Buying 2007 Ski Gear?

[highpeaksdrifter]

Who's getting new gear? Tell us what and why. If you're not sure what you're going to get yet tell us what you're looking for in equipment.

 

[kbroderick]

I need to replace my T-Power Vipers (the all-around / woods / teaching / etc ski), and I'm leaning strongly towards a pair of Zenith Z9s with either Fritschis or Naxos.* I definitely want to get something that will allow travel in both directions, although I'm not quite sure where the budget's going to come from at this point.

 

[Grassi21]

I purchased new gear at the end of last season with the exception of poles. I got to use the skis once but didn't get a chance with the boots.

Head C 220i w/Tyrolia bindings (purchased as a package) - I'm a solid intermediate skier. I'm hoping to outgrow these in a season or two.

Nordica Beast 10s - I'm looking to grow into these boots skill-wise. I compared them to the boots I leased last season and they are a size smaller and much more compact looking. I didn't spring for the custom foot-beds. But I did upgrade to a pair of those trim-to-fit ones. They feel much better than the stock ones.

 

[madskier6]

Who's getting new gear? Tell us what and why. If you're not sure what you're going to get yet tell us what you're looking for in equipment.

Well, I've already bought my 2007 new gear. In early April, I picked-up a new pair of 2007 Atomic Metron B5s with Neox 412 bindings from an internet seller. I had some extra cash from my tax refund. I was able to ski 3 days on the new gear before the end of the season. I'm very pleased with the new boards. Of course, when I last skied on them in late April is so long ago that I barely remember what it was like. I do know it was very good. At least I have something to look forward to at the beginning of next season.

If I buy anything else for myself for 2007, it will be new boots after a custom fitting with footbeds. I know the choice of which boots will depend on the results of the custom fitting but I'm partial to either the Salomon X-Wave 10s or the Nordica Hot Rods (or Beasts, if they're available). I've heard good things about those models.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I need to replace my T-Power Vipers (the all-around / woods / teaching / etc ski), and I'm leaning strongly towards a pair of Zenith Z9s with either Fritschis or Naxos.* I definitely want to get something that will allow travel in both directions, although I'm not quite sure where the budget's going to come from at this point.

Vipers and Z9s are very different skis. Vipers are easy turners with rebound, Z9s are so damp they are dead. JMO, but others I've talked to about them agreed with me. However, I do know a Rossi rep who loves them, but make sure you try a pair first.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Well, I've already bought my 2007 new gear. In early April, I picked-up a new pair of 2007 Atomic Metron B5s with Neox 412 bindings from an internet seller. I had some extra cash from my tax refund. I was able to ski 3 days on the new gear before the end of the season. I'm very pleased with the new boards. Of course, when I last skied on them in late April is so long ago that I barely remember what it was like. I do know it was very good. At least I have something to look forward to at the beginning of next season.

I finally had a chance to ski the B5 last season and I really loved this ski. In short fall line turns they are unbelieveable, with the rebound they have they almost turn themselves. I didn't like them as well at speed or GS turns, but I had to ski them at 162cm. If I could have skied them longer I think they would have worked well.

If I buy anything else for myself for 2007, it will be new boots after a custom fitting with footbeds. I know the choice of which boots will depend on the results of the custom fitting but I'm partial to either the Salomon X-Wave 10s or the Nordica Hot Rods (or Beasts, if they're available). I've heard good things about those models.

The Beast line ended last season, but you might still find a pair of last years. Hot Rods are great, but if you like them you'll also like the Dobie's. There are only the slightest of differences between the HR TF and the Dobie pro 130 (I love mine) and the HR Nitrous and the Dobbie pro 110.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

II'm a solid intermediate skier.

Nordica Beast 10s - I'm looking to grow into these boots skill-wise.

If you're a solid intermediate you're already there. These are very nice boots, but they are forgiving.

 

[awf170]

I need to replace my T-Power Vipers (the all-around / woods / teaching / etc ski), and I'm leaning strongly towards a pair of Zenith Z9s with either Fritschis or Naxos.* I definitely want to get something that will allow travel in both directions, although I'm not quite sure where the budget's going to come from at this point.

A carving ski with a touring binding? Doesn't really make sense to me. You're not skiing on groomers when you tour.

I'm trying to get new boots, but it hasn't been working so far.

 

[Grassi21]

If you're a solid intermediate you're already there. These are very nice boots, but they are forgiving.

Nice. This will be my first season with new gear (rentals and leased used gear in the past). I relied heavily on the boot fitter at Outdoor Sport in Wilton, CT when selecting the Beasts. Not sure how he would compare to the boot fitters mentioned on this board, but he taught me a ton about boots in the hour we spent together. Every couple of weeks I place those virgin boots on the coffee table and drool. ;-) Can't wait to break them in.

Can anyone suggest a good resource for comparing gear? I tell my wife that those Heads should last me 2 or 3 seasons. But I'm hoping to outgrow them by the end of the season. I got a great deal on them and would like to hand them down to my little bro and get him into the sport. I plan to demo a few pairs at the end of the season and try a pair of powder oriented skis in Park City if we make it out there as planned this season.

 

[riverc0il]

Who's getting new gear? Tell us what and why. If you're not sure what you're going to get yet tell us what you're looking for in equipment.

No need to get the new gear when old gear is just as good. Finally replaced my Volkl p50s that were beat to death with... another pair of p50s!
:beer:

 

[hrstrat57]

Nope...not likely....

Got 2 new pair last year 168 Allstars and 170 RX 8's...

Yep I ski in the east.

Posted reviews on both on epic last winter.

I do have my eyes on a set of Karmas a bud is selling with about 10 days on em and Rossi TT's....but cash is likely going to be short.

Bought some nice Smith racing poles on ebay a few weeks ago....two pair of TNT explosion 8's will get me through a few more years for footwear.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Nope...not likely....

Got 2 new pair last year 168 Allstars and 170 RX 8's...

Yep I ski in the east.

Posted reviews on both on epic last winter.

I do have my eyes on a set of Karmas a bud is selling with about 10 days on em and Rossi TT's....but cash is likely going to be short.

Bought some nice Smith racing poles on ebay a few weeks ago....two pair of TNT explosion 8's will get me through a few more years for footwear.

I had the Fischers in the same lenght 2 seasons ago. A very fun lively ski.

 

[kbroderick]

A carving ski with a touring binding? Doesn't really make sense to me. You're not skiing on groomers when you tour.

As I said, the Vipers are my all-around ski--I use them in the woods, for teaching, and for random pseudo-skiing activities (e.g. skiing to a race course to kneel in the snow for two hours and take pictures). Their replacement will be an all-around ski--I can't afford to get a utility ski and a dedicated off-piste ski--and thus will have AT bindings. Plus, I'd hardly call a ski with the Z9's waist a "carving ski."* They do have a decent amount of sidecut (which is a big plus, even in ungroomed conditions), but it takes a lot of work to really get them up on edge.* FWIW, my carving skis are a slightly longer (186cm) pair of SkierCross 66's.

(All of this is, of course, budget-dependent. But both the bindings (cracked plastic piece related to AFD) and skis (second blown edge on same ski) are showing their age.)

And yes, I have skied the Z9s. I haven't been able to test them on truly firm conditions, but I was quite happy with a pair of them for several days out West in April.* My Vipers aren't all that lively, either, but that may be related to the combination of excessive mileage and demo bindings.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

And yes, I have skied the Z9s. I haven't been able to test them on truly firm conditions, but I was quite happy with a pair of them for several days out West in April.* My Vipers aren't all that lively, either, but that may be related to the combination of excessive mileage and demo bindings.

Excessive mileage on a Rossi (core), especially a soft ski like the Viper, will take the life out of it for sure. I often have demo bindings on my skis, besides a very slight amount of additional weight, I can't see way demo bindings would make alot of difference.

 

[riverc0il]

i know JimG swears by AT binders for all purpose skiing. i was amazed how well the f.freerides rip groomers just like any other binder. i let them loose one day on piste and was really blown away that there wasn't much difference. so for someone that only wants one ski, that sounds fine. if you only have one ski, you're gonna need to make a compromise somewhere and not all touring is of the powder variety.

 

[bigbog]

...

I've heard essentially the same about the Metron B5 from several others...over on "THAT last 10% of the last quarter of your turn was SKIDDED!" Epicski.Com. Liked Nordica's Speedmachine 14 but it was a little soft, and never got to try the 16...as well as their blue ones...;-), so there are already a couple skis in the crosshairs...

 

[kbroderick]

Excessive mileage on a Rossi (core), especially a soft ski like the Viper, will take the life out of it for sure. I often have demo bindings on my skis, besides a very slight amount of additional weight, I can't see way demo bindings would make alot of difference.

Compared to a Rossi/Look turntable binding (er, at least the older ones; I'm not sure if the newest ones have preserved this characteristic), the shorter mount length of the binding* (and the heel piece in particular), combined with the elasticity in the heel, allows for a more lively feel than a normal fixed-heel binding.* Or at least I think it does--it may all be in my head, but I've always been quite happy with those turntable heels (aside from how much the first-generation Rossi retail bindings protruded over the edge of the ski, that is).

 

[kbroderick]

i know JimG swears by AT binders for all purpose skiing. i was amazed how well the f.freerides rip groomers just like any other binder. i let them loose one day on piste and was really blown away that there wasn't much difference. so for someone that only wants one ski, that sounds fine. if you only have one ski, you're gonna need to make a compromise somewhere and not all touring is of the powder variety.

I've also talked with a couple of guys locally who ski on AT binders fulltime, and if the bindings hold up to what they do, I'm all set.

Oh, and just for the record, I'm not going with just one ski. I'm just planning on one new pair of skis this year. I've still got five pair sitting around, most of them with wax and sharp edges, and I'm hoping to get up to Jay Peak this year so I have an excuse to break out the 215s.

 

[awf170]

FWIW, I skied on Freerides atleast 15 days this season and was fine. I also took over 20 10 ft + drops and was okay. I also went off a drop that was over 15 ft. and landed direrctly on a rock and did no damage to the binding. Next year it is going to be my only binding. But then again I only weigh 135 pounds.

 

[JimG.]

i know JimG swears by AT binders for all purpose skiing. i was amazed how well the f.freerides rip groomers just like any other binder. i let them loose one day on piste and was really blown away that there wasn't much difference. so for someone that only wants one ski, that sounds fine. if you only have one ski, you're gonna need to make a compromise somewhere and not all touring is of the powder variety.

Indeed I do and have for a few seasons now. My everyday gear utilizes AT boots and bindings. They perform well on just about everything except for bumps.

Even there, I've figured out how to ski the zipperline with them, but it takes practice. My Freerides add alot of lift to my boots and as such they are not great for bumps. But with some effort they work there too.