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Ski Startup - what kind of designs would you want to see?

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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Hi guys -

I'm new here, but I think that my new ski related startup might be interesting to the community. This is something that I've been thinking about and making for myself for years, but just recently made it legit.

Vinyl wraps for skis. If your skis have a lame design, or they're just looking old and roughed up, you can make them look awesome for just $65, free shipping. We've tested the materials over the past few seasons, and the wraps hold up great. We asked skiers in the lift lines at Vail what they thought and they were all stoked!

So, what kind of designs would you want to see? We've got some real funky ones in the works - my personal favorite and the one I have on my skis is beardman.

Our site is http://www.norkasports.com. Any feedback on website, designs, product etc., good or bad is always welcome - we want it to be great! I attached some product images below as well, take a look.

Sorry for the semi long post - if you made it this far, good on you!

-Jarrett
Apr 20 2016 11:53PM
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JonnyK
Posts: 307 - Karma: 1,964
That's really awesome! I'm excited to see how this takes off
Apr 20 2016 11:59PM
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Clamjunkies
Posts: 113 - Karma: 305
Butter
Apr 21 2016 12:02AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,008
Hmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...
Apr 21 2016 12:29AM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
So this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?
Apr 21 2016 1:27AM
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e.littt
Posts: 414 - Karma: 2,348
gapersarefriendsSo this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?


Adding to this, like if I snag my skis on a root or something, would the entire vinyl just rip off?
Apr 21 2016 2:05AM
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GregFlik
Posts: 449 - Karma: 1,069
gapersarefriendsSo this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?


I checked out their site and there was a demo video of how they apply the vinyl. It seems they do take off your bindings and apply the vinyl, but I too am concerned about the ripping of the entire vinyl. It does seem they make a tight fit though on the bright side.
Apr 21 2016 3:20AM
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Zimmy
Posts: 1258 - Karma: -1,327
Personally, Heartcarve - and it's in the public domain now: name/logo/ads/designs... so anything original in the win gallery (if it's original).

At present, I would put the wrap on my drumkit. But a bunch on my NS friends might be interested.









Apr 21 2016 7:38AM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,185
Is there any way to print next year's ski graphics so I can pretend to be sponsored and get mad pro hoe pus?
Apr 21 2016 8:03AM
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Zimmy
Posts: 1258 - Karma: -1,327
Abu-BaghdadiIs there any way to print next year's ski graphics so I can pretend to be sponsored and get mad pro hoe pus?


blank white?
Apr 21 2016 8:13AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Thanks everyone! A lot of good questions here and I'll try to answer them all the best I can!
cydwhitHmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...


@cydwhit Thanks for the feedback! I totally understand the skepticism, and one of our biggest challenges is going to be proving the wraps durability. I hope you'll give it a try though!

gapersarefriendsSo this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?

@gapersarefriends, yes, you could definitely compare it to wrapping a car. Taking the bindings off is ideal, but for those that don't like the idea of this you could also cut around them (just going to be more work). We are working on a companion product for customers that don't want to or don't feel comfortable removing bindings. As far as top sheet chipping, the wraps are very durable (but not invincible). They handle top sheet chipping similarly to how your skis without it would.

e.litttAdding to this, like if I snag my skis on a root or something, would the entire vinyl just rip off?

@e.littt Theres not a situation where the vinyl would actually rip off - but just like your skis, if you hit them on something that would chip your skis you may get a chip to the wrap as well. You've given me the idea to upload closeup of my skis to the site to show how they hold up. The hold is actually very strong, so a chip only results in a chip, with no tearing. I was actually removing an old vinyl last week to film a "how to" on removal, and it was pretty stuck on there after ~3 years of skiing with it.

GregFlikI checked out their site and there was a demo video of how they apply the vinyl. It seems they do take off your bindings and apply the vinyl, but I too am concerned about the ripping of the entire vinyl. It does seem they make a tight fit though on the bright side.


Thanks @GregFlik! You're right in saying that taking off the bindings is what we recommend to do. It is possible to wrap around them with some careful cutting, but our process is what we've found to be best! Also - I understand your concern with the ripping...this is a big hurdle for us to prove the durability of the vinyl. We've updated our application process to include a "heat with a hairdryer" step (how to video updating coming soon). This step in the process actually makes the wrap behave like a shrink wrap, and tighten around the ski. I can assure you there is no risk of it tearing off - but just like your skis, it is susceptible to small chips if you hit rocks etc. We're thinking about shooting a video where we drag a ski with the wrap behind a car or something, to show its durability - haha. Any ideas on what would prove it to you would be great!

Abu-BaghdadiIs there any way to print next year's ski graphics so I can pretend to be sponsored and get mad pro hoe pus?

Haha - sorry @Abu-Baghdadi, we can print mostly anything, but we're not really cool with taking designs from other companies.
Apr 21 2016 10:55AM
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johnblaze
Posts: 1477 - Karma: 2,600
They had this is the 80's. I found some old rolls in the basement at the ski shop I worked at. Durability was the major issue. Good luck.
Apr 21 2016 11:21AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
johnblazeThey had this is the 80's. I found some old rolls in the basement at the ski shop I worked at. Durability was the major issue. Good luck.


@johnblaze I've seen one place in some random forum a reference to something similar to this in the 80's, but can't find much more. Any idea what they were called etc?

Durability was the main problem that we were focused on solving when we were developing it. Our first prototype was actually fairly durable, but the current version we are selling is ~20x thicker, which a stronger laminate as well. We have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.
Apr 21 2016 11:26AM
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Hoodliving
Posts: 1033 - Karma: 1,873
jrtknzWe have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.

I saw on the website Strong vinyl to withstand the cold and water. Curious as to how they will hold up when the outside temps are 50+ during Mt. Hood summers as well as super wet heavy slush. Do these hold snow on the tops of the skis similar to a normal top sheet or does snow stick more so to them?
Apr 21 2016 12:04PM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,580
You guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!
Apr 21 2016 12:15PM
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fries
Posts: 2978 - Karma: 7,518
Blank white , wood grain, and sticker bombed would all be pretty cool.

Another idea (I saw it on here a few weeks ago idk who said it) is to put caution symbols on the tails that say "dont you f_cking dare" so gapers think twice about bumping into my skis in the lift line
Apr 21 2016 12:27PM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,580
ben_collinsYou guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!


Nvmd I didn't see you already had this
Apr 21 2016 12:28PM
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freddy.allport
Posts: 237 - Karma: 953
cydwhitHmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...


I had a friend who a few years back had this idea, the ski shop I work for has been doing it for years on sponsored racers and park riders skis and usually we've found the wraps last as long as a normal top sheet. The only models we had issues with were race skis with some sort of 3d shape on the top sheet.

Anyways stoked to see where this ends up, If you didn't do this I probably would've taken a shot at this in a few years!
Apr 21 2016 12:29PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
ben_collinsYou guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!


Hi @ben_collins -

We do offer this exact thing! You can find it if you go to the shop for ski wraps page. Send us an email at hello@norkasports.com if you have any questions or need guidance, thanks!
Apr 21 2016 1:06PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
J_SBlank white , wood grain, and sticker bombed would all be pretty cool.

Another idea (I saw it on here a few weeks ago idk who said it) is to put caution symbols on the tails that say "dont you f_cking dare" so gapers think twice about bumping into my skis in the lift line


Great ideas @J_S, thanks! I've been thinking that wood grain would be really awesome. We also offer matte finish, so a matte white or matte black would look dope.

freddy.allportI had a friend who a few years back had this idea, the ski shop I work for has been doing it for years on sponsored racers and park riders skis and usually we've found the wraps last as long as a normal top sheet. The only models we had issues with were race skis with some sort of 3d shape on the top sheet.

Anyways stoked to see where this ends up, If you didn't do this I probably would've taken a shot at this in a few years!


@freddy.allport Very cool - I have seen before that some shops will do a one off wrap in certain instances, and there are a few companies out there that do a similar thing for snowboards. I'm excited to see where things go - thanks for the support!
Apr 21 2016 1:09PM
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Pole-Less
Posts: 197 - Karma: 543
I have many questions:
1. How do you make a skin to so many different sizes of skis?
2. Custom designs is a must, everyone wants to have there own graphic on their ski they designed the self, is it possible? When could we see this?
3. Does it affect the flex/ side wall of the ski?
4. How long it take to apply the skin?
5. Does water affect it?
Apr 21 2016 1:30PM
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johnblaze
Posts: 1477 - Karma: 2,600
jrtknz@johnblaze I've seen one place in some random forum a reference to something similar to this in the 80's, but can't find much more. Any idea what they were called etc?

Durability was the main problem that we were focused on solving when we were developing it. Our first prototype was actually fairly durable, but the current version we are selling is ~20x thicker, which a stronger laminate as well. We have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.


Man i have no idea.. it was a long time ago. they came in what looked like a peanut butter jar.
Apr 21 2016 1:51PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Pole-LessI have many questions:
1. How do you make a skin to so many different sizes of skis?
2. Custom designs is a must, everyone wants to have there own graphic on their ski they designed the self, is it possible? When could we see this?
3. Does it affect the flex/ side wall of the ski?
4. How long it take to apply the skin?
5. Does water affect it?


Thanks @Pole-less, you have questions and I have some answers for you!
1. Our stock wraps are designed to be long enough to fit most skis. These are 183cmx18cm long. At checkout, there is a dropdown option to pick this size, or to say that your skis are smaller or larger so that we can insure that the wrap will fit.
2. Of course we offer custom! You can see right here http://norkasports.com/shop-customskiwrap.html
3. The wrap itself is able to flex, so there is no affect to the flex or the side wall of the ski
4. It takes about 45 minutes to apply the wrap including set up. It depends on how careful you want to be, and how nicely you want to trim it.
5. Water does not affect the wrap. There are no issues with the wrap getting wet, or being in cold/hot temps.

Thanks for the questions! Hope this clears everything up!

johnblazeMan i have no idea.. it was a long time ago. they came in what looked like a peanut butter jar.


haha no problem @johnblaze, I'll search around some more and see if I can get some info
Apr 21 2016 2:24PM
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4225 - Karma: 10,625
jrtknzThanks @Pole-less, you have questions and I have some answers for you!
1. Our stock wraps are designed to be long enough to fit most skis. These are 183cmx18cm long. At checkout, there is a dropdown option to pick this size, or to say that your skis are smaller or larger so that we can insure that the wrap will fit.
2. Of course we offer custom! You can see right here http://norkasports.com/shop-customskiwrap.html
3. The wrap itself is able to flex, so there is no affect to the flex or the side wall of the ski
4. It takes about 45 minutes to apply the wrap including set up. It depends on how careful you want to be, and how nicely you want to trim it.
5. Water does not affect the wrap. There are no issues with the wrap getting wet, or being in cold/hot temps.

Thanks for the questions! Hope this clears everything up!



haha no problem @johnblaze, I'll search around some more and see if I can get some info


Seems like you guys did a lot of work before putting yourself out there, excited to see how this takes off.
Apr 21 2016 2:54PM
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gperry1
Posts: 377 - Karma: 818
I thought this was going to be another TBK Ski co. or Roxor but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the person running this is well educated, respectful, and knows what he's doing. It'll be interesting to see where this company goes from here.
Apr 21 2016 3:06PM
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bananabrains
Posts: 133 - Karma: 390
How much additional weight would the wrap add to the ski?
Apr 21 2016 3:21PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
bananabrainsHow much additional weight would the wrap add to the ski?


Only a couple pounds per ski
Apr 21 2016 3:56PM
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jrtknz2
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10
sorry guys - had to create another account to reply, since I was over the 5 post limit.

hot.pocketSeems like you guys did a lot of work before putting yourself out there, excited to see how this takes off.


@hot.pocket Thank you! Means a lot to hear people interested in the idea, we definitely put in a lot of work, with a lot more work ahead of us!

captain_whaleI thought this was going to be another TBK Ski co. or Roxor but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the person running this is well educated, respectful, and knows what he's doing. It'll be interesting to see where this company goes from here.

Thank you @captain_whale! Hopefully you will be hearing about us / seeing us around soon enough!

bananabrainsHow much additional weight would the wrap add to the ski?


@bananabrains The weight is pretty negligible...our shipping weight in a package is 2lbs and we include an x-acto knife for trimming, and an alcohol wipe to wipe down the ski before applying. I'd say that once you take the weight of the package out of it and the wrap is all trimmed up and on it adds ~.5lb or less
Apr 21 2016 6:29PM
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KneeDrop
Posts: 641 - Karma: 1,487
captain_whaleI thought this was going to be another TBK Ski co


I hoped.

what percentage of your business focus is 'get money, fuck bitches'?
Apr 21 2016 8:26PM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
Damn, this is pretty dope.
Apr 22 2016 6:56AM
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Vtsnowski
Posts: 3536 - Karma: 1,199
What type of vinyl are you using? Made an attempt with permagrip vinyl a few years ago and it wouldn't stay on at the flex points.
Apr 22 2016 9:39AM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
steezyjibberDamn, this is pretty dope.

Thanks dude! We think so too!

SmartWhat type of vinyl are you using? Made an attempt with permagrip vinyl a few years ago and it wouldn't stay on at the flex points.

Sorry, but we can't really give away our "special sauce". We tested multiple vinyls in combination with multiple laminates in order to find what works best. The skis I have now have been wrapped for the past 3 years with no issues with it staying on!
Apr 22 2016 10:35AM
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bananabrains
Posts: 133 - Karma: 390
Fred_BearOnly a couple pounds per ski


jrtknz2@bananabrains The weight is pretty negligible...our shipping weight in a package is 2lbs and we include an x-acto knife for trimming, and an alcohol wipe to wipe down the ski before applying. I'd say that once you take the weight of the package out of it and the wrap is all trimmed up and on it adds ~.5lb or less


Cheers, this shouldn't have a major effect on ski/skier performance then
Apr 22 2016 1:15PM
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MNSkiers
Posts: 1154 - Karma: 7,533
They look pretty slick
Apr 22 2016 2:17PM
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CatBoy
Posts: 234 - Karma: 990
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/825846/Tom-Green---The-Slut-Mobile

but on skis
Apr 22 2016 2:52PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,014
how well does the wrap stick to skis if they are really beat up? like top sheet chips and all that
Apr 22 2016 4:19PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
MNSkiersThey look pretty slick


Thanks @MNSkiers!

Peter.how well does the wrap stick to skis if they are really beat up? like top sheet chips and all that


@Peter. The wrap will not have an issue sticking to the surface...but we recommend trying to file off any sharp edges etc. Try it out :)
Apr 22 2016 5:59PM
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grilled_steeze
Posts: 422 - Karma: 1,447
Awesome idea. A lot of potential, especially since some ski companies are selling "blanks" with no topsheet design.
Apr 22 2016 7:56PM
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jsnow
Posts: 864 - Karma: 6,920
baby_HCPersonally, Heartcarve - and it's in the public domain now: name/logo/ads/designs... so anything original in the win gallery (if it's original).

At present, I would put the wrap on my drumkit. But a bunch on my NS friends might be interested.


Apr 22 2016 8:41PM
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snophie
Posts: 99 - Karma: 202
Word of advice: the majority of female skiers don't want pink, purple, floral or cute top sheets, there is already enough of them going around and it legit stops me from buying what could be a great ski
Apr 22 2016 10:38PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
snophieWord of advice: the majority of female skiers don't want pink, purple, floral or cute top sheets, there is already enough of them going around and it legit stops me from buying what could be a great ski


Thanks for the advice! Part of my inspiration was my sister's corny floral pattern skis! She was going to buy new skis just because of the bad design!
Apr 22 2016 10:58PM
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User1
Posts: 402 - Karma: 2,217
Looks awesome, it seems like you put in some hard work, I hope it works out well.
Apr 23 2016 12:03AM
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Hoodliving
Posts: 1033 - Karma: 1,873
Hey y'all I am going to do some testing on these and see how the durability is. Check back in a couple weeks!
Apr 23 2016 6:05AM
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Zimmy
Posts: 1258 - Karma: -1,327
jsnow


Why not? I mean you're a self-proclaimed oldskool person, right?.. so why are you here? Especially this thread, which is about self-expression away from status-quo.
Apr 23 2016 2:24PM
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Morriski_
Posts: 179 - Karma: 895
This is a sick idea! Also your website looks great and is really easy to use, keep up the good word and im excited to see where this goes!
Apr 23 2016 3:00PM
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dresserski
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 1,727
Dekal used to do the same thing, and they are no more
Apr 23 2016 3:29PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
User1Looks awesome, it seems like you put in some hard work, I hope it works out well.

Thanks!

Morriski_This is a sick idea! Also your website looks great and is really easy to use, keep up the good word and im excited to see where this goes!

Thanks, we appreciate the support!

dresserskiDekal used to do the same thing, and they are no more

Interesting...hadn't heard of them and they were pretty tough to find any details on, aside from an old new schoolers thread. Based on the thread, it sounds like they had a lot of website issues but that people liked the idea in general. Hoping that we improved on all their shortcomings - won't know unless we try though!
Apr 23 2016 8:39PM
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,639
I'm curious to see how this turns out. Best of luck to you guys.
Apr 23 2016 8:53PM
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jrtknz
Posts: 23 - Karma: 130
Jesse_I'm curious to see how this turns out. Best of luck to you guys.


Thanks @Jesse_!
Apr 23 2016 10:11PM
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jsnow
Posts: 864 - Karma: 6,920
baby_HCWhy not? I mean you're a self-proclaimed oldskool person, right?.. so why are you here? Especially this thread, which is about self-expression away from status-quo.


To know where you are going you need to know where you came from, thats why i like the old school stuff.
Apr 24 2016 5:47PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
I have some feedback and it's kind of negative but hopefully it will help cause this isn't a bad idea.

I don't like any of your graphics at all haha I'm sorry, I think you could work on that. So if I hated my ski graphics so much I'd have to pay $65 to replace it. Well, I'm no artist so I'd have to pay someone like Cy (who has sick art btw) to do a draw up for me. Then, since it's a custom drawing, it's another $5. That's probably going to come out to be $100 at least. With companies like ON3P and caravan already offering custom graphics what's the point of coming to you? I'm not trying to sound rude, I like the idea, I just think you need to work on some stuff.


Also I don't think I've ever been on a ski I really liked and thought "if only these didn't look stupid" idk it seems like most ski graphics are pretty cool these days. Kinda seems like a novelty to me and if that's what you're going for then cool. Sorry if I seemed negative, not trying to discourage, just giving you my .02
Apr 24 2016 7:05PM
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