Another call for help

[vterp]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a little help and advice in picking out my first full setup. A little about me... I've been in VT now for a few years and am just starting to realize what I've been missing as far as the snow and the skiing. I was bit pretty hard by the ski bug last year and am now hooked (I realized the bug was not gone after the first few flakes fell this year). I'm starting to do the required research prior to an upcoming ski and boot purchase and thought that this was the place to get the advice I need. I would consider myself an advanced beginner or beginner intermediate skier and found myself progressing at a decent rate towards the end of last year (some blues with confidence some a little slower than I'd like) . I see myself staying mostly on the groomed stuff in the northeast for the next season or three so don't think I need anything too advanced. At some point I'd like to venture off trail, however, I am definitely still on the start of the learning curve. Physical traits - 6'2" 190lbs. I've had my eyes on a set of K2 Rangers @ 174cm (Dimensions: 119/72/103). From what I've read and seen at skis.com they seem to be a decent fit for me (at least from what I know about picking skis) and seem as if they would allow room for me to grow into. What do you all think about these? How is the K2 brand? If I should be looking elsewhere, what should I be looking at? How about boots? I know this is where I'll spend the lion share of my money... any good recommendations that won't bankrupt me? Thanks for any help... Praying for snow...

Vterp

 

[bvibert]

I don't know anything about the skis, so I can't help you there. Definitely make sure you get yourself a good fitting boot, that's going to make the biggest difference in equipment. Find a good boot fitter and go visit them. They'll take a look at your foot and shell fit you into a few different models to get an idea of what type of boot fits your foot. Let us know where in VT you are and I'm sure someone will be able to recommend a good boot fitter in your area.

 

[Philpug]

I would suggest the Raider over the Ranger, a but wider and more versatile. I second getting the boots done as a first priority. Where in VT are you?

 

[Grassi21]

I don't know anything about the skis, so I can't help you there. Definitely make sure you get yourself a good fitting boot, that's going to make the biggest difference in equipment. Find a good boot fitter and go visit them. They'll take a look at your foot and shell fit you into a few different models to get an idea of what type of boot fits your foot. Let us know where in VT you are and I'm sure someone will be able to recommend a good boot fitter in your area.

I would suggest the Raider over the Ranger, a but wider and more versatile. I second getting the boots done as a first priority. Where in VT are you?

I also agree on boots. What a boot fitter can do to make your ride more comfortable is amazing (picking the right boot, making tweaks if needed, custom footbeds).

I have been skiing for, I think, 4 years now. My first season was two days on rentals. The second season I leased a pair of skis and boots. The third season I bought a pair of "aspiring intermediate" skis. The skis were great, learned a lot, and the shape of the ski forced me to make turns, which was good. I think they were 67 wide at the waist. In my third season I found that the "advanced intermediate" ski I loved last year felt sluggish and not fun. I bumped up to a stiffer, wider, more advanced ski last season. Loved it! Great ski, made me feel more comfortable at speed and pushed through the crud and powder better than my last pair. But with a more advanced ski comes a steeper learning curve. Depending on how often you get out this could be a good or a bad thing. Get out often and you will have time to learn how to handle your boards. Get out less frequently and it feels like a struggle to get any type of rhythm or confidence in yourself or your equipment. I learned my lesson with skis and translated that to kayaking and mountain biking. I skipped the "aspiring" equipment and went for something I could grow into and enjoy for a number of years.

Most of all, keep your positive attitude and thank your lucky stars you live in VT and not CT.

 

[vterp]

Thanks for the insight. I live in Burlington and have been skiing Bolton for the most part (cheap and close). I have a good idea on shops for boots. In fact, I'm headed to the Alpine Shop and the Ski Rack today to do some window shopping and brain picking of the staff.

Philpug, thanks for the advice on the raiders over the rangers. That was a decision I had been struggling with. Your thoughts along with Grassi's thoughts on getting a ski that I can grow into more has moved me back towards the raider.

Grassi, thanks for the input. It sounds like I'm in the same spot you were a few years ago. I leased last year and want to get something of my own that I can get a true feeling for.

What do you all think about sizing? I'm leaning toward 175's (ish).

Thanks again for all the help!
Vterp

 

[Grassi21]

Thanks for the insight. I live in Burlington and have been skiing Bolton for the most part (cheap and close). I have a good idea on shops for boots. In fact, I'm headed to the Alpine Shop and the Ski Rack today to do some window shopping and brain picking of the staff.

Philpug, thanks for the advice on the raiders over the rangers. That was a decision I had been struggling with. Your thoughts along with Grassi's thoughts on getting a ski that I can grow into more has moved me back towards the raider.

Grassi, thanks for the input. It sounds like I'm in the same spot you were a few years ago. I leased last year and want to get something of my own that I can get a true feeling for.

What do you all think about sizing? I'm leaning toward 175's (ish).

Thanks again for all the help!
Vterp

Confessions of a Gaper by Grassi21 :lol:

I stink at matching skis with peeps. There are a number of AZ members who are much more knowledge than I. But based on your location don't be afraid of a fatter ski. Not one of those huge mother wide powder boards. but something you can enjoy when you score some snow up there but can still use on hard pack days or whatever. my skis are 78 in the waist and seem to perform well in a number of conditions.

 

[Philpug]

Thanks for the insight. I live in Burlington and have been skiing Bolton for the most part (cheap and close). I have a good idea on shops for boots. In fact, I'm headed to the Alpine Shop and the Ski Rack today to do some window shopping and brain picking of the staff.

Philpug, thanks for the advice on the raiders over the rangers. That was a decision I had been struggling with. Your thoughts along with Grassi's thoughts on getting a ski that I can grow into more has moved me back towards the raider.

Grassi, thanks for the input. It sounds like I'm in the same spot you were a few years ago. I leased last year and want to get something of my own that I can get a true feeling for.

What do you all think about sizing? I'm leaning toward 175's (ish).

Thanks again for all the help!
Vterp

We have some 07-08 Crossfires in a 174, new in the wrapper for 525.00 shipped up to you. Let me know if they interest you.

 

[Glenn]

Shop around. And don't be afraid to buy a ski that's new, but from last season. A quick web search will usually tell you if the ski has been changed, or they kept the ski the same and changed the graphics.

I ski a 78 waisted ski; I think you'd be fine on that waist too.

 

[severine]

My main ski last year was 78mm waist and that was basically my 2nd season skiing. A mid-fat is likely to do you well. And I agree with Grassi about going with the more advanced equipment instead of confidence-building learning gear. You'll get far more use out of your skis that way.

 

[vterp]

Thanks for all the advice. I went to a couple of stores today and cemented the idea of the boot purchase first. I think I'll be doing that in the next couple of days. I found a good deal on some 07/08 Nordica GTS12's that felt great on the feet. One of the guys at the Ski Rack spent a ton of time sizing me up and helping me with a bunch of different boots. Good service can't be beat.

I've expanded my mind as far as skis as well, I've added the Elan Magfire 10's to my list... so many choices, so little money.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[mondeo]

Good link for what to expect in a bootfitting:
http://www.bootfitters.com/custom_boot_fit_tips.htm

A lot of places, while being helpful, don't necessarily know what they're doing. It's good to know what you should expect them to be looking for going in, so that you recognize which shops are fitting you properly.

 

[mattchuck2]

You should get the Rossignol CS 70 skis in a 175

And boots that fit

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

a couple people have already mentioned 78mm waists...good bet for someone who wants to become a solid intermediate to advanced skier over the next couple of years...enough waist for some float but not so wide they they are harder for someone of your ability now to get on edge. The Raider is 78mm,,,so wider than the ranger...another good 78 waisted ski is the fischer watea 78 or the nordica hot rod nitrous...all three are a little bit more ski than you need now but at your height and weight you've got the mass to flex them.

 

[Grassi21]

a couple people have already mentioned 78mm waists...good bet for someone who wants to become a solid intermediate to advanced skier over the next couple of years...enough waist for some float but not so wide they they are harder for someone of your ability now to get on edge. The Raider is 78mm,,,so wider than the ranger...another good 78 waisted ski is the fischer watea 78 or the nordica hot rod nitrous...all three are a little bit more ski than you need now but at your height and weight you've got the mass to flex them.

i have the nordica hot rod nitrous'. love 'em.

 

[severine]

If you decide to go with the Fischer Watea 78, I'm pretty sure I saw some on eBay by a reputable seller (I bought my Dynastar Marie Martinods from him and have a friend who's purchased a couple pairs of skis from him, too): snowdealsnow
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-FISCHER-Wat...m14&_trkparms=72:570|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

10% of his sales are donated to charity, too.

Regardless of what you decide upon, it will be great to have your own gear. Best wishes!