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What you look for in a Ski

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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
 It seems like there have been tons of small ski companies popping up, each trying to carve out a piece of the market.  I was wondering how you choose what ski to but for next season, is it all about a brand you like, the design of the graphics or the build quality?  How does cost factor into this?  how much is too much for a set of skis?  I think some companies build skis our of exotic material just so they can charge an arm and a leg.  I guess the same could apply for all ski equipment so let the comment fly!
Mar 4 2010 12:07PM
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ted.d
Posts: 976 - Karma: 53
alot of it depends on reputation, for instance the past two years salomon suspects and threats seem to completely fall apart for most people. Also people seem to have trouble with the edges falling off of boone skis. So i usually buy things that have a good reputation especially when companies have been making a ski for a couple of years and people seem to like it.
just read reviews, but i would say durability is the main thing that i would look for in a ski.
Mar 4 2010 12:43PM
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chardi
Posts: 5040 - Karma: 59

whatever tom wallisch rides

Mar 4 2010 1:47PM
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SteezeBall
Posts: 350 - Karma: 12
this
Mar 4 2010 1:55PM
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Spaceman_spiff
Posts: 240 - Karma: 362
Cheap and good rewiews
Mar 4 2010 3:43PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10

is that really all we look for in a set of skis?  Cheap ones that pros like? no one looks at the construction of the ski?  What about design how does that effect your decision?

For me buying a new set of skis in an adventure, I do the research, I look at the construction to make sure the ski won't snap when I'm bombing down the hill.

Mar 4 2010 4:37PM
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yeahitsdave
Posts: 1315 - Karma: 10

you obviously are new to ns. welcome to the style capitol of the internet, where no one cares how things perform and only how it looks or who rides it. or everyone is just gonna give you ridiculous answers, like they are now.

personally, i look for the best value that satisfies my needs, plus i ski as many skis as possible, so i have a better feel for what im diving into.

Mar 4 2010 5:11PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10

So, if I am reading this correctly, the most important thing in deciding on a new set of skis is the look.  Because of the nature of skiers, who all want to be cooler then the guy next to them in the lift line.  The ski needs to preform well, and be liked be pros.  What I wonder is how important brand is? Or does that just guide skiers to where the best designs are?

Also, what is the average price you would pay for a pair of skis? for around 500 bucks I should be able to get a good pair of skis right?

Mar 4 2010 6:31PM
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wintersway
Posts: 5115 - Karma: 128
1. good reviews for the types of snow i ride
2. flex- i like a stiffer ski that i can ride all mountain with and not have to worry about crud and bad snow conditions
3. sidewall construction
4. graphics
Mar 4 2010 10:43PM
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armada317
Posts: 302 - Karma: 28

i enjoy a ski that is around at least 85 under foot, around 169 cm, with very little rocker in case i feel like hitting powder on a good day, light weight good reviews, the graphic not so much  good solid construction with tappered edges. and i refuse to ride a ski with carbon fiber in the core because of an issue i had. pretty much what i look for is mystical one ski quiver one of the best skis i found for it are line blends and seth pistols, line 100 profit, and some skis that were designed buy some guy at steam boat i think he called them the helions or something like that.

Mar 5 2010 3:08AM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
yea i agree we all need at least 85 under the foot but that seems like a pretty short ski.  What kinds of problems have you had with carbon fiber in the base?  I think that the flex pattern is the most important part when buying a new set, but not many people take the time to look at diffrent ones because it is the boring technical part behind of the exciting graphic skins
Mar 5 2010 9:29AM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
bump a lump
Mar 8 2010 4:00PM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
i want a super soft, buttery ski, because in the midwest, that slays everything, no powder here. also, it has to be narrow and light, and obviously get good reviews.
Mar 8 2010 4:04PM
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A.Eberhard
Posts: 4426 - Karma: 415
1. Reputation
2. Stiffness, I don't like sloppy ski's

Mar 8 2010 4:14PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
so other than technical specs.  As long as the ski is reviewed well and fits your skiing style your good?  What about buying a ski online has anyone ever done this.  I don't know why but I have only gotten skis from stores where I can see it and take it home.  I know that I'm probably paying way more but it's worth it to me to see what I am buying before I buy it.

Also, who do you think are the most respected venues that review skis.  Are they all pros or do you read review in magazines and on the web as well?


Mar 9 2010 10:15AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
soft as shit, fat, tons of sidecut. i.e. elizabeth

yes they are $600, but durable as shit
warranty is the shit
line skis is the shit

stiff skis w/ no sidecut are bland and boring
Mar 9 2010 10:37AM
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Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
never ridden the elizabeths, but i have never liked my invaders, so slow, too soft, and really not too much pop id say
Mar 9 2010 11:57AM
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hippystinx
Posts: 937 - Karma: 171
park skis
length-179-185 i am tall i like alot of ski
flex...i like a very soft flex preferably a ski with a hinge point for a consitant flex everytime, very buttery
waist-i like around 85-90 underfoot for my park ski
camber-i like a ski with little to no camber, i have not tried a rockered park ski yet but they sound fun
weight-ski that is light weight is preferable
vertical sidewall-vertical sidewall usually flex better and feel more comfortable going fast for me and keeps the ski a little stiffer on edge
price-mid 300s for my park ski if i pay over 400 bucks i just ripped my self off
look-grafic is important, i have to like the graphic on the ski but it isnt that important becasue you can always get a skin to put on top.
side cut-symetrical side cut with centermount location, skis like the da nollie, wall exct ski much better center mounted than something like the cronic. 

all mountain ski
length 185-190 region
flex-medium even flex stiffer in tail
waist- around 95-100 underfoot
camber-i like my all mountain skis to be able to hold an edge so camber is important, not to much camber but i would never buy a reverse camber or no camber all mountain ski
weight-light..but haviing a little weight to a all mountain carver ski i like because it gives me assurance when i am boming and i would like to imagine that more weight=more solid ski
vertical side wall
price around 400-500 dollars for a good all mountain ski is esily obtainable on evo.gear or backcountry.com...people dont like to support these online shops but would rather go with a local company..but i have experienced much better pricing and customer service from these sites than from my local shop
look-again if you dont like the graphic you can always put a skin on it

powder ski
length 185-190
flex-soft flex all the way through
same goes around the other categories
price-around 500-600 dollars for a good powder ski new

i hope this helps and bump
Mar 9 2010 1:52PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
construction(core type, cap/sidewall, ect)
lengths(pow need to be 189+, park 181+)
dimensions
rocker
flex
price

not in that order
Mar 9 2010 1:55PM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Wide ski with a soft flex and a tight turn radius. Park ski around 175 cm and powder ski around 185 cm with a lot of rocker.

It saddens me how rare these kinds of skis are. I've got Elizabeths and EP Pros, but the Elizabeth is pretty much the only ski in it's category.
Mar 9 2010 2:07PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
any more thoughts. bump
Apr 7 2010 11:40AM
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Ftacnik
Posts: 1997 - Karma: 111
I want a ski like this so bad but can't seem to find it

100-110 underfoot
Lots of rocker
Park orientated
Around 176-180 length
Soft to medium flex

If you know of a ski like this. Tell me
Apr 7 2010 3:41PM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Why lots of rocker for park?

If you forget the rocker, Line Elizabeth is what you're looking for. If you really want a rockered fat park ski, 10/11 Sir Francis Bacon.
Apr 7 2010 4:24PM
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Ftacnik
Posts: 1997 - Karma: 111
I want a park ski that will perform well in pow. Pretty much like a skinnier EP pro or hellbent. I don't hit big jumps so i don't really need a stiffer ski.
Apr 7 2010 4:58PM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
Well, you could try the Salomon 2012's that are coming out next year.
Apr 7 2010 6:33PM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Definitely 10/11 Sir Francis Bacon. I'm gonna get them for the exact same purpose.
Apr 8 2010 3:24AM
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Jules.
Posts: 768 - Karma: 9
graphics and only graphics
Apr 8 2010 11:00AM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
durability.

Apr 8 2010 12:30PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
Bump?
Apr 15 2010 2:41PM
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CCampbell-A1
Posts: 264 - Karma: 13
I'm 5'10"-11", 150lbs.

Park:
- 180-185cm.
- Stiff enough to support big landings.
- Light enough to swing around.
- Sidewall preferred
- Very poppy with lots of energy.

All-mountain:
- 185cm or so.
- 95mm or so minimum.
- Stiff as hell, I don't like being thrown around.
- Twin.
- Rockered or not, as long as it can handle all types of snow.
- Long radius, I like around 30m.
- Ease of throwing tricks off of moguls and whatnot. (Close to center mount, lighter)

Powder:
- 190-195cm.
- Lots of rocker, or not, depending on the ski. Generally rocker, though.
- Stiff.
- Stiffer in the tail still.
- Easy to swing around in tight trees (I ski a lot)
- 110mm+.
- Ability to carve back to the chair.
Apr 15 2010 6:46PM
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Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
in park...thin waist to slide rails...people say the wider waist is so much better for bigger jumps but i dont really feel a difference since my invaders are 83 and i have ridden up to 90....but on rails i can tell a slimmer waist slides wayyyyyyy better
Apr 23 2010 2:55PM
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nickyp
Posts: 5673 - Karma: 215
I don't really have a waist or stiffness preference. I've ridden both Anthems and Chronics over the last season, and have had massive fun on both. So instead, I've taken the time to learn about the materials used, and based my choice in that. It is something I recommend everyone does, so you can get the ski that is perfect for what you do.

So, as a 95% park rider, my ideal ski has:

UHMW Sidewalls
>2.2mm full wrap edges
Extruded or Graphite-spun base
Aspen or Maple core
Fully symmetrical
Symmetrical Flex
Apr 23 2010 3:34PM
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PaleCelery
Posts: 7228 - Karma: 609
I like it when my skis come with edges pre installed.
Apr 23 2010 4:30PM
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nickyp
Posts: 5673 - Karma: 215
The thing I most enjoyed most about the Suspects was that the process of uninstalling the edges was quick and easy
Apr 23 2010 5:57PM
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jc_peggy
Posts: 34 - Karma: 384
I like a super stiff ski for park
Like 172-178
Average turn radius
Graphics really don't matter
The most important thing for me is durability though.
Apr 23 2010 6:56PM
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Legion
Posts: 1374 - Karma: 29
my #1 priority is durability
Apr 23 2010 7:21PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
my friend makes them, I ski them.
Apr 23 2010 8:58PM
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gogocmcg
Posts: 168 - Karma: 10
your friend makes skis bump?  get me a pair
May 25 2010 1:40PM
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sklermang
Posts: 2981 - Karma: 1,954
shape, durability, flex, price, reputation.
May 25 2010 10:51PM
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ohmygod_basedgod
Posts: 534 - Karma: 37
all mountain:
width - 98-110mm
length 174-178cm
good enough side cut to carve well on piste
a stiffer ski, to let me back seat some cliff landings into pow
the pop doesnt matter too much to me

park
soft flex
playful
lots of pop
May 25 2010 11:28PM
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gnarles.
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 130
nice ass, big tits, pretty face, nice personality hahaha
May 25 2010 11:57PM
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