First post: Very nice to be here - I need some ski advice.

[DefJef]

I've been lurking here for awhile, and decided to join in, esp. now that the season is soon upon us. My question is: I am 30, I am 6'-4" and am an expert skier (at least I was 5 years ago when I was skiing more). Recently I had not been able to get out at all (3 times in 4 years :x ). I am committing myself to getting out to ski alot this year. One thing I'd like to replace are my skiis. I've had this old K2s since 1990 if you can believe it! They all so short on me (175) and of course are beat up. Now that I have some extra money, I want to spend around 300 for a new set of skiis. Can anyone give me advice where to turn to? I am so out of it in terms of new technology, good values, etc. that I am lost. I just want a solid pair that will help me do moguls, and work well on ice. (I guess a good all around ski). Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Happy trails!

 

[First Tracks]

For starters, don't be shocked when people recommend something similar in length to what you have. Today's shaped skis are designed to be skied in much shorter lengths than the old straight sticks of yore.

Length will vary slightly based on model, but it all depends on your weight, not your height. A ski's flex characteristics are a product of the forces placed upon them, so a ski can't tell how tall you are. That's a myth that we should debunk right up front.

For bumps/ice (ahem...that's "hardpack"), look for something around 65-70mm in the waist. A mid-fat, which is what you're likely looking for unless you're frequently skiing pow in the East, is around 100mm in the shovel and slightly less in the tail. An older model that's still dynamite on most eastern snow is the X-Scream Series by Salomon (that's the Series model...the lesser X-Screams aren't what you're looking for). The X-Scream series is quick edge to edge and is a true all-mountain ski. Watch out on thin cover, however, for they have a nasty little habit of the edges ripping out (trust me, I know from experience). A true cap ski, of which Salomon's Monocoque construction is a type, uses the cap to form the ski's structural integrity. Once that's lost by, say, ripping out an edge, you can just throw 'em in the dumpster.

The Völkl 724 Pro is a terrific all-mountain expert ski for folks a bit heavier than I am. It's quick edge to edge, and handles loose snow like a charm. The Völkl 6-Star is their ski designed for hard, fast cruising, if that's what you're into. I found it to be rock-solid when screaming high-speed arcs, but beware that the ski doesn't really come to life until pushed over, say, 30 or 35 mph. You've got to stay on it, but if you push it hard it's more than happy to take over the driver's seat.

Don't be shy about picking up last season's gear for the discount. Good deals are available as overstocks, and many retailers turn to Ebay to get rid of their overstock merchandise.

Happy shopping!

 

[DefJef]

Thanks for the tip, anyone else?

Are there good websites other than EBAY to get used skiis? Other advanced - expert skiis I should look at?

 

[First Tracks]

Re: Thanks for the tip, anyone else?

Are there good websites other than EBAY to get used skiis? Other advanced - expert skiis I should look at?

I'm not "anyone else," but I'll add another $0.02 anyway and thereby give you $0.04 total.

That's kind of like asking, "Are any other grocery stores out there, and which groceries should I buy?" Hey, it's a big world out there. Early season brings demo days to mountains across the country. Skis and their behaviors and characteristics are very much a matter of personal taste. What one skier might call "stable," I might call "dead." What I call "lively," another skier might call "squirrelly." The only 100% honest advice anyone could give you is to go out there and try as many different models as you can, to narrow it down to what you like and don't like. Then go shopping.

Anyone agree? Disagree?

 

[stomachdoc]

Skiing Magazine Buyers Guide

I'm going to get new sticks at some point this season. I agree that the best way to choose is to demo as many skiis as you can. However, one of the difficulties with this approach is that snow conditions vary so much from day to day and thus your ski experience will vary, as much due to the snow as to the particular pair of skis you may be using at that time. My home mountain (Waterville) has a demo hut right on mountain where you can switch off several pairs in the course of one day. In addition, as mentioned above, most mountains have demo days with the manufacturers setting up booths and again you can try several skis in one day.

The Skiing Magazine buyers guide which is available now is a very helpful way to "filter" what type of ski you may want to buy. There are reviews of 10 pairs or so of skis in each category, which will further help you as you decide what to demo.....

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[thetrailboss]

Re: Thanks for the tip, anyone else?

Are there good websites other than EBAY to get used skiis? Other advanced - expert skiis I should look at?

That's kind of like asking, "Are any other grocery stores out there, and which groceries should I buy?" Hey, it's a big world out there. Early season brings demo days to mountains across the country. Skis and their behaviors and characteristics are very much a matter of personal taste. What one skier might call "stable," I might call "dead." What I call "lively," another skier might call "squirrelly." The only 100% honest advice anyone could give you is to go out there and try as many different models as you can, to narrow it down to what you like and don't like. Then go shopping.

Anyone agree? Disagree?

Yes, Marc is absolutely right. As much as you may/may not want to hear it, demoing is the way to go. I was in a similar position for the 2002-2003 season and spent hours talking to dealers and trying skis before settling on my choice. It can be fun, it can be nerveracking. :roll:

I spoke with a couple dealers and got some ideas and wrote them down (size, make, brand) and then I called Vt North and rented the skis. VT North did a great job and the techs also gave me some advice. I demoed one pair of skis in 2001-2002 and three for the 2002-2003 season and was not afraid to demo everything from racing skis (too trail oriented for me and too heavy) to twin tips (too soft and could not hold a turn).

I did call Dan at Skiershop.com and he suggested another ski...taking his advice, I demoed it and loved it. It was not until last week when I finally found the ski at a more reasonable price and purchased it. Granted it is the 2003-2004 ski, it is the SAME THING as this season's ski only a different color (and last year's trail reports were better than this season).

SKI and SKIING can be helpful to a point...but realize that ski manufacturers are limited as to how many skis can be tested for the mags and often ski manufacturers will submit skis for different categories than they are intended to see how they perform. Also know that the mags can be a bit brandname biased and can steer you towards more expensive models. Despite this, I really like to read the reviews. :wink:

As for boots I would suggest blocking some afternoons to go to your local store to try on as many different models. Know what you want to use it for, If it feels comfortable for 20 or so minutes, chances are it will also feel good on the slopes, but again keep an open mind. I am pretty brand loyal and have had good luck with exclusive bootmakers such as Dalbello, Dolomite, and Nordica (though the latter is now in the ski business). I now am in a new pair of Dalbello Avanti V-10's and picked them up last week at Strand's in Worcester. They did a good job!

So in all...take some time...try some stuff on....go to promos and ski shows if you can and don't be afraid to by last season's ski or boots as I have done. Prices are now higher due to the snow fever, but you can get some good deals and the prices will be good in the spring. :wink:

 

[DefJef]

Thanks guys, that's all really good advice! I will def. demo and get a feel for different skis. Do places usually charge for demoing?

 

[Joshua B]

Re: First post: Very nice to be here - I need some ski advi

I am committing myself to getting out to ski alot this year.

I want to say I admire this commitment. I do the same thing. Every ski season I make it my priority to ski.

Welcome to the board.

I don't really get excited about equipment talk, but if you have any other questions about skiing (especially in New England) I'll be sure to chime in.

 

[thetrailboss]

Thanks guys, that's all really good advice! I will def. demo and get a feel for different skis. Do places usually charge for demoing?

Vermont North charges about $30 per day for their high end demos, which is what I did. I had a pass to Sugarbush, so that helped a lot :wink: Be sure to try and get the models you want and narrow your choices down beforehand to save $$$.

Most places have demo days, which are free promotions where you leave a credit card or license and take out some gear for a couple runs. Rossi was at Burke in 2003 and they did this...my uncle demoed like three different pair of skis. Advice: get there early. I don't recall the name of the touring company that goes around NE resorts with all sorts of new gear for demos...something like Sierra Nevada Gear or something like that. I'll see if I can get their name for you! Check schedules.

What mountain do you frequent?

How 'bout them Sox???!!!