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Buying Everything New

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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
hi, I've been looking around for skis but I'm pretty new to skiing so I don't know much about what's good and what's bad. I need new boots, bindings, and skis for next year. I'm am 14, 5'5, and 130 pounds. My boot size is 27.5 but that's probably going to change by next year so if possible could you direct me to the right pair or brand of boots? I ski in the terrain park mostly but I do ski whole mountain on occasion. My location is New Hampshire so it's light powder/hard packed trails. My budget for everything is $650-700 if that's enough? Like I said I'm pretty new to this so I don't know what brand is best but for sure I need them to be twin tips :)
Jan 25 2015 6:29PM
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NigelStein
Posts: 466 - Karma: 455
Go to a bootfitter. Don't buy something because it's well recommended. Get properly fitted. I do have 27.5 Full Tilts like new for $225 though if those fit well.
Jan 25 2015 6:42PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
NigelSteinGo to a bootfitter. Don't buy something because it's well recommended. Get properly fitted. I do have 27.5 Full Tilts like new for $225 though if those fit well.

Would it worth it for me to get boots fitted yet sense I'm still growing?
Jan 25 2015 7:03PM
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Muggydude
Posts: 701 - Karma: 383
Depends on how much spending money you have in general- but you can go in to a big name ski store and ask them to reccomend some boots and try them on. Then you can wait till spring/summer a d get some on discount, or buy used.

Going to a good boot fitter is worth it generally, but it doesn't make sense to buy a $500-$800 boot and then outgrow it later
Jan 25 2015 7:28PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
Thanks, do you have any recommendations for skis? Is it better to have a lot of flex or a little amount?
Jan 25 2015 7:43PM
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.Morton
Posts: 440 - Karma: 1,426
rsimpson34Thanks, do you have any recommendations for skis? Is it better to have a lot of flex or a little amount?


It all depends on what you like, if you are relatively new and want to work mostly in park then you would probably like high flex to do butters and just goof around. If you want to focus mainly on jumps most people get a lower flex ski but its really all preference.
Jan 25 2015 8:31PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
Eastern.SkierIt all depends on what you like, if you are relatively new and want to work mostly in park then you would probably like high flex to do butters and just goof around. If you want to focus mainly on jumps most people get a lower flex ski but its really all preference.


I really enjoy rails and jumps both. Would more flex effect jumping or rails?
Jan 25 2015 8:36PM
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Krotchs_Brother
Posts: 1133 - Karma: 3,006
rsimpson34I really enjoy rails and jumps both. Would more flex effect jumping or rails?


More flex will prevent you from washing out if you land backseat on a jump. But judging by your height and weight you'll be fine with a softer ski, and you'll have more fun on it.
Jan 25 2015 8:45PM
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Burgy
Posts: 414 - Karma: 630
since you are new to skiing you probably want an entry level to intermediate level park ski, a higher level park will not make you progress better, as it will be heavier and harder for someone just getting into skiing to use. I ski out east too, and I found that mid 80's is a good waist width to start out at, both in park and all mountain.
if you are buying locally, most shops will carry an entry level park ski. some local shops might have some good deals on these skis in the late spring and summer. line masterminds, k2 press, volkl alley, and nordica badminds are some good options to start off with, though they wont have the best durability and performance once you start throwing bigger tricks.
If you are confident enough with you skiing an intermediate ski would not be a bad choice either. you will get better construction and durability, but they will most likely be a bit stiffer and heavier. some good options are line afterbang, Armada el rey, atomic infamous, and k2 sights.

for bindings, see if you can grab a pair of marker squires or rossignol axial 120. you don't have to worry about outgrowing bindings, just don't go set them to max din right away and these bindings will do fine. and boots, get whatever boot fits man.

If you consider yourself a beginner skier wait a few months and start looking for some deals on entry level park skis and equipment at the local shops. if you want gear soon and are feeling comfortable enough to get some intermediate park skies, I recommend the k2 sights with rossignol axial 120 bindings. they are going for a great deal on the Evo outlet websight right now. check Evo.com out and get to know the brands in the industry.
Jan 25 2015 8:48PM
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.Morton
Posts: 440 - Karma: 1,426
SAiYAN.PRINCEMore flex will prevent you from washing out if you land backseat on a jump. But judging by your height and weight you'll be fine with a softer ski, and you'll have more fun on it.


This exactly. I would go with a softer ski if you are doing both.
Jan 25 2015 8:48PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I was looking at a Volkl alley video and it said the ski is a directional ski not a symetrical(I think) does that mean it's not as good for riding switch?
Jan 25 2015 8:57PM
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Burgy
Posts: 414 - Karma: 630
rsimpson34I was looking at a Volkl alley video and it said the ski is a directional ski not a symetrical(I think) does that mean it's not as good for riding switch?


no, it is a park ski and it will still be able to ride switch well, its not that far off from being a symmetrical ski anyways. I went from a symmetrical park ski to a non symmetrical park ski, I have not noticed a difference.
Jan 25 2015 9:11PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
My current skis are 159cm I think? Should I stay around that length or go up any more or go down if this makes any sense?
Jan 25 2015 9:19PM
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Burgy
Posts: 414 - Karma: 630
rsimpson34My current skis are 159cm I think? Should I stay around that length or go up any more or go down if this makes any sense?


that's an alright length for you right now, if you wanted you could go a bit longer, but its not like that length is way to short for you. do u think your skies feel to short?
Jan 25 2015 9:25PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
Burgythat's an alright length for you right now, if you wanted you could go a bit longer, but its not like that length is way to short for you. do u think your skies feel to short?

They feel pretty nice in length. I can move them how I need to so far :P
Jan 25 2015 9:34PM
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Krotchs_Brother
Posts: 1133 - Karma: 3,006
Whatever you do don't the masterminds. I watched a kid who was probably 140 at most bend the tips into full rocker after landing weird on a 5.
Jan 25 2015 9:46PM
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Burgy
Posts: 414 - Karma: 630
SAiYAN.PRINCEWhatever you do don't the masterminds. I watched a kid who was probably 140 at most bend the tips into full rocker after landing weird on a 5.


not true. masterminds are entry level skis, they should be fine if you are just getting into park. ive seen beginners really progress well on them. obliviously if you are doing anything over a 3 you would probably want to go with an intermediate ski.
Jan 25 2015 10:02PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
Burgynot true. masterminds are entry level skis, they should be fine if you are just getting into park. ive seen beginners really progress well on them. obliviously if you are doing anything over a 3 you would probably want to go with an intermediate ski.

I'm at a 360 now :) I like the graphics on the El rays how are they as a ski though? I'm also interested in the after bangs too.
Jan 25 2015 10:07PM
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Burgy
Posts: 414 - Karma: 630
rsimpson34I'm at a 360 now :) I like the graphics on the El rays how are they as a ski though? I'm also interested in the after bangs too.


Iv seen people at my local hill rock the el reys. real underrated ski for getting enough bang for little buck. I rode the 2011 afterbangs up until last year and I really progressed on rails with em. went from never hitting rails to being able to hit any rail. I find that people either think they are super durable or that they fall apart in a few months. mine were really durable in my opinion, lasted me 2 solid seasons and now are my urban skis. only thing bout the old Abangs (anything past 2013)is that they are not a jump ski, however the new after bangs are stiffer underfoot and lighter but still have a real nice butter zone. from what I hear the new ones are solid.
Jan 25 2015 10:39PM
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assatrailz
Posts: 324 - Karma: 745
Make sure the boots fit perfectly over everything the worst thing ever is having boots to small or to big
Jan 25 2015 10:48PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I might go with the new afterbangs but are those better for jumps now?
Jan 26 2015 1:56PM
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rozboon
Posts: 1642 - Karma: 868
If you're 5'5/130 and genuinely fit a 27.5 I'd be pretty amazed. Are you going off your shoe size or something?
Jan 26 2015 2:00PM
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AlfredHitchCAULK
Posts: 119 - Karma: 10
For your size the afterbangs would be a good option I would assume that your not doing tricks on huge 50-70 ft booters, and light swing weight is good for small jumps and rails, also the butterzone gives you some nice abilities with playfulness and style that you can't get in stiffer skis. Also since their a symmetrical flex they will ski switch better and be easier to balance on rails.
Jan 26 2015 2:31PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
rozboonIf you're 5'5/130 and genuinely fit a 27.5 I'd be pretty amazed. Are you going off your shoe size or something?


I first got my boots a few months ago and the guy gave me a size up so I wouldn't outgrow them. how should I go about getting new proper sized ones?
Jan 26 2015 2:56PM
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.Morton
Posts: 440 - Karma: 1,426
rsimpson34I first got my boots a few months ago and the guy gave me a size up so I wouldn't outgrow them. how should I go about getting new proper sized ones?


If your feet are still growing fast I would maybe rent boots. They are probably going to be somewhat cheap and more uncomfortable but I think its better than being stuck with boots too small. Your choice but this is just an idea.
Jan 26 2015 3:04PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
rsimpson34I first got my boots a few months ago and the guy gave me a size up so I wouldn't outgrow them. how should I go about getting new proper sized ones?


That is a terrible thing to do. You see after a few days skiing the liner of the boot packs out and gives you an extra half to whole size.

When you fit the boot the boot fitter should do a shell check. He will take the liner out and you will slide your foot into so your toes touch the end of the shell. Then you measure the distance from the heel to shell. There should be no more than 2.5cm. Buying boots to big will lead to one thing... pain.

You can buy cheap beat skis, jackets, pants, etc but never buy poorly fitting boots.
Jan 26 2015 3:34PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
One of my boots does give me some foot pain. So I should probably pick up new boots too?
Jan 26 2015 4:54PM
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Krotchs_Brother
Posts: 1133 - Karma: 3,006
rsimpson34One of my boots does give me some foot pain. So I should probably pick up new boots too?


Honestly, I'll probably get down voted for this but I'd tough it out until you're done growing. Unless you're very well off its a waste of Money. Don't get me wrong boots are always the most important part of a setup. But like I said it can be expensive buying boots every season..
Jan 26 2015 8:38PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I'm stuck between the afterbangs or elrays. I need them to be good for everything in the park :) are there any more skis I should take a look at?
Jan 26 2015 8:43PM
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rozboon
Posts: 1642 - Karma: 868
rsimpson34I first got my boots a few months ago and the guy gave me a size up so I wouldn't outgrow them. how should I go about getting new proper sized ones?


Sounds like the boot fitter was a penis. I bet a 26.5 is still way big on you, unless you have Sideshow-Bob proportion feet.
Jan 26 2015 8:52PM
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Krotchs_Brother
Posts: 1133 - Karma: 3,006
rsimpson34I'm stuck between the afterbangs or elrays. I need them to be good for everything in the park :) are there any more skis I should take a look at?


The ski isn't that important tbh. If you can find a cheap pair at a ski swap or something they'll probably do fine. Just look for something soft and thinner at the waist. If you're set on getting a new pair the afterbangs have improved over the years, so they're a solid choice too. El reys might be a little stiff, from what I've heard.
Jan 26 2015 10:35PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I don't know if this should go here but since I'm pretty new to skiing should I ski with out poles for a while to get good form down(is it true skiing without poles can improve your form?) If I use poled are shorter ones better for skiing in the terrain park?
Jan 27 2015 7:43PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
How good is the 2015 k2 press? Would they be able to perform good as I progress?
Jan 27 2015 11:47PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I think I'm going to go with k2 presses or the new k2 sights since I've heard the after bangs aren't very durable. The presses would be better for buttering right?
Jan 28 2015 7:28PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
Presses were my first park ski. They're nothing special and honestly aren't very playful or poppy at all. but they're cheap and are fantastic to learn on because they're forgiving.

The Sight is a much more powerful ski and will be a lot more poppy and way better at carving and high speeds.

I wouldn't be worrying about doing butters at the moment because without properly fitting boots they're pretty much impossible to do properly.
Jan 28 2015 8:41PM
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I decided on the 2015 k2 sights but I'm unsure on what bindings to get. I've been skiing a lot and improving so I want something that will hold up for bigger things. My budget is $200. I've looked at the Axial3 120's but I've seen mixed reviews so far.
Feb 5 2015 7:47PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
At your height and weight Axial2's would be great bindings. I'm heavier and taller than you and haven't had issues with my Axial2's. Another great option would be Tyrolia AAAtack 13's. Between the two choose the cheapest or easiest one to get.
Feb 5 2015 9:32PM
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