SKI RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ME...?

I tried to do the research on my own, but it seems like there is SO MUCH information, that I am now confused.
ME:
Andy
150 lbs
5'8''
I am a fast skier who loves thrills.  I go through powder when I can, trees when I can, jump off of 5' to 15' cliffs into powder when i can, and if I'm on groomed trails I do as little turning as possible.  I am always in control, but I will admit that my technique is probably a 6 out of 10. 
I cannot stand moguls because repetetively being beaten does not appeal to me, and I'm not that good
Will be skiing Vail %99 of the time, Breckenridge and Kirkwood %1 of the time.
I purchased a pair of silver pocket rockets 165's (i think) with bindings last year on Craigslist for $100 just so I would have SOMETHING to ride and it seemed like a good deal for skis that had absolutely no damage.
I have an incling that if i were to buy new skis, it would probably be something along the lines of the Gotama or chopstix. 
What do you guys think?  Should I just keep my pocket rockets?  I still haven't skied on them oddly enough.  I realize that everyone is about to say, "you haven't even skied on them?  How do you know if you even need something new?"  This is not the interest of my post. 
Andy

anything?

If you're going to ski fast on groomers, I think the Gotama would be a better choice than the Chopstix.

The Gotama is a very popular moderately fat all-around ski.

The pocket Rocket is an often criticized ski that, well, shouldn't be criticized. It's a really fun ski that does a little bit of everything, skis great and is easy to ski. What's wrong with that?

If you didn't already own the 165cm, I'd say is that the 175cm length would be the one to buy. The ski is easy to ski, you don't like to turn much... the slightly longer length would also be better in tracked up powder and landing airs.

So, the PR is a very good ski, but yours may be a bit short for what you want. If you decide to get something different, I'd say check some of these out:

Dynastar Big Trouble/ 6th Sense Big
Rossignol S5
Salomon Shogun
Volkl Gotama
Scott P4

A few suggestion, there are plenty more out there.


I'd look at twintips from 90mm to 1


Edited by Whiteroom - 10/7/09 at 9:23am

there we go.  thanks guys. 

Buying skis these days can be a bit confusing.  Everyone it seems has their own reasons for picking skis.  I can honestly say that with my current quiver 170ish X-Scream's, shorter AC3's and 210 SG's that the differences FOR ME are minor.  The most important piece of equipment is my boots.  Based on the information you have given (could be more), buy the skis you have looked at but get an older model and save the money.  Is the Gotama or the chopstix the right ski for you?  I think it really depends on your motivation for buying a new ski.  Why do you want it?  Is it because you feel you need a new ski?  You were told that ski would fit you style? WHY...ect?  The time to buy new skis comes around and people usually buy what they feel is best despite others advice and the only regret that usually come up is how much they spent on the skis.

i'm actually going to be skiing on my pocket rockets this year.  i'm doing next year's shopping right now while impressions are fresh in people's minds.  Yes, i feel like i would benefit from a new ski, I've never owned a brand new pair myself.  Always bought used.  i can justify buying brand new last year's model.

 so i should demo the dynastar 8000 legend and the gotama....yes?

 Sounds like you re a Mantra kind of guy. Kind of GS, kinda fat under foot, poppy as heck, will do ok in pow and well on the front side, versatile, stable. fun. 

 170-185?  I'm leaning towards a 180 for a little length and speed.
Edited by guroo270 - 10/10/09 at 7:39am

I'd probably skip the Legend 8000 and try a fat-ish twintip from them instead, like the Big Trouble/ 6th Sense Big. the reason I suggest that is this: " ... and if I'm on groomed I do as little turning as possible. I am always in control, but I'll admit that my technique is probably a 6 out of 10."

I could be way off base here (let us know if I am) but I'm hearing that you would rather go out and challenge yourself on harder terrain as opposed to polishing your technique on easier terrain in order work up to the harder stuff (you aren't signing up for group ski lessons any time soon). Am I off base?

If this is the case, a ski that allows some skidding and smearing, is stable in cut-up snow, pivots easily and is stable at speed will be better than a ski that rewards fine edge control and precision. twintips are perfect for this. From Dynastar that's the 6th Sense series not the Legend series.

 not off base at all.  I haven't had a lesson since i was 4, and all through my adolescence and up to today I always ride with snowboarders.  Not by choice, that's just what my friends do.  

Regardless of which ski you choose, if you can get your ski level up from a 6 to an 8, you'll get a lot more out of any ski.  It sounds like you would do well with an LP or a Mythic Rider but with your skill level you won't be able to take full advantage of either ski.  The Mantra is a great ski but my experience is that it dives like a submarine in powder.  If you have a chance, demo the Sultan 85 to see what you think.  It is a different ski and a little wider than the discontinued Legend 8K.

If you're going to do as little turning as possible, save yourself some money and tack some bindings on a pair of 2x4's. Take that money and spend it taking lessons and getting better. All of these skis suggested are spending way too much money if you're choosing not to actually use them. If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for everybody else. A self-evaluated technique 6 out of 10, doing very little turning, and no lessons since you were 4 all add up to tell me that you're probably grossly overestimating the amount of control you actually have. You want to go fast? You can go faster if you're good.

Take it easy freeski. You may be an instructor, but I strongly disagree with what you're saying.
I myself haven't taken proper lessons, yet I can still ski at high speeds while being in control. 
I know that I dont have the proper technique either (I tend to lean back more than I should, etc.) but I also still have the ability to push my ski.
While the proper technique IS the most effective, slight variations won't lead to being a horribly unsafe skiier.

If you're 5'8" and enjoy going fast (not to mention straight-and-fast on groomers), 165 cm Pocket Rockets are a bad choice.  They're way too short for you.  I suggest selling them on craigslist right now.  If you're lucky, you can get your money back.  Then buy something else - Mantras, Goats, even Pocket Rockets - whatever.  Just longer.  Unless you really enjoy squirrelly skis, of course. 

Just one woman's opinion.  Over and out.

 hey freeski, 
I'm only a 6 out of 10 because I only get to ski about 5 times every 2 years.  Now I just moved to Grand Junction and have a place to stay in Vail.  So don't worry, I'll get better.  If i had wanted to know what I should do I would have asked, but I asked which skis I should get.  That was my question.  God, I almost always really don't like people from Boston, or at least red sox fans.  All so obnoxious.
P.S.  I have the pocket rockets in a 171.  Used 1 day, got em for $100 with bindings.  As I said before, I couldn't pass those up even if it just meant I didn't have to rent skis next time I went.  This post is helping me get what's proper next year, when I will be a little more flush for cash.

thanks for the input everyone except freeski.  The Red Sox aren't going to win another WS until there is another eclipse to block the great bambino's spirit.  Choke on that.

Are you starting to figure out that there are too many opinions out there?

The same can be said for the number of models a specific brand makes. That's on of the reasons the ski industry has been crippled of late. Too many choices and not enough consumer franchise to go with them.

It ain't rocket science, even though some would like us to believe so. Again I suggest going to a ski shop and kicking the tires with the staff. Next to a sales rep the shop staff are the real experts. They sit through sales clinics, the learn the ins an outs and they may have ridden the gear as well.

freeski919 > Wow, that was really uncalled for.

Yeah,
I'm getting that, but most of these people on here know more about skis than I do and I'm just looking for some direction.  Now I'm having a little trouble with the Gotama and Mantra.  It looks like the Gotama is geared a little more towards the park (which I'm not all that into anymore), but I'm not sure if I would like the rockered ski or not.  I've never ridden a rocker ski and this appears to be the main difference between the 2.  I'm putting my flame suit on as I notice that I really like the Gotama for the Buddha graphics.  *sticking face out to accept someone's punch*

Nevermind,
I just read a thread on rocker skis and since I can't afford 2 pairs of skis (I'd love a pair of Gotamas and a Crimson or Nomad Atomic), I don't think I can go with a ski that lacks versatility like the gotama. 

I just read all this rant again and it clearly points out the problem ski manufacturers have gotten themselves into > too many choices and not enough buyers.

Free Ride, All Mountain, Big Mountain, Carving, Early Rise, Race, Bump, Park and Pipe, Powder, Women's specific, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and the list goes on.

That's why I said you need to go to a shop. Anyone who makes a recomendation is culpable for your actions and mistakes. Let a shop be your guide. You will establish trust, relationships and benefit from customer service, (hopefully).

Everyone thinks they are experts, another problem in this business. Here's something to remember:

Friends don't let friends drink and drive. Friends don't teach friends how to ski or ride. Friends don't let friends borrow their gear.

Always seek a pro who either on the hill, on the shop floor or in the Demo Tent, has the professional knowlage to put you in the right direction.

And for God's sake, take a lesson from a pro too. You may find that carving a turn is far more powerful and exhilirating than straightlining.

However, do you think there is really a terrible choice available on the market right now?  I'm under the (perhaps false) impression that most skis are pretty good at what they are trying to do.  So as long as you have a decent idea what you want in a ski, you will get a ski that is close enough to that.  I'm not saying you shouldn't agonize over a ski choice and get as many opinions as possible, but when it comes down to it, competing skis within the same category are all pretty darn good.

Also, friends don't tech friends how to ski?  WTF?  I've gotten lots of good advice from friends.