EpicSki › The Barking Bear Forums › On the Snow (Skiing Forums) › Ski Gear Discussion › Looking to buy 1st pair of skis. Any suggestions or help greatly appreciated!
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Looking to buy 1st pair of skis. Any suggestions or help greatly appreciated!

post #1 of 28
2/21/11 at 10:15am
Thread Starter 

Firstly, i have searched the forum and gathered as much info as i can from that and from my local shop. So i hope this question isnt too redundant. 

 

Havent skiid in over a decade but I getting back into the sport and want to make it permanent. I previously didnt have the money to travel west more than once a year, or the luxury of being within driving distance of a slope, but now i do. 

 

My experience a decade ago was very limited, so Im starting over. Ive had 6 days on the snow this season trying to get reaquainted with the sport, but didnt venture out until late January. Three in Utah, the rest in NC. I decided quickly that I was not going to use rental boots ever again, and had always heard that the boots were the #1 priority, so i got fitted and settled on a pair of Tecnica Phoenix 70 boots, which fit me best and im pleased with so far.  My rental experience has been pretty dreadful as the skis have been pretty crappy in quality, and up to 7 years old or more. I skiid some Rossignols in Utah which were pretty good though. As you can imagine much of the rental skis in NC are awful. I think having a consistent ski will help me learn, not to mention the rental fees add up pretty quickly. 

 

 

 Most of my skiing will be in the southeast/midatlantic, and hopefully 1-2 trips west each year. I am still very much in the learning phase, but Im improving i think. Ive had 3 lessons during my 6 days on the snow and plan to continue taking lessons as well.

 

I want a ski that I can learn and advance on and get me thru a year or two before I possibly outgrow it. Off piste skiing is very appealing to me, but I know im not close to being there yet. Just not sure how long till i might be able to venture off the trails. 

 

Im 43, 6ft 210. 

 

What has been suggested to me so far are a few skis. 

 

Volkl AC 20; K2 Photon, and the Line Prophet 90, which i was surprised the guy suggested as i thought it was more than I wanted, but he said it might not be. 

Ive also looked at (online) the Bliz Magnum 7.6. Was not suggested by anyone in particular, but just picked up on it from surfing forums.  Are these 4 on the right track? Any other suggestions?

 

It would be great to pick up something on clearance or sale, but its not mandatory.

 

thanks in advance.

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post #2 of 28
2/21/11 at 7:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WC68 View Post

Most of my skiing will be in the southeast/midatlantic, and hopefully 1-2 trips west each year.


First off, sounds like you made a great choice by getting good fitting boots first.

 

Secondly, If 85% of your skiing is going to be Southern East Coast, I would strongly recommend buying an ice/hard snow specific ski, and then renting quality skis when you come out west. Especially when you consider having to pay bag fares on your skis...

 

Trying to buy a ski that will satisfy your home hill hardpack and your ski trips will result in a ski that does neither terribly well. I would not want to ski a Line 90 on east coast pack. Nothing against the Line, I just wouldn't want to ski anything with a 90 mm waist out there. Could you do it? Sure. Could you have fun? Probably. Would it be better on your legs and body, and your advancement and skill as a skier to ski equipment more suited to the mountain? Almost certainly.

 

I'd get a set of carvers (not my area of expertise, I'll let others recommend some), and then when you come out on vacation, you can rent a set of big mountain skis to have fun with. If you let the board know where you are going, they can certainly get you pointed towards the local shops that rent the good stuff.

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post #3 of 28
2/21/11 at 7:36pm

And when re-reading my post, I should say that when I say "quality skis," I mean better skis than the typical rental garbage, not "quality skis" as skis "better" than hard snow skis.

 

The proper tool, the proper tool...

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post #4 of 28
2/22/11 at 8:32am

Hi welcome to Epic - IMO your home is so different than the west than I'd think about getting something primarily for back there, plan to keep it but add a 85-95 in a year or two for trips. So the Blizzard 7.6 you saw is a strong choice; the Blizzard Sonic will work even better on your home snow. You want some carving chops, some forgiveness, but a ski you can grow with. And that'll hold up for a big guy. I'd stick in the 70-78 range. 

 

Lots of other good candidates: Dynastar Contact Cross, Head Icon 80, Fischer Progressor 9's, Stockli Globe, Atomic Smoke Ti, Elan Waveflex 14. Not so impressed with the K2's for southeastern ice, and definitely not the Prophet 90. AC20's are nice skis, but you'll outgrow them, next year's Volkls will be a significant improvement, so doubt them unless the deal is amazing. 

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post #5 of 28
2/22/11 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks ya'll.

 

Ive started looking at each of the skis you mentioned above. Seems that at least a few of them are geared to the advanced to expert skier, of which i am neither.  

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post #6 of 28
2/22/11 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beyond View Post

Hi welcome to Epic - IMO your home is so different than the west than I'd think about getting something primarily for back there, plan to keep it but add a 85-95 in a year or two for trips. So the Blizzard 7.6 you saw is a strong choice; the Blizzard Sonic will work even better on your home snow. You want some carving chops, some forgiveness, but a ski you can grow with. And that'll hold up for a big guy. I'd stick in the 70-78 range. 

 

Lots of other good candidates: Dynastar Contact Cross, Head Icon 80, Fischer Progressor 9's, Stockli Globe, Atomic Smoke Ti, Elan Waveflex 14. Not so impressed with the K2's for southeastern ice, and definitely not the Prophet 90. AC20's are nice skis, but you'll outgrow them, next year's Volkls will be a significant improvement, so doubt them unless the deal is amazing. 

 

I was going to go with the Waveflex 78Ti
 

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post #7 of 28
2/22/11 at 6:30pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks again. The Atomic Smokes look like they might be a good first ski, or one of the Blizzards. Wish i could demo them, but...not gonna happen.

 

Im hating that winter is over. Im getting somewhat obsessed... time to get the kayak out i guess. 

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post #8 of 28
2/24/11 at 6:04pm
Thread Starter 

is bumping ok here?

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post #9 of 28
2/25/11 at 4:33am

You might want to look at the AC30.

 

 To help you choose, you should get a subscription to realskiers.com  SL radius skis will improve your turns quicker.  GS radius skis are more suited for high speeds. 15 m radius skis are a good compromise.

 

Also Fischer WC SC is an expert ski you won't outgrow, but is fairly forgiving.

 

http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/65117/intermediate-skiers-who-prefer-expert-skis

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post #10 of 28
2/25/11 at 5:01am

The advice you've gotten here is good. 

 

Don't buy a ski wider than mid-70s and 60s is great.

 

Turning radius of less than 15 is getting to be a SL ski and not particularly versatile for varying turn shapes.  15-18m is great as an all-round ski.

 

Don't buy a ski aimed at intermediates or below.  Any expert ski can easily be used by intermediates if setup properly.  Look at information in the bootfitting and other sections on stance, alignment and binding  position.  Getting these correct will make nearly any ski forgiving and usable.

 

Lou

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post #11 of 28
2/25/11 at 7:18am

Congrats on the boot purchase - I agree that was the right thing to tackle first.

 

I don't have a lot of advice on specific models.  But what I will suggest to you very strongly is this:  try before you buy.  Don't just order skis from some website.  A ski that one person may love, another person may hate.  You won't know until they're between your boots and the snow.

 

That being said :) I'm of a similar build to you - 34, 6'2", 190lbs.  I demoed the Nordica FireArrow 74 last month, in Michigan, on an icy day.  They were a lot of fun.  They're described as an "aggressive frontside ski" and that hits the nail on the head.  If you demo somewhere and they have a pair of these, consider taking them for a spin.

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post #12 of 28
2/25/11 at 7:38am
Thread Starter 

First,

 

thanks to everyone for the advice. I joined Realskiers.com. And as chance would have it Chase, one ski i already am checking out is the Nordica FA. It happens to be one of the few ski's that i can demo locally. Looks interesting. Hopefully i can demo before they shut down the slope here, which with this weather, probably wont be long. :(

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post #13 of 28
3/14/11 at 1:37pm
Thread Starter 

Hi again.

 

Any thoughts on ski length considering my details above. 6' 215 

 

Ive found one of the FA on sale for a great price, but they only have it in 164. 

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post #14 of 28
3/14/11 at 4:25pm

Not to piggy back but I'm in a similar boat. 6'1" 205 lbs. Just about to pull the trigger on boots (Rossi Zenith Sensor 3 100). I'm looking at many of the same skis as well, one that wasn't mentioned, and maybe worth considering are the Tigershark's from Volkl. Its Similar to the AC30s but has a narrower waist (69 compared to 80 @ 175/177cm) and a 16.1 radius. I'm up in the North East and 99% of all my skiing is on groomers, hard packed and icy most of the time.

 

Obsessing about this stuff too, on the up side there are some gooood deals to be had this last in the game.

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post #15 of 28
3/14/11 at 4:55pm
Thread Starter 

yeah, i can get the ski im looking at for $469, and i have $150 gift certificate...but i have to pull the trigger tomorrow or Wed. Assuming it hasnt sold yet.

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post #16 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:02pm

Welcome to Epic and welcome back to skiing!

 

Anyone else concerned that a 210 lb. guy is in a 70 flex boot?  

 

If you are really a brand new beginner they should be fine, but if you already have relearned some skills then they may end up being way too soft for you.  I'm thinking you are not a true beginner because of the skis you've been asking about.  Any chance you can return them and get the Phoenix 90 or 100?

 

As far as skis go you might also want to think about the Fischer Progressor 8+.  It's a great all around ski that will help you to become a better skier.

 

You should be looking at skis that are at least 170-175 at your size.

 

Good luck with your search!

 

Mike

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post #17 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:04pm

164 seams a bit short, no? I'm no expert but I was told to look for longer skis - not sure what you give up with the shorter ski - probably has a tighter radius.  The Tigersharks can be had for 499 online - it's been taking restraint not to just pull the trigger - trying to do as much research as possible. 

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post #18 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:06pm

I didn't want to say anything about the low flex because I'm over here sweating bullets about buying a boot with 100 flex nervous they'll be too stiff. The more I read the more reassured I am that its a good deal, and a good choice - 299 for the Rossi Zenith Sensor 3's. 

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post #19 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:13pm
Thread Starter 


Nah, cant return the boots. Ive ski'd them 3 days. I think they are fine for me, for now. I was told, that the boot would be fine, and allow for some progression. They are comfortable for me, but i do tend to like them very tight. What are you concerns for someone my weight, in a 70 flex? What should i be looking for? Or noticing? 

 

 

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeC View Post

Welcome to Epic and welcome back to skiing!

 

Anyone else concerned that a 210 lb. guy is in a 70 flex boot?  

 

If you are really a brand new beginner they should be fine, but if you already have relearned some skills then they may end up being way too soft for you.  I'm thinking you are not a true beginner because of the skis you've been asking about.  Any chance you can return them and get the Phoenix 90 or 100?

 

As far as skis go you might also want to think about the Fischer Progressor 8+.  It's a great all around ski that will help you to become a better skier.

 

You should be looking at skis that are at least 170-175 at your size.

 

Good luck with your search!

 

Mike



 

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post #20 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:17pm

164 is definitely too short at over 200 lbs.  Be careful with the Tigersharks if you haven't skied them.  They hold great on hard snow and ice, but are stiff and VERY heavy skis.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by arcticfox25 View Post

164 seams a bit short, no? I'm no expert but I was told to look for longer skis - not sure what you give up with the shorter ski - probably has a tighter radius.  The Tigersharks can be had for 499 online - it's been taking restraint not to just pull the trigger - trying to do as much research as possible. 



Fit is the only thing that should be the deciding factor when buying boots.  Getting a good price is great, but they need to fit.  Make sure to go over to the Ask the Boot Guys forum and read the Wiki on shell fitting a ski boot.  Make sure not to buy them too large as 98% of the people here have done at some point in their skiing careers.  Your ski boot should end up being 1-2 full sizes smaller than your street shoe.  Ski boots that are very comfortable in the store are highly likely to be at least a size too large.



Quote:
Originally Posted by arcticfox25 View Post

I didn't want to say anything about the low flex because I'm over here sweating bullets about buying a boot with 100 flex nervous they'll be too stiff. The more I read the more reassured I am that its a good deal, and a good choice - 299 for the Rossi Zenith Sensor 3's. 



 

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post #21 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeC View Post

164 is definitely too short at over 200 lbs. 
 

 

Not necessarily.  I've spent quite a bit of time skiing with a Level 2 instructor who is about 6'1" or 2", weighs about 220 and skis 155cm Atomic SL11s exclusively.  He has bad knees so he only skiis groomers but believe me, he can really rip on those things.

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post #22 of 28
3/14/11 at 5:35pm
Thread Starter 

hah...i have a feeling there is not a definitive answer on the length. 

 

I did see this which someone already alluded too and made me feel better about my boot choice (yes, i was fitted). 

http://www.theskiingexperts.com/ski-boots-flex-index/

 

 

Another factor. Im a bit of a gear hound in whatever sport im into...i could forsee me wanting new/additional skis by the end of next season anyway. 

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post #23 of 28
3/14/11 at 6:34pm

I wasn't talking about a Level 2 expert skier on stiff slalom skis, but about someone coming back into the sport after lots of time off.

 

Can you ski well on 155cm skis at his size?   Sure, but is it the norm to go for very short skis if you are  6' and 210 lbs., I'd say no.  
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtcyclist:
 
Not necessarily.  I've spent quite a bit of time skiing with a Level 2 instructor who is about 6'1" or 2", weighs about 220 and skis 155cm Atomic SL11s exclusively.  He has bad knees so he only skiis groomers but believe me, he can really rip on those things.

 

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post #24 of 28
3/14/11 at 6:36pm

Just ski them and don't worry about it if you can't return them.  They should be fine.  I'm just worried that you will really overflex the boot because you are over 200 lbs.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by WC68 View Post


Nah, cant return the boots. Ive ski'd them 3 days. I think they are fine for me, for now. I was told, that the boot would be fine, and allow for some progression. They are comfortable for me, but i do tend to like them very tight. What are you concerns for someone my weight, in a 70 flex? What should i be looking for? Or noticing? 

 



 

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post #25 of 28
3/14/11 at 10:10pm

If the rentals were in good shape. The odds are if you werent happy with the rentals you wont be happy with any ski.

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post #26 of 28
3/15/11 at 6:44am
Thread Starter 

Did you read what i wrote?

Rentals were/are crap. 7+ years old, not in good shape. Beat up, etc. Yeah, the rentals in Utah were fine.

 

 

I really dont get your point to be honest. Id like to own my own skis. is that wrong??

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Powder Jet View Post

If the rentals were in good shape. The odds are if you werent happy with the rentals you wont be happy with any ski.



 

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post #27 of 28
3/15/11 at 8:13am

Nope nothing wrong with getting your own equipment, find some skis you like and get out on the snow.  Don't worry about Powder Jet's response, he/she's also new around here.

 

Mike
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by WC68 View Post

Did you read what i wrote?

Rentals were/are crap. 7+ years old, not in good shape. Beat up, etc. Yeah, the rentals in Utah were fine.

 

 

I really dont get your point to be honest. Id like to own my own skis. is that wrong??

 



 



 

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post #28 of 28
4/26/11 at 8:21am
Thread Starter 


i traded PMs with one of the bootfitting guys that posts here and is closest to where I live. 

 

He said i was definitely in too light a flex boot for my size, so you were right.  Ill be visiting him before next season. It ticks me off that the guy at this particular shop put me in these. This shop is listed as being "Americas Best Bootfitters", but im guessing they probably have one master fitter, and the rest of the people just sell boots. Granted he did take time with me, and i think ive got the right size.  Im also pretty sure i need a little more help with canting and such. Ive got a few issues with my feet to begin with.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeC View Post

Just ski them and don't worry about it if you can't return them.  They should be fine.  I'm just worried that you will really overflex the boot because you are over 200 lbs.
 



 



 

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