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October, 2024

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KITTEN FACTORY SKIS? this is why we do focus-group testing

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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752

I thought this was a Steve Stepp troll or something at first. Clicked on the site, checked out the skis and designs, and I must say... skis are dope, cool design, seems like quality materials... but FUCK are they ugly. REALLY ugly.

Click for larger image

this is their worst offender, they cost nearly $1000, PURRty Bouncy, get it?

BATALIA skis, introduced themselves well, J skis is doing an awesome job of it too. But I haven't seen this much stupid in a ski company launch since BOONE. If you're gonna put all the blood sweat and tears it takes into starting a Ski Co, make it one that's not going to be a joke. Especially since the number of ski manufacturers is constantly growing... check em out for yourself.

what's your opinion? Do I sound like an ass-hat? Do you agree? eh?
Nov 22 2013 12:48PM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,055
j-skis dont look any better.. all the indie brands typically have bad graphics. why cant someone just make a ski with no graphics!
Nov 22 2013 1:06PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
J skis isn't much better, but their stupid graphics are at least well executed.

Click for larger image

guessing you're one of the folks that thinks these are the best looking skis ever? I agree.
Nov 22 2013 1:31PM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
like dps?
gettin the mrs. a pair of 174 carbonated glass as soon as them slacker quit skiin all day
i dig the graphics and what they got goin on at the factory o kitties good dudes
as for focus group testin stoked their gonna be demoin a lot i can't wait to spin a few pio laps on some of thier local made goodies

topsheets not hudge in what i want out of my sticks
i like stickers
i'm votin probable asshat definately never skied a sweet carbon fibered ski
Nov 22 2013 1:38PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
let me get this straight.. you say that you are talking purely graphics here, and you applaud J skis (forum images, ironic collages, etc) as an example of good graphics?

OKAY
Nov 22 2013 2:00PM
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phiberawptik
Posts: 69 - Karma: 9
Really? You're going to use Batalla? Another one and done "company" from Texas. Those clowns are spending more money on media than building ski's.
 And J Ski's who wouldn't even matter if it wasn't Jason Levinthal behind it?
Nov 22 2013 2:33PM
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phiberawptik
Posts: 69 - Karma: 9
Too bad Huck_Norris was too much of a pussy for that sick set up. Not to mention he fucking butchered them by putting fucking inserts in.
Nov 22 2013 2:34PM
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TheDetectives
Posts: 634 - Karma: 1,472
BOONE and surface do
Nov 22 2013 2:50PM
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NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
I dont mind the kitten graphics at all. In fact I would say that I prefer them to almost anything Line puts out on a regular basis. The whole LOLSORANDUM trend is disgusting. Same with almost anything that was submitted to the J skis contest. For example I would love a pair of this years traveling circuses due to their tech specs but their graphics are so horrendously RANDUMLOL that I would never buy them. At least most of the kitten stuff has a theme.
Nov 22 2013 7:55PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
this looks like dps with kitties
Nov 22 2013 9:51PM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
Glad the ads are working!
Nov 22 2013 9:53PM
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Pmoore
Posts: 1802 - Karma: 1,246
You should look at the shapes compared to DPS skis. Fun shapes while still getting the benefits of a lighter ski.
Nov 22 2013 9:54PM
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SunnyH
Posts: 34 - Karma: 20
If you dismiss skis based soley on graphics (That are really not bad/pretty dope) then you probably shouldn't be skiing dope skis/ you should go home and rethink your life.
Nov 22 2013 10:05PM
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MattMcGinnis
Posts: 2396 - Karma: 73
I don't put my stamp on much these days, but I'm definitely giving Kitten Factory the seal of approval. The guy behind the brand's been making skis since early high school, but has waited until he finished college before trying to sell them under a brand name. When's the last time you heard of a ski company taking 6+ years to do their R+D before launching?

Sure the kitten thing might come off as dumb to some people, but it's already proving to be a hilarious common thread throughout the brand. It's not like this is one random ski. Plus, like you said, the construction on these is super lightweight and bombproof. I'm personally pretty psyched to see where this company heads, regardless of whether or not their graphics come off as silly.

Nov 22 2013 10:06PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
dps is all directional which sucks but the price point behind them is rough. The price on the line up is worth it but I'm broke and probably going to pick bluehouse because I'm a broke ski bum that is still keeping my money local.

On the other hand if I were loaded I would buy a pair for me and the old lady because we fucking love cats.
Nov 22 2013 10:18PM
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hella.sick.skier
Posts: 934 - Karma: 70
Only heard great things about the skis
Nov 22 2013 10:27PM
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Tonetti.
Posts: 733 - Karma: 1,311
TRUUU! Rode a pair of the All Mountains and they were probably the most fun skis I've ridden!
Nov 22 2013 10:29PM
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phiberawptik
Posts: 69 - Karma: 9
I think you may seriously overestimate the amount of people that actually ski switch. DPS doesn't need to cater to a small market. They cater to people with actual money to spend.
Nov 22 2013 10:58PM
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KLund
Posts: 142 - Karma: 277
Rode my razrblades today!! Too fun! Personally I really like the graphics, despite the name the graphics don't have much relating to the name.
Nov 23 2013 12:02AM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
I have to chime in and let you know that J Skis is actually using some of the highest resolution top sheets in the industry even though they are printing goofy stuff that looks weird/lame. I will pay top dollar for KITTEN FACTORY
Nov 23 2013 12:39AM
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mski
Posts: 4791 - Karma: 3,803
Crew of legit dudes with some crazy brain power. Buy Kitten Factory!

I want to see the J00 Kitz Pro Model for sale
Nov 23 2013 12:44AM
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bagby
Posts: 75 - Karma: 48
Really, Surface? Good graphics? Lol. Well, at least the graphics are better than the construction. That's not a compliment by the way.
Nov 23 2013 1:16AM
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dweezileast
Posts: 9661 - Karma: 276
Damn, take skiing a little less seriously. Are you afraid that people will judge you based on the fact that you're skiing on cats? I can tell you in full confidence that the heads behind Kitten Factory are very well-respected skiers at at least one world class resort, potentially in that whole area. Just relax and Jib The Shit!
Nov 23 2013 1:31AM
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bagby
Posts: 75 - Karma: 48
Yeah, carbon Kitten's maybe be expensive, but you are paying for something that is literally, 'that new new'. DPS, GOODE, yeah, they're doing carbon. Who really wants to ski any of their skis? 35 yrs +, that's who. No one, ever, has done what Kitten Factory is doing. That is, building carbon skis that perform like nothing you've ever skied. They perform that way, first, because the co-owner has put ever ski he has ever built through the paces and found the magic combo of performance and durability, and second, because they have technology that may not be 100% exclusive, but the way they are shaping that technology is absolutely 'that new new'. Get on some Kitten's and get wise!
Nov 23 2013 1:32AM
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phyz
Posts: 573 - Karma: 937
The point was that Surface (and Boone) make graphic-free blank skis, not that their graphics were good. Read a little smarter before you start getting tight in the panties over shit like this.
Nov 23 2013 3:28AM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
I actually really like the graphics on those skis. Price point is WAY out of my league, but I'd love to demo them sometime (Hey kitten factory, I live in SLC and I'm a local patroller, hint, hint).

As for J-skis, I'm sure Jason is a nice guy, but I'll be real honest, I'd never want to be seen with those skis on my feet. I would hate myself every time I looked down, and I'd hate to think what other people automatically judged me as. They truly define the word "fugly"
Nov 23 2013 3:41AM
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geist
Posts: 493 - Karma: 984
The All mountain's basically fit the bill of a ski i'm after right now. No mention of flex though?
Nov 23 2013 7:18AM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
All Mountain's are stiff underfoot, medium stiff tail, and medium tip flex.


It is definitely a stable ski that can go fast, with a tip that is a little more forgiving, but not chattery. 
Nov 23 2013 9:54AM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
the big dog and i are stoppin by 2day
if moms skis aint ready
I fear for the kitteys
Click for larger image
Nov 23 2013 10:01AM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
Where do you patrol?  We'll be doing a bunch of demos, hopefully starting in mid December once we get a bit of a base and some more resort traffic.  Starting in a few weeks, you will also be able to swing by the shop and take out a pair of demos for a day.
Nov 23 2013 10:06AM
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heFF
Posts: 5786 - Karma: 4,456
OP ..did you miss the part on their site about building custom skis? typically it's for flex and and shape...but if YOU think you could do a better job at making graphics for a ski than these guys, I'm sure they would be more than happy to use your graphic on your custom made ski...i'm having something tell me you couldn't one up these guys though in that department
Nov 23 2013 10:24AM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
stop by brighton cause I'm too broke to go anywhere any buy a lift pass.
Nov 23 2013 11:00AM
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camerbomb
Posts: 16 - Karma: 51
Hands down the most fun I've had on skis. I'm quite sure that I am hooked on the carbon fiber. If you have doubts please try these puppies out. I'm more of a chairman guy myself, http://www.kittenfactoryskis.com/the-chairman/ but hey whatever floats your boat. And the graphics are just that much better knowing the background of the companies name and their cat (RIP). Either way a great group of guys doing it for the right reasons.
Nov 23 2013 2:04PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Surface blanks...its in the name
Nov 23 2013 4:14PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Is this a joke? Even boone didn't make as big an ass of themselves.
Nov 23 2013 5:01PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
y'all are forgetting about Praxis. them, goode, dps, and folsom have been on the carbon hype for years. the whole kitten name is ridiculous (especially since I'm a dog person) but it'll be great marketing if they don't plan on selling skis to anyone over the age of 25.
Nov 23 2013 5:07PM
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BlackcountryBill
Posts: 955 - Karma: 576
Why give a fuck what they look like, do you really want to ride a ski that you like skiing on less because you like the pictures on the top of it more? I've got those hideous donner partys, it doesn't make them a bad ski, they rip.
Nov 23 2013 6:23PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
But if I have the option of two skis, and like both equally, or very similar, then I'll take the one that I think looks better. And on the same note, if I don't like the graphics of a ski, even if it's a ski that's fun, then I wouldn't buy it.
Nov 23 2013 6:38PM
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Jewschoolers
Posts: 1785 - Karma: 1,142
im pretty sure that eric pollard could just do the design for any ski and it would lok fucking amazing. also i like benchetlers art
Nov 23 2013 7:25PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
irrelevant comment is irrelevant
Nov 23 2013 7:39PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
so many bitchy responses, most of which have nothing to do with what I was trying to get at. Just what I expected from NS. I guess most of you have decided I am indeed an ass-hat. Don't care, my mountain is open and I'm skiing again.

I'm a graphic designer... I was mostly thinking about their choice in graphics, and the execution of ideas to product. They probably are dope skis, based on the materials and specs from the website, I just think they look stupid...especially for $1000.
Nov 24 2013 9:24PM
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KittenFactory
Posts: 189 - Karma: 2,288
I can definitely see how it is possible to hate our graphics.  Unfortunately, graphic design is a very subjective thing and it is impossible to please everybody.  I happen to like everything we put out this year, which is why it wound up in our production line.  At $950, we have some of the least expensive, full carbon fiber skis on the market.

We started Kitten Factory to make some of the best skis available and to have fun with it and that is what we are doing. 
Nov 24 2013 9:50PM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,055
id rather see a full carbon fiber ski with that beautiful carbon fiber weave showing than some rendered kittens. maybe a toned down graphic with some CF showing will be awesome! keep up the good work and while $950 is a little rich for me with skis, best of luck with your company and what the future holds for you guys.
Nov 25 2013 11:35AM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
dudes it's like free focal group testing
sorry didn't make it by
fuckin head gasket in the durangos fucked
might stop by today
but if my bros see me drivin the wifeys suba lesbo mobile with kitten skis on the rack
they will certainly question the length of my manhood

Nov 26 2013 9:41AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yeah you're right I definitely didn't sell them because they weren't stiff enough. I'm such a fag!




lol... U mad bro?
Nov 26 2013 9:58AM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Personally, I think the graphics are sick. Especially the ones in the OP. Why enjoy such a fun sport if you can't embrace a company that has fun with what they're putting out?

I'd shell out $1000 for them if I felt so inclined.
Nov 26 2013 10:26AM
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phiberawptik
Posts: 69 - Karma: 9
Should have got the standard layup. Can't wait for my next pair.
Nov 26 2013 10:27AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
What'd you get this time around?
Nov 26 2013 10:28AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Apparently his period.



Nov 26 2013 10:31AM
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phiberawptik
Posts: 69 - Karma: 9
Just going down to 186 on the Billygoat. 191 was fine, but I needed some quick cash in the spring, and I don't feel like I will be losing much in the stability department. While picking up a tiny bit more maneuverability in the trees.
Nov 26 2013 11:09AM
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Bo_bot9
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 275
All I can say is try the skis out and it truly wont matter what the top sheet looks like. Hands down the best skis i have ever been on.... and yes OP you sounds like an "ass-hat"
Nov 26 2013 12:17PM
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