Member of the Month

je_t.aime_canard
January, 2025

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!

Your opinion on ski companies

profile picture
-Dan
Posts: 7162 - Karma: 52,758
I have a few questions that i’m curious about. I don’t need crAZy long answers but try to answer with a bit of detail at least.

what is your favorite company that makes skis?

why are they your favorite?

what skis do you own?

if not from your favorite company, why do you have those skis? If the same, any other reasons that factored in to your purchase?
Jun 17 2018 9:20AM
19 0
profile picture
JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,302
Rossignol because if it was good enough for my gramps than it's good enough for me.
Jun 18 2018 1:16AM
8 0
profile picture
s.j.mitchell
Posts: 411 - Karma: 2,210
I rented icelantics for a very good price this year. Very solid ski and no complaints whatsoever. However, line is a company that has stood out to me since I got into skiing. Shit like TAFT, the endless stickers, and goofy skiers make skiing fun and very inviting. They have done and are continuing to do a lot for skiing
Jun 18 2018 2:00AM
2 0
profile picture
VISHNU
Posts: 605 - Karma: 22,429
voy10What do you mean by “based out of Midwest” if their operations are out of SLC?



I (Emmett) am from Wisconsin and make it a point to include/give back to the Midwest ski scene because no one really cared about our skiing when I was coming up.

To everyone that shouted us out in this thread, we love and appreciate you.

I think it’s telling that we run this brand out of my living room (still) and while we sell a fraction of the amount other brands do, our impact is undeniable. We must be doing something right but we wouldn’t be where we are without you skier kids, love ya for real.

And thanks to Dan for sparking an actual thread in ski Gabber, you’re the man.
Jun 18 2018 2:02AM
21 0
profile picture
stinky_cheese
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 5,175
4frnt

i love that they're local and rider owned. i have the first gen devastators and they're still kicking ass, such a fun ski all the time. even though their team is a lot different now, wiley miller was on their team when i was first getting hyped on skiing and he was ripping 4frnt. i've had a really awesome experience in terms of durability as well. it's cool to support rider owned/local companies, head up to alta and see the people who build and design the skis like thayne rich shredding around.
Jun 18 2018 2:24AM
3 0
profile picture
Creamybois_311
Posts: 29 - Karma: 98
Vishnu changed the game for me. I own armada jjs, blizard Spurs, and 2 pairs of vishnus. The ski itself is straight butter and it’s got the same bases and top sheets as DPS. Super durable, super fun to ride, and the company is small and the guys that run it are straight g
Jun 18 2018 3:38AM
1 0
profile picture
powpatrol
Posts: 1721 - Karma: 11,093
I ride a pair of black crows camox solely because the ski worked for me. Their style and way they present themselves is super cool as well as their background/story
Jun 18 2018 3:48AM
4 0
profile picture
skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,457
I like ON3P because I saw the company grow from an NS thread. I think the ON3P shapes are practical for the type of skiing I do. From examining the skis, they are as well made as any skis I've seen, with top notch finish and attention to detail. I appreciate they are made in North America. Also ON3P has a great team. Unfortunately they are out of my price range.
I own Head Caddies, Lib Tech NAS POW series and two old pairs of volkls. The Caddies were cheap and came with free shipping, and the rest I bought used for very little.
Jun 18 2018 6:51AM
4 0
profile picture
-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
Favourite company was Ninthward back in the day. The RDS Rory Silva pro 2012 was such a sick ski and I wish I had a non dead pair.

Now i rock K2 currently riding
pinnacle 105
pinnacle 118
marksman
catarmaran

Main reason is the skis suit my style and they were willing to help me out
Jun 18 2018 7:24AM
2 0
profile picture
Earl_Globz
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 823
I love the Faty-pus G-butter. It is my all time favorite ski. It made me a better park skier.
Jun 18 2018 10:00AM
2 0
profile picture
rojo.grande
Posts: 1517 - Karma: 12,365
SkibumsmithON3P: Handmade in America by people who are genuinely interested in making the best most durable ski possible. Until recently I would have included 4FRNT here. I understand that they had to make some tough decisions in order to keep from going under but it meant they had to discontinue some of the best damn skis out there.

That being said, my favorite skis I’ve ever ridden are my salomon q-labs. Salomon had developed the perfect ski for LCC/Jackson/Squaw and they discontinued it because it was too much ski for the average Jerry.


I see bright things for 4frnt now that Jlev owns them...
Jun 18 2018 11:27AM
1 0
profile picture
lil.Boye
Posts: 2736 - Karma: 12,519
i like k2 poachers,
they fit my style of riding
i have poachers, Magnuses, Bdog from 2016 and some 2015(?) futurespins.
Jun 18 2018 12:05PM
0 5
profile picture
JOTTO
Posts: 237 - Karma: 1,519
Don't have a particular favorite but I've always tried riding smaller brands. Fatypus and Ninthwards both held up great and made fun skis. Loved the rocker on the Ninthwards, super poppy quick ski. Also both brands I was talking to the owner directly about there skis which is great when you have the opportunity to do that with a smaller brand.

Right now I've been riding for Gilson skis, who are new to the ski scene and definitely something to keep an eye on. They're based out of PA, which is where I live, so it's a dream come true working with a brand that closely because I don't think theres any other ski companies based out of PA. I currently ride an all mountain model they released, but excited to try their new park and powder model coming next season.

I think they have great potential as a brand because they're constantly working on their design to make their skis the best they possibly can. They actually take every riders input and work with you to understand how they can be better. Also they use a 3d edge model on their skis, which is something completely different than ive ever riden before.
Jun 18 2018 1:01PM
1 0
profile picture
Rdub-yo
Posts: 47 - Karma: 32
Armada, Liberty, and Moment...

The only three ski companies you should ever buy skis from period.(coming from a ski tech)

All three companies are all up there for best quality skis, best top sheets, best materials in their skis, and ski durability. Also they all have great teams, and the overall cultures of each brand are unique - which is important. (except armada got acquired, but they still came from those core roots)
Jun 18 2018 1:49PM
3 4
profile picture
Tdawg21
Posts: 19 - Karma: 85
On3p. Durable, Playful, yet stiff. They can charge through anything you want
Jun 18 2018 1:50PM
2 0
profile picture
kittywampus
Posts: 36 - Karma: 144
Don't know that they're necessarily my favorite company, but I've had a great experience with Liberty (I have the Origin 96). No idea why they seem so slept on tbh.

I've only had 2 days on the Origins so far, but they're lightweight and really snappy/responsive. Before I bought them i had tons of questions so i called them up, and their national sales manager answered the phone right away. He spent like 20 mins on the phone chatting with me, so sick to get to talk to a real person that easily. I also found their skis really cheap brand new ($320).

Other rad shit about Liberty:
- small independent company owned and run by skiers
- 3 year warranty
- bamboo laminate cores (obv lightweight/flexible, but also the most rapidly renewable resource to use as a core material)
- dope topsheets
- reportedly very durable (too early for me to say personally)
- great customer service
- their website actually encourages you to buy from your local retailer instead of directly from them... that's really cool when you consider that they actually make a smaller margin when you buy from a retailer (wholesale pricing and distribution costs)

Anyway I need to spend more time on the Origins before I can say for sure how I like em, but so far I've been impressed
Jun 18 2018 3:27PM
2 0
profile picture
OwnersTidier
Posts: 6 - Karma: -16
K first off if I hear on3 J or any of that new age bull I’m gunna get pissed, you buy those skis because your shit and you need it to say you’re a ok skier, armada all the way if you’re looking at it from that angle, but my personal opinion if you’re a good skier go with Scott it a the only company that actually provides the challenge to make you a better skier they range from the professional level to the learning curve they even provide different range of equipment including other sports as well they’re a reliable and dependable ski that can last it bridges the difference between quality and skill
Jun 18 2018 5:39PM
2 22
profile picture
Soups
Posts: 1236 - Karma: 18
I've ridden Line for years as they were the first company that I really felt tried something different. Back in the Early 00s days they were making weird skis and skiboards that I was just drawn to. Mike Nick put out some great pro model graphics, they had the Weapon skiboard with a grind plate like my inlines had, they put a focus on the young skier at that time. Even now they seem to be trying new things with their models and the SFBs are some of of my favorite skis I've ever ridden.
Jun 18 2018 5:41PM
1 0
profile picture
johnblaze
Posts: 1502 - Karma: 2,690
K2 has been the most durable / long lasting / best price/ skis over my illustrious career.
Jun 18 2018 6:15PM
2 2
profile picture
Govygen_gourmet
Posts: 380 - Karma: -477
Rossignol
because brand name
favorite model: Experience 88
Jun 18 2018 7:56PM
4 0
profile picture
Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,826
As much as I love the Armadas I've gotten the past 7 or 8 seasons Line still holds a special place deep down. Watching Will, Andy and the whole LTC crew go all over in their shitty subarus and now the van seems so damn fun, and even as a competitive type skier they showed how fun just skiing with your friends can be. Never once considered a pair after witnessing many durability problems but the brand is just so pure to the fun of skiing and JLev is a legend for starting it all with ski blades (right??)

Skis I own though are some 13/14 ar7s still capable of being tossed around in the rail gardens and this last seasons arv 96, which is kinda my holy grail ski, besides the slight lack of stability at big jump speeds going straight, they do everything I ask of a ski and will get more for sure.
Jun 18 2018 8:37PM
2 0
profile picture
Upstate_Willis
Posts: 709 - Karma: 7,865
Favorite company is obviously HG.

They kill the content game, with a great crew.

Own K2 Poachers

Free, plus how ever long. I really wish Hg had a longer ski for my tall lanky unbalanced self. I prefer a longer ski, even if I can get away with a 178.
Jun 18 2018 9:47PM
4 0
profile picture
smh
Posts: 410 - Karma: 2,144
K2 has always worked for me and made my favorite skis
Currently on the Pinnacle 118 and Marksman
That being said, It's some of the most fun watching the on3p team ski, from Krazy Karl to LSM to Magnus. Also, I've never rode a pair of their skis but it seems like they've done the best they can to be a company that's on the skiers side which I fully support. Props
Jun 18 2018 11:39PM
0 0
profile picture
RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
I think every post not from a blue name probably needs to be deleted to rule out conflict of interest. Or at least taken with a nugget sized grain of salt.

Including this one.
Jun 19 2018 3:15AM
4 1
profile picture
SnickleFriz
Posts: 333 - Karma: 906
First love was the local Liberty. Ski quality issues led me to stray and get on board with 4frnt.
4frnt had everything I was looking for when I made the switch: fun team, great staff, etc. - - s/o Emilee Mendenhall. I still ride the Wiley Miller pro model; however, it remains to be seen if I will stick with the company.
Other sticks in the bag are Armada. Much respect here. Corporate Finland > Corporate America.
Jun 19 2018 9:24AM
2 0
profile picture
disappointmett
Posts: 352 - Karma: 1,493
I ride Line Skis, TC has been a massive influence on me growing up. It also helps that I'm close friends with the local rep. I usually end up buying a blend every season, I work on a hill and am on skis 4-7 days week in the winter so they get trashed quick.

I own a pair of Joystick These too cause

I honestly want to help smaller brands or core brands out more nowadays. I would love to rep a pair of HG skis or Vishnus. Working at a local skate shop part time has influenced me to support local/core brands before they all die out. It's hard business and to be able to give love to someone who has passion and not just money in the game.
Jun 19 2018 10:18AM
2 0
profile picture
BullwinkleMoose
Posts: 10 - Karma: 95
Vishnu is my favorite because they are a brand that is run by and for the community. This way the money stays in skiing. Also the brand emminates creative vibes. From the vishnu items to the original edits to the wack topsheets. I love all of it. Even the ski itself (the wets ofc) is advertised to be a ski designed for a creative skier who wants to have legit tramps for skis lol.

I just bought some wets but I have been skiing line skis up until now. I had 2016 afterbangs the last two seasons and couldn't have made a worse choice of ski. I was attracted by the durability but that's really all you get cuz these bois are hard af to bend... like it takes effortttt. and they weigh you down so much you can't ski jumps if you want to. I knuckle every time :(
Jun 19 2018 1:01PM
0 0
profile picture
Jon_McMurry
Posts: 83 - Karma: 556
voy10What do you mean by “based out of Midwest” if their operations are out of SLC?

IPP is from the Midwest
Jun 19 2018 3:47PM
1 0
profile picture
CalumSKI
Posts: 4294 - Karma: 25,196
Last season, I was riding sights but I found them to be too stiff so I bought some poachers for the up coming season and I'm really hyped cause I have heard amazing reviews on them:)
Jun 19 2018 5:18PM
1 0
profile picture
Hugo-rxl
Posts: 74 - Karma: 120
I used to ride k2 because cheap and strong enough for me.
But as soon as i got the money, I started supporting core brand.
It's important to support those who really love skiing !

4frnt for me
Jun 21 2018 3:23PM
1 0
profile picture
BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9472 - Karma: 69,797
Someone gifted me a pair of 178 volkl gotamas. I've given them an absolute beating over 2 seasons and they still hold up super well. This season I got the 194 fatypus d senders for a better, bigger all mountain ski since I want to be able to do bigger cliffs and hold an edge better.
the gotamas, as fun as they are, just don't cut it on some of the steeper stuff due to the length of ski I need at 6'5. Should be a fun season with the gotamas as rock skis, and once theres enough base I'm looking forward to rocking fatypus.
Jun 24 2018 6:06PM
0 0
profile picture
freestyler540
Posts: 13150 - Karma: 19,451
what is your favorite company that makes skis?
- Faction, Armada, DPS, Black crow, Jskis... Each brand have advantages and disadvantages so its hard to pick my favorite.

why are they your favorite?
- They bring something new to skiing. Big box companies like Rossignol, Head, Salomon... seem to be business oriented products with very few innovations while pushing advertisement to its limit. They try to please everyone while never developing a risky, out- of-the-box product that is specific to what I do. Seems like feedback is not exactly what they want; If you buy the ski they sell, they are happy. They feel like copycats... IDK just my feeling.
Line, Armada, DPS, Faction... developed skis that were needed in one aspect that was lagging by other big brands. Feels like they are more core to a style and their skis reflect that mentality. Line existed because big manufacturers were not interested in twin tip skis in the early 2000s. Armada came about when big mountain freeride was emerging, Faction seemed to come from trick riding in the backcountry and DPS made skis lighter than anyone else. Its not the graphics of the topsheet that sold a ski; but its performance in an aspect of skiing that sold the ski. I am sure that Im going to get a lot of hate over this.

what skis do you own?
- Faction CT 4.0 2016, DPS Wailer 99 tour 1 2017, Head Ventury 95 2016, Rossignol scratch 2014, Rossignol Super 7 2012...list goes on

if not from your favorite company, why do you have those skis?
- Price. Call me hypocrite, but when I am desperate for skis and dont have a lot of money available; price is the only factor that matters.
However, I love to test skis. When a ski strikes me in the right way, I take note of it and save up to get it. When I have a budget, I buy skis that make an aspect easier to progress on. I own a bunch of skis because there is no one ski does all.
Jun 25 2018 6:10PM
1 0
profile picture
skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,457
BigPurpleSkiSuitSomeone gifted me a pair of 178 volkl gotamas. I've given them an absolute beating over 2 seasons and they still hold up super well. This season I got the 194 fatypus d senders for a better, bigger all mountain ski since I want to be able to do bigger cliffs and hold an edge better.
the gotamas, as fun as they are, just don't cut it on some of the steeper stuff due to the length of ski I need at 6'5. Should be a fun season with the gotamas as rock skis, and once theres enough base I'm looking forward to rocking fatypus.


Gotamas are rock solid, No doubt. They rip and they're hard to kill.
Jun 25 2018 6:54PM
1 0
profile picture
powpatrol
Posts: 1721 - Karma: 11,093
freestyler540what is your favorite company that makes skis?
- Faction, Armada, DPS, Black crow, Jskis... Each brand have advantages and disadvantages so its hard to pick my favorite.

why are they your favorite?
- They bring something new to skiing. Big box companies like Rossignol, Head, Salomon... seem to be business oriented products with very few innovations while pushing advertisement to its limit. They try to please everyone while never developing a risky, out- of-the-box product that is specific to what I do. Seems like feedback is not exactly what they want; If you buy the ski they sell, they are happy. They feel like copycats... IDK just my feeling.
Line, Armada, DPS, Faction... developed skis that were needed in one aspect that was lagging by other big brands. Feels like they are more core to a style and their skis reflect that mentality. Line existed because big manufacturers were not interested in twin tip skis in the early 2000s. Armada came about when big mountain freeride was emerging, Faction seemed to come from trick riding in the backcountry and DPS made skis lighter than anyone else. Its not the graphics of the topsheet that sold a ski; but its performance in an aspect of skiing that sold the ski. I am sure that Im going to get a lot of hate over this.

what skis do you own?
- Faction CT 4.0 2016, DPS Wailer 99 tour 1 2017, Head Ventury 95 2016, Rossignol scratch 2014, Rossignol Super 7 2012...list goes on

if not from your favorite company, why do you have those skis?
- Price. Call me hypocrite, but when I am desperate for skis and dont have a lot of money available; price is the only factor that matters.
However, I love to test skis. When a ski strikes me in the right way, I take note of it and save up to get it. When I have a budget, I buy skis that make an aspect easier to progress on. I own a bunch of skis because there is no one ski does all.


Never said better.
Jun 26 2018 12:14PM
1 0
profile picture
syruptraps
Posts: 19 - Karma: 59
My favorite brand is ON3P. I just got a used pair of Kartel 106's from a few seasons ago and I had more fun on them in the last few weeks of the season than i have on any other ski. It's also a plus that they are made just 3 hours from where I live. I also ride J Vacations as my powder skis and I was honestly really impressed. I love what Jason Levinthal is doing trying to keep it more core and direct.
Jun 26 2018 12:48PM
1 0
All times are Eastern (-5)