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Help me pick my first set of twin tips

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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
Hey everybody I'm new here names Ethan. Iv been lurking reading threads for a while and now i feel i can ask for some advice.


So I'm looking for my first pair of all mountain twin tips. I'm from the New England area but not near anywhere I could demo. Iv been skiing on and off about the last 7 years. I'm 21 now 5'10 150lbs. Id say I'm almost in that advanced category. When i got back into it about 3 years ago I was given a pair of k2 t nine sweet luvs. When I blew the bindings apart last year and replaced them with the Solomon STH2 I realized they are woman's skis lol not that its a huge deal. Besides the K2s the only other skis iv used are rentals so I can't comment on the stiffness other then that ski.

Here is a description of the sticks I have been on

The K2 T-Nine Sweet Luv womens ski offers a fun, confidence-inspiring ride to beginning and intermediate skiers. The easy-going and forgiving Sweet Luv ski has a smooth-flexing Bioflex wood core that makes turn initiation and edge control a breeze. Designed to be skied mostly on groomers with a little off-piste thrown in here and there, and built to help women progress their skills, these skis will let you explore the mountain and have fun doing it.
-Tip 107mm
-Waist: 68mm
-Tail: 97mm
-Torsion box construction with fir/spruce Bioflex core


But anyway I'm looking for something that will be great for all over the mountain. I ski pretty aggressive and love to hit the pow when I can, and play around on the sides of the trail but i also love to rip it down the groomers so want something with a fast base. My favorite thing to do is rip the trees/glades so would love something thats nice in tight spots. In the last year I have been having tons of fun riding switch and hitting jumps in addition to trying my hand at some rails here and there so i would love the rocker in the back. my budget is like 5-550 right now.

Thanks for the help fellas buying my first real set of sticks has been a bit of a learning experience so far.
Sep 14 2014 11:55PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Whats up Ethan, welcome to NS. Thanks for the nice explanation, sounds like we can help you out. The only we need to know what mountain you are going to be spending the most time at, and the general area of where you ski.
Sep 15 2014 12:14AM
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skidemon22
Posts: 4422 - Karma: 1,944
not to be negative, but can i ask why you have been on women's skis?
Sep 15 2014 12:16AM
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
MartianManWhats up Ethan, welcome to NS. Thanks for the nice explanation, sounds like we can help you out. The only we need to know what mountain you are going to be spending the most time at, and the general area of where you ski.



Thanks man iv been loving it lots of great info and cool peeps

Well i frequent Killington and okemo but smugglers notch is my favorite. Sunday river is pretty awesome too. I would say ill be at millington the most this winter

skidemon22not to be negative, but can i ask why you have been on women's skis?



lol it wasn't on purpose when I got them I never looked them up because i never had problems with them and never cared to look them up sense they were just beaters. When i blew the bindings apart last year i saw there was a flower on the midsole so i looked em up and now i know haha.
Sep 15 2014 2:07PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Cool, I would recommend something like the Atomic Theory. it is an all mtn twin that is pretty park capable, but is meant for just shredding all over the hill. If you want, you can go a little fatter to maybe like a Nordica Soul Rider or Faction Prodigy as well.
Sep 15 2014 3:52PM
7 1
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
I would think something like the Volkl Bridge or Atomic Theory would be a good place to start, an easy skiing one for everything that you wont outgrow too fast.

also look at the Nordica soul rider or atomic access (automatic 102 this year)
Sep 15 2014 5:26PM
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
I can vouch for the soul riders. Buttery, fat, rockered what more could a man want? They are tons of fun and crush all conditions on the mountain pretty easily.

Welcome to ns man!

I also own the aldente which is an awesome ski, but it is pretty damn buttery so if you don't like your skis to flex tons they might not be ideal. Buttering is awesome though, and if you like it they are a sick ski.
Sep 15 2014 5:34PM
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swiggy
Posts: 104 - Karma: 310
I use atomic punx most of the time, I use them all over the mountain and they've done fine
Sep 15 2014 5:38PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Welcome to NS!

Womens skis are really just shorter sizes with different graphics these days, its hardly a big deal. Before companies made real youth pow skis kids would always be riding the women's versions.

Pretty much any 95-100mm waisted rocker/camber/rocker ski will be perfect for you. I'm the same heigh and just a bit lighter than you and I ski a 181 for my all mountain ski. Your most likely not mounting dead centre so a 178 would be fine as well. Different brands do measure in different ways though so its not always exact ski to ski though.

Anyone of the following would be perfect;
- K2 Shreditor 102
- Line Blend
- Rossignol Slat
- Volkl Bridge
- Nordica Soul Rider
- Armada El-Dente
- Atomic Access

You could try and find a deal on last years skis, usually minor or no changes other than graphic. Online (Evo or Backcountry) might be a tad less, but I would definitely recommend checking out a local ski store so you can get a sense of how stiff/soft these models are compared to what your used to riding.
Sep 15 2014 7:39PM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,859
roxy power flower
Sep 15 2014 7:40PM
1 3
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suup
Posts: 1485 - Karma: 4,367
Get fulltilts
Sep 15 2014 10:52PM
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BrennenM
Posts: 129 - Karma: 1,012
MartianManCool, I would recommend something like the Atomic Theory. it is an all mtn twin that is pretty park capable, but is meant for just shredding all over the hill. If you want, you can go a little fatter to maybe like a Nordica Soul Rider or Faction Prodigy as well.


charmanderI would think something like the Volkl Bridge or Atomic Theory would be a good place to start, an easy skiing one for everything that you wont outgrow too fast.

also look at the Nordica soul rider or atomic access (automatic 102 this year)


these guys are right on with their suggestions. my dad skis the atomic theories and absolutely loves them. he skis back in NE as well and skis basically the exact same stuff that you do. the theories would be an awesome place for you to start
Sep 16 2014 12:06PM
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Chubbs.
Posts: 1018 - Karma: 2,647
I had the Volkl ledges as my first pair of twin tips and I love them and still love them to this day. I ski'd them everywhere and they never really let me down. A great starter ski to get used to everything that is twin tips.
Sep 16 2014 2:21PM
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steezy_doge
Posts: 781 - Karma: 1,718
i agree with some of the guys above
i say go with the nordica soul riders they are a little fatter so they will shred the pow but are also used as park skis by one of the team riders i know a bud that had some that was an ex-racer and he said he could still kill the groomers with them i say nordica soul riders are great for you hope i helped also welcome to newschoolers!
Sep 16 2014 8:38PM
1 0
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Bensun
Posts: 480 - Karma: 1,654
i have the volkl bridges 2011-2012. I wouldnt really use them for the park because they are not the most durable ski. They shred all of the mountain pretty well. I don't get to much chatter at high speeds. I personally like a little bit of a softer ski and the bridges arent that at all. they can run on the expensive side as a point of reference.
Sep 17 2014 12:40AM
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BLACKLIVESMATTER
Posts: 721 - Karma: 1,255
http://hgskis.com/?page_id=2338

Stingers are the funnest skis I've ever ridden and I've been riding the east coast my entire life. Super poppy and light so great for the park and can lay down turns on groomers. Check em out and jump on the pre-order for $100 off.
Sep 17 2014 12:20PM
0 0
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
MartianManCool, I would recommend something like the Atomic Theory. it is an all mtn twin that is pretty park capable, but is meant for just shredding all over the hill. If you want, you can go a little fatter to maybe like a Nordica Soul Rider or Faction Prodigy as well.


charmanderI would think something like the Volkl Bridge or Atomic Theory would be a good place to start, an easy skiing one for everything that you wont outgrow too fast.

also look at the Nordica soul rider or atomic access (automatic 102 this year)


MLJI can vouch for the soul riders. Buttery, fat, rockered what more could a man want? They are tons of fun and crush all conditions on the mountain pretty easily.

Welcome to ns man!

I also own the aldente which is an awesome ski, but it is pretty damn buttery so if you don't like your skis to flex tons they might not be ideal. Buttering is awesome though, and if you like it they are a sick ski.


zbphotoWelcome to NS!

Womens skis are really just shorter sizes with different graphics these days, its hardly a big deal. Before companies made real youth pow skis kids would always be riding the women's versions.

Pretty much any 95-100mm waisted rocker/camber/rocker ski will be perfect for you. I'm the same heigh and just a bit lighter than you and I ski a 181 for my all mountain ski. Your most likely not mounting dead centre so a 178 would be fine as well. Different brands do measure in different ways though so its not always exact ski to ski though.

Anyone of the following would be perfect;
- K2 Shreditor 102
- Line Blend
- Rossignol Slat
- Volkl Bridge
- Nordica Soul Rider
- Armada El-Dente
- Atomic Access

You could try and find a deal on last years skis, usually minor or no changes other than graphic. Online (Evo or Backcountry) might be a tad less, but I would definitely recommend checking out a local ski store so you can get a sense of how stiff/soft these models are compared to what your used to riding.


BrennenMthese guys are right on with their suggestions. my dad skis the atomic theories and absolutely loves them. he skis back in NE as well and skis basically the exact same stuff that you do. the theories would be an awesome place for you to start


steezy_dogei agree with some of the guys above
i say go with the nordica soul riders they are a little fatter so they will shred the pow but are also used as park skis by one of the team riders i know a bud that had some that was an ex-racer and he said he could still kill the groomers with them i say nordica soul riders are great for you hope i helped also welcome to newschoolers!




So Thank you guys iv been reserching all the skis in the thread and the ones you guys have mentioned keep popping up. SO after a bunch of nights of researching each ski after work iv narrowed it down to like 3 skis.
in no particular order

Nordica soulriders
Atomic Access
Atomic Theory

They are all super solid skis with great reviews, now i just need to pick the one best for me. It would be great to hear any other peoples personal experience with them or what you guys think the biggest differences between the three are. Thanks again guys this site is pretty awesome!
Sep 17 2014 8:06PM
0 0
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
18kSkierI use atomic punx most of the time, I use them all over the mountain and they've done fine


.FRY.roxy power flower


skisocksGet fulltilts


Chubbs.I had the Volkl ledges as my first pair of twin tips and I love them and still love them to this day. I ski'd them everywhere and they never really let me down. A great starter ski to get used to everything that is twin tips.


BenjEEi have the volkl bridges 2011-2012. I wouldnt really use them for the park because they are not the most durable ski. They shred all of the mountain pretty well. I don't get to much chatter at high speeds. I personally like a little bit of a softer ski and the bridges arent that at all. they can run on the expensive side as a point of reference.


BlackSamhttp://hgskis.com/?page_id=2338

Stingers are the funnest skis I've ever ridden and I've been riding the east coast my entire life. Super poppy and light so great for the park and can lay down turns on groomers. Check em out and jump on the pre-order for $100 off.





Thanks for the input guys those all look like awesome skis! well most of em lol but I think the three I said above are the top contenders. Would love to hear what u guys think about em if u know someone with em or rode any of them before.
Sep 17 2014 8:14PM
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Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,582
I have only ridden the theory's and the soul riders but I would definitely recommend the soul Riders. Very popular ski that I have yet to see anyone be disappointed with. A comparison of the two is that the Soul Riders definitely held a better edge (both were semi-recently tuned) and felt more solid overall as a ski. THey were also more poppy.

the Theory's were a more fun ski that had better float in the soft snow though. It was more playful and fun, but not poppy compared to the Soul Rider. The Atomics were very enjoyable skis too, but I would definitely put my bet in on the Nordica's.

Seeing as I can vouch for the Soul Riders, and the company quality in general. THe Atomics that I have seen are never as durable compared to the Nordicas in my area (Sunapee, Okemo, etc) THe soul riders are a popular choice around this area for a reason, so make your choice knowing that
Sep 17 2014 8:20PM
2 1
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
parkplaygroundI have only ridden the theory's and the soul riders but I would definitely recommend the soul Riders. Very popular ski that I have yet to see anyone be disappointed with. A comparison of the two is that the Soul Riders definitely held a better edge (both were semi-recently tuned) and felt more solid overall as a ski. THey were also more poppy.

the Theory's were a more fun ski that had better float in the soft snow though. It was more playful and fun, but not poppy compared to the Soul Rider. The Atomics were very enjoyable skis too, but I would definitely put my bet in on the Nordica's.

Seeing as I can vouch for the Soul Riders, and the company quality in general. THe Atomics that I have seen are never as durable compared to the Nordicas in my area (Sunapee, Okemo, etc) THe soul riders are a popular choice around this area for a reason, so make your choice knowing that


Great thanks for the advice thats definitely some spot on advice and exactly what i was looking for. I'm leaning towards the Soul Riders but still undecided.
Sep 23 2014 1:11PM
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Roo
Posts: 36 - Karma: 39
If you are skiing the okemo/killington area there are plenty of shops around to demo skis at
Sep 23 2014 6:22PM
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Powslayr
Posts: 14 - Karma: 9
Get something a little wider than 100mm waist. Consider the K2 Shredditor 102
Sep 24 2014 4:13AM
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
RooIf you are skiing the okemo/killington area there are plenty of shops around to demo skis at


Yea for sure, I was thinking that but I can't help but want to have them for the first day of the season. I'm about a 3hour drive away in CT.
Sep 25 2014 11:27AM
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
So I'm going to check out a pair of Soul Riders for sale a couple towns over in a local shop they seem like a great ski, any other suggestions ? Thanks for the help guys definitely made this much easier.
Oct 4 2014 3:07PM
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hamman
Posts: 129 - Karma: 105
So I went and checked out the Soul Riders the tail has deff got a bit of flex to it. I'm just a bit worried as a beginner to the new school style of hitting jumps, if I'm not stomping my landings am I going to wash right out? Or hit some moguls and make a wrong move and wash the tails out? Thanks for the help guys ! I'm Loving the site.
Oct 14 2014 3:52PM
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