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Aspiring ski bum needs direction!

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Hi folks,

I've done around 4-5 weeks worth of skiing the last few years and while it has always been exciting i've reached a level where the adrenaline just won't let go. I'd probably say i'm at the intermediate level. I can carve on everything but super steep blacks, still slow on moguls and powder, not great at tight off-piste, and can't do any tricks. I'm always going as fast as i possibly can and ski very aggressively. I've only had rental skis up to now but want a set of my own.

I've been riding MTB enduro/gnarly big mountain/backcountry for over 5 years and MTB in general for 12. I'm used to big days and hikes with extra weight gear to get to and handle the good poo-poo. Ultimately that's where i'd like to be with my skiing and plan to take a season in the alps to see how far i can get.

Sooo, this leaves me wondering what skis to get??!! I'm aiming for the all-mountain/freeride category as you would expect and have a few options, listed below. I don;t mind spending the extra money if i've made the right choice as in the long run it's not a big difference.

I'm 170cm, 65kg. My options are:

[url=]http://www.ekosport.co.uk/fischer-ranger-98-ti-18-p-9-29076.html[/url]
[url=]https://www.freezeproshop.com/k2-pinnacle-95-skis-2/length:127940[/url]
[url=]https://www.snowcountry.eu/head-monster-98-ti.html[/url]
[url=]https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/ZAG_H-95_Skis_174cm_RedBlue_2018-(158556)[/url]
[url=]https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Nordica_Enforcer_100_Ski_Only_Skis_169cm_RedBlue_2018-(149060)[/url]

I'd probably be happy with any of these i reckon as frankly i won't know the difference yet, but as i say, i'd prefer to get the best i can for a multipurpose ski.

Your thoughts are very much appreciated.


Pete

P.S. don't go buying all those skis on me!!
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
A binding recommendation would also be awesome. I guess the Marker Griffon ID pops up a lot, so that's my default.

Thanks!!
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
https://www.glideslide.co.uk/16489/products/kastle-fx95-hp-with-k13-attack-bindings.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ovc_q3k2QIVdDPTCh2UMwaeEAkYAyABEgIyEvD_BwE
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@FiendoNI, I'm not really the best person to comment as I haven't skied any of those, but I'd throw these into the mix - https://www.sport-bittl.com/en/voelkl-kendo-16-17::78611.html - maybe a tad bit short with the tip and tail rocker, but a similar class to the rest of the skis you've posted there and they're a steal at that price. I'd buy them myself if they had the longer size (Im 185 and 75kg). I did see a pair of K2 Pinnacle 95 and they had a surprisingly big tip and tail rocker, with a pretty short effective edge. I personally wouldn't want to be skiing them if I was on piste a lot.

For bindings, I have Marker Squires, Marker Barons and Rossignol Axial 120s. I prefer the Rossignol as they're a bit easier to get into, especially in powder and they feel a little sturdier. However, the Markers haven't let me down and I'm happy with them too. I don't think it matters too much, so long as they will accommodate your DINs.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
A true ski bum doesn't ask for or need direction. You just go with the flow man!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
@FiendoNI, when you say those are 'your options' - what is that based on? Have you tried all 5 and want help choosing 1? Or are you looking to buy some 95-100mm width, off-piste-end-of-all-mountain-ish skis for around £350? (Because if that's the case you should have just said that...).

If I don't say it somebody else will: Have a look at the Whitedot Ranger 98. It's genuinely rather excellent. If you can find something for the right price though, I also really like the Movement Go 100.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I am also a bit unsure about your motivation. At intermediate stage, you probably are thinking about buying boots rather than skis. Given you probably have boots by now, which I did after 1-2 weeks skiing, skis are the next step. Skis can last a very long time. I still have the first pair I bought in 2001, still use them too.

As with most first time buyers, I went into a ski shop, asked for advice, and just bought the pair I liked the colour of! (it had bindings already attached) I took my boots with me, so that they could make sure the bindings fitted my boots.

Unfortunately, after buying them, I had to take them away and drive home in a MX5. I learned very quickly, that the passenger seat is the best place for your skis in an Mx5. (even with the roof closed 180s would fit in but it might have been better to get 170s in order to fit in an MX5)

So, where I am now, 17 years later with the same skis, I would say I bought well. I would like a pair with a smaller turning circle, and lighter so I can carry them easier, but living in Scotland I rarely ski in deep powder and so the carving skis do fine in most off piste conditions that occur in Scotland.

The current trend would probably be to sell you an all mountain ski. I went to Decathalon recently in Glasgow, and looked at their generic cheapo skis. If I were you, I would get their cheapest generic all mountain ski with bindings fitted to your boots. Then if you find fault with them after a few years, you will know what you really want and you will upgrade.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/xlander-500-all-mountain-skis-id_8370045.html


Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sun 11-03-18 18:54; edited 1 time in total
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Bigtipper wrote:
If I were you, I would get their cheapest generic all mountain ski with bindings fitted to your boots. Then if you find fault with them after a few years, you will know what you really want and you will upgrade.


This is the worst ski buying advice I have ever heard.

If all you want is the cheapest generic all-mountain skis, you may as well rent. At the current cost of excess baggage and the current costs of ski hire, you'll get the same skis for the same price but no hassle in the airport.
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dp wrote:
Bigtipper wrote:
If I were you, I would get their cheapest generic all mountain ski with bindings fitted to your boots. Then if you find fault with them after a few years, you will know what you really want and you will upgrade.


This is the worst ski buying advice I have ever heard.

If all you want is the cheapest generic all-mountain skis, you may as well rent. At the current cost of excess baggage and the current costs of ski hire, you'll get the same skis for the same price but no hassle in the airport.


This would be true if the OP had not mentioned spending a season skiing. This would mean that ski transfer costs would not be an issue!
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Bigtipper wrote:
I am also a bit unsure about your motivation. At intermediate stage, you probably are thinking about buying boots rather than skis. Given you probably have boots by now, which I did after 1-2 weeks skiing, skis are the next step. Skis can last a very long time. I still have the first pair I bought in 2001, still use them too.

As with most first time buyers, I went into a ski shop, asked for advice, and just bought the pair I liked the colour of! (it had bindings already attached) I took my boots with me, so that they could make sure the bindings fitted my boots.

Unfortunately, after buying them, I had to take them away and drive home in a MX5. I learned very quickly, that the passenger seat is the best place for your skis in an Mx5. (even with the roof closed 180s would fit in but it might have been better to get 170s in order to fit in an MX5)

So, where I am now, 17 years later with the same skis, I would say I bought well. I would like a pair with a smaller turning circle, and lighter so I can carry them easier, but living in Scotland I rarely ski in deep powder and so the carving skis do fine in most off piste conditions that occur in Scotland.

The current trend would probably be to sell you an all mountain ski. I went to Decathalon recently in Glasgow, and looked at their generic cheapo skis. If I were you, I would get their cheapest generic all mountain ski with bindings fitted to your boots. Then if you find fault with them after a few years, you will know what you really want and you will upgrade.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/xlander-500-all-mountain-skis-id_8370045.html


Pretty poor advice. One can improve a lot in a season of skiing, especially if they are fit and ambitious as it sounds like the OP is. Something 95-105 underfoot will definitely help your off piste skiing (not just in powder). I used the Black Crows Atris this winter which were fantastic, although I suspect a bit stiff for your weight and ability.
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
If you're gonna be doing a season, wait until you get out there and try some skis out. Some places will do discounts for those out for a season, or may have some past season stock that they're selling off at very attractive prices.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@FiendoNI, have you done 4-5 weeks total over the past few years, or 4-5 weeks each year for the past few? Potentially makes quite a difference since you're not the biggest and some of the of "usual suspects" in the 90-100 mm all mountain category can feel like quite a lot of ski for a relative lightweight unless you are technically strong. If you've done 4-5 weeks so far, and are planning to get some instruction whilst on your season, then the skis that are right for you at the start of the season may well not be enough by the end (and likewise, skis that would be perfect later in the season may actually hinder you at the start).
@Sitter's suggestion to test skis when you get out there and potentially negotiate a good rate on a long term rental that allows you to swap skis through the season makes sense to me.

It sounds as though you aspire to fairly serious off-piste, in which case are you thinking about skinning in to lines (as opposed to boot packing)? If so you'll want to think about touring bindings as an option. Again, you might be better with the flexibility to swap skis/bindings mid season if you are going down this route.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Definitely NOT the Head Monster! They'll ride you, not the other way round.

I'd look at the Head Kore 93, Salomon QST 99, Nordica Soul Rider. Enforcer could work well, but need more driving than the others mentioned.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Thanks for all the replies!

@PaulC1984 thanks for the link, they are EXPENSIVE skis. another 200 on top of my highest selection. And as noted perhaps too much ski for me!


@Element blimey that is an absolute bargin for those Kendos! Very tempting. I selected the 95-100mm bracket with wider tips as i would hope to get into powder at some point and perhaps as often as possible. At that price though... and it's hard to know what i'd prefer to specialise in. Generally i thought a proper do it all ski and perhaps i can get super specialist either side of that if i fell i need it. have to take a plunge one way. There are just so many options to choose from.

thanks for the binding info. i generally get the feeling that if you're in a price bracket with bindings you'll get a decent quality across the board.


@esaw aspiring ski bum, dude. every bum has to choose to live the dream at some point. when the money has run out and i'm still there then i'll know i've made it! Smile


@dp i haven't tried any of these skis. I'm happy to take the plunge with one based on reviews. any good ski will challenge me at this stage and that's what i want. why ever stop?

the selection is based purely on research to find the best reviewed across a price range, so i'd love help fleshing out if there's any major benefit to spending 100-200 more over the lowest price. long term relationship is the goal, not the fling of a rental!

thanks for the recommendations, they definitely support the backcountry target. I guess i'm a little cautious about committing to them as i'd have a fair bit of skill to learn and would like to have fun on my journey there.


@bigtipper i get where you are coming from but if i go that way i'll get really depressed thinking about the better rental pairs i've used and will long for my own babies.

@sitter it's an option but i'd rather buy before i go, i'd rather not be buying during peak season, i guess there's a lot on offer now. don't like the idea of haggling against limited options in a shop, just not for me.


@mgrolf i have done 4-5 weeks total. if i had done 20+ weeks already i'd have ALL the skis!!! You do reinforce sitters argument. I guess i'm approaching this from the MTB perspective. No even half serious biker would dream of landing anywhere except on their trusty steed. and the market there has very much shifted to long travel enduro that can handle techy and long climbs, be light enough to carry for distance over terrain and still handle crazy downhill. It seems the all-mountain/freeride category is meeting that. it's more critical in MTB because a good bike will set you back the price of 5-6 pairs of great skis + bindings. I'm happy to go wide spectrum now and fill in the specialisations later, if i want them.

as far as serious off-piste goes i'd imagine either access method is an option. I have spend hours pedalling into places then carrying to get the descent. I know the choice will influence the skis (freerando for skins preferably?) so i'd be happy enough hiking in i guess. i'm can always sell and re-buy if necessary.

Thanks so much guys, really appreciate the comments, fleshing out these arguments is really helping, just which one now!? Smile
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@clarky999 i suspected that from the reviews, but then they sounded so damn fast and stable. who doesn't want that?!! but of course i'll probably want to play in the trees too so they were a wee bit of a wildcard.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@FiendoNI, if you're going to do a season, you're going to need a quiver. One ski does not do it all very well sadly and most of us with one pair of do it all skis compromise somewhere. Which you shouldn't need to as you'll be doing a season.

Also, I would suggest getting some touring style binding as I think you'll be doing a bit of that before you know it. Perhaps, something like the Marker tour kind of bindings.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@bigtipper i have boots but a pair of reduced (£160 -> £80) 70 flex heads from decathlon so i reckon i'll need to sort a good pair of boots first.

unless you guys think a set of track mounted bindings is okay? but that seems like buying a fast car then putting crap tires on it.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@rishie thanks for the tip man, i suspect that's where i'll end up, all being well. I'll have a look at touring bindings now. I'm pretty sure i saw a pair that did alpine/touring (forgive me if my terminology is a bit off).
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hey am i being a rude poster not emboldening your name tags?? sorry guys!
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
FiendoNI wrote:

unless you guys think a set of track mounted bindings is okay? but that seems like buying a fast car then putting crap tires on it.


I have rail bindings on 2 pairs of Whitedots... combined value of the skis, I dunno £1500?

Nowt wrong with rail bindings - as long as they're good rail bindings. Means I can swap my bindings from one pair of skis to another, in about a minute, with no tools. I can also play with forward/backward mounting positions - on piste, for instance, my WD Preachers work better, IMO, with the bindings 2 notches forward. It's easier to bend the ski. In powder, back is better to keep the tips up. Can't do that with normal bindings.
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Browse the buy sell and ebay over spring/ summer and bag yourself 2 used pairs. One piste based up to 80mm and a good conditions pair in the 98-110mm space which as you're so lightweight will pull duty as a pow ski too
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Don’t buy your gear in the UK. Get to your resort find a good bootfitter and get the best (fitting) boots you can afford. Then find the Facebook buy and sell thread and get yourselves some second hand skis. Make some friends, borrow theirs, work out what you like and take it from there. You’re doing a ski season and you sound motivated and ballsy - economize on everything else to get the best ski gear you can. You’ll progress fast, be skiing off piste after a few weeks and probably want some wider skis which again you can usually pick up 2nd hand (avoid ex-rental). Also get to know some local ski techs who can show you how to service your skis.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
4-5 week’s total skiing? I’d say spend some money on good quality lessons.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@dp fair enough, it's a handy enough option alright.

@Dave & @Bobin & @rob@rar pretty sound advice guys. I guess i should really be playing it sensible rather than splurging my fat stacks on a dick extension. But that being said, i should have enough cash to cover it, i've no dependants (obviously - who leaves their kids to go do a ski season!) and if i buy once i buy good. but even during this buying review i've forgotten the roots of "just get out and ride" and the days of riding an entry level hardtail until it broke and had to be carried home. There are some good bargins to be had so i'll keep a look out.
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Quote:

4-5 week’s total skiing? I’d say spend some money on good quality lessons.

This, and also,
Quote:

at the intermediate level. I can carve on everything but super steep blacks

does not really compute.

If you are going to do a first season get some decent all mountain skis, but please learn to ski well, and learn other mountain skills before going for serious (or even unserious) off-piste! Also, if you aspire to off-piste you will need to budget for tranceiver, shovel and probe, and lessons on how to use them.
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@RobinS thank you for the input, it is indeed important to remember your place and vulnerability on the mountain. That I am well aware of. I haven't done any winter mountaineering but have done a fair few multi-day self-supported jaunts in the Highlands on my bike so I know that things can potentially go very wrong very quickly. Plus I'm a little too old to be reckless (adrenaline rushes aside). I'll definitely make sure I've the right safety kit for the job if I'm venturing on anything serious. Thanks again for mentioning that
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@RobinS regarding the does not compute bit, I'm confused. The latter was my statement of experience and assessment of skill (as inaccurate as it may be). The former was a recommendation by another poster. They are not contradictory as far as I can see.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
FiendoNI wrote:
@RobinS regarding the does not compute bit, I'm confused.
My guess is that he means that it is almost certain that you are not carving clean turns on steep pistes, which I would agree with. Only a small proportion of skiers carve clean, linked turns (with no skidding or twisting of the skis) when skiing on piste, and rarely on anything steeper than a modest Blue. Steeper than that and the speed can get excessive unless the skier has the skill to create very large edge angles to tighten the turn and control their speed, and few have such skills.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@FiendoNI, good luck mate, I really hope you get to live the dream. My mate and his wife did this five years ago, drove out to Zell am See in their camper van, pitched at the lakeside camp, then went to a small independent ski shop, told them what they wanted to do, and spent about a grand of so on equipment, then spent the season skiing up and down the region, learning as they went.

They are both sport billies in their 40's, no kids, went on a skiing holiday with friends thinking how hard can skiing be, and really struggled with it. So they decided that they were going to learn, so they decided to pack their jobs in and go skiing for a season. They chose Zell am See because she had been there as a child with school, and she thought it was pretty.

They have been back, to the same camping spot, for every season since, and they love it, skiing up and down the whole ski region. They go drinking and skiing with the seasonaires and instructors and through them they have improved their skiing tremendously (as you would expect).

They are still using the same kit they bought 5 years ago, and it suits their purpose, although I think they were lucky in that the shop they went to listened to them and helped them choose the best skis for them to develop into.

You are ahead of the game as far as skiing goes, you have clearly got the knack of it, and I would suggest that in your next ski trip (or your first ski season) you go to a shop that will let your try before you buy, or even just hire last seasons premium skis to get an idea of them. Tell them what you are looking for and ski it for a few days. Then try a couple more to see which one works best for what you want. Even if you are paying a premium ski rental for a week, it'll help focus you on the ski that you want, but bear in mind that it will be difficult to get one ski that will be perfect for all conditions or types of skiing.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Robin@rar Very Happy a very good explanation. I would most certainly agree with your assessment. I'm hardly a GS or downhill skier and most certainly my self assessment is massively overcooked!

I've not had anyone film me (suppose it might be beneficial for learning though) and probably look like a tit, but it feels controlled and I'm trying not to scrub speed at all, though undoubtedly I'm sliding in parts and losing the ends. I can imagine the skeptical looks of many reading my post as well.

In any case it allows you to understand where I'm at a bit more I suppose, naivety included Smile
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@sack the juggler - lovely wee story mate, and good tips. It seems to be a common suggestion to get sorted when your there. I'll have a look at cheap campers too, would certainly be more cost effective. I've plenty of good gear for when it's cold
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@FiendoNI, loving your enthusiasm! "Carving" has quite a strict definition, although it is frequently used to describe a turn which might be better described as "grippy". A grippy turn allows a certain amount of twisting the ski, especially at the start of the turn, and allows for a small measure of skidding around the turn where the tail of the ski does not exactly follow the same path as the tip of the ski. It's still a skilful and potentially high performance turn, but doesn't meet the exact criteria for a carved turn.
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