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June, 2025

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Chronic vs. Kartel

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Thelaminater
Posts: 42 - Karma: 39
Looking to buy some new skis this year. I'm looking for a fun park(ish) ski that's bomb proof. I've obviously heard amazing things all around for the Kartels but the price is kind of turning me off of them. Chronics have been a ski I've really wanted to try for a long time but would I be really stupid to grab a pair just to save $150? Thanks for answering something that's probably been asked 100 times in some fashion or another.
9 years ago
17 3
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
You get what you pay for.

I would go with the Kartels, they use the thickest edges (2.5mm x 2.5mm) and bases possible and they're made in America. Also long as you treat them with a little respect (detune the edges before hitting rails and wax the bases from time to time) they should serve you well.
9 years ago
1 1
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Rice
Posts: 311 - Karma: 2,230
ThelaminaterI'm looking for a fun park(ish) ski that's bomb proof.


Negromancergo with the Kartels



^
9 years ago
5 1
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baggis123
Posts: 87 - Karma: 116
NegromancerYou get what you pay for.

I would go with the Kartels, they use the thickest edges (2.5mm x 2.5mm) and bases possible and they're made in America. Also long as you treat them with a little respect (detune the edges before hitting rails and wax the bases from time to time) they should serve you well.


how do you detune your edge? i need to do it and want to know the best way
9 years ago
1 0
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,323
This is the biggest mis-match in a while. Kartels for sure, no questions asked.
9 years ago
2 1
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Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,199
If you pay 150 more, and the skis last you for an extra season or more then the chronics would then it's worth it, basically you get what you pay for I know a lot of people ride line but I have never been a fan of their durability
9 years ago
0 0
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.Rybak.
Posts: 9017 - Karma: 9,874
If it were me I would get kartels..
9 years ago
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zakattack66
Posts: 185 - Karma: 577
I own this years chronics and the top chips very easily, but otherwise great. They're super poppy and fun. I would still go with the Kartels because I've never seen a bad review and they're absolutely indestructible.
9 years ago
1 0
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shin-bang
Posts: 4106 - Karma: 7,038
if you have the money go kartels. but as all park skis do, they will get destroyed. as far as park skis go, i think i will never buy new again. i think get a pair of cheap ones here on ns that arent destroyed, then ride them till they die.
9 years ago
0 0
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
baggis123how do you detune your edge? i need to do it and want to know the best way


When I'm detuning my park skis underfoot I use a gummy stone, all good ski shops should sell gummy stones and I've also seen them in Sports Authority. I just run the gummy stone along the edge a few times just so they aren't razor sharp anymore and just round the edge slightly.
9 years ago
0 0
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WhatTheHuck
Posts: 503 - Karma: 2,161
Unpopular opinion: although I've never rode the Kartels, and I have never seen a bad review of them, I have never had more fun than i have on my chronics, super fun, super poppy, I can butter 3 on flat with ease because of the pop. If it's only park you're skiing, I can't see a problem with the chronics (except for negative reviews of durability which I haven't had in 1.5 years, but I'm not doing fucked up disasters). i love my chronics and I vouch for them
9 years ago
3 0
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
baggis123how do you detune your edge? i need to do it and want to know the best way


use a file to dull the edges underfoot to prevent catches on rails. leave the parts of the edge that wont touch the rail sharp so you can still carve on ice and hardpack.

different people detune to different extents. i just flattened off the edge at a 45 degree angle and let hitting rails do the rest. some people round them off very heavily. you dont have to use a gummy stone, but it is recommended to remove any burrs left after filing.
9 years ago
0 0
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baggis123
Posts: 87 - Karma: 116
yungsteezeuse a file to dull the edges underfoot to prevent catches on rails. leave the parts of the edge that wont touch the rail sharp so you can still carve on ice and hardpack.

different people detune to different extents. i just flattened off the edge at a 45 degree angle and let hitting rails do the rest. some people round them off very heavily. you dont have to use a gummy stone, but it is recommended to remove any burrs left after filing.


Ive got on3p frs, so there isnt much camber, should i just dull the edges in between the bindings? and is it necessary to use a diamond file in between using the file and gummy?
9 years ago
0 0
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
baggis123Ive got on3p frs, so there isnt much camber, should i just dull the edges in between the bindings? and is it necessary to use a diamond file in between using the file and gummy?


dulling in between the toe and heel will do a good job at preventing edge catches. files are for the major sharpening and detuning job. diamond files are coarser than gummy stones, but not as coarse as a regular file. the diamond file would be a good choice right after the detune to get rid of burrs, and then use the gummy after. then use the gummy regularly to remove burrs that come from hitting rails to keep the edges smooth. for park skiing a really fine gummy isnt necessary, but it does keep your edges in good shape.
9 years ago
0 0
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baggis123
Posts: 87 - Karma: 116
yungsteezedulling in between the toe and heel will do a good job at preventing edge catches. files are for the major sharpening and detuning job. diamond files are coarser than gummy stones, but not as coarse as a regular file. the diamond file would be a good choice right after the detune to get rid of burrs, and then use the gummy after. then use the gummy regularly to remove burrs that come from hitting rails to keep the edges smooth. for park skiing a really fine gummy isnt necessary, but it does keep your edges in good shape.


alright. thanks mate!
9 years ago
0 0
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Deepskier
Posts: 3270 - Karma: 4,865
if price is no ishue go kartels all day
9 years ago
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Thelaminater
Posts: 42 - Karma: 39
Thanks guys! Went with the Kartels but man did it hurt my wallet... Hopefully I won't do what I did with my brand new Walls and crush the edge in first day.
9 years ago
0 0
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