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theabortionator
April, 2025

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A company to look out for: Community Skis

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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
http://www.backcountry.com/sc/basin-range-unscripted-episode-2

Read this article or watch the video or even do both. I intern/work here and am lucky enough to call Mike and Kristin my friends. If you're looking for a sweet new pair of sticks, check us out.




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9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268


I think I did it this time
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
Hahaha. That dude is a kook. Anyone remember 333 Skis? Though I will say, I like his adjustable sidecut tool.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
loganimlachHahaha. That dude is a kook. Anyone remember 333 Skis? Though I will say, I like his adjustable sidecut tool.


Yeah man, Mike is crazy haha. His new shop is fully revamped with new everything after he went mobile. He is up in Bend, Oregon rn and will probs stay for most of the winter. Just the sheer amount of thought and work it took him to build the shop in the first place is crazy. He's literally the mad scientist of ski making.
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
ZypherYeah man, Mike is crazy haha. His new shop is fully revamped with new everything after he went mobile. He is up in Bend, Oregon rn and will probs stay for most of the winter. Just the sheer amount of thought and work it took him to build the shop in the first place is crazy. He's literally the mad scientist of ski making.


I was not complimenting him by calling him a kook.
9 years ago
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Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,617
He's back! Run!
Lol
9 years ago
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TheClap.
Posts: 21685 - Karma: 4,249
Dude still owes alot of ppl money from that 333 shit show
9 years ago
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TheBigApple
Posts: 1169 - Karma: 488
Zypherhttp://www.backcountry.com/sc/basin-range-unscripted-episode-2

Read this article or watch the video or even do both. I intern/work here and am lucky enough to call Mike and Kristin my friends. If you're looking for a sweet new pair of sticks, check us out.






Can you elaborate on how/if they have implemented improvements in quality, durability and reproduciblity since the 333 skis debacle?
9 years ago
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4237 - Karma: 10,749
loganimlachAnyone remember 333 Skis?


What was the debacle? Seems to be before my time in the ski world.
9 years ago
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TheBigApple
Posts: 1169 - Karma: 488
hot.pocketWhat was the debacle? Seems to be before my time in the ski world.


http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/176316-333-skis-review/page10
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
loganimlachHahaha. That dude is a kook. Anyone remember 333 Skis? Though I will say, I like his adjustable sidecut tool.


could you explain to me what was up with 333 skis? Ive read up on a couple threads on TGR and they dont seem like the stuff were producing at all rn.
9 years ago
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TheBigApple
Posts: 1169 - Karma: 488
Zyphercould you explain to me what was up with 333 skis? Ive read up on a couple threads on TGR and they dont seem like the stuff were producing at all rn.


Are they even paying you?
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
TheBigAppleAre they even paying you?


probably in Chiclets and fairy dust.

if the dude is still using glass as tip fill then they are still a joke.
9 years ago
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snowfinder
Posts: 2939 - Karma: 34,900
I hope he still uses a chainsaw to profile the cores
9 years ago
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,062
"A company to look out for" Yep, that about sums it up, I'll be looking out, clutching my wallet a little tighter, and walking a little faster if I see them around.

Sort of blows my mind that Backcountry decided to throw press at this.
9 years ago
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
ok, that guy is definitely banging the bejesus out of his 'business partner'

and what am i looking at? clothes? tiny homes? skis? so confusing
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
OK, let me clear something up. He admits that 333 skis was not a well rounded representation of him. He had about 7 guys in the shop working for him that did a shitty job of making the skis. After realizing that 333 wasn't going anywhere he scraped that and formed what you see today. Now, he personally works on all the skis along with Kristin with much, much better materials, better workshop, and better tools. The skis produced by him now are way different and you can ask anybody that's ridden them. As for the business aspect, Kristin has that held with an iron fist. Customer service and communication is key to them now and they have a much, much better vision for the company. Sum up; Mike's changed the company to something that is well worth a look into. I'm not saying "Buy our shit, its amazing" but im just saying that 333 skis has nothing to do with Community Skis. Its a fully revamped company and you should not base your views on Community Skis off the previous company. I can personally say that i'm excited to ride a pair of their skis for next season and will probably do a little review on them.
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
ZypherOK, let me clear something up. He admits that 333 skis was not a well rounded representation of him. He had about 7 guys in the shop working for him that did a shitty job of making the skis. After realizing that 333 wasn't going anywhere he scraped that and formed what you see today. Now, he personally works on all the skis along with Kristin with much, much better materials, better workshop, and better tools. The skis produced by him now are way different and you can ask anybody that's ridden them. As for the business aspect, Kristin has that held with an iron fist. Customer service and communication is key to them now and they have a much, much better vision for the company. Sum up; Mike's changed the company to something that is well worth a look into. I'm not saying "Buy our shit, its amazing" but im just saying that 333 skis has nothing to do with Community Skis. Its a fully revamped company and you should not base your views on Community Skis off the previous company. I can personally say that i'm excited to ride a pair of their skis for next season and will probably do a little review on them.


Hahahahaha you've been horribly misinformed as to what 333 was
9 years ago
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fluffyclouds
Posts: 166 - Karma: 330
Who would be serious if somebody hand you a chainsaw and a piece of plywood and told you to make a ski?

The concept really does sounds great but this dude burned his bridge with napalm, not worth a second chance imo.
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
Zephyr = Mike Lish
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
loganimlachZephyr = Mike Lish


Nah G, I'm not some dude with a mohawk. Im just a kid that interns there haha. Please inform me what was wrong with 333 tho. I don't know the details but would like to actually hear about it.
9 years ago
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25444 - Karma: 13,856
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/175382-333skis-com/page6?highlight=333
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
RudyGarmischhttp://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/175382-333skis-com/page6?highlight=333


So what I'm getting from this is that the skis were hit or miss (Shitty construction and break easily) But when they hit, they felt good. Also his customer service attitude was iffy but he made new sets for free if the old ones broke. Honestly, I still am not seeing the total problem, sorry. I get that the skis were of shitty construction but most of the actual reviews I saw on that thread said the skis felt amazing...until they broke. So if breaking was the problem, I can assure you that that is no longer a problem since their construction is way different. If im missing the problem, just throw it at me. I don't care what yall think of mike and 333 because that's not the case with Community Skis and him now.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
TheBigAppleCan you elaborate on how/if they have implemented improvements in quality, durability and reproduciblity since the 333 skis debacle?


Could you tell me the construction of the old 333s? I want to be able to compare them to what were making now to actually see the advancements in the material or process. Also what was the biggest problem with them? Delam, edge pullout, shitty sidecut (I can explain that btw), etc.
9 years ago
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KyleA
Posts: 865 - Karma: 510
ZypherCould you tell me the construction of the old 333s? I want to be able to compare them to what were making now to actually see the advancements in the material or process. Also what was the biggest problem with them? Delam, edge pullout, shitty sidecut (I can explain that btw), etc.


Does he still align the bases during layup by putting nails through them, resulting in holes in the base of a "finished" ski?
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
KyleADoes he still align the bases during layup by putting nails through them, resulting in holes in the base of a "finished" ski?


Yes and No, The cores and bases are bolted to the new rail package and routed from there. Idk how the holes were dealt with before but now they are filled with base material and wont come out even if you were to belt sand the shit out of them (Trust me)
9 years ago
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25444 - Karma: 13,856
Does he still use a chainsaw to plane cores?
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
RudyGarmischDoes he still use a chainsaw to plane cores?


Yes and no. He still uses the chainsaw but in an automatic moving device in which the ski is secured and sent through the blade at a certain angle, not freehanded. After that tho, they're finely sanded so the epoxy sticks better and he doesn't just not fill the tips and tails now, they're more structured and stuff.
9 years ago
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snowfinder
Posts: 2939 - Karma: 34,900
ZypherI get that the skis were of shitty construction but most of the actual reviews I saw on that thread said the skis felt amazing...until they broke.

Speechless

ZypherYes and no. He still uses the chainsaw but in an automatic moving device in which the ski is secured and sent through the blade at a certain angle, not freehanded. After that tho, they're finely sanded so the epoxy sticks better and he doesn't just not fill the tips and tails now, they're more structured and stuff.

So happy he didn't give up on his trusty loyal chainsaw.

I get it he wants to try different things but when things don't work stop doing them. I've seen the videos of his new shop and it's funny to say the least. Check out Parlor skis they do the same thing letting you make your skis but they do it in a good way.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
buzzedSpeechless


Well I dunno what you mean by break. Do you mean they tweak and become more rockered and loose like other skis or do they literally snap at the end of the core?
9 years ago
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,102
ZypherYes and No, The cores and bases are bolted to the new rail package and routed from there. Idk how the holes were dealt with before but now they are filled with base material and wont come out even if you were to belt sand the shit out of them (Trust me)


ZypherYes and no. He still uses the chainsaw but in an automatic moving device in which the ski is secured and sent through the blade at a certain angle, not freehanded. After that tho, they're finely sanded so the epoxy sticks better and he doesn't just not fill the tips and tails now, they're more structured and stuff.


hahahahahahahaha dude you need to go somewhere that they build real skis and watch how it's done. are you in bend right now? take a quick trip up to Portland and I'm sure Scott would love to give you a tour of ON3P. Don't let this mohawked idiot ruin your bright eyes for ski building.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
loganimlachhahahahahahahaha dude you need to go somewhere that they build real skis and watch how it's done. are you in bend right now? take a quick trip up to Portland and I'm sure Scott would love to give you a tour of ON3P. Don't let this mohawked idiot ruin your bright eyes for ski building.


Tbh I wish I could work somewhere like that or have my own take on a company but I'm only 16 and high school is a thing
9 years ago
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4237 - Karma: 10,749
ZypherTbh I wish I could work somewhere like that or have my own take on a company but I'm only 16 and high school is a thing


We've got quite a few high school kids interning right now, probably somewhere between 3-5 of them. Obviously it depends on where you live though.

Bases shouldn't have holes put in them and then replaced. There's much easier ways of securing a base during layup and it's astounding that that's the process he decided upon.
9 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
hot.pocketWe've got quite a few high school kids interning right now, probably somewhere between 3-5 of them. Obviously it depends on where you live though.

Bases shouldn't have holes put in them and then replaced. There's much easier ways of securing a base during layup and it's astounding that that's the process he decided upon.


If i was out in Portland, I'd totally stop by and check yall out. Yeah, I knew next to nothing going into my internship and have only learned the process he uses. I would like to be able to go to a couple different companies and learn multiple ways to do the same process. I don't get the bases either so maybe in the future that'll change but I have no idea on how he plans to change the setup.
9 years ago
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.[sanhedrin].
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 941
This thread reminds me so much of the Heartcarve Meathammer thread on NS last season. All I wanted was to stop feeding the troll and yet I couldn't help myself.
9 years ago
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
Any one who gives that kook money is a fucking retard and doesn't deserve skis or cash.
9 years ago
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,642
The referenced post has been removed.


yeah its super entertaining
9 years ago
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jarlybart
Posts: 7 - Karma: 4
ZypherIf i was out in Portland, I'd totally stop by and check yall out. Yeah, I knew next to nothing going into my internship and have only learned the process he uses. I would like to be able to go to a couple different companies and learn multiple ways to do the same process. I don't get the bases either so maybe in the future that'll change but I have no idea on how he plans to change the setup.


Have he told you about the factory that he is building at Hoodoo yet? You should check into Snowplanks as they are also based in Bend and see if they will give you a tour of their factory just to see how it's done in the mainstream world of building. I have keys to the factory at Hoodoo if you ever want to meet over there and check it out. Exciting things coming to our local hill! When it comes to the holes in the bases...that will not continue on with our program as there are much better ways to deal with that. Can't wait to get roll'n!
6 years ago
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jarlybart
Posts: 7 - Karma: 4
If you want to follow the 333/Community Skis/Michael Lish saga...here are a few pics of the most current skis he has made and some factory photos. Currently, all the tooling is missing from the factory so not sure where this project is going but I have my guess's due to past actions. Guess we shall see. https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHsHvK3
6 years ago
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
jarlybartIf you want to follow the 333/Community Skis/Michael Lish saga...here are a few pics of the most current skis he has made and some factory photos. Currently, all the tooling is missing from the factory so not sure where this project is going but I have my guess's due to past actions. Guess we shall see. https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHsHvK3


Don’t worry, he only had to take the tooling apart so he could use his chainsaw to cut firewood for the winter, everything will be back once he gets his 2 cords of wood.
6 years ago
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Dlonetti
Posts: 1987 - Karma: 21,250
this was before my time and Id never heard of this. good thread funny read
6 years ago
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CatdickBojangles
Posts: 6468 - Karma: 66,204
jarlybartIf you want to follow the 333/Community Skis/Michael Lish saga...here are a few pics of the most current skis he has made and some factory photos. Currently, all the tooling is missing from the factory so not sure where this project is going but I have my guess's due to past actions. Guess we shall see. https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHsHvK3


Is his factory in the parking lot of a ski resort? Why are there lift shacks right outside the window?
6 years ago
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jarlybart
Posts: 7 - Karma: 4
The factory that he built was at the ski area. It was not built for him or even or his use but to help the mountain owner start his own factory. Now, he has not been seen or heard from in over three months and took all the tooling with him and has stolen the tools to do any of the work. We shall see what comes of this all. It's a bummer to say the least but, this isn't new to him.
6 years ago
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