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theabortionator
April, 2025

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Summer is half over...getting some new gear!

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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
Finally, after like 15 or so years, I'm getting new gear. Ordered some bindings today. For like $15 more than the non-pro version, I went with these ones cause I think they'll look better on the new skis. They're definite overkill for anything I'll ski on locally but I like how they look and I've heard good stuff about the Marker bindings so whatever. Can't beat a good deal. I'm gonna be picking up some Surface All Mountain Blanks and give those a try and see how they are. After that, gotta find some new boots.

I love new stuff. Now where's the snow??
9 years ago
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
GetsonThey're definite overkill for anything I'll ski on


Could have saved yourself $15.
They're good bindings however I'd always go with FKS/Pivots or STH2's before Markers. Just my opinion though.

Also hope you're not going to buy boots online. Unless you already know which boots work for you.
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
I'll keep those in mind on the next set. My kid might inherit these after a year or two of me using them so we'll see.

I'll definitely be buying boots locally. There's a lack of places to buy from though which is the shitty part. I'm sure I'll find something that works for me and is comfy though.
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
Got any boot recommendations? If I can find them around, I'll try them on! I'll poke around the forum to see what others are saying, too.
9 years ago
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
GetsonGot any boot recommendations? If I can find them around, I'll try them on! I'll poke around the forum to see what others are saying, too.


The boots I recommend are the boots that fit you.

Go to a good boot fitter, don't have any specific boots in mind just tell the fitter where you're going to be skiing, what ability you are, and anything else important.

Try on the boots that are suggested, you should also get a custom made footbed (Sidas footbeds are what most shops have), not a premade footbed like Surefoot if you truly want your boots to fit. Don't buy boots to big, you'll end up with fucked shins and toes. Don't buy boots because they're the latest gnarly radical "park" boot. Buy boots that fit. Doesn't matter if they're race boots, all mountain, or park, all that matters is that they fit.

Remember when you put the boots on in the shop they should be tight. If you slip them on they feel wonderful straight out the box they're probably a size to big. When you ski the boot will pack out and give you an extra half size or so depending on the liner which is why it is important that the boots are tight when you put them on. Your toes should touch the end of the boot gently and come off the end when you flex forward.
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
Thanks. I had read through the boot sticky thread and your comments echo that. I will definitely be trying on a few different pairs.
9 years ago
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skidemon22
Posts: 4463 - Karma: 2,047
GetsonGot any boot recommendations? If I can find them around, I'll try them on! I'll poke around the forum to see what others are saying, too.


HarambeThe boots I recommend are the boots that fit you.

Go to a good boot fitter, don't have any specific boots in mind just tell the fitter where you're going to be skiing, what ability you are, and anything else important.

Try on the boots that are suggested, you should also get a custom made footbed (Sidas footbeds are what most shops have), not a premade footbed like Surefoot if you truly want your boots to fit. Don't buy boots to big, you'll end up with fucked shins and toes. Don't buy boots because they're the latest gnarly radical "park" boot. Buy boots that fit. Doesn't matter if they're race boots, all mountain, or park, all that matters is that they fit.

Remember when you put the boots on in the shop they should be tight. If you slip them on they feel wonderful straight out the box they're probably a size to big. When you ski the boot will pack out and give you an extra half size or so depending on the liner which is why it is important that the boots are tight when you put them on. Your toes should touch the end of the boot gently and come off the end when you flex forward.


how many times has this been asked and then that been the answer on this site... 11 years on this site and its still a thing haha. But yeah, get fitted, just not by a race boot fitter/ex-racer/ ex-wanna-be racer
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
skidemon22how many times has this been asked and then that been the answer on this site... 11 years on this site and its still a thing haha. But yeah, get fitted, just not by a race boot fitter/ex-racer/ ex-wanna-be racer


It will always be a thing because people want to know what works well for other people, even if it might suck ass for themselves. As long as they keep making new boots (or any gear), people will ask what others have used or are using. People like new stuff. If people didn't ask those same questions every season, I wouldn't know half of the stuff that's available because it's not available locally to me. But I can buy it online (boots excluded).
9 years ago
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
skidemon22how many times has this been asked and then that been the answer on this site... 11 years on this site and its still a thing haha. But yeah, get fitted, just not by a race boot fitter/ex-racer/ ex-wanna-be racer


A lot of the best boot fitters I've met focus on fitting racers. Fitting a race boot is not all that different to fitting a normal boot, you're just going for a much tighter and closer fit. A good boot fitter should be able to fit all types of boots for all types of skiers.
9 years ago
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profa_212
Posts: 9150 - Karma: 39,569
skidemon22how many times has this been asked and then that been the answer on this site... 11 years on this site and its still a thing haha. But yeah, get fitted, just not by a race boot fitter/ex-racer/ ex-wanna-be racer


What? those guys are usually the best?
9 years ago
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,642
Harambe


This is unrelated but

dicks out for Harambe
9 years ago
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skidemon22
Posts: 4463 - Karma: 2,047
HarambeA lot of the best boot fitters I've met focus on fitting racers. Fitting a race boot is not all that different to fitting a normal boot, you're just going for a much tighter and closer fit. A good boot fitter should be able to fit all types of boots for all types of skiers.


Profahoben_212What? those guys are usually the best?


allow me to clarify:

I am a boot fitter. I have listened to multiple boot fitter in the New England area pitch a sale to either me or a friend.

The approach of a race boot fitter is they take a boot off the shelf that is vaguely near the boot you want (stiffness, hike- mode feature, # of buckles, or other feature(s) that you may have mentioned) and then try to make that boot fit you, molding it, shimming it and generally ruining the boot in an effort to get you to buy it.

The approach I take is to get the best shell and liner fit based off of your foot shape, then take into account what you want to do with the boot. A boot that fits you out of the box is going to be a better product for you then the one that requires 18 hours of custom work.

I can promise you that this method is more effective. just because a boot fitter is willing to do ALL this extra work does not mean that is the best boot for you.

If anyone would like to call or text me about how to fit a boot or get fitted for a boot, my number is 845-705-3522.

Best,

Tom
9 years ago
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profa_212
Posts: 9150 - Karma: 39,569
skidemon22allow me to clarify:

I am a boot fitter. I have listened to multiple boot fitter in the New England area pitch a sale to either me or a friend.

The approach of a race boot fitter is they take a boot off the shelf that is vaguely near the boot you want (stiffness, hike- mode feature, # of buckles, or other feature(s) that you may have mentioned) and then try to make that boot fit you, molding it, shimming it and generally ruining the boot in an effort to get you to buy it.

The approach I take is to get the best shell and liner fit based off of your foot shape, then take into account what you want to do with the boot. A boot that fits you out of the box is going to be a better product for you then the one that requires 18 hours of custom work.

I can promise you that this method is more effective. just because a boot fitter is willing to do ALL this extra work does not mean that is the best boot for you.

If anyone would like to call or text me about how to fit a boot or get fitted for a boot, my number is 845-705-3522.

Best,

Tom


Fair enough....I see where you are coming from. But I wouldn't say those are race fitters, but instead just a bad boot fitter. A good fitter should do excactly as you say!

Maybe where you are the bad fitters you descrive tend to be racers....but that definitely isn't the case everywhere, and that is quite the assumption to make.
9 years ago
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,505
Jesse_This is unrelated but

dicks out for Harambe


Mine was never not out.
9 years ago
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,642
HarambeMine was never not out.


Figured as much
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
After hearing more about the Surface Blanks in another thread, I'm less excited about spending the money for a mediocre ski. I'm not hard on skis by any means but I think I'll spend a few extra bucks and get something better. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about Line Blends. Perhaps I'll go that route instead for an all mountain type ski. Thoughts?
9 years ago
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skidemon22
Posts: 4463 - Karma: 2,047
GetsonAfter hearing more about the Surface Blanks in another thread, I'm less excited about spending the money for a mediocre ski. I'm not hard on skis by any means but I think I'll spend a few extra bucks and get something better. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about Line Blends. Perhaps I'll go that route instead for an all mountain type ski. Thoughts?


super soft ski, but very playful and pretty light. good waist width for a 'do it all' ski
9 years ago
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,642
GetsonAfter hearing more about the Surface Blanks in another thread, I'm less excited about spending the money for a mediocre ski. I'm not hard on skis by any means but I think I'll spend a few extra bucks and get something better. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about Line Blends. Perhaps I'll go that route instead for an all mountain type ski. Thoughts?


I've got them, they're pretty good. It's like the do everything ski, they're pretty buttery and super playful. Only problems I've had with them are durability issues, but I guess that's what happens when skis are imported from China.

You might also want to look into the ON3P Kartels 98, which are basically a more durable and slightly stiffer version of the blends.

Another awesome ski to check out would be the Armada Edollos, but they might be a bit too unwieldy since they're like even flexier than the blends.

Depends what you're into I guess.
9 years ago
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judmaster77
Posts: 176 - Karma: 227
GetsonAfter hearing more about the Surface Blanks in another thread, I'm less excited about spending the money for a mediocre ski. I'm not hard on skis by any means but I think I'll spend a few extra bucks and get something better. I've been reading a lot of good stuff about Line Blends. Perhaps I'll go that route instead for an all mountain type ski. Thoughts?


Have you looked at ar7s pretty cheap right now http://www.evo.com/outlet/skis/armada-ar7.aspx
9 years ago
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FishChowder
Posts: 244 - Karma: 222
Jesse_I've got them, they're pretty good. It's like the do everything ski, they're pretty buttery and super playful. Only problems I've had with them are durability issues, but I guess that's what happens when skis are imported from China.

You might also want to look into the ON3P Kartels 98, which are basically a more durable and slightly stiffer version of the blends.

Another awesome ski to check out would be the Armada Edollos, but they might be a bit too unwieldy since they're like even flexier than the blends.

Depends what you're into I guess.


Really, it's mostly just ripping around the hill. Some trees and some light park stuff. There's no powder around here...ever. It's soft ice or hard ice with a dusting of snow occasionally. Every few years I manage to get somewhere that gets decent snow (Maine, New Hampshire, Newfoundland).

I'm skiing on 15 year old Solomon 720's right now. I'm looking forward to trying something a little more flexible with a new ski but I don't need anything too flexible. If nothing else, the oldest kid will get them and I'll get something else in a year or two.

JudMaster4Have you looked at ar7s pretty cheap right now http://www.evo.com/outlet/skis/armada-ar7.aspx


I had seen those while poking around. I was hoping to try something a little wider this time.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
Getson.


Check out the Salomon Rocker2 100s. Perfect do it all east coast ski. 100mm underfoot, rocker (hence the name), solid construction, medium/stiff flex, etc. Great ski for ripping and going the slower route with your kid. Give them a checkout and remember, the skis will feel slightly shorter than the actual legnth because of the rocker so the 186cm are probable going to feel like 180s or around that range. http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-rocker2-100-ski
9 years ago
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Swandog7
Posts: 4957 - Karma: 9,033
Don't sleep on Kitten Factory or another hand made company such as Moment, ON3P, HGskis, or even Icelantic.

Kitten Factory: All Mountain (105 underfoot) is on clearance, also next years Razor 105
Moment: PB&J (101 underfoot)
ON3P: Kartel 98 or 106, next year they make a 108
HG: Transfer or Stinger (both 96 underfoot)
Icelantic: Nomad 105

All 3 of these companies are very well known for high quality, hand made, fun to ride skis, and usually you can find some kind of a discount on them right now or pre sale
9 years ago
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randymeetsworld
Posts: 185 - Karma: 248
Jesse_dicks out for Harambe


Thank you so much, someone finally brought it up
9 years ago
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skidemon22
Posts: 4463 - Karma: 2,047
ZypherCheck out the Salomon Rocker2 100s. Perfect do it all east coast ski. 100mm underfoot, rocker (hence the name), solid construction, medium/stiff flex, etc. Great ski for ripping and going the slower route with your kid. Give them a checkout and remember, the skis will feel slightly shorter than the actual legnth because of the rocker so the 186cm are probable going to feel like 180s or around that range. http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-rocker2-100-ski


Have the rocker2 100, go to all around ski, super well made
9 years ago
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,642
SweatyYetiThank you so much, someone finally brought it up


No problem my dude
9 years ago
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