What skis should I buy?
Question:Hello skiers!
I hope you can help a lapsed powder hound out. I'm getting
back into skiing and need a little guidance on what skis to buy.
The choices out there are bewildering!
Here's what I'm looking for - a good powder ski for crud and the heavy powder found in the Sierras.
I'm an advanced skier that loves big mountain skiing. My favorite part of the mountain is at the top, where it's steep and narrow.
I'm looking for a ski that can float well on heavy snow, that is easy on the legs, lightweight, responsive, and easy to ski since I don't ski as many days a year as I used to (4-6 days a year).
I'd like a recommendation on a ski and what length to get.
I'm 5'9" 160lbs.
I would like a 2006 or 2007 model recommendation.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Yours,
Neal
Answers:
Who else can't wait for winter so you can go snowboarding?
I just got back from a trip to Steamboat Springs, Co, where I got a chance to try out my new K2 AK Enemies (Made'n AKs). With a 108 waist, they'll float even the lightest Colorado pow... and obviously have no problem in Sierra cement. They're really flexy and have a decent amount of sidecut... thus, effortless turn initiation. Mounted back at recomended, the long nose and short tails mean EASY pow skiing. I never had to sit backseat on these skis, even in the deepest and softest pow. Soft and buttery in the pow is what these skis are all about. They aren't too great in chopped up pow, but they'll do. Although I was expecting them to be super chattery charging groomers, they were able to hold their own, thanks in large part to their huge platform. They are absolutely terrible in the bumps... but then again, that's not what they're made for. They're twin-tipped, in case you feel the need to land switch off some big backcountry booters... but mounted back, I felt little need to make use of the tails (I'll leave that for my Armada AR5s).If you're REALLY into charging, I would recomend something a little stiffer than the K2 AK Enemies. From what I've heard, you might want to look into:
- 191 Armada Ants... 106 waist, stiff flex, and less sidecut.
- 187 4frnt MSPs... 96 waist, pretty stiff flex, and less sidecut.
- 183 Volkl Gotamas... 105 waist, medium flex, and decent sidecut.
- 185 Rossignol Scratch BC WRC... 98 waist, medium flex, and decent sidecut.
Then again, you could really man up and get the 189/194 Rossignol Bandit B-Squad... 104 waist, super stiff bomber flex, and decent sidecut.
Hope that helps... -Chris
well, im not a skiing expert, and if I were you, an advanced skier, a would ask strangers for advice on this subject. You should go to a sport store, I suggest REI if there is one near you, and ask a professional who sells skis for a living what would be right for you.
Why are blue lines drawn across the track in the Olympic Skateboard Cross race?
Well, our snow is a little different here in Utah, but I just bought a used pair of Salomon 1080's. They are really, really fun. Haven't tried them in the deep stuff yet. Actually, we haven't gotten any deep stuff yet. I'm pretty irritated. Anyways, I have fat boys for those days...but I would suggest demoing a pair of skis before buying. Depending on how long you have been out of it, the skis are radically different from just 5-7 years ago.Im a boarding instructor&need new bindings. suggestion?
i would by a pair of ninthward butterliscious theyre flexy for the actual piste and wide enough to float over fresh powder. i tryed them in 2005 and found them good. try and get a good pair of scott bindings as well, that will realy help the feel of the ski try the s8's or s9'sWhere has Tara Dakides been the last few years?
First off do not go to REI. Those people work in store in a big city. What do they know about skiing. Local ski shops are the way to go if you want to talk to some one and ask questions. If you just want some advice the new wide body skis such as Salomon Pocket Rocket are what you want for powder skiing. Beware, these type skis will not perform well on groomed, hard, icy conditions.More Questions & Answers...