Would you share some expertize?

[Traverser]

Hello

I've been renting skis so far, but the cost adds up fast. So I've decided to buy a pair.
With so many choices and different opinions out there it is dizzying to try to make a choice. I was hoping I could get some advice from some of you here on the boards.

The Demo shop recommends the Volkl Unlimited Ec4 or K2 Apache, from what I've read and been told both are great skis.

I am 6'-0" 210lbs lean and a beginner skier. I grew up skiing in Sweden but that was 20 years ago. I'm now 37, and pretty much starting over.
What would be a good lenght of skis to try?

I will be doing most of my skiing in Tahoe, Kirkwood in particular since I bought the season pass.

Thanks to all for reading,
-T

 

[riverc0il]

The Demo shop recommends the Volkl Unlimited Ec4 or K2 Apache, from what I've read and been told both are great skis.

:lol:

sorry, i am not laughing at you but rather the demo shop. the ac4 is hardly a good ski to recommend to a beginner series. perhaps they meant one of the lower level models such as the S1, S2, or AC1? likely not because most demo shops do not stock beginner or lower intermediate skis. because of this, you are going to have a tough time finding demos for your ability level. in the beginner and lower intermediate lines, i would suspect any manufacturer would do. perhaps you could identify some of the demo skis you have tried that you have enjoyed? have you noticed any specific differences and what are they if so? how do you prefer your skis feel (hard to flex, easy to flex, heavier, softer, etc.)?

 

[Traverser]

Thanks River

Nah, they meant precisely the EC4 Volkl. :roll:
The ski's Iv'e tried and enjoyed so far were the Head
XRC and Bandit B3, they seemed to turn nice. There are some others not worth mentioning.

So, assuming there are no demos available for a beginner level. How do I go about picking a ski? The advice of the shop with the EC4 obviously wasn't much to write home about. Closing my eyes, spin around a few times and then reach out and buy the first skis I touch doesn't seem like a good idea either. . .

Someone thought the stöckli Laser cross 177 lenght might be a good ski for someone with my height and weight skiing mostly groomers. Again, NOT available to demo, of course. Sigh!

 

[RISkier]

I'm certainly not an expert so I won't share my "expertise." Most would recommend boots before skis. And I'd really try to find a good bootfitter. You might take a look at the expert bootfitter thread in this forum. I didn't with my first pair of boots and they were not a good fit. As for skis there are lots of good intermediate skis. Don't think you want something too low end or you'll outgrow them right away. I also think that in the short term you might be more comfortable on something that is shorter than you'll ultimately want as you improve. Some skis that come to mind would the K2 Omni 5.5 (or do they call it the 550 now?) it's a forgiving intermediate ski with enough performance to let you grow. The Apache X also seems to work well for a lot of skiers. Others that come to mind would be something like the Volkl 4 star, Elan S8, or Fischer RX6. No doubt there are lots of others that would fit the bill. These skis are more appropriate for groomed conditions, if you're skiing in deeper powder most of the time you'd want something wider. As for length I'd probably say something in the 165-170cm range for now. They'll be quicker and easier to turn than something longer. But I do think you might want something a bit longer as you improve. You might also look at the Ski Press magazine reviews. They review a lot of skis in their early fall edition and I think it's available on line. I don't think the reviews can really tell you what to buy but they can point you towards some things to look at, and I think the Ski Press mag reviews are much better than those you find in Ski or Skiing. FWIW, those are a few thoughts from someone who is definately not an expert.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Demo, Demo, Demo. Bvibert, was kind enough to put together a Demo Day Thread. Where do you live? You may be able to catch a day on his list. Either way, welcome to AlpineZone and keep posting.

 

[Catul]

I definitely agree that the shop's recommendations are way off for a beginner! I'm an intermediate and bought the Volkl 4 Star a couple of months ago - have progressed a bit and have now bought the Volkl S5 (the 2006-2007 replacement for the 5 Star) which is more of a strong intermediate/advanced ski.

Still waiting for the S5 to come in, at which point I'll be selling my 4 Star. You might want to consider these; BTW, I'm 6'2" 210lbs and ski on 175cm for these Volkls; I'd recommend you go no longer than that, you could even go shorter on a ski with more sidecut.

 

[Traverser]

Thanks for the replies and working with me on this.

Can you believe it, I'm at the store yesterday, and the guy insists that 180-181 should be just about right for me. I'm going to demo 175's next time since all I've ever ski'd on are 180's.

I'm getting some boots to start off with. There is a pair of Head boots where they they'll inject foam around your foot for a damn good fit. Hype or worth the money?

-T

 

[riverc0il]

Can you believe it, I'm at the store yesterday, and the guy insists that 180-181 should be just about right for me. I'm going to demo 175's next time since all I've ever ski'd on are 180's.

the guy in the store was in the right ball park, but i think a little lower may be ideal. i am 210-220 lbs and 6'1" and ski 178 most of the time. i have 183s as well, but the 178 size is generally better for my needs.

 

[Catul]

Can you believe it, I'm at the store yesterday, and the guy insists that 180-181 should be just about right for me. I'm going to demo 175's next time since all I've ever ski'd on are 180's.

If you're a beginner, I don't think the salesperson is even close to being right by insisting on 180cm length skis for you. 175cm is probably the longest you want, and you should definitely demo around 168cm as well, just to see how those feel.

You, me and Rivercoil are all around the same approximate size (height and weight), but he is an expert and I'm an intermediate - hence his ability to use a longer ski. Even if you were a decent intermediate, 175cm would be about as long as you would go for a carving ski (a wider powder ski is a different matter).

Where are you located now?