2nd hand skis

A snowHead

Hi

A colleague has just bought some second hand skis from ebay - well her other half did. She's now getting a bit concerned cos they're Fischer race skis (she's a once a year holiday skier) with very stiff race bindings and a race plate.

We're both a bit thick and can't work out what it will be like for her to ski on them. Any comments?

by the way - she's off on Friday.

Sharon

ps I've put this in the equipment forum too - just had a thought that more people might see this. Sorry if that's too naughty.

A snowHead

snowlamb, What model are they? what length?, how proficient a skier is she? (You say 'once a year', but she could be once-a-year, tearing up the pistes, or once-a-year, and this is year 2) snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Axsman,

She's not here right now, but I will find out what model they are when she gets back. She's been skiing for years, but describes herself as a purely recreational, competant but not especially brave or aggressive skier. She pretty much likes to ski from bar to bar.

She's 5'5'' and the skis are 148s - they look to have very little side cut and are bright lime green and black - the bindings are Fischer too and are on a plinth. Does that help at all? Sorry to be so thick , but she's quite worried about it.

But in general terms - what's the difference between a race ski and a more general purpose ski?

S.

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Somebody more knowledgeable will be along in a moment, but I think the most significant difference is that they will be much stiffer (assuming it is an actual race ski as opposed to a recreational ski branded as race). This can make them more difficult to turn, although I guess your friend's technique will determine how much of an issue this is. I would assume that this is less of an issue with modern ski techniques but I may be wrong.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Sounds like it may be a junior length, so stiffness should be reasonable. Surprised at the lack of sidecut, as the lime green and black colours are fairly recent. May be less troublesome than you fear. Details on skis such as radius, etc. would help.

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beequin, good point - that is pretty short.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

As above, they will probably be stiffer than she's used to, and if lacking in side cut will be more effort to carve. Will probably hold their edge well on the hardpack though Laughing

148 sounds VERY short to me, my teenage daughters ski 160's.

You need a more expert opinion than mine but in simple terms I would say that 148cm Race skis are not ideal for a recreational skier who likes to ski from bar to bar. I'd tell her to stick em back on ebay, and rent a decent pair of carvers in resort (which she can easily change if she doesn't get on with).

BTW do the bindings fit her boots?

After all it is free

Axsman,

I *doubt* it's an actual race ski.....do you have links to the ebay auction?

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How much does she weigh?

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snow reports

IM inexpert O she should take them with her. If she hates them, she can rent. If she doesn't, she'll never know...

well if they are anything like this ebay listing then she will have nothing to worry about - quote from the ebay ad :

"Fischer RC4 Worldcup Slalom Skis With Bindings ... These skis are great for all levels of skiers."

some people eh Very Happy

You know it makes sense.

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the responses, I'm the 'other half' who bought the skis from ebay.

The skis have reasonable side cut, so they should carve OK. The bindings have been moved to fit her boots. They are RC4s (I think 2004 vintage) with a race plate and a turn radius of 13m. They are a little short, but that can only help huh?

She has been taught to carve in the last couple of years, and we're spending another year at Simon Butler's, concentrating on carving. However, as for many of us old guns carving does not come natuarally. Also big worries off piste........

So, bottom line, plan is to try 'em out for first day, see how they 'run'. If disaster we'll hire a nice soft pair. Debs is still positive and will give then a good go. We promise to update you all on her experience when we get back. In meantime, any further advice appreciated.

Thanks snowlamb for starting this thread.

P.S. ebay link for the skis (Debs' are the shorter (148s)).:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270343857036

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

[b]Pants[/b

Hi Pants, welcome to Snowheads. Now you're here you'll get as hooked as the rest of us.

Think I did Debs a dis-service by describing her as a 'bar to bar' skier, must have been myself I was thinking of wink

hic.

Have a great holiday and give us a wave on the webcam.

Sharon.

A snowHead

They are kids SL skis, I doubt she will have any problems. I've seen hire shops rent kids race skis to women.

SL skis are fairly benign unless you pressure them well and use higher edge angles - they need to be driven hard to get them to really perform. If she is learning to carve I imagine she will like them, SL skis only want to do one thing: carve short turns. If they are too grabby and hook up too quickly for her, get a ski shop to change the base edge angle to 2 degrees and they will be much easier and forgiving to ski. Tune makes a huge difference.

They are very heavy skis to carry around and are probably the worst skis possible on anything other than groomed snow. That is the downside of using race skis as your only pair - they are specialist skis.

If she doesn't like them just sell them on ebay and buy some different skis.

A snowHead

if they are the ones I'm thinking off apart from being heavy to carry they would be great on piste, a little entertaining off piste - i'd recommend sticking to the groomed until you have them well bedded in Wink

aj xx

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

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My 16 yr old daughter similar height has a slightly newer version same length and finds them great on piste. This year she did find them a bit lacking off piste! and has already requested a pair of all mountain skis for next Christmas.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Wow, those really are short, specialist skis. Not so good if you want stable skis to go fast in a schuss or long turns, or to ski off-piste. I ski 182 length (but I am 4 1/2 inches taller and in English terms fairly expert). You should get fantastic grip on icy slopes, though.

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2nd hand skis

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