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Hi! Hoping For a Little Advice

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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
What's the phrase? Long time listener, first time caller? Close enough.

I know you all get a lot of these kinds of posts (I've read through half of them myself), so hopefully you're not worn out on it yet. I'm 31, 6'1", 180 have been skiing since I was 7, and I'm just getting back on skis this season after a 7 year gap. I live in Northern NY (close to Canada - nowhere near the city), and am fairly far away from any big hills. We have a small local hill that is great for evening or morning runs but really isn't terribly big (Dry Hill, if anyone's familiar - 1 minute down, 3 minutes on the lift). What it does actually have is a large variety of conditions. Couple of different level groomers, some ungroomed woods/bumps runs, steep blacks groomed or not, and some small terrain features. After getting my carve back this season, and spraining my thumb in the process (first ski injury, believe it or not), I decided to upgrade my gear and focus on freestyle/freeride.

Wow, that's a long intro for a short question. I'm looking for recommendations for EC all-mountains that can handle jibbing and tricking. Don't need anything that can handle deep pow or super ice. We mostly get in between conditions. I've been riding - brace yourselves - Head Carve 15s (178, 65-70 waist or so) - for the last 15 years or so. Bought them before I knew anything about skis and they've served me well enough to get me to intermediate level skiing. Time for something new.

Biggest hurdle is budget - mine is small. Looking to keep it under 300 max. I know that's not much, but I'm good with several years old models and old demo skis. Just want something to have some fun on.

Well, that all said, glad to be here, and thanks in advance for whatever advice you can offer!
Feb 21 2018 4:29PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
will you be buying new bindings as well, and if so, is that included in your $300 budget?

do you have any preferences re: soft vs stiff skis, stuff like that?
Feb 21 2018 4:41PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
SofaKingSickwill you be buying new bindings as well, and if so, is that included in your $300 budget?

do you have any preferences re: soft vs stiff skis, stuff like that?


I have some nice Marker bindings on the old Heads, but they're likely too thin for anything I'd be looking at now, so we'll say yes. A medium ski would probably be best so I don't entirely overpower it but it maintains its playfulness? Not really sure?
Feb 21 2018 4:43PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
im thinking what i recommend a lot lately for situations like this... Armada arv96 (in your case, the 184 size) and tyrolia attack 13s. reasonably priced, easy to ski but very high quality and versatile setup. the flex is medium soft so perhaps at 6'1" 180 you might overpower them, so maybe we should consider a stiffer ski. but that's a wonderful do it all ski. also it's a deeecently priced setup for what it is but def wont be 300

when you reply to this thread itll remind me later to look around for something else that might work for you. you should be able to find a pretty nice setup for this situation
Feb 21 2018 4:50PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
SofaKingSickim thinking what i recommend a lot lately for situations like this... Armada arv96 (in your case, the 184 size) and tyrolia attack 13s. reasonably priced, easy to ski but very high quality and versatile setup. the flex is medium soft so perhaps at 6'1" 180 you might overpower them, so maybe we should consider a stiffer ski. but that's a wonderful do it all ski. also it's a deeecently priced setup for what it is but def wont be 300

when you reply to this thread itll remind me later to look around for something else that might work for you. you should be able to find a pretty nice setup for this situation


I've seen those recommended - very likely by you - several times. Trouble is they're hard to find. I've been looking into Head Venturis as they seem pretty stiff but still agile and poppy. But again, hard to find, and the only come in 181 (might be too short) and 191 (might be too long).
Feb 21 2018 4:58PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
There's also a pair of Kastle XX90 James 185s that keep popping up on the Bay. I know absolutely nothing about these skis, but I like the look of them. I've never skied a symmetrical ski, though.
Feb 21 2018 5:00PM
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flip_flopz
Posts: 40 - Karma: 225
A mid flex twintip 90-98 underfoot with a bit of earlyrise at 182+ length seems like ur best bet.

The arv96 as previously recommended are a great ski and seem to be what your looking for. It really chews up variable snow, will hold on hardpack and is playful as hell. The Nordica soulrider 97 in 187 could also be a good option for you aswell. I would try and find a local demo day and ski on a bunch of all mountain twins and buy whichever one suits you the best.
Feb 21 2018 5:09PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
charlesmcA mid flex twintip 90-98 underfoot with a bit of earlyrise at 182+ length seems like ur best bet.

The arv96 as previously recommended are a great ski and seem to be what your looking for. It really chews up variable snow, will hold on hardpack and is playful as hell. The Nordica soulrider 97 in 187 could also be a good option for you aswell. I would try and find a local demo day and ski on a bunch of all mountain twins and buy whichever one suits you the best.


Agreed on the first part. I was thinking waist 85-95. I'd love to find ARV 96s in my price range, but that seems very doubtful. I haven't heard much about the soul rider. I WISH I could find a demo day, but even if our local hill had one, the selection would be pretty slim. I'd have to travel 3+ hours to find a hill big enough to run one... :(
Feb 21 2018 8:40PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51652 - Karma: 162,332
If you need to get in for under $300 check the outlets online. That's your best bet.

https://www.evo.com/shop/winter-clearance-sale/ski/skis/mens

https://www.the-house.com/skis.html

etc. Some of the 2018 stuff is on a pretty good sale already, and older stuff always has deals.
Feb 21 2018 8:55PM
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reeski
Posts: 1024 - Karma: 1,591
Check asogear.com ARV’s come highly recommend on NS never had them but people rave about em. Definitely wortg checking out
Feb 21 2018 9:42PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4811 - Karma: 17,057
I was in a similar situation to yours OP and ended up on the ARV 96 w/attack 13s. My budget had a little more flexibility and I purchased them during the summer. They are really really nice.

This may be completely off the mark but what the opinion on High Society here? I never hear of them but also don't hear much about RMU, Majesty and several other brands which I believe make good skis. Anyway I'll leave this here:
https://www.sierratradingpost.com/high-society-fx-alpine-skis~p~233pv/?filterString=skis~d~9694%2F
And anyone with knowledge can comment on them.
Feb 22 2018 12:16AM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
I haven't really heard much about HS skis. I did however, find out that the ARVs are made in 86s which are almost exactly within my price range and a little closer to the width I was thinking of. 95+ seems just a tad too wide, but I really don't know, not having skied on anything wider than a 70. any thoughts on that?
Feb 22 2018 9:03AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
PinsAndNeedlesI haven't really heard much about HS skis. I did however, find out that the ARVs are made in 86s which are almost exactly within my price range and a little closer to the width I was thinking of. 95+ seems just a tad too wide, but I really don't know, not having skied on anything wider than a 70. any thoughts on that?


Most park oriented skis are much wider than 70 nowadays; you won't find any in the 70s that I can think of right now

I said 96 cause that's a great do it all width, and I doubt you'd ever have an issue with them being too wide. But yeah if you like the 86, that'd work great too! Doesn't sound like you have to worry about soft/fresh snow performance very much where you are, which is the main reason I'd suggest the 96 over the 86. And yeah the 86 is cheaper too

I haven't been to an actual comp at work much the past couple days but I will look for more options when I do go. But I think the arv in 86 or 96 is a great option to consider
Feb 22 2018 10:53AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
PinsAndNeedlesThere's also a pair of Kastle XX90 James 185s that keep popping up on the Bay. I know absolutely nothing about these skis, but I like the look of them. I've never skied a symmetrical ski, though.


Some on here will disagree but I wouldn't recommend a fully symmetrical ski unless you're a pure park rat. The pros just don't outweigh the cons imo. For an all mtn slayer I think symmetrical is dumb
Feb 22 2018 10:55AM
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Skitrippin
Posts: 197 - Karma: 270
If you need bindings I have some white tyrolia 13s that I'm trying to get rid of for cheap
Feb 22 2018 11:26AM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
The referenced post has been removed.


I will keep that in mind. Anyone know anything about/have experience with the Venturis? They're 140-95-126 in 181, twins. They get good ratings from what research I've done.

If you need bindings I have some white tyrolia 13s that I'm trying to get rid of for cheap


What's cheap? :) And what's their condition?
Feb 22 2018 12:16PM
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Skitrippin
Posts: 197 - Karma: 270
PinsAndNeedlesI will keep that in mind. Anyone know anything about/have experience with the Venturis? They're 140-95-126 in 181, twins. They get good ratings from what research I've done.


What's cheap? :) And what's their condition?

Cheap is whatever you want to offer, and they're in super good condition. Pm me your number and ill send over some pics of them if you're interested
Feb 22 2018 1:34PM
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Lukrom_
Posts: 147 - Karma: 712
Join the cult, buy armadas.
Feb 22 2018 2:12PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
lukromJoin the cult, buy armadas.


I just might, if I can afford it. A gent has a pair of ARV 96s in the sale thread here in my size, but I'd have to work out a payment plan or something to afford them.

There's also the fellow selling Line Blends in my size in Bean town. I think I have a friend down there...

**This post was edited on Feb 23rd 2018 at 9:50:38am
Feb 23 2018 9:45AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
PinsAndNeedlesI just might, if I can afford it. A gent has a pair of ARV 96s in the sale thread here in my size, but I'd have to work out a payment plan or something to afford them.

There's also the fellow selling Line Blends in my size in Bean town. I think I have a friend down there...

**This post was edited on Feb 23rd 2018 at 9:50:38am


unless you prefer a much softer ski, i think you're going to overpower Blends at your size. just a thought
Feb 23 2018 9:57AM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
SofaKingSickunless you prefer a much softer ski, i think you're going to overpower Blends at your size. just a thought


Well, that's good to know... Had no idea they were that soft.
Feb 23 2018 10:21AM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
What do y'all think of the Shreditor? Comes in a 92/177 which might work well for all mountain jibbery?
Feb 23 2018 12:09PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
PinsAndNeedlesWhat do y'all think of the Shreditor? Comes in a 92/177 which might work well for all mountain jibbery?


im of the opinion that you should be looking at skis that are more toward the medium to stiff side of things given your location and those i think are pretty soft as well. but i have no skied them and tons of people definitely like them as a good all around ski. so don't necessarily rule them out entirely just cause of my opinion
Feb 23 2018 12:21PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
SofaKingSickim of the opinion that you should be looking at skis that are more toward the medium to stiff side of things given your location and those i think are pretty soft as well. but i have no skied them and tons of people definitely like them as a good all around ski. so don't necessarily rule them out entirely just cause of my opinion


No one cane seem to agree on how soft/hard the Shred is. Lol.

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/814719/K2-Domain-or-Shreditor-92
Feb 23 2018 12:38PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
PinsAndNeedlesNo one cane seem to agree on how soft/hard the Shred is. Lol.

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/814719/K2-Domain-or-Shreditor-92


yeah, attempting to discuss flex "objectively" is really tough. but for context in that thread, keep in mind that tompietrowski or whatever is a pretty legit industry dude, and that k2s in general seem to go more toward the soft side of things
Feb 23 2018 12:41PM
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PinsAndNeedles
Posts: 52 - Karma: -66
SofaKingSickyeah, attempting to discuss flex "objectively" is really tough. but for context in that thread, keep in mind that tompietrowski or whatever is a pretty legit industry dude, and that k2s in general seem to go more toward the soft side of things


I'm just worried that I'm gonna end up going too stiff. I'd like to learn how to butter/press/ollie/etc better.
Feb 23 2018 12:45PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 60,983
yeah i def hear that, something in the medium range is probably best for someone who's bigger like you but getting into learning park stuff. hence my go to suggestion of the ARV (is there an echo in here??)

don't worry though, most "normal" park oriented skis are pretty middle of the road in stiffness
Feb 23 2018 12:50PM
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