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Gear recommendations for a newish skier...

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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
I know this is probably the gazillionth post like this, but for someone new to skiing whose friends are all boarders it can be tough to pick new gear out when you don't know shit.

Right now I'm riding on some 6+ year old Volks with boots that are way too big so this summer I figured I would piece together a decent set-up that will last me a couple years. Pretty much my riding style i cruising greens, working on my turns heading down blues, and I'm finally to the point where I can ride blacks without falling. On top of that I spend about 1/2 the day in the park just working on the basics (gotta start somewhere).

Here is what I'm thinking as of right now, open to suggestions:

Line Masterminds. I've read a lot of reviews about them and they seem like a decent all-around beginner ski. Need help on sizing though, I have no idea.

I have no idea on what bindings, Marker, Solomon, etc?

As for boots I'm thinking Full Tilt Booters. There is a pretty decent ski shop about an hour from where I live, I just haven't made it there yet to get fitted for boots.

If it helps, I live in Central NY so we rarely get deep pow days. Also I'm 5'8" and about 200 lbs. I'm not fat, just a solid dude who used to lift a lot and played football. Also I'm not really looking to spend over $1200.

Sorry for the long post, any suggestions are helpful.
Feb 8 2012 10:26PM
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-GL-
Posts: 1696 - Karma: 37
Go to your ski shop talk to a tech and tell them what your looking for that'll deffinitly help. For boots honestly just go with whatever fits your foot best, if you dont mind spending a little more money get chronics instead of masterminds if you wanna stay with line, youll get more bang for you buck with those imo.
Feb 8 2012 10:31PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
Thanks for the help man.

I was also thinking Chronics but I wasn't sure how they would be for someone fairly new to skiing.
Feb 8 2012 10:38PM
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Dr0ck
Posts: 69 - Karma: 13
I think you're on the right track but with boots Id say try on a lot of boots and find the ones that fit the best. Different shaped legs/feet need different fitting boots, it doesn't matter who makes them but it does matter how they fit, go with cheap bindings since your still a begginer a marker m10 would be fine.
Feb 8 2012 10:43PM
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JoshH
Posts: 365 - Karma: 151
Try on multiple boots from multiple brands. Don't have your heart set on one pair before you get there.
Talk to the shop employees, you may want to look for a quiver of one style ski with a slight park orientation. I think you have a good idea of what you are looking for. Check out all the available Line skis, you're gonna find a set you like. Good Luck!
Feb 9 2012 10:50PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
Thanks for the help guys.

Gonna head to a ski shop tomorrow to talk to a tech and try on a bunch of boots and see what they recommend on skis.
Feb 10 2012 9:44PM
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Shlobby
Posts: 1665 - Karma: 303
Once he starts progressing though marker 10's will not be fine especially if he wants this set up for a few years. I was on squires which is an 11 din last year because it was my first year and thought it was alright but then I started hitting bigger and bigger jumps and finally they gave out and that was the end of them for me. Even on rails they were preleasing on me but they shattered and I just never felt comfortable on them again. Im 5'9" 165 pounds for reference.So I got a pro deal with the fks 140 and theyre super solid but if I was you Id look for px12s or marker griffons on sale based on your size and if you plan on progressing to more technical stuff. Evo has some good deals going on right now on some px12s I believe that are around $150. For boots listen to these guys and go try them on theyre the most essential part of the skiing process and without comfortable boots youll hate skiing. For skis I hear masterminds are good and I see a lot of people skiing them. I hear chronics are good too and since youll be skiing them for a few years Id go with something like them. But look in your local shops if you have any since skis should be going on sale soon in the next few weeks or so and you might be able to pick up a steal. Something ideally in the 174-179 rage I would say. Hope this helps
Feb 11 2012 12:46AM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
Thanks for the help man. The bindings are definitely something to take into consideration.
Feb 11 2012 1:11AM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
So I went to a ski shop yesterday and checked shit out. I didn't try on boots but they have a pretty good selection. Full Tilts, DelBello, Solomon, etc so when I am ready I'll go there and try them on and find which one I like the best. You can get boots online for a little cheaper, but at the shop they will fit me for them so I'll pay the extra.

As for skis, I think I am going to go with 178 Chronics with Marker "The Griffon" bindings. Should last me a couple years. I just want some good all mountain stuff and something that will be fun in the park. I'm not going to get super technical so I think the bindings will hold up well.

Pretty amped, now I just gotta save up the cash.
Feb 12 2012 4:10PM
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infuser
Posts: 1220 - Karma: 241
you're definetely on the right track... chronics and griffons are both high quality. good luck figuring everything out
Feb 12 2012 5:32PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
I'm torn between the sizes though. 173 or 178?

I'm 5'8" and about 200 lbs. I would say I ride 60% all mountain and 40% park.
Feb 12 2012 5:46PM
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Shlobby
Posts: 1665 - Karma: 303
Id go 178 if I were you but its really only a matter of an inch and a half or so
Feb 12 2012 6:02PM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
For skis I recommend armada el rays or halos, and for bindings i recommend marker squires.
Feb 12 2012 6:50PM
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lukewalnuts
Posts: 2730 - Karma: 152
178's
Feb 12 2012 6:55PM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
Agreed
Feb 12 2012 7:00PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
Sorry for all the questions, but any reason for the 178's over the 173's?

I +k'd all the people for their help. I appreciate it.
Feb 12 2012 7:54PM
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infuser
Posts: 1220 - Karma: 241
if you're 200 punds, 178 for sure
Feb 12 2012 8:17PM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
The 178s will fit you longer because you are taller... By the way did you say you bought your new bindings already?
Feb 12 2012 8:55PM
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Shlobby
Posts: 1665 - Karma: 303
Do not get squires at your weight definitely get griffons
Feb 12 2012 10:05PM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
nah brochacho, I said I figured out what I wanted.

Like shlobby (sp?) said, Pretty sure I'm gonna go with The Griffons.
Feb 12 2012 10:39PM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
Sounds good bro! Did u figure out ur outerwear?
Feb 13 2012 12:08AM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
Dude my mobile ns does that too much, I keep hitting go
Feb 13 2012 11:53AM
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andybob
Posts: 474 - Karma: 35
I've got some pants I usually use for snowmobiling that have been working pretty good. I did however, rip them a little bit so I plan to get some new ones. I picked up a pretty mint Session jacket at Zumiez for $60 because I was sick of wearing my snow cross pullover, lol. Also got some DaKine gloves and a Neff hat under my helmet. Other than some pants and maybe a different helmet I'm pretty set. Might build some custom Crowbars over summer though.
Feb 13 2012 12:39PM
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ericdan
Posts: 215 - Karma: 27
Nice! If your ever wondering what helmet to get, I recommend a smith maze. Have fun bro, hope to maybe ski with u someday
Feb 13 2012 12:44PM
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