Anyone know anything about downhill skis?

[ninjanick]

My second hand early 90's k2's have seen better days! The top side of the tips are all delaminated, I'm scared the tips could break off! I haven't considered updating till now because I barely managed to get out but maybe once a season since I bought them in high school and I've only been out west once. But this season I'm off to a great start and am really enjoying myself. The sunday night deal at buck is just too good for my cheap ass. I don't know what it is but I think my two seasons of mtn biking have really turned me onto just being outside and doing something (not my MO from a couple of years ago). I'm stronly considering taking a trip to CO this season, and I want to get newer skis and boots, but I have no idea whats good. I'm super cheap and I've found this site that has a bunch of new old stuff that is way marked down. I'd be willing to drop 250-300 and a lot of the stuff is up to 60% off the orginal retail number. Anyone got an idea if one brand or model is better then another? I'd consider myself intermediate. My height put in the 165-170 lenght range.

http://www.skis.com/home.php?cat=739&sort_order=1&sort_direction=2

[Lezgo Cycling]

I too should ride a 160-170 ...for my height I have been told 168 actually. But if your on a budget, I would say go for it...seems like tey have some nice skis there. Probably just last years models or something like that is why they are so cheap. I have ELAN's and love em, mine are early 90's as well and a bit long but they work. Maybe next year ill get into something new but I hink I have one more year in mine..

[dvo1]

I would get these Skis. (http://www.seisports.com/img/product/large/042394.jpg)

[Lezgo Cycling]

I think ive seen those at an expo last year...they look pretty cool, but I would alwasy be worrying about it coming apart while going downhill. Im sure its built not too, but still.....
peace of mind

[Thewavebb]

what kind of skiing do you plan to do? The two most important things are your boots and bindings. Make sure you get quality there. Don't cheap out on them either. Does 250 dollar budget include boots too?

I have been riding twin tip skis for the past 6 years now and so far my favorites have been the K2 Public Enemy's. I have them in a 169cm length and they are a great all mountain screw around ski.

twin tip skis tend to be cheaper, so you might find something there that you like. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/125/c1/s1/Alpine-Park-and-Pipe-Skis.html

If you plan on using your new setup for a while, I would say spend what it takes to get outfitted right. You will probably be happier in the long run.

You may also want to checkout the deals on backcountry.com. They also run a site called steepandcheap.com which blows out 1 item after another.

I would buy your boots locally if you can.

[RiverRat]

How does one know what type of skis to even start looking at? I have been thinking about buying some for the last couple of years, but have no idea where to start. shaped? twin tip? old school straight skis?

I don't downhill very often now mainly because I don't like paying for rental and lift fees (one or the other wouldn't be so bad). But I would consider myself intermediate currently, and don't want the skis to be the limitting factor on increasing my ability. I like to mess around (smaller jumps, bumps, mostly forward, learning bacwards a little), carve turns, bomb hills, would love to get into some powder (but never have yet). Anything out there that does well on all fronts?

[ninjanick]

Ben,

I've been watching steap and cheap for a few day now, love it!

What's the point of tiwn tips other then stunts and stuff?

My 250-300 budget is for skis with integrated bindings. For boots I'd be willing to drop another 2 bills.

I'm not all that intrested in stunts, just trying to make good clean turns. I just need a good all around ski. I have no delushions of hitting mogouls and the like.

Gus,

Pretty sure most of the skis I was looking at are more then one season old. Some come up on the google as being from 02-03! That's some old stuff, but, the price is right.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Gus,

Pretty sure most of the skis I was looking at are more then one season old.

they could be....but my point was that it is a cool site and I hope to buy my skis from that same site or similiar next year. GOOD DEALS is what I was getting at

[GearDaddy]

You really need to demo some different skis to find out what you want. The variety of skis these days is way bigger than in the old days. I wouldn't take some rule of thumb recommendation on ski length either (I've always preferred longer skis than the rule of thumb). Try before you buy.

In recent years I hardly ever downhill locally (X-C skiing instead!). My old Omeglass II's have withered away. When I trip out west to ski I always rent, which is the way to go IMO. Every trip I get to demo different skis, and I've always been able go back to the shop and switch skis with no questions asked. Look for the shops that don't just offer their 2 or 3 standard packages, as there's usually a shop that offers more flexibility. Renting is not expensive either. Totally worth it.

[RiverRat]

Anybody know which places around here have the best selection for rentals?

[zaskar]

Keep your current ones for Buck and try (rent) some new stuff out when you're in CO.

[decoeric]

How does one know what type of skis to even start looking at? I have been thinking about buying some for the last couple of years, but have no idea where to start. shaped? twin tip? old school straight skis?

I don't downhill very often now mainly because I don't like paying for rental and lift fees (one or the other wouldn't be so bad). But I would consider myself intermediate currently, and don't want the skis to be the limitting factor on increasing my ability. I like to mess around (smaller jumps, bumps, mostly forward, learning bacwards a little), carve turns, bomb hills, would love to get into some powder (but never have yet). Anything out there that does well on all fronts?

I would get a good all-mountain ski... Atomic makes a good ski that will do all of that stuff you mentioned. It is the Atomic Nomad Crimson. A little fatter so it will have a little float in the pow, but is mostly a good all mountain ski. I would avoid twin tips, you will not get any benefit from them unless you are going to ski switch. Can a ski that you can grow into so you will not out grow it so fast. I bought advanced to expert level skis when I was an intermediate skier and they are awesome. The most important thing is boot fit, make sure you get your boots fitted properly, I recommend Joe's in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:place></st1:City>, they are a national boot fitter you will spend some time there so don't plan on 30 minutes to get your boots fitted, I think I was there almost 2 hours but my boots are awesome. I think Hooigards is as well, but I am not sure. I have a pair of Atomic Izor 9:7's which I love, the Nomad line replaced them, they are my all mountain mid-west ski, I also have a pair of Volkl Mantra's which are more of a powder ski, but they will also work on groomers as well, I ski these out West. There are a lot of great skis out there in all price ranges. I would go and talk to people; REI, Joe's, Hooigards, I would avoid Dicks and Sports Authority. Just my 2 cents.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[Thewavebb]

Ben,

I've been watching steap and cheap for a few day now, love it!

What's the point of tiwn tips other then stunts and stuff?


They were designed for park and pipe stuff originally. But they have become a broader segments since offer a lot to people who want an all purpose ski at a reasonable price.
-Many are fatter at the waist (80mm+) and wider tips and tails so they make a decent powder ski.
-They have the twin tip so you can go forwards and backwards, which is nice for goofing off both on and off piste.
-They are cheaper
-On average are mid-stiff to soft as far as flex goes.
-They don't have really pronounced shape, so they are not for people who rely the curve of the ski to initiate their turns. The reason for this is mainly for those that jump. If you land on an edge, you don't want the ski to run away from you, so a more straight sidecut is nice.
-They are lighter weight
-Very durable edges and above average contruction.

Problems.
-they are not going to be the fastest ski on the hill. So if you like fast stiff skis, check out the stiffer race/all mountain skis.

I picked my K2 PE's back in 2005 for 300 dollars. Included s810 bindings.

Also look at the core construction of the skis. A few of the companies are using a foam core now. I have learned first hand how those degrade overtime and they start to feel like limp noodles. I would try to stick with a ski that uses a wood core.


You may want to also check out the classifieds section over at www.newschoolers.com (http://www.newschoolers.com)

If you ever want to borrow mine for a day, let me know.

~Ben

[ninjanick]

Keep your current ones for Buck and try (rent) some new stuff out when you're in CO.

That's probably the smart thing to do considering the fam might be relocating to a warmer climate in the new year. The down side would be that I won't get to buy some new skis!

[bakkeb]

I agree with Eric, get an all-mountain ski. They are made to pretty much ski anything. Twin-tips are for punks who screw around on the hill, they are not for "skiing"(would've loved to have them when I was a teenager). Maybe go to Joe's or Hoigaards and just ask some questions, the sales people will be more than ready to help choose the right kind and type of skis. Skis are way better than they used to be 15 yrs ago. If you get the right type, skiing becomes much easier and they will make you a much better skier as well.:etard:

[Thewavebb]

Says the person who probably hasn't ever used twin tips. Most all mountain skis actually have a turned up tail on them now. The Rossi B series for instance are amazing skis and have a turned up tail so you have more freedom.

[dvo1]

Says the person who probably hasn't ever used twin tips. Most all mountain skis actually have a turned up tail on them now. The Rossi B series for instance are amazing skis and have a turned up tail so you have more freedom.

I was looking for a "race" snowboard but can't find anything that doesn't have twin tips anymore, then I thought about it "all mountain" should mean "all" and sometimes you need to go back to continue.

[soupboy]

http://www.donek.com/products.htm

I picked up my custom Soupboy Edition Freeride board at Sean's manufacturing facility on the east side of DIA two seasons back.

He also makes awesome race boards, tele skis, and freeride/park skis.

I was looking for a "race" snowboard but can't find anything that doesn't have twin tips anymore, then I thought about it "all mountain" should mean "all" and sometimes you need to go back to continue.

[Paul Swenson]

http://www.donek.com/products.htm

I picked up my custom Soupboy Edition Freeride board at Sean's manufacturing facility on the east side of DIA two seasons back.

He also makes awesome race boards, tele skis, and freeride/park skis.

I like that Axxess.

177 or 182?

[soupboy]

Sean has built a dedicated following of soft booters in the Midwest and East Coast where icy fake snow is common. My current board is only a 169 but its high speed stability and edgehold is on par with my old 180cm K2 El Dorado (I miss that board).

I like that Axxess. 177 or 182?

I love to get on some carve skis after a 12yr hiatus from two-planking. They look like fun when the pow pow is not available.

[dave t]

I would get these Skis. (http://www.seisports.com/img/product/large/042394.jpg)

Those are nice pair but the binding mounts seem either too far forward or back. Nothin' right in the middle.
I also think they took the wide, shaped concept to the extreme.

[dvo1]

Those are nice pair but the binding mounts seem either too far forward or back. Nothin' right in the middle.
I also think they took the wide, shaped concept to the extreme.

But when you need to do this, it is the only way to go.


http://www.burton.com/poachers/

[soupboy]

C'mon Dan, I know your inner Euro wants to don that late-80's Descente 1-pc suit, cameltoe and all, and rock the monoski.

http://www.donek.com/01_products/monoskis.htm

But when you need to do this, it is the only way to go.

[zaskar]

That's probably the smart thing to do considering the fam might be relocating to a warmer climate in the new year. The down side would be that I won't get to buy some new skis!


If your cheap ass is that excited to spend the dough just spin the wheel. Anything is going to be better than what you currently have, not to mention safer!

[dvo1]

C'mon Dan, I know your inner Euro wants to don that late-80's Descente 1-pc suit, cameltoe and all,

The only thing worse then seeing me in a Full spider suit, is seeing you in a full spider suit.

Reminds me of the vid. when I ran into you skiing awhile ago.

http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/53548/detail/

[ninjanick]

If your cheap ass is that excited to spend the dough just spin the wheel. Anything is going to be better than what you currently have, not to mention safer!

Damn, its like you can see into my mind man!

I was just hoping someone might say, yea the nordics are the ****, skip the solomons, or somthing like that.

[Heuy]

Ben,

I've been watching steap and cheap for a few day now, love it!

What's the point of tiwn tips other then stunts and stuff?

My 250-300 budget is for skis with integrated bindings. For boots I'd be willing to drop another 2 bills.

I'm not all that intrested in stunts, just trying to make good clean turns. I just need a good all around ski. I have no delushions of hitting mogouls and the like.

Gus,

Pretty sure most of the skis I was looking at are more then one season old. Some come up on the google as being from 02-03! That's some old stuff, but, the price is right.

Twin tips,

Yep, mainly stunts, it is nice to at least have a turned up tail because as Dan said, sometimes you need to go backwards. Apples for apples comparable twin tips are cheaper than thier conventional brotheren. This is solely due to the demographic they are marketed to, and the fact that younger skiers tend to be not as wealthy and more likely to shop on price.

Skis,

You asked before about parabolic or straight skis, straight skis are an inferior technology, thats why they don't make them anymore. The amount of sidecut is documented as the turn radius of the skis. More sidecut will be a smaller turn radius and will be easier to turn. However as Ben mentioned they will be less stable off of jumps and maybe not as good in the backcountry. Think of a tight turn radius kind of like having a steep headtube angle on a bike, each will handle quicker its all about intended application. From there you also have stiffness and width. A wider ski will float more powder, but be harder to lay over on its edge. a stiffer ski is better at high speeds, but is a pain in the @ss and won't flex when moving slow. Again intended application.

Budget Priorities: Boots, Bindings, skis, and lastly poles.

Boots,

Boots are most important. You don't want cheap beginner boots ever. Modern boots are mid-entry. You don't want rear entry boots. That being said boots are so personal I don't know how much advice I can give. Its not like one brand is better, but different brands tend to fit differently. When I bought my boots at the time I was told that Lange and Rossignol run narrow and Technicas run wide. I have incredibly narrow feet, so I love my rossi's. Joes is great at fitting, and also running an aftermarket footbed only makes sense if you want a decent fit. For fit reasons I would say cocentrate on getting boots first and then you can betterdemo skis with a consistent good fitting boot. Modern liners are also heat moldable, so again your boots will be waaaay better than rental boots in any situation. You might not know what type of skiing you'll grow to like, and you may decide to rent/demo powder skis out west. But, your boots will fit in your luggage and will make any ski perform better.

Bindings,

Lots of the skis have integrated bindings these days. So you may get what you get and I don't really know that much about bindings, except that if you're buying '03 closeout skis try to get current production bindings. There is a given number of years after they quit making a binding that shops will refuse to work on it for liablility reasons. So, if you get a binding that they discontinued in '02 it may already be obsolete.

Poles

Get the cheapest poles that fit you or stick with the ones you have from the 90s and put the extra money into your boots. The poles are just going to get broken, bent or stolen eventually.

[soupboy]

Case in point...you don't need no stinking poles. The skier was tough as nails though holding form right through the auger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlaIZMSeA6w

Budget Priorities: Boots, Bindings, skis, and lastly poles.

[bakkeb]

Says the person who probably hasn't ever used twin tips. Most all mountain skis actually have a turned up tail on them now. The Rossi B series for instance are amazing skis and have a turned up tail so you have more freedom.


Oh I've used them before, thats how I know. A good skier don't need no twin-tips to ski backwards. Been snowridin' for over thirty years. It's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.:etard: