 Poster: A snowHead
|
my ski's are pretty basic (nordica trend 03's) and whilst fine for pottering on greens once anything gets a bit tougher they are dificult to control. I'm not the best skiier (only 3 weeks) and don't have that much confidence so was wondering if upgrading to a more intermediate ski might bring me on a bit, or is it a case of the equipment doesn't matter.
I plan to keep owning my own ski's as we are an hour from glenshee so can pop up on weekends so it makes sense for me to have my own ski's rather than hire
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Better equipment won't improve your skiing. However, it might well compensate for your lack of skill, which has a similar effect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| Lizzard wrote: |
| Better equipment won't improve your skiing. However, it might well compensate for your lack of skill, which has a similar effect. |
therfore giving me more confidence and therfore improving??????? 
sounds a good enough excuse to buy myself a new flashy pair, and hubby's is happy enough to comply....lol
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Don't go too flashy. For example a pair of phat skis or a pair of GS racing skis. It will have an adverse effect if you do not have the skill to match. If you are buying from a reputable source they will not sell something that is not suitable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Overall, I think it is about 90% ability/technique and 10% gear, but different skis are designed for different conditions/skiers and do ski differently. I also find that having your skis properly tuned can make a difference...Matt
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| MEfree30 wrote: |
| I also find that having your skis properly tuned can make a difference...Matt |
charlichops, totally agree about the tuning - you should notice the difference if you have your skis edges sharpened, but if you have the green light for new skis ..... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is something I have wondered too. I have had the attitude that at my pitiful level of ability, a ski is a ski. However I did notice a difference when I borrowed some last year rather than hiring whatever they choose to give me, but I put that down to cooincidence. Perhaps it wasn't?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
charlichops, Head XRC skis are really nice for the piste.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
charlichops, why not try some skis at the Scottish ski test and see if you notice a difference. That would also be a good excuse to join lots of other  ,s for the weekend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are skiing in Scotland its so much more economical to own your own skis. I got a pair from ebay for £130 delivered, at about £15 a go hiring them they will soon pay for themselves, not to mention not having to wait in queues to hire. Sport Conrad are particularly good at the end of the season, my friend got a pair of K2 Recons for £200.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Better fitting ski boots will improve your skiing above everything else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
lynseyf, I got Burnin' Luvs for £225 from Sport Conrad, old seasons stock but technically the same ski as current season. Def recommend Sport Conrad. just off to get them edged & waxed now 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, have to agree
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, Actually private ski-lessons will improve skiing above everything else! Your boots can fit like gloves but if your technique is all wrong then you ain't going anywhere fast! Perfect fitting ski boots though are a close close 2nd!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
plectrum, Sorry i don't agree. I've never had a lesson, but have learned to ski better with skiboots that fit. You don't always gel with your instructor but skiboots that fit, FIT.
I reckon properly fitted boots can work aswell as 2weeks ski lessons. Or so my clients tell me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, Whilst i agree that a pair of boots that fit well and are comfy will make a difference i think that lessons will make the biggest difference to skiability and confidence. Just met some people last week who had their own gear (new boots , not too old skis)and about 20 odd weeks expeirience and skied like 2-3 weekers(my opinion). I suggested politely that private lessons might increase her confidence and ability and she seemed interested but he couldn't see the point, later asking how comes me and my brother were better than him  .
I have had lessons with instructors that have gear that looks like the only thing holding their together is gaffer tape but can ski like demons
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
mistermouse, But they didn't learn to ski with kit held together with gaffer tape. When these guys and girls are going through their training/assessment, nothing but the absolute best will do, WC Boots/Skis, WC technicians and preparation, anything that can boost their mental state. Once you can ski, you can pretty much ski well with anything, agreed. This thread title asks if better equipment can improve your skiing. I think boots can. I also think if you have bad boots and good tuition you'll progress slower than if you have good boots and no tuition. I believe we all know how to ski, we're just too rich/lazy to think it through for ourselves. OOOPPPs, have you all spent thousands on trying to learn how to ski with an instructor? How dare i question your judgement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, I have just had custom fit boots made from Profeet. They certainly improved my skiing but not anywhere as near as the comments from my guide John Hogg UAIGM on how my technique needed changing. I came on leaps and bounds by correcting technique.
I feel that when technique is correct 'perfect' boots followed by 'perfect' skis finish the equation.
Without doubt I agree that boots are fundamental as without alignment power transmission is flawed but if you ass is sticking out then even if the boots fit well the centre of gravity is misaligned and so the power is being transmitted to the wrong areas ..... just being transmitted more efficiently due to the correctly fitting boots!
Oh in terms of humble pie ... after skiing with new boots fitted in London I 100% agree with your view that the best boots will eb fitted by an expert in-situ i.e. at the resort. Daily tweaks are an essential part to create the perfect boot.
Although my boots are good and certainly with a few more visits to Profeet they will end up perfect I kinda wish that I had purchased and fitted at Heierling as could have tweaked over the 7 days out in Davos-Klosters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| SMALLZOOKEEPER wrote: |
| I believe we all know how to ski, we're just too rich/lazy to think it through for ourselves. OOOPPPs, have you all spent thousands on trying to learn how to ski with an instructor? How dare i question your judgement. |
SZK .... in Chamonix it may be experts to the left and experts to the right but have you ever looked down at the slopes from a long chairlift at other resorts and just thought ....CHRIST.... just look at these useless skiers!
I have skiied for 15 yrs, off piste, cat ski, WC blacks and it was only this year that serious tehcnique problems were pointed out to me that were hindering my progression. To quote the guide 'You have just got into bad habits'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
plectrum, I shall, as you do, use myself as an example. I have never had a lesson, never spent a penny on lessons. I have changed my boots it has changed my skiing.
Taking ski lessons from a Guide? You must suck!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
plectrum, I couldn't ski before i moved to Chamonix. Still can't. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, Well it was a touring week from a guide and was also given free advice on how to improve in deep powder! Indeed I do suck (a little less now tho)... my other firm belief is that the 1 week a year skier will never improve. Skiing is a sport which needs constant attention for improvements to stick. Hence the desire to go live in the mountains.
On a different topic which business flourish in Chamonix? My skills lie in fine wine but when we were there last year the fine wine shop in Chamonix Sud always looked pretty empty and French supermarkets are generally pretty good for wine. Would a wine bar work or again not really a mountain thing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plectrum, I have a great business idea, we'll talk about it sometime. More soap than wine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, I was just trying to point out that all the shiny kit in the world wont make you a good skier.Some people a just naturals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
mistermouse, We're all naturals, leave the baggage at home. Simple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
SMALLZOOKEEPER, So did you learn to ski by copying other people or do you have your own style. I am interested as i have found that the best way for me to learn is to follow somebody who is a good skier and just copy what they do with amount of verbal information kept to the minumum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SMALLZOOKEEPER wrote: |
| plectrum, I have a great business idea, we'll talk about it sometime. More soap than wine. |
I've already considered importing 'soap' from Morocco via Marseille .... is that what you were thinking 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
riverman, I started by using speed, it makes understanding the way the equipment works easy. Yes i do watch other people, i guess it helps. But most of it is feeling. When it's right it's effortless. I'm now back to speed, what else is there? If i do struggle it's on medium steeps, i just go too fast and get tired early. An average red or a really steep pitch and i'm fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| charlichops wrote: |
my ski's are pretty basic (nordica trend 03's) and whilst fine for pottering on greens once anything gets a bit tougher they are dificult to control. I'm not the best skiier (only 3 weeks) and don't have that much confidence so was wondering if upgrading to a more intermediate ski might bring me on a bit, or is it a case of the equipment doesn't matter.
I plan to keep owning my own ski's as we are an hour from glenshee so can pop up on weekends so it makes sense for me to have my own ski's rather than hire |
At 3 weeks, I very much doubt your gear is holding you back. Looking back on the rubbish I learned to ski with (and even raced with as a youngster) anything produced in the last decade is good enough to improve on. As already discussed, boots are more important than skis, so invest in those first. But you might as well upgrade your skis at the same time. They won't make you a better skier, but they will give you something to grow into when you do improve. The new boots will be more comfortable too, which is an instant benefit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
While I think that technique is extremely important, and I am a huge fan of trying to improve every time I go out, there is a role for gear too. For example, Mr DS was having trouble getting his shins aligned properly when doing GS-style turns. He'd tried (and instructors had tried) a lot of things to correct this. The instructor we had in Tignes suggested he took the wedges out of his boots, and it made an instant and massive difference. He had been struggling with technique for ages, and it was the equipment that made the difference.
So, I think you will eventually come to a point where equipment is holding you back, or at least you could progress further with different equipment. But most of it is technique.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
While I think that technique is extremely important, and I am a huge fan of trying to improve every time I go out, there is a role for gear too. For example, Mr DS was having trouble getting his shins aligned properly when doing GS-style turns. He'd tried (and instructors had tried) a lot of things to correct this. The instructor we had in Tignes suggested he took the wedges out of his boots, and it made an instant and massive difference. He had been struggling with technique for ages, and it was the equipment that made the difference.
So, I think you will eventually come to a point where equipment is holding you back, or at least you could progress further with different equipment. But most of it is technique.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
thanks all
i tried my old ski's again yesterday, they are very floppy, pretty heavy and feel too long (they are a 150 and i'm 5'2", maybe that is right but i seem to have too much ski upfront) not even sure if they are female specific, but hey i have skied with them for 3 weeks i can cope for a while longer yet
firstly on the instruction, i fully intend to continue with lessons, and i'm pretty sure i'll have private lessons when we go to PSV next year, i'm under no illusions some fancy ski's will teach me to ski
wasn't planning on going fo anything too flashy, was thinking of something along the lines of the K2 one luv ( i think thats the right one)
do you really think i need new boots too, mine are salomon evolution 8's, they were fitted at ellis brighmans about 5 years ago and are pretty comfy. I have green superfeet in them and i wore them all day yesterday with no pain or discomfort and everything is pretty much held firmly in place when i ski, but if you think new boots would be a good investment then i'll have to talk nicely to hubby 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
New boots are only a good investment if your current boots don't fit properly (or if you are using rentals). I think the other posters correctly pointed out that boot fit is important, but they did not know that yours seem to fit fine.
If you have only skied 3 weeks in 5 years, I imagine that lack of time on the slopes is what is holding you back, not your gear. I am not sure what other athletic activities you do, but even natural athletes need to regularly work their muscles if they want to perform well.
However, if you are a small/light 5' 2'' then it is possible that you could benefit from some shorter, lighter skis. However, as you improve and go faster, you may find that 150s are a good length, particularly if you have an athletic or heavier build. If your bindings monts are adjustable, one thing you could try is moving them up 1-3 cm (an inch, give or take) as I know that one of the thing that Dynastar does with many of their women's skis is to use a more forward mount position. A more forward position should make turn initiation easier and reduce the feeling that you have too much ski up front.
I would hold off on buying anything new right now and ask your next instructor their thoughts (particularly if they seem to know what they are talking about).
Best of luck,
Matt
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| charlichops wrote: |
wasn't planning on going fo anything too flashy, was thinking of something along the lines of the K2 one luv ( i think thats the right one)
|
Hire a pair on your next holiday and see how you like them. It sounds like your boots are fine for now as long as your feet don't move around in them. The K2 womens skis get good reviews, but if you want something lighter then I'd recommend Head Cool Thangs. My wife has a pair of these and they are considerably lighter than the K2 One Luvs. A very easy ski to learn on too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
charlichops, Come to the Scottish Demo on the 21st, 22nd or 23rd of March at the Nevis Range and try some out along with lots of other 's
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I look at skiing equipment as I look at my golf equipment. I used to have starter clubs which weren't very good and everytime I played a bad shot I blamed the clubs/ball/glove/tee (delete as appropriate). So I kitted myself up with top notch gear and now when I play a bad shot I know 100% that it's because I'm a crap golfer!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
) he went to a sports physio who gave him lots of excercises to do, balance etc to get the bad leg back to the same state as the good leg. When I tried them I was generally only as good as his broken leg 
