Looking for Feedback

[Sky]

OK, so there's lots of quality/experienced skiers/instructors in here. I'm interested in hearing feedback, and sharing my ski-purchase experience. *be gentle with me*

Here's what I did....After skiing 4-1/2 seasons on my Atomic Beta-Ride 820's (190 CM)....and for those who don't know, I'm 6'9", 235lb, 50 yo, aggressive type II/III skier. I took lessons after I got the Atomics since I was getting serious about the sport. I'm a basketball player (former college level), runner, athlete...interested in the drills to sharpen skills.

So, last year I demo-ed new skis. Not much left in the 190 CM arena. Lots of chat about going shorter anyway.

I try the Atomic Ride 11 in a 180. Nice. I finally notice "power" in a flexed ski. Now I realize the 8.20 didn't have any.

I try a few other skis...most notably the Volkl Supersport Superspeed 175 CM (which I eventually bought) and a Fischer RX9 in a 170 (it's what they had in the rack).

I honsetly don't consider myself an "Expert" skier. So buying the Supersport had me wondering....really didn't want to be in the "Poser" category. But here's what I thought and here's where I'd like some feedback.

I dropped down in lentgth from 190 to 175. I love the easier maneuverability. That 190 in chopped up corn or bumps was a lot of ski to maneuver (especially if you were trying to control speed, take shallower cuts). With my high Center of Gravity...it just made it that much more intimidating...that much easier to catch an edge.

Dropping down 15 CM and going up 3 (or so) ski levels seemed like a decent trade-off. So...Does the drop in length and the increase in ski power make sense to any of you?

The 190's cruised pretty fast. The 175's cruise nice, but with a few powerful arcs, I can push the speed a bit. I have much more confidence in bumped terrain (although I've not hit a mogul field...just a patch of bumped-up slope). I can "steer" the 175s very easily.

Thanks.

 

[Brettski]

I dropped (by still have) from my 203 mogul skis, to a 185 free rider twin tip...that's short enough for me...Also was riding on some super fast 210's......

What's the question again?

 

[Greg]

I'm 6'9", 235lb

6'9"?! Remind me to never make you angry...

Seriously though. How do you feel the ski performs for the type of terrain you like to ski? You're not going to find a ski that does everything well, but if crud, bumps, etc. are becoming your thing, you need to find a ski that does that well. As I understand it, the Supersport is an excellent high-speed cruiser as are most Volkls. Perhaps that ski at your shorter length give you the ability to ski the ungroomed stuff, but still performs well on the groomers. I would think for a guy your size, 175 cm might be a bit short, but what really counts is whether you enjoy them or not. Again, the shorter length may be a good trade-off to help you on the ungoomed.

 

[Marc]

Yeah, what Greg said about length...

Not that you should take my feedback with any credibility since no doubt you've been skiing longer and are better at it and you directed your question more towards the "quality/experienced skiers/instructors" of whcih I'm neither, or any of.

But I do like to type and I'm bored.


The one thing I'm begining to learn about skis is that you can apply the same adage to them as you can about car tires: Summer tires for summer, winter tires for winter. All seasons are a comprimise and do nothing well.

So... I feel like, if you can afford it, at least two pairs of skis in the stable isn't unreasonable.

 

[thetrailboss]

Think I'm going to move this to gear...

 

[Sky]

How do you feel the ski performs

Ahh...the key question. Actually I started an elaborate response but got side-tracked (by work).

OK...so I'm addicted to skiing, "Hi, my name is Sky"

I feel great on those new Volkls. I have not experienced Buyer's Remorse...no doubts in my mind that I did the right thing for me....was just curious about the feedback.

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know *if you know what I mean*

 

[Sky]

Think I'm going to move this to gear...

Thanks pal! Purgatory of AZ Forum. :<

It's the right thing to do.

No worries.

 

[riverc0il]

greg nails this one, i can't really add anything to his response. it's all how the ski feels to you. you did notice the increase in performance when jumping on to an upper level ski which is an important aspect. if you didn't notice a performance increase, the ski was likely skiing you not the other way around.

my only recommendation would be check out some demos this year and try a few different sizes. i think the superspeed returned this year, iirc. not sure what changed though. 175 seems short for your height and weight, but what ever you feel comfortable on is what is ultimately important.

 

[Sky]

greg nails this one, ...what ever you feel comfortable on is what is ultimately important.

That's where I am.

Agree 175 seems short. But it's only 6"...*errahhh...there must be a good Kennedy quote for this*...and some of that is in the tail *another Kennedy quote?*

But it all feels good to me for the way I ski. At my height...there are certain things that make sense...and others that don't. Basketball is a natural fit. Midget wrestling is not.

I suppose the old Ski Quiver would be a better answer, but not any time soon.

Guess we'll just have to wait for a Fourm Fest and then we'll all get a better idea of how we ski.

 

[thetrailboss]

Sky, you love your skis and both you and I know it :wink:

Sorry about moving it...just thought it would be better over here and bring some traffic over here...besides, it's holding well right now!

 

[Sky]

...besides, it's holding well right now!

Do I get "points on" for drawing a crowd? *smirk*

You're right about me liking my gear. What a boost to the interest level! Just wondered about the considered opinions...and that "poser" thing.

*shudder*

Looking forward to an AZ event or two this season. Should be interesting.

Already considering Greg's (and RC's?) recommendation to hit Loon and their easy mogul trail(s).