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Another AC30 question...

#1
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9/26/09 at 7:11pm
  • Joined: August 2009
  • Location: Michigan
  • Post Count: 38
Hey guys,
I have just two quick questions:

1) I calculated my DIN setting to be around 8.5 -9.0 and definitely no more than 10. Is this somewhat accurate? I used an online calculator based on my skill and weight etc.. BTW, my skill level is about a 7, and I consider myself a pretty aggressive skier who HATES chatter and really like to push the skis to their limit. My current weight is 205 and I plan on shaving it down to about 185 by the beginning of the season=]

2) I feel like 170 - 175 cm for length would be appropriate for my skis.The radius seems reasonable on this length, and from edge to edge they also seem adequate. I checked out Volkls' website and they recommend the 184's for the AC30 based solely on my weight. I find these to be rather long and I might not get the same 'manuverability' to turn on a dime as I would with shorter skis. If this is just something that I will eventually progress and conquer (someone once told me that  eventually you will want to get the longest skis and that you will learn the technique to compensate) I dont mind getting the longer set, but if in fact they are geared more for those long and speedy runs I might have to reconsider.

Thanks again!

PS _ ran across some AC30's for about 450 bucks (i believe the 2010 model) on tramdock and almost bought them but they were 184cm and I couldn't decide!
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#2
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9/27/09 at 8:27am
  • Joined: October 2004
  • Location: Ontario, Canada
  • Post Count: 9,923
I've found that most of the on line DIN calculators and charts agree pretty well with the ones used in ski shops.  My own judgement as to wether to call my self a III, III+ or III++ risk acceptor is what changes my DIN setting, not what chart I used.

You've got a bit of a problem selecting a ski due to your weight.  At 200 lbs, it takes a lot to turn you once you get going.  You need enough "ski" to deliver the required forces.  If you know how to ski, that's not a problem, but if you compensate for poor technique by muscling the ski around, then it will be harder to muscle around more ski, and if you end up in a fight with the skis you could even injure yourself.

It might help if you elaborated on your ski ability.  Level 7 could mean a lot of different things.  If you know how a ski works and tip it to high edge angles to turn as your main means of turning, then I would say go for the recommended length.  If your still pushing your skis around and apply torque to the skis in a pivoting move as your main means of turning, then maybe get a slightly stiffer shorter ski to learn on.  The shorter stiffer ski won't work as well off-piste.

When I was a 120 lb newbie, I got a pair of 180 cm GS skis and ate my lumps, learning the hard way so to speak (and even at that the skis were not satisfactorily stable at the high speeds I preferred), but that may not be you.
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#3
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9/27/09 at 10:22am
  • Joined: August 2009
  • Location: Michigan
  • Post Count: 38
Yes, I agree with the risk acceptor theory - from what I understand is that this applies to your 'mood' or 'courage factor' before hitting the slopes, and changed the following day should you decide to take it easy or kick it up a notch...?

200lbs will definately be reduced down to  ~185ish and I am making a huge commitment to hitting the squat machine every time I go to the gym at school, my ideal weight is about 176-180 and I give myself some leniency for the occasional vice=]

Anyways, as for the skill level, I based my 7 just on the ability to handle blues and some blacks but not double blacks - yet. My turns are parallel and the high edge you mentioned is almost there, I just get cautious when leaning too far to the side afraid I will tail out or skid. I have no problem pushing the ski and leaning forward when needed because I love the speed, but as soon as I start to chatter I stop paying attention to actually skiing and find myself in a rush to try and slow down or gain control of my speed, and this usually ends up in either a yard sale or I get tired from 'muscling' the skiis around and I end up in the back seat taking it easy till I recharge. My local shop has steered me away from the 184's also because of tree skiing and I like being able to turn easier if needed. I wonder if the AC 20's would be worth considering.. Im just afraid Ill grow out of them really quick..

Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, I don't have a problem with that, the first time I went skiing my friends put me on a blue piste and said go for it! I had some rental gear two sizes bigger than my actual boot size, and you can imagine the rest...lol

Thanks for the quick response, this place rocks
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#4
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9/27/09 at 10:42am
  • Joined: September 2000
  • Location: NTS, PA
  • Post Count: 21,815
 I have brand new 170cm's available, 500 shipped. PM if interested. 

http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/84961/08-09-leftovers
Click. Point. Chute.  
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#5
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9/27/09 at 11:03am
  • Joined: October 2004
  • Location: Ontario, Canada
  • Post Count: 9,923
Guestimating, from you ability description, I think 177 cm would be right.  IMO, the 170 Phill offered is better for you to learn on than the 184.  You could always use it for a year or two and then trade up later.
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#6
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9/27/09 at 6:24pm
  • Joined: August 2009
  • Post Count: 55
HI

Look for more ski. Where do you ski? Pick between all  mt.., and carving. AC 30 IS ALOT OF FUN TO SKI.
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#7
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9/27/09 at 9:22pm
  • Joined: August 2009
  • Location: Michigan
  • Post Count: 38
Thanks Ghost,, I am almost sold on the 170's.. My shop has some Nitrous skis that are available for demo and I will do some research on those as well. As for the AC20's, I feel like I will outgrow them pretty quick because I intend on progressing relatively fast and don't want to waste time or money.

Hey backroom, I live in Michigan and we have mostly groomers over here - I am looking for an all mountain ski that will carve well and have good edge grip and so far the praise has been given (by many) to the AC30. Thanks for the input - I am looking to have a good time out there !
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