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December, 2024

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2nd Pair of skis: carving skis?

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Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
Right now I'm interested in buying some skis for when I am not in the park. I think that I might need to get some carving skis because I am planning on going for a higher level instructor certification course (CSIA 2) and would also like better carving skis for teaching higher level skiers (I work as an instructor), I would also use them sometimes when just cruising around and not in the park.

Does anyone on here use a carving ski sometimes?

I ski Local Vancouver, B.C. Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), I would be using them in all conditions (icy-slushie) except for powder (would use different skis in powder). I am an aggressive high level skier (3+) and want an ALL MOUNTAIN CARVING ski. for the sake of this thread lets not put a price range as I want ideas and also, as it is summer, will be able to find some deals.

I would tend to think what I want will probably not be a twin-tip ski and I know NS generally doesn't deal with that, but I figured there might be some people on here that could help. Also if anyone does know a twin-tip ski that does carve really well I would like to hear about it. Right now my first choice is the Rossignol Experience 88 (I demoed it in Whistler last season and loved it) and anything similar to that would be great!

Definitely a little different than the regular ski advice request but I hope someone can help.

Thanks!
Jul 3 2013 7:34PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
A guy told me once.....sometimes it's not the ski, it's the skier!  A true tune will always be best. Good luck..
Jul 3 2013 10:01PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7495 - Karma: 11,561
Do you want an all mountain carver, or a true carver as in a tuned down race ski?
Jul 3 2013 10:08PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9223 - Karma: 5,435
If i was to get a pair, i'd get slalom skis and i've wanted a pair of atomic redsters. anyway go for slalom skis, they're super fun.
Jul 3 2013 10:33PM
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teamdummy
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 2,606
Last year I thought I wanted to do the same thing. So I bought some k2 aftershocks. They were awesome skis. Carved awesome and had an almost unlimited top speed. But I found myself bored. I could cruise and carve just as well on my twins, and in the end decided that I was happier with the twins. For me, limiting my self to a flat tail and stiff as a board metal construction didnt make sense.
Jul 3 2013 11:03PM
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DHogg
Posts: 3462 - Karma: 238
Fischer Progressor 9 are good. I used them for my PSIA and loved it.
Jul 4 2013 3:04AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7220 - Karma: 18,095
Personally I would not go for a salom ski a the turn radius is so short it does not let you do big radius turns at speed. They also tend to be very twitchy. I would personally look at the Rossi exp range as they are great all mtn carvers and very popular with instructors. They have a range of widths so you can decide how wide you want to go. If you want to go down the more race inspired route then the head carvers like the super shape were very popular. The salomon 24 hour skis were also pretty popular. I would personally avoid full race skis. Unless your in a perfect groomed slope a race ski is not going to be the beat option. But hopefully that gives you some ideas to look at.
Jul 4 2013 5:46AM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
This, Ive used shop version stuff like the Salomon 24 hours and the Head Ititan and they are epic in everything except powder. I have also used full world cup style slalom and GS skis and would not really use them for day to day. Most of my mates who instruct use the Head Ititan or Imagnum which are rather nice, the K2 AMP Bolt or Richtor are worth a look too as are some of the Kastle MX line like the MX83. Dont be tempted for the piste fat skis they will never be a nice as a proper carver on piste.
Jul 4 2013 8:21AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Go to a ski swap in the fall and pick up a pair of used race skis.  They're cheap, and will still rip for what you need them to do.


Jul 4 2013 12:22PM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10888 - Karma: 2,184
Here's a couple you might want to look into:

K2 Charger - 17m radius - i could push this ski all day long and it never let me down!
Volkl RTM 80 - 17.8m radius (176cm) - great ski for everyday. good for carving groomers and nice in the chopped up stuff
Volkl Code - 18.6m radius (178cm) - this is the ski if you want the race ski feel but all mountain capability. from my experiance, get them in a size bigger than you normally would so you make up for the running surface lost from the tip rocker
Jul 4 2013 12:35PM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
Its like saying go buy a used race car and drive it on the road, theres so much verity with most race stock as its all built around FIS regs to do a specific job, most of the racers I know chuck their kit each season as they have destroyed it.

If you go with race stock look at using a womens or masters (non FIS) GS ski will be infinity nicer for day to day cursing and ripping on the piste, im a big chap 6'4 and 220 and I had no issues on the high end shop piste skis such as the Salomon 24 hours. Pay attention to the radius you dont want a huge FIS spec mens radius on piste for day to day. Ive had the joy of using full race stock with metal plates etc and while is fun on an open slope they get tiring very fast when its busy and bumpy. Be sensible and go with a high end piste ski.

Jul 4 2013 1:47PM
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Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
Thanks for the advice. I ended up finding a really good deal on a slightly used pair of rossi experience 88's. I've skied on that ski before, and I think it should definitely do the trick
Jul 4 2013 10:52PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
You're a fuckin idiot. If he wants a race ski, no near symmetrical twin tip will handle as well as a directional ski made for racing
Jul 4 2013 11:08PM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
This ^, Ive been on the same pistes on the same day with 'All Mountain' twins, 'All Mountain flat tails' and race stock and higher end piste skis and the difference between them is unbelievable. As Blake has said no twin will ever go like true piste ski.
Jul 5 2013 5:45AM
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maximiliaan
Posts: 7711 - Karma: 2,857
amplid c7, super good carving skis and you could also hit it in the park!
Jul 5 2013 8:52AM
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Brule.
Posts: 3949 - Karma: 6,352
My dad is looking at a pair of Volkl Kendos that he can use while teaching and free skiing in between lessons. Not necessari
Jul 5 2013 5:53PM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
The Blizzard equivalent is (Bonafied) I think is worth a look too as its essentially an updated version of the Volkl as the chap who designed the recent versions of the Kendo, Katana and Mantra moved to Blizzard and helped develop their flip core.
Jul 5 2013 6:25PM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
Good call on the exp 88. The quickest way to fail your exam is show up NOT looking like an instructor. Over think things and ski real slow and you'll pass.


Psia jokes...

What do ski instructors and golf carts have in common... They all look the same and have a top speed of 15mph.

What does PSIA stand for.... Probably Should stay Inside, Asshole.

Thats all I can think of. I hope in Canada, csia is a lot cooler. Ive been a psia level 2 now for a few years, the exams suck and sskiing like a old man sucks, but it the game ya gotta play for ski instruction.

Good luck!
Jul 6 2013 6:27AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
How many ski instructors does it take to change a light bulb?
Five.  One to screw in the light bulb, and four to say "Nice turns".

What's the difference between a pizza and a ski instructor?
A pizza can feed a family of four.

What do you call a ski instructor that just got dumped by his girlfriend?
Homeless.

You're at a house party with 50 other people, and one of them is a ski instructor.  How do you know who it is?
Because he told you so.
Jul 6 2013 9:59AM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
^ I literally lol'd
Jul 6 2013 4:55PM
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SSchepkowski
Posts: 168 - Karma: 182
I work at a retail store in nelson b.c. we got two pairs of these and they sold in 3 days, best carving ski on the market, If you haventlearnt about why volkl would use full rocker on a carving ski, look it up. no catchiness, as soon as its on edge you get full edge contact just like a cambered ski, will work better if you happen to catch some freshies, and some of you will not believe this but trust me. I am a very progressive skier and have never skied such a great ski, I would buy it if I didnt like landing switch and doing tricks. Look at reviews if you dont believe me, great single directional ski! look at reviews and videos.
*note that you have to buy a special binding for this ski
Jul 7 2013 3:09AM
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SSchepkowski
Posts: 168 - Karma: 182
dont mean to be a dick bro, but the ski matters to. try and land switch on a pair of 105 slalom skis in powder off a big cliff, then try it on a ski meant for it.. As good of a skier you are, you need a ski to match your style, ya dig?
Jul 7 2013 3:12AM
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Bogs
Posts: 4296 - Karma: 1,361
You must not ski very aggressively, then.
Jul 7 2013 9:08AM
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the.hellion.
Posts: 861 - Karma: 698
I rock Noridca Dobermann's and I could NOT be happier.

I ski Ontario ice, but they grip nice on good groomers, have a great turning radius, are super nice and responsive. I'm in love.
Jul 7 2013 10:57AM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,762
sounds like you want the quintessential dad PNW ski.


everyone I know that rips and doesn't like twin tips loves these.
Jul 7 2013 7:19PM
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bnewbs6
Posts: 1919 - Karma: 1,463
A good twin tip option would be the Armada Triumph. Its stiff and fast.
But like someone said, a twin tip wont ever be as good as a full piste or race ski.
I dont get to do it very often but i love hopping on a buddies race skis and just going rediculously fast.
Jul 8 2013 2:21AM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
I have always failed to see the point of such things, Armada market it as GS ski tech when its not really at all, the local shop tried much the same on me when I was looking at them. If you compare it to the shop version of actual GS skis (Atomic Redster Double Deck, Salomon 24 hours and X Race, Nordic Doderman, and the Rossi WC) its got about as much in common with GS as my ass does. Putting two sheets of metal and a race base on a ski does not a race ski make.
Jul 8 2013 5:49AM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
Ever ski the nordi firearrow pro? Its definitely not a "twin" but has a tail and can ski and land switch. The most fun ive ever had switch is on that ski.

My point is there is a place for a hybrid recreational sl or gs profile twin tipped ski. But your right Armada need to rrethink their marketing on that ski.
Jul 8 2013 6:59AM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
I'd go with the k2 hellbent. The 132 under foot really helps you skid your turns and the flex pattern allows you to sit backseat and do some nice tail presses. Also the top sheet will really impress the examiners.
Jul 8 2013 5:37PM
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haggis_hunter
Posts: 399 - Karma: 207
Ive skied and owned plenty similar half tails, (Fischer Watea was my main ski for a while) the difference I found between a half tail and full twin was still quite a lot on piste. Ive never been on a twin tip that has held an edge well enough compared to a natural piste ski for me to have a twin for piste. I had the Fischers as my one ski trip ski when I was limited on luggage space and Liberty Morphics as my other ski. Like you I have no issues with brands having 'piste twins' but like you I find calling them a GS ski derived ski too much.
Jul 8 2013 6:03PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
That's funny because I can carve with old Salomon 1080's or Armada JJ's   In this video I'm on 1080 twin tips.  Then again you will say I'm not carving.
So look out when I use one of my other three pair of "carving" skis.  These here are foam core spaceframe.  I hear they really suck!
Jul 17 2013 8:35PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363

OK, that did not embed correctly.  Let me try again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g6wyuqdAsw

OK I give up.

Jul 17 2013 8:44PM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
^ Dude you rip ;-)
Jul 17 2013 10:34PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Check out the Nordica Firearrow 84, its ridiculous. Carves like nothing else.
Jul 17 2013 11:12PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363

Thanks K2.  That was a few years ago.  I've been working on laying it down like Ligity.  That was a dull 1 & 3 tune.  Still OK on soft snow.  I just got a 4 degree side plate for my side of BEAST Pro.  I think a 2 base and 4 side will help me to get lower.  I'm gonna' try that tune on those skis.  Salomon 1080 Spaceframes.  I tune all my skis to a 1 base and a 3 side now.  BTW I really can lay down on my JJ's.  Took me a few days to figure them out, but I did.  All the Bachelor crew have seen me do it.  They are really fat so reading the base while I lay 'em over is easy!   :-)

Anyway, a good hand tune will help anyone to ski better if they try, and can put the skis on their side.  A bad tune can make the best skier suck.  I got a pair of Salomon Street Racers.  I tried them with a wax only because the tune did not look to bad.  Big mistake.  I hated those skis.  Could not make them turn.  Then I did a total tune on them.  I charge $70.00 for a full on tune.  Go figure!  I paid $60.00 for them.  After the hand tune....holly shit!   I frickin love those skis!  I never took a lesson in my life.  I have gotten' a few "pointers" along the way that helped me a lot, but that's it.

Jul 17 2013 11:24PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7220 - Karma: 18,095
On a soft piste like that yeah any ski will carve ok, you can se though in the middle of the turn the ski is flexing allot an your beginning to skid and can't push out of the turn and that's in soft powdery snow. Take those turns onto a hardpack run and your going to be skidding around. That always made me laugh in whistler people would say look thi fat ski carves really well in this soft groomed run, but then they get to some ice and they are standing upright on them like a beginner again.
Jul 18 2013 5:02AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
You are not a dick.  That was said with a grain of salt!  Most all modern skis are all good, they all need a hand tune right out of the box though.  I have only seen a few that don't because they finish by hand at the factory.  One I can think of is DSP or is that DPS?  There are a few others.  These are small makers, not the big guys.
Jul 18 2013 10:01AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
If you've got the means, a second carving or "work" ski will be good for you. 

I can carve just fine on my Turbos, but I've also got a pair of MSPs that carve even better.  And then when it really gets icy, I've also got a pair of Elan SLX's .

The edges are kinda thin on the SLX's, but the bases have good structure, and they were free.
Jul 18 2013 10:15AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363

Thin edges are the norm on race skis.  Don't know the SLX, but thin edges are not a bad thing.

Time for me to work on skis.  Se ya later.

Jul 18 2013 10:50AM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
Volkl Kendos or Mantras.

Mantras are probably better for your location. The ski rips everywhere...except park haha. I would pass on the Rossi experience, I've ridden almost every ski in that line, not impressed. It's definitely for a much more intermediate skier whereas the Volkls are for an advanced skier. They just don't have the pop that Volkls have.
Jul 18 2013 11:00AM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
I cant even be mean... do your thing... 4° side bevel, your a nut!
Jul 18 2013 1:11PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
Some racers go to a 5 degree side.  I was told that Ted uses a 2 & 4 tune.  Only thing is it will hook up hard, and if one is not "good" already, then they should not try it.  If they set the DIN too high they might get hurt.  I am hoping to get some good video of me this coming season.  If I like the 4 side, I'll put it on some of my other skis as well.  Just for now the 1080's.  Now back to the shop.  Tuning my Rossi. Bandit XX womens skis now.  I have a few pair of "womens" skis I use.  Good for me as I tuck turn a lot and only come in at about 125 lbs. or so.  I love those Bandits.  Paid $70.00 for those!  They are in a 160.  Turn really good.  Furom one nut to another, be good! ;-)
Jul 18 2013 2:08PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
As a dedicated racer(downvotes incoming), I would recommend the Volkl RTM 84 for a good all-mountain carving ski. It's super turny and can hold an edge well. It's slightly fatter than a race ski, so it's able to hold up in the choppier stuff.

Volkl RTM 84:
Click for larger image



If you are a more aggressive skier looking for SOLELY an on-piste racecar, try the HEAD Worldcup i.SL. Not the "RD" version, just the pure non-FIS slalom ski. The radius is super short, and owning a pair of the race stock versions I can vouch for their pure love for the short-radius railing. The G-forces will obliterate you. Another thing, there is a microchip in the back of the ski that stores energy and releases them into the turn, sending you sailing if you load the ski up.

HEAD Woroldcup i.SL:
Click for larger image



If you are wanting a larger radius ski, there is also the non-FIS HEAD i.Speed which is the non race-stock counterpart for their GS race line. The radius is much more forgiving too(35m blows). This also has the microchip that accelerates your turn.

HEAD Worldcup i.Speed:
Click for larger image



To conclude, those are some options for you. All are good choices for carving skis, it all depends on how you ski and what kind of ski you want. It may seem like I'm biased to Head, but seriously, they make such bomber skis. So much fun on and off the course. Note- all photos I posted here are 2014 editions. Let me know if you want sizing/width/pricing information. Some of the skis can be expensive, but racing discounts make them much cheaper and I'd be happy to buy them for you through my USSA account to save you some cash. (Or I'm sure you can find someone else here too). Also, there are good used options too. Racing requirements change each year, so many racers will need to buy new gear and sell their old stuff just to be able to compete. Try ebay or TGR Forums. Epicski is an option, but many of those guys are bitchy.

Hope that helped. Good luck. Have fun out there.







Jul 18 2013 3:46PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Oh, and my dad skis on Rossi E98s and they are alright, but nowhere near as nice as the ones I posted above. A better option for you would be those Volkls I posted.
Jul 18 2013 3:52PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363

All those skis you posted are awesome skis for sure!   He already got a pair of Rossi Expierence 88's.  Nice skis too, but no sintered base on those.  He will have to wax them every time because they are an extruded base ski.

The thread has been hijacked for the most part.  That's how these things go.  I don't own a pair of head skis yet myself.  I did learn on head standards though!  They were my sisters!  I have worked on some race stock heads and they were very nice indeed!  They sucked up wax like a sponge!  I have a pair of Volkls in my shop now.  Unlimited someting or the other.  They do have a sintered base so I'll box the hell out of them. 

BTW, I know a more than few young racers who are what I call "Crossovers" .  They are not "stuck up".  They can ski park and pow really good, also they know how to carve the shit out of it!

This thread is officially hijacked!  Be good and race away!

Jul 18 2013 8:32PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Is that what it's called? Crossover is a great term. Now I have something to refer as to myself.

Yeah I just picked up some Head Raptor 130 RS(I'm somewhat a Head bitch) and am super stoked to try them. I've been stuck in a 70 flex boot all these years.

The e88s are great skis, for sure. I'm sure he'll love them. They just need to be maintained, especially the edges. They dull quickly in my dad's position. That might not be the manufactures' fault though.


Anyway, nice carving, it's always nice to see someone that appreciates that low-angle railing like I do on here.
Jul 18 2013 10:27PM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
I wanna hot box in my shop! Been thinking about grabbing one of those big aluminum food hot boxes. Restaurants are always going out of business and selling shit cheap... anything made for skis is twice as much as it should be, its really annoying.
Jul 19 2013 7:01AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
That's why I built my own.  It can heat as high as 158 F, but I set it about 150 only.  If I'm only useing yellow then it can be set to 140 F and still kill it. 
Jul 19 2013 9:21AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11236 - Karma: 76,363
Nice boots!   You won't even believe this.  I got a pair of Salomon Falcon 10's end of last season.  Like new.  Must have been used only like a few times.  Fit me really good.  Dig this.  $7.50!  They cost $750.00 new!  They are 110 flex, but I'm a light weight anyway.  Super light boot.  Be good you Head bitch!
Jul 19 2013 9:33AM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Wat. $7.50, really? Wow. That's awesome.

Oh, and to the guy wanting a hot box above:
Grab a length of aluminum ducting, and insulate the outside with that fiberglass stuff. (You might want to cover that in a plastic then too for safety reasons) After that, cut out a part for a heater element, and place it over or in spot. Seal the sides, and you have made your own hotbox!
Jul 19 2013 10:39AM
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k2andcannoli
Posts: 644 - Karma: -36
^ genius
Jul 19 2013 1:57PM
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