titanium tend to be pretty stiff. The Nitrous is 78mm waist and doesn't have metal, I think there's an 84mm waisted ski without metal as well. Don't know anything about the Xenon 9.0 but I was very interested in the i.m.78 -- never had a chance to test drive it, however.

SKIQUATTRO · Mar 12, 2008, 10:29 AM

for 90% of the time on the East Coast as 78 under foot is perfect, great on hardpack/ice and will provide enough float in 6" of powder (this is my everday ski)

I have the Sugar Daddy (99) for the dumps and really soft spring days....but if you are looking for 1 ski to do it all, I'd stay under 80

SUV Steve · Mar 12, 2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RISkier

I think you're in the ball park. I might add the Nordica Nitrous, or the 84mm waisted version. I've been on the Nitrous and really like it as an all arounder. The Nordicas with titanium tend to be pretty stiff. The Nitrous is 78mm waist and doesn't have metal, I think there's an 84mm waisted ski without metal as well. Don't know anything about the Xenon 9.0 but I was very interested in the i.m.78 -- never had a chance to test drive it, however.

I'd take a good look at that Nitrous... I'm skiing the '05 SUV12 (115/70/99 - no metal) and it's handled any frontside condition (and the occasional foray into easy trees/bumps) with flying colors. Super high quality. I would buy Nordica again in a heartbeat.

drjeff · Mar 12, 2008, 2:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadheadskier

I'm curious why you suggest this?

I ski a B2, so 116mm tip and 78mm waist. Just wondering why a beefier ski would better contribute to improved skiing for an intermediate.

The extra width helps quite a bit for the conditions that many intermediates find the toughest, soft and sloppy. The overall ski doesn't need to be beefier(stiffer), if anything with today's sidecuts, the trend for *most* folks would be for a bit of a softer overall flex pattern, especially in the tip which tends to lead to easier turn initiation

Mar 12, 2008, 6:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
hammer dog days of summer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: at a computer Posts: 2,157	Looking for ski advice I've been starting to look at end-of-season sales and there are a few good deals out there, so I think I'm going to get another pair that will help this "temporarily-terminal intermediate" in getting to the next level in my skiing. My thinking is that I'd want to get an "advanced" all-mountain ski...something that can handle the variable conditions that we can get around here in NE but also has good enough edge hold to cruise down groomed hardpack. Some of the skis that may be contenders include Elan Magfire 10/12, Dynastar Legend 8000, Head Xenon 9.0...I'm sure that there are others. Also, I tried out a NASTAR course this past weekend...think I have a new addiction . Would an all-mountain ski be OK for recreational racing or should I really get a pair of cheap-a$$ race skis for that purpose? I may have the opportunity to demo some skis but I'm not sure I'll be able to demo exactly what I'm looking for...any input would be appreciated.

Mar 12, 2008, 6:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rushski Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 570	Deals are really starting to kick in. In my area they have one shop doing 50% storewide and another doing 2-for-1. Seems all mountain skis are starting to be pushed in wider waist widths. The few you mentioned are good bets and also look into the Fischer line if your local shop carries them. As for Nastar, if that is where your racing ends, you don't really need a race ski, IMO. If you plan on going further to club or corporate racing leagues you would be better served by a race ski. Sure you'll get plenty of sound wisdom from others on the boards. __________________ "I remember - Shouts of joy skiing fast through the woods" -Neil Peart (Rush) "Afterimage" From Grace Under Pressure

Mar 12, 2008, 7:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
drjeff Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brooklyn, CT Posts: 3,111	For the "terminal intermediate rut" nowadays, you should be looking for something with a minimum of a 120mm tip, and a 90mm waist. Look also for a softer flexing tip as that will help the ski tip "bite" the snow and let the radius of the ski take over and help with the transition from skidded turns to carved turns. Plus the extra width of the ski will help ALOT in the softer condtions (powder/spring snow) that tend to give the intermediate skier trouble. __________________ Thrill you kids! www.cedarworks.com

Mar 12, 2008, 9:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
MichaelJ In prior times Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Out in the MA 'burbs near 495. Posts: 1,889	I also ski a B2 and find it to be an excellent all-mountain ski. They work great here in the northeast, as well as in Utah (and I saw tons of them all over Snowbird). Much depends on the ride you prefer ... do you want something smooth and mellow but a little out of touch with the snow? Rossi Bandit B2 is like that. Want something that feels every little bump but turns on a dime? I've heard many a recommendation for the Volkl AC-30. __________________ Skiing combines outdoor fun with knocking down trees with your face. - Dave Barry Waterville 12/20, 12/30; Wachusett 12/21, 12/28, 3/9; Jay 1/26-1/27; Bretton Woods 2/2, 2/23-2/24, 3/22; Snowbird 2/10, 2/12, 2/14; Alta 2/11, 2/15; Sunday River 3/1-3/2, 3/8, 3/15, 4/6; Wildcat 3/30 (21 days '07-08

Mar 12, 2008, 10:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
SKIQUATTRO Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LI, NY Posts: 1,433	for 90% of the time on the East Coast as 78 under foot is perfect, great on hardpack/ice and will provide enough float in 6" of powder (this is my everday ski) I have the Sugar Daddy (99) for the dumps and really soft spring days....but if you are looking for 1 ski to do it all, I'd stay under 80 __________________ updownupdownupdownupdown

Mar 12, 2008, 9:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
RISkier Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 655	I think you're in the ball park. I might add the Nordica Nitrous, or the 84mm waisted version. I've been on the Nitrous and really like it as an all arounder. The Nordicas with titanium tend to be pretty stiff. The Nitrous is 78mm waist and doesn't have metal, I think there's an 84mm waisted ski without metal as well. Don't know anything about the Xenon 9.0 but I was very interested in the i.m.78 -- never had a chance to test drive it, however.

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