I've been looking around for some skis for a while now - typical story with someone who's been skiing for the past few years, upgraded most of my kit now (have boots, etc) and am looking at possibly buying my own set of skis now (mainly so the next time a bash space frees up I've everything I need to grab and just go ). Started out boarding, moved over to skiing - have been for the pats 5 odd years, around twice a year (pushing for a 3rd week next year... but that's a sore subject with the wife! )
I like to ski hard/fast (well as fast as I can go without feeling unstable anyway!), and will often ski alongside the piste - haven't had a proper off piste day/deep powder, but I think for now I'm happy doing what I do, and tackling modest jumps/boxes (freestyle interests me, but I dont think I'm good enough for some of the crazy videos that I'm watching on youtube hehe). Confident on most runs - typically ski reds as I like the balance of speed vs challenge, where as on blacks I have to slow down and rest when my legs are screaming at me to do so.
Anyway, I've been recommended the line super natural 92s - 173 (I'm 5'8, 70Kg). Have any of you got/ridden them? I did have my eye on Sick days, but I think they're probably too playful for what I need? I'd really like to hear your thoughts on them, if so, please!
Speaking with abs snow, they've recommended Marker Griffon ID (110mm) bindings. I'm not really clued up on bindings, but haven't heard of these before and they're on their site as the staff picks.. which makes me wonder how impartial their advice is (that being said, I've had some great service from them in the past). I know they're going to need to be drilled - which is fine as I've found a local specialised snow sports place that is able to do this. I expected to pay around the same price for the skis as the bindings (for some reason... not exactly sure why - perhaps overhearing people speaking about it ).
Happy to hear other recommendations (& binding info ) whilst I read more up on them both. In particular any gotchas / things to watch out in regard to the above brands..
Marker Griffon I.D bindings are an excellent Alpine binding that will except all boot soles
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?
Griffons are a decent binding, some people find them a little tricky to click on to in soft snow - I think it's more of a problem if you have small feet.
Check the brake width though, if the supernaturals are 92 mm underfoot, a 110 brake seems overly wide to me and you might be better off with a narrower brake. Spyderjon is the expert to listen to on this.
Thanks both, checking out the ID widths available, there's 90, 110 and 120 - no in between. I did wonder if it was the right size, but that was the size recommended to me. I've dropped them an email back.
I'm going to pop to my local shop in Cardiff to see what they recommended later today. Looks like they stock mostly stock Head / Solomon (Coyoti Ski in Cardiff) from their online presence.
Despite not being a brand snob/care about brands, most of the reviews and videos I've been watching has seen me favour Line. There's marketing for you
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
The brake will be fine. I use Quiver Killer inserts on my skis and ski a 90 100 and 128 using the same Marker Griffon id bindings. I swap the brake over to a larger size for the 128 but use a 110 brake for the 90 and 100. You see loads of line skis up for re sale. I thought that ment they weren't very good. But after trying out a pair of LINE SAKANA SKIS 2019 at the Oktobertest at the chilfactory in Manchester. I thought they were amazing and want a pair. Talking to the rep. He said line skis are bought by a more progressive Kind of skier apposed to Volkl skiers who typically hold on to a pair of Kendos or Mantras rather than trying new ranges..
Check out YouTube reviews of the skis and binding and you'll get a good idea of what you want
http://youtube.com/v/Sc6YmplpsPQ
I'm selling my Volkl kendo 177, no bindings, with Quiver Killer mounting points for both Mondo 28 and 29.5.
I've just bought the Kastle fx 95 hp so no longer need the Kendos. There will also be Marker Griffon bindings coming up for sale second hand soon as the Salomon Shift binding is out at the end of the month. This is what's going on my Kastle skis. For touring and down hill use
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Cheers LeglesWonder
So after much research and speaking to my local skishop, I think I've realised I won't be off piste as much as I think I do/want to be.
Pretty much now settled on a set of Salomon XDR 80 Ti's. Much more narrow than I thought I was after, but I think getting face to face advice was what I needed.
Wife is away this week, so on Friday (payday) I'll be heading down to pick some up. If the 2018 models are still in stock I'll be able to get them for £100 less than the 2019 models, which I think for my first set of skis is probably a wise thing to do (save a bit of cash... also means I can earmark this £100 for other ski related stuff than I want ).
Quite excited - need to look into Ski Carriage and that sort of stuff now! eeeeeee!!
Thanks for your replies - I read a lot around the bindings/skis and different widths, which was useful when I went instore to speak to them directly.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Just take your time before buying. If you aren't exactly sure. Wait till your away, often you can hire with a view to buy and get the hire discounted from the sale price. That said I love buying skis. And all that goes with it. Your new ski choice is a good option and comes with adjustable bindings so you can buy this anywhere all good to go no set up needed You never get much for second hand skis so buy for the best price. I always buy end of or last seasons skis and pay about half price. Have Fun whatever you do. All the best
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
). Started out boarding, moved over to skiing - have been for the pats 5 odd years, around twice a year (pushing for a 3rd week next year... but that's a sore subject with the wife! 
)
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