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Skis: Hard Time Choosing Which Ones

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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
I've been skiing for about 7 weeks now, divided over about as much years, so I'm pretty much an amateur, but the last few years I wanted to get more into freeskiing/park. However, with the crap rental skies I get all of the time that's not really possible (done it a few times, but they really suck for that kind of stuff).

So, this year I want to get my own skis (and boots ofc). I've been eyeing a few different ones, but I'm having a hard time choosing between them. Nice thing is that cost isn't much of a problem, since I'm getting a really, really nice deal.

I'll be doing grooms most of the time with my friends (going pretty fast, I just wait from time to time for them to catch up), but now and then I'll be able to convince them to go have some powder fun and hit the park. Also, now and then, I like to bomb a run. So, let's say 75% grooms/15% powder/10% park (which might shift to park more when I get better at it).

So, anyone have an idea what would be the best choice for me? I can get:
- Salomon Foil '08 (so far there are my top pick)
- Rossignol Scratch Ghetto '08
- Rossignol Scratch Bling '08
- Rossignol Scratch Brigade '08
- Rossignol Bandit B83 '08
- Rossignol Bandit B3 '07
- Rossignol Bandit B2 '07

As far as I can tell from reviews, the Bandit's aren't all that great compared to the others in that list, but I'm just adding them for the sake of completeness. There's probably a few others from the Salomon & Rossignol I can get my hands on, so if you think there's an even better ski out there, please tell me.

I've also read a lot of nice things about Head Mojo 90's & Armada AR6/ARVs, but I can't seem to find them anywhere here.

As far as bindings go, I'll probably pick up some cheap Rossignol FKS 120/155/185, don't think I can go wrong with those.

I would really appreciate it if someone could give me some insight as to what ski would be best for me. I'm living in Belgium, so there's no way for me to try them out before buying.

Thanks a lot, Darhuuk
Nov 11 2007 10:20AM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Oh, just thought I'd add that I probably won't buy FKS 185s, since they only go down to DIN 8 and I'm not quite ready to bust my knees just yet.
Nov 11 2007 10:23AM
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FerrattiPGA
Posts: 701 - Karma: 14
im liking the foils for u
Nov 11 2007 10:26AM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Oh, I'm 183 cm (I'm guessing that's around 6') and weight around 70 kg (+- 150 lbs).
Nov 11 2007 10:38AM
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dje84
Posts: 118 - Karma: 10
I would also consider the Salomon thruster. IMO, the foils are little over priced and the Thruster would be more of a fun ski.  I tried the Thrusters last year and I really liked their width, medium flex and I think they would be a bit better for that 10% of park that you are planning on doing. 

I've only heard good things about that scratch ghetto.  It feels really springy and has snowboard type sidecut for laying some nice turns down on the groomers.   Tough call.
Nov 11 2007 10:38AM
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dje84
Posts: 118 - Karma: 10
fair enough.  agreed on the dumont being a solid ski. 
Nov 11 2007 10:51AM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Hm, the Dumonts seem to be very park focused and not so good for speeding down grooms. Well, that's what the Salomon site tells me. Has anyone has any experience with them? I don't want them to start bouncing all over the place when I bomb a run.

As for the bindings, the Rossignol FKS 155/120 should fit just fine on the Salomons & Rossignols I mentioned earlier, right? Are those the ideal bindings or should I be looking at other stuff as well?

I might be able to find some Marker bindings cheap, but I'm not sure what to think of them. Half the people are bashing them, while the other half seems to like them... So, what's up with that? Are most of them crap and only the Duke & Jester worth anything or ...?

Thanks a lot for the nice & fast responses so far by the way!
Nov 11 2007 12:24PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7816 - Karma: 21,832
Foils would be the best out of the ones you named I think. also maybe check out the volkl bridge if you can find them anywhere. they seem to be closest to the old Karmas (if you can get a pair of those, do it), which I demo'd and were a really good carving ski, solid at high speeds even on ice and crud, wide enough to do some powder and a great ski in the park as well, light in the air and stable on rails and landing jumps. For boots I would look at the Salomon Foils. I ahve the ones from last year and they are very comfortable, light and I think flex index is 85. they have adjustable canting, micro adjustable buckles........look in reviews. for bindings, I think Salomon sth 12(lighter) or Look px12 (more durable) would be best. If you are looking for something cheaper, K2 silincers might be worth a try.
Nov 11 2007 12:32PM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Hm, the Dumont seems to be unavailable in 181 cm, only 176 cm left and I'm 185 cm. It's only a 5 cm difference, so I'm wondering if it would be a stupid mistake if I bought a 176 Dumont in case the Foil is all sold out. Also, the Gun I can only get in a maximum size of 174 cm, which is 10 cm shorter than me.

I'm quite sure I've skied on skis that size before (crappy rentals, so not twin tips), but I could always try to find some 180+ Bandits if all 180+ Salomons are sold out. Would that be better or should I just go with the shorter skis (seeing as the Bandits aren't true twin tips)?

Just as a reference, I'll state my height & weight again: 1.85 m =  6' 1", 70 kg = 155 lbs.
Nov 11 2007 1:44PM
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jhackbeez
Posts: 2136 - Karma: 258
yo, pm me and i will give you a  discount for tramdock for dumonts
Nov 11 2007 1:45PM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Well, just got myself some Völkl Karmas, 185cm :). Now I only need to find some FKS 120's somewhere, boots shouldn't be a problem. Considering the amount I ski every year, those should last me at least 5 years. Man, I'm stoked, I wish ski vacation was here already.
Nov 13 2007 9:55PM
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Pklink04
Posts: 5608 - Karma: 392
awesome dude i think you will like those alot
Nov 13 2007 10:23PM
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Bodeau.
Posts: 1637 - Karma: 48

I have the foils and they are my favorite skis. They do awesome on groomers and i love them in the park. And they will float pretty damn well in powder, seeing as that was one of the things salomon wanted the ski to be compatable with. Overall, Absolutely solid ski, i love it. I would go with it.

Nov 13 2007 10:29PM
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josh.
Posts: 3469 - Karma: 42
try and find a set of head jon ollsons cause there narrow waist makes them great for grooms but there still a good park ski and there light
Nov 13 2007 10:37PM
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Benjivz
Posts: 76 - Karma: 54
The thruster and the dumont share the same geometry, but the dumont is a wood core.  The foils are a 2mm wider underfoot, but the foil still uses a microcell core.  If you are doing more groomed riding, id go with the dumont or the foil.
Nov 14 2007 12:30PM
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Darhuuk
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
Just wanted to let you guys know I got my hands on a pair of brand new '06 FKS 120s. Ol righty =)! Time to go fit some boots.
Nov 16 2007 4:10PM
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