So I'm kind of stuck on what skis to get for next season. I know it's a bit early to start thinking about it, but there are some deals and I'm not exactly sure what to do. I'm 15 next month, 5'10" and just under 150 lbs. I'm an extremely advanced skier in terms of racing, moguls, and hard terrain, but somewhat new to park. Currently I have a pair of racing skis because my family thought I was going to be on my high schools ski team. Here I am a couple of years later, wanting to get serious about becoming a better park skier. I'm not exactly sure what ski to get, but I've been researching for quite some time. Definitely have used the search bar quite a bit, and looked around at reviews. I'm looking to get an all mountain or park ski. I really like skiing park (even though I can't do much atm), but my friends aren't so fond of the park (they enjoy a little) and I still want to have fun with them too. With that in mind, I probably would ski 80-85% park, and the rest all mountain--although the all mountain would not be serious at all. Just having fun and getting around. In the park, I would mostly be doing grinds as there are only a few big kickers around and only for such a short period of time.
I'm from Michigan, where there's a lot of lake-effect snow, but unfortunately no large places to ski on unless you take a trip up north where there are a few larger resorts. I do go skiing on the local 400ft hill quite often. Pretty much I ski the hardpack and groomers unless there's a snowstorm, which doesn't happen too often.
So here's where I'm at. I can't go above $500. That is my absolute budget for skis without bindings. I also need a durable ski that will last 2/3/4 years. Basically a while. I was looking around and people that are in the same situation as me seem to like the Line Chronic, but I know that there have been quality concern issues with Line. On the other hand, people who want a durable ski seem to like J Skis or ON3P. I can't afford ON3P, and J Skis are a little too expensive for me at the moment as well. I've seen some $100 off J Skis coupons floating around on here, but those are only valid through Feb 28th (I think). If I could grab a coupon from someone that won't use it, I would either get the J Skis Allplay or the Whipit, although I'm leaning towards the Allplay.
So what do I do, grab a pair of J's or Chronics now, or wait until the start of next season and hope for something good? Perhaps another sale? Maybe those are both bad options (or skis) and you guys could recommend some other way to go?
Thanks!
P.S. First time poster so crossing my fingers this goes well lol :)