Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Introducing Militia, Affordable, Quality Skis,

profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
Hey Everyone! Some of you have seen us shredding around Brighton, Park City, and Snowbasin this season testing out our skis, some of you were lucky enough to take them out for a few runs! and well, the time has come and we are ready go!

PREORDER SALE NOW LIVE ON MILITIASKIS.COM

The Concept for Militia Started back in 2012, when a group of college freshman, who realized they couldn't afford to ski any more, and group of winter industry veterans crossed paths while attending the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. During their conversation, they talked about the decline in the amount of people skiing and snowboarding, which then lead them to speaking about the absurd amount of mark up in outdoor recreational products. It became clear that greed, and companies using multiple middle men were driving up prices and ruining the ski industry, We also noticed the majority of ski companies did nothing to give back to there loyal supporters. It was at this moment, we knew that something had to be changed, and Militia was born.

At Militia, We make the highest quality skis possible and sell them for practically zero mark up directly to our customers, We are not doing this to become rich, if it even pays for our season passes we will be stoked, We are just doing this to take back the mountains, and keep people skiing. We also want to take care of the people who our taking care of us! When you purchase a pair of skis from us you officially become a member of the Militia, at which point in time you will receive a discount code to give out to any one and everyone you know, after 5 people pick up some skis using your code, We will give you a pair of skis free of charge as a way of saying thank you.

We just love skiing, and whether you choose to support us or not, we just wish that you all continue to ski and keep the stoke alive

**This thread was edited on Apr 27th 2017 at 6:28:36pm
Apr 27 2017 4:47PM
110 27
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
The definition of omni is "all or everywhere", and that is exactly what this ski shreds! All and everything! the Omniski has a wide enough tip and tail to shred pow with no problems, and a skinny enough waste to slay the groomers and the park. This ski can truly do it all!
Apr 27 2017 4:48PM
5 1
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
The Galaxski is a turbocharged park ski, hosting the thickest edges known to skis, a light weight poplar wood-core and two layers of rubber foil sandwiching the core to keep your skis spring lasting deep into the future. The Galaxski is ready to take you to space!
Apr 27 2017 4:48PM
5 1
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,632
MilitiaskisHey Everyone! Some of you have seen us shredding around Brighton, Park City, and Snowbasin this season testing out our skis, some of you were lucky enough to take them out for a few runs! and well, the time has come and we are ready go!

PREORDER SALE NOW LIVE ON MILITIASKIS.COM

The Concept for Militia Started back in 2012, when a group of college freshman, who realized they couldn't afford to ski any more, and group of winter industry veterans crossed paths while attending the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. During their conversation, they talked about the decline in the amount of people skiing and snowboarding, which then lead them to speaking about the absurd amount of mark up in outdoor recreational products. It became clear that greed, and companies using multiple middle men were driving up prices and ruining the ski industry, We also noticed the majority of ski companies did nothing to give back to there loyal supporters. It was at this moment, we knew that something had to be changed, and Militia was born.

At Militia, We make the highest quality skis possible and sell them for practically zero mark up directly to our customers, We are not doing this to become rich, if it even pays for our season passes we will be stoked, We are just doing this to take back the mountains, and keep people skiing. We also want to take care of the people who our taking care of us! When you purchase a pair of skis from us you officially become a member of the Militia, at which point in time you will receive a discount code to give out to any one and everyone you know, after 5 people pick up some skis using your code, We will give you a pair of skis free of charge as a way of saying thank you.

We just love skiing, and whether you choose to support us or not, we just wish that you all continue to ski and keep the stoke alive

**This thread was edited on Apr 27th 2017 at 6:28:36pm


Wanna buy some advertising?
Apr 28 2017 3:26AM
16 0
profile picture
Kbob94
Posts: 1257 - Karma: 7,885
MilitiaskisThe definition of omni is "all or everywhere", and that is exactly what this ski shreds! All and everything! the Omniski has a wide enough tip and tail to shred pow with no problems, and a skinny enough waste to slay the groomers and the park. This ski can truly do it all!



Super hyped on your company!! Definitely what skiing needs more of. If all my finances play out right I'll be getting a pair of these skis. Keep up the awesomeness!
Apr 28 2017 7:30AM
2 0
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
Mr.BishopWanna buy some advertising?


Hopefully one day!
Apr 28 2017 9:33AM
5 0
profile picture
Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,190
MilitiaskisThe Galaxski is a turbocharged park ski, hosting the thickest edges known to skis, a light weight poplar wood-core and two layers of rubber foil sandwiching the core to keep your skis spring lasting deep into the future. The Galaxski is ready to take you to space!


What's the flex like?
Apr 28 2017 10:33AM
0 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,632
MilitiaskisHopefully one day!


Just make sure to market. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can get away without marketing... but if you don't market then nobody knows about your product to buy it.

Marketing (however you do it) is an investment that creates sales, not an expense.
Apr 28 2017 10:40AM
4 0
profile picture
albinoboy
Posts: 372 - Karma: 2,102
I can not find your website
Apr 28 2017 10:59AM
1 0
profile picture
Session
Posts: 5372 - Karma: 22,049
Kbob94Super hyped on your company!! Definitely what skiing needs more of. If all my finances play out right I'll be getting a pair of these skis. Keep up the awesomeness!


Based on what? They shitty name? The unproven promise of a quality price point ski from China? The chance to potentially throw your money away on a pre-order that never materializes?

You people just will not stop being fucking marks.
Apr 28 2017 11:08AM
18 4
profile picture
stormtrooper
Posts: 1191 - Karma: 461
Shoey-SkiWhat's the flex like?


Really snappy, slightly stiffer than say the line chronic.

Mr.BishopJust make sure to market. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can get away without marketing... but if you don't market then nobody knows about your product to buy it.

We Feel You!



I can not find your website[/QUOTE]

Militiaskis.com, our SEO is terrible so it will be sometime before finding us on google.
Apr 28 2017 11:15AM
1 1
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
Stormtrooper nailed it!
Apr 28 2017 11:22AM
1 1
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
I got the chance to test out the @militiasnow Galaxski during closing weekend at Park City. If you're in the market for a new pair of skis, head on over to their website and check out the goods. Use the code "Chugranch" for an additional 5% off your purchase #riderowned #ogdenmade #supportlocal #newschoolers #nsfamous #girowasatch #girosnowlocalsonly #stopskiing #drinkbutter #chugranch

A post shared by Jake Lewis 🍔 (@jakelewiski) on Apr 27, 2017 at 5:54pm PDT


[/quote]
Apr 28 2017 11:24AM
1 1
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
MilitiaskisI got the chance to test out the @militiasnow Galaxski during closing weekend at Park City. If you're in the market for a new pair of skis, head on over to their website and check out the goods. Use the code "Chugranch" for an additional 5% off your purchase #riderowned #ogdenmade #supportlocal #newschoolers #nsfamous #girowasatch #girosnowlocalsonly #stopskiing #drinkbutter #chugranch

A post shared by Jake Lewis 🍔 (@jakelewiski) on Apr 27, 2017 at 5:54pm PDT


Sorry, blew it on the embeded. :(
Apr 28 2017 11:25AM
1 1
profile picture
Sharko
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 4,101
I'm not sure I would want to buy skis from someone that advertises the skis' tip, tail, and "waste" sizes
Apr 28 2017 11:48AM
7 2
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,632
The referenced post has been removed.

I actually kind of wonder if that really fucked up the whole idea of pre orders for everyone...
Apr 28 2017 12:10PM
10 0
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
SharkoI'm not sure I would want to buy skis from someone that advertises the skis' tip, tail, and "waste" sizes[/QUO

if we changed it to underfoot would it really make you feel better? :)
Apr 28 2017 12:12PM
2 0
profile picture
Sharko
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 4,101
MilitiaskisI'm not sure I would want to buy skis from someone that advertises the skis' tip, tail, and "waste" sizes[/QUO

if we changed it to underfoot would it really make you feel better? :)


I think that understanding the difference between "waist" (thinnest point) and "waste" (garbage) would avoid the faux pas of accidentally labeling your product as trash on your own website.

This whole "join the militia and advertise for us with the promise of getting free skis" thing seems suspiciously like a pyramid scam.

This operation is looking very amateur at this point. Seems like someday everyone on NS will buy skis from China, slap some trendy graphics on them and have their own "ski company."
Apr 28 2017 12:23PM
8 1
profile picture
brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
SessionBased on what? They shitty name? The unproven promise of a quality price point ski from China? The chance to potentially throw your money away on a pre-order that never materializes?

You people just will not stop being fucking marks.


I've tested out the Galaxski, and am willing to testify that Militia is legit. They're only producing 200 pairs of each model for their first year in business, so I wouldn't worry about a potential Revisionesque bamboozle.

As for the skis themselves, the park model has a very soft flex in the tip and tail, but was still able to keep composure on deep landings.

It's an unfortunate age for the ski startup. Please don't let the actions of a single company (Revision) deter you from supporting awesome rider owned brands like Militia.
Apr 28 2017 12:33PM
4 0
profile picture
HuckNorris44
Posts: 1025 - Karma: 2,393
The referenced post has been removed.


People do it with cars, furniture, video games, Albums, movies. List goes on. I dont see why its backwards. It allows smaller companies to plan for the future and know what quotas they need to meet. Even larger companies do preorders in a sense. They just do them with shops and buying groups, even though some do offer preorders on skis
Apr 28 2017 12:48PM
1 1
profile picture
stormtrooper
Posts: 1191 - Karma: 461
SharkoI think that understanding the difference between "waist" (thinnest point) and "waste" (garbage) would avoid the faux pas of accidentally labeling your product as trash on your own website.

This whole "join the militia and advertise for us with the promise of getting free skis" thing seems suspiciously like a pyramid scam.

This operation is looking very amateur at this point. Seems like someday everyone on NS will buy skis from China, slap some trendy graphics on them and have their own "ski company."


The following post is from Militia skis, being a new account, they are not able to post more than 5 times a day.

"You win there, haha, our fail, I am sure that people will more than likely find more typos on our site, and we thank you for bringing this to our attention. Side note, yes we are manufacturing in china, in the same factory that is making the skis that a large amount of newschoolers are skiing on. The big difference is we are not making skis for the masses, we are just making a couple hundred pairs a year, this allows us to put the highest quality materials into our skis with out it raising our costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars, in example: adding a 2nd layer of rubber foiling, and bulking up the edges to 2.5mm will raise the skis cost any where from 6$-10$, when making 200 pairs of skis, that only raises our cost by about $2,000 per year, but if your a large scale company and are making let's say 10,000+ skis a year, you would be looking at around an extra $100,000 a year, at which point in time it just looks better to deal with the warranties that come in.

In response to the revision fiasco, That really is a shame, If you were one of the people who were ripped off by them, then please shoot us a message and we would love to help you out. I know the idea of pre-orders is for sure tainted because of that, so if you don't trust in a pre-ordering, we entirely understand, Please feel free to order in season.



*Sorry for run on sentences and all grammatical errors, at the end of the day we are just ski bums wanting to keep people skiing whether it's on our skis or not. Thanks"
Apr 28 2017 12:51PM
3 1
profile picture
keystoneandbone
Posts: 187 - Karma: 15
The referenced post has been removed.



Pre-orders are huge for seasonal sports such as skiing. To my knowledge, all companies in some way do "pre-orders" whether it is the smaller guys who are doing it direct to their consumers, or if it is the big companies who have established credit and are using trade financing. Without pre-orders, the ski industry would die. There is huge out flow of cash over the summer, and with no money coming in without those pre-orders, I'm not sure how anyone would survive,
Apr 28 2017 1:03PM
4 0
profile picture
brotherdad
Posts: 2076 - Karma: 13,067
The referenced post has been removed.


If this kind of mentality is held by everyone, then how is this industry supposed to grow?

I understand the skepticism and I'm not saying its impossible. Humans make mistakes, especially when there is a language barrier involved. I just believe it is less likely considering several pairs have already made it to the US without issue.
Apr 28 2017 1:07PM
1 1
profile picture
HuckNorris44
Posts: 1025 - Karma: 2,393
The referenced post has been removed.


So you'd never buy a car before its been made? Never order a new model that hasnt been delivered to dealers yet? Im pretty sure this is how most supercars are sold. You'd never have someone make you a custom dining table or piece of furniture? Or is "unproven and new company" the kicker that separates these?
Apr 28 2017 1:50PM
0 0
profile picture
HuckNorris44
Posts: 1025 - Karma: 2,393
The referenced post has been removed.


Totally understand all that. Im pretty sure the new Ford GT's were sold out before any were made. Same with cars like the Enzo and such. But the Enzo is not in the realm of reality for 99% of humans
Apr 28 2017 2:22PM
0 0
profile picture
patagonialuke
Posts: 1626 - Karma: 8,673
The referenced post has been removed.


My main issue is the lack of reputation for the product, rather than the idea of pre-ordering in general. I wouldn't hesitate to pre-order from ON3P because I know their product, it has hundreds of positive reviews, and they're extremely transparent about their manufacturing and business practices in general. Pre-orders do make sense for the ski industry (especially for small companies) due to its very lopsided nature with winter vs. summer.

With only a couple super short, anecdotal-style reviews in forums, I don't think I'd want to pre-order the skis. That's my personal opinion, and I'd act similarly with any other product. Once the reviews start coming in, and I can make a more educated decision, then I'd consider it more (although I'm not in the market for these skis anyway). I definitely realize why they're doing pre-orders, but I can understand people's apprehension.

My recommendation would be for Militia to look to companies like ON3P, J Skis, and Moment and to be as transparent, honest, and clear as possible about their operations, timeline, and product in order to build trust while they wait for their product to prove itself.
Apr 28 2017 3:07PM
5 0
profile picture
hot.pocket
Posts: 4225 - Karma: 10,622
Do you have any photos of the rocker profiles? Interested to see the difference between TPR and ESRP.
Apr 28 2017 3:49PM
0 0
profile picture
stormtrooper
Posts: 1191 - Karma: 461


hot.pocketDo you have any photos of the rocker profiles? Interested to see the difference between TPR and ESRP.


I have these images I can share with you, Militia got locked out for the day. The image of the tip is the TPR, it is only rockered in the tip. The full ski picture is of the Omniski, ESRP,
Apr 28 2017 4:09PM
1 0
profile picture
hot.pocket
Posts: 4225 - Karma: 10,622
stormtrooper




I have these images I can share with you, Militia got locked out for the day. The image of the tip is the TPR, it is only rockered in the tip. The full ski picture is of the Omniski, ESRP,


Does the edge stop pretty early before the end of the tip?
Apr 28 2017 8:38PM
1 0
profile picture
patagonialuke
Posts: 1626 - Karma: 8,673
hot.pocketDoes the edge stop pretty early before the end of the tip?


Exact same question I had after seeing that.
Apr 28 2017 8:49PM
0 0
profile picture
Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,582
stormtrooper




I have these images I can share with you, Militia got locked out for the day. The image of the tip is the TPR, it is only rockered in the tip. The full ski picture is of the Omniski, ESRP,


They look like hearty skis which is a good sign in my book
Apr 28 2017 8:50PM
0 0
profile picture
Jcamotts
Posts: 156 - Karma: 2,598
" Taking back skiing from the corporations"

"Shipping in the end of September"

I have heard these things before from start-up ski companies just like you. You're not special and honestly, I have a hard time trusting you guys. The "highest quality skis possible" wouldn't be made in a factory overseas. Take for example ON3P. They have a solid business going and a great reputation for making the most bomb-proof skis. Their skis are produced here in the states with best materials. In order for them to put out the best product, their prices need to be pretty high or they wouldn't be able to keep their business going. With that in mind, it's safe to assume that if you're selling your skis for 350 bucks and they're made in China, your skis are going to be crap. I wish you guys the best of luck, but I wouldn't buy skis from you guys, or at least until we hear some feedback from customers.

Also, you really couldn't have thought of a better name?
Apr 29 2017 11:30AM
4 1
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
We are sorry you feel that way, we look forward to hearing back from you in year when more than the current reviews began to come in.

In regards to the earlier question, currently the edge runs everywhere the skis have contact, however, for the official product run the edges will be going an extra 1.5 inches into the tip and the tail from where they are now. Not having the edges wrap all the way around, reduces weight and lessons the chances of deamination.
Apr 29 2017 11:50AM
0 0
profile picture
Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,582
Jcamotts" Taking back skiing from the corporations"

"Shipping in the end of September"

I have heard these things before from start-up ski companies just like you. You're not special and honestly, I have a hard time trusting you guys. The "highest quality skis possible" wouldn't be made in a factory overseas. Take for example ON3P. They have a solid business going and a great reputation for making the most bomb-proof skis. Their skis are produced here in the states with best materials. In order for them to put out the best product, their prices need to be pretty high or they wouldn't be able to keep their business going. With that in mind, it's safe to assume that if you're selling your skis for 350 bucks and they're made in China, your skis are going to be crap. I wish you guys the best of luck, but I wouldn't buy skis from you guys, or at least until we hear some feedback from customers.

Also, you really couldn't have thought of a better name?


Its unfortunate that you claim this without being knowledgeable to know if its accurate. Im not even trying to defend Militia since I have no reason to, but what you said just isn't right. There are many high quality skis coming out of China. A majority of the skis in the US come from overseas. China is used because the labor costs are cheap, but the labor may still be quality. If what Militia said is true (that they are using a factory that is reputable for making other skis in the industry) then quality is not going to be an issue because the employees have experience and create a successful product. I mean obviously what you said about ON3P isn't wrong, but ON3P created a ski business the hardest way possible (which definitely yielded amazing results because of that).

Sending production to China is financially smart for a small startup with limited investment capabilities. Ideally when you have some support and money, you can move production to the U.S. but thats just my opinion. You can also 100% sell a pair of skis for $350 while still having a solid pair of sticks since the raw materials cost is not as much as you think (based off what you've said) and the cheap labor allows the price to stay low.

Not trying to throw shade but I've gone through the process of working this out from some aspirations I had to start my own company when I was younger. I'm happy I didn't commit since it would prevent me from actually skiing as much as I wanted.
Apr 29 2017 12:36PM
2 0
profile picture
Jcamotts
Posts: 156 - Karma: 2,598
parkplaygroundIts unfortunate that you claim this without being knowledgeable to know if its accurate. Im not even trying to defend Militia since I have no reason to, but what you said just isn't right. There are many high quality skis coming out of China. A majority of the skis in the US come from overseas. China is used because the labor costs are cheap, but the labor may still be quality. If what Militia said is true (that they are using a factory that is reputable for making other skis in the industry) then quality is not going to be an issue because the employees have experience and create a successful product. I mean obviously what you said about ON3P isn't wrong, but ON3P created a ski business the hardest way possible (which definitely yielded amazing results because of that).

Sending production to China is financially smart for a small startup with limited investment capabilities. Ideally when you have some support and money, you can move production to the U.S. but thats just my opinion. You can also 100% sell a pair of skis for $350 while still having a solid pair of sticks since the raw materials cost is not as much as you think (based off what you've said) and the cheap labor allows the price to stay low.

Not trying to throw shade but I've gone through the process of working this out from some aspirations I had to start my own company when I was younger. I'm happy I didn't commit since it would prevent me from actually skiing as much as I wanted.


I didn't mean to imply that there are no quality skis coming out of china, there are lots of great skis made in factories. However, 350 bucks sounds too good to be true for a high-quality ski. I could be wrong, and I hope I am because that is a sick deal for a good ski. But personally, I would not buy these skis until they have plenty of good reviews.
Apr 29 2017 2:55PM
0 0
profile picture
a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
So wait, don't people normally flame posts like this with "pay NS for advertising"? Or did they?
Apr 29 2017 3:05PM
2 0
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
JcamottsI didn't mean to imply that there are no quality skis coming out of china, there are lots of great skis made in factories. However, 350 bucks sounds too good to be true for a high-quality ski. I could be wrong, and I hope I am because that is a sick deal for a good ski. But personally, I would not buy these skis until they have plenty of good reviews.


If your local shop has a pair of skis for sale for lets say, 599, and the purchase said skis from a sales rep who also took a percentage of the sale of the skis to the shop, how much do you think the company originally sold the skis for?
Apr 29 2017 3:07PM
3 0
profile picture
Militiaskis
Posts: 20 - Karma: 128
MilitiaskisIf your local shop has a pair of skis for sale for lets say, 599, and the purchase said skis from a sales rep who also took a percentage of the sale of the skis to the shop, how much do you think the company originally sold the skis for?


*and they purchased said skis,
Apr 29 2017 3:08PM
0 0
profile picture
Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,190
JcamottsI didn't mean to imply that there are no quality skis coming out of china, there are lots of great skis made in factories. However, 350 bucks sounds too good to be true for a high-quality ski. I could be wrong, and I hope I am because that is a sick deal for a good ski. But personally, I would not buy these skis until they have plenty of good reviews.


Dude they are starting out, who wants to buy a 500 dollar ski from a brand new company? No one, you want to offer a good product for the low to keep your customers comming back, you gotta start at the bottom and build a reputation for your brand and work your way up
Apr 29 2017 10:11PM
1 0
profile picture
Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,827
I dont know why so many people get so triggered when a new brand pops up, but then they turn around and say "death to corporate brands, stay core!"
May 1 2017 8:39PM
8 0
profile picture
cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
who are you?

All I see is an anonymous website from someone I have never heard of selling skis at a questionably low price point.

What are your names?
May 1 2017 9:23PM
0 0
profile picture
Session
Posts: 5372 - Karma: 22,049
cobra_commanderwho are you?

All I see is an anonymous website from someone I have never heard of selling skis at a questionably low price point.

What are your names?


Wanrooy/Bartels.

:P
May 1 2017 10:54PM
4 0
profile picture
snowfinder
Posts: 2872 - Karma: 34,167
honestly how cheap is it to get skis made in china? I see you designed them in Utah so I'm guessing you built them there, but tbh getting real tired of seeing made in china.
May 2 2017 12:02PM
1 1
profile picture
snowfinder
Posts: 2872 - Karma: 34,167
snowfinderhonestly how cheap is it to get skis made in china? I see you designed them in Utah so I'm guessing you built them there, but tbh getting real tired of seeing made in china.


by built I mean dialed in the design of the ski then sent it off to (trumps voice) china
May 2 2017 12:03PM
2 2
profile picture
Young_patty
Posts: 3278 - Karma: 37,891
SharkoSeems like someday everyone on NS will buy skis from China, slap some trendy graphics on them and have their own "ski company."


It's becoming what the "clothing companies" who slapped some logos on custom ink tee shirts where.
May 2 2017 2:05PM
3 1
profile picture
kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
Epic planks => Revision => Militia?
May 3 2017 7:13PM
7 1
All times are Eastern (-5)