 Poster: A snowHead
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The sales are on, we are going skiing in three weeks (for half term) and there might be time for a spring trip as well. That makes it time to buy my first pair of skis.
My skiing level is indeterminate, my weight is too much but I am 75-80kg (am at the top end - aiming for the bottom), my height is 5 7. Some days I have loads of technique and control. Others I am sliding around with the entire family and need an easier life).
Most of my skiing is on piste but given the pistes are not always well groomed a pure carver is not for me. We now venture further off the edge and take some of the more interesting and open shortcuts but won't be doing anything too adventurous yet.
Skis that I have rented and got on with have been Head SuperShape Magnums (170cm) which were stiff and sharp and great for carving or Dynastar Legend (something or others 80's I think) which were easier to live with but had more capacity to go elsewhere. I don't have the skill to ski in deeper snow with the piste skis.
I am tempted by some Atomic Blackeye Ti skis (at 167cm) but am concerned by a comment on this site somewhere that you need to ski well all the time to get on with them.
All suggestions appreciated. BTW The hire shop were we are going doesn't have a huge range so on slope trial and error isn't going to be any better.
Edited to add the height & weightI should have put in the first time. 
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Wed 18-01-12 22:04; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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What height and weight are you actually?
This may impact not only on length, but also model of ski as some flex more than others across the range.
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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?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Opps. Typed that in at work and didn't finish it off. Anyway the weight confession...Errr. 82kg right now. Supposed to be 75.  Height is 5 foot 7.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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AndrewBailey, You could have a look at the "non" Ti version of the Atomics. A bit softer and easier to get on with. I'm a similar weight to you ( but taller) and ski them in a 174. 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I bought the non-ti blackeyes in 160cm last year and had great fun with them on and off piste.
I'm 65Kg and 5'8''
The non-ti are softer like GeorgeVII stated, so they absorb the bumps a little better, but they can get a little flappy when bombing it down the hill in a straight line
I'm not a great skier all the time but didnt have any problems with them. I opted for the 160's instead of the 167's just for a little more control
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AndrewBailey, Dynastar Outland 83 - wide enough underfoot; a little rocker; carve well and good in bumps.
Yours for £249 in Decathlon at the moment. You can buy them, ski them and sell them again for a profit on eBay at that price...
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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.
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A small caveat to the above is obviously I have the TI, and junitules has the non-version, which complicates things a little.
More stiffness could mean more edge grip, or conversely less edge grip if you are not heavy enough or aggressive enough to put enough power through ther ski during a turn. For this reason I don't think it is worth going longer than your weight allows, unless you are a really advanced skier who can power through such a stiff ski.
If not, the non-TI version may well be better for you.
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Yours for £249 in Decathlon at the moment
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But only in 178cm in my 'local' store according to the website. Might be worth a quick call though.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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There was a debate on another thread recently regarding using ski's "above your ability" improving your skiing or being better for your skiing. Theory being along the lines, it's a bit tougher to start with but you don't have to make the transision later versus getting used to the "easier" ski's and then having to step up later. Anyway you get the drift.
On a personal level softer ski's work better for me. Probably because I relatively light and lazy. The ideal scenario is to test a few ski's before buying. Or buy something for a decent price and then sell on if they don't work for you, treating the difference as paying an hire charge.
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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.
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AndrewBailey, I am currently skiing mostly with the kids (currently 6 & 4). We ski the whole mountain. Occasionaly I may get a run or two for myself off piste. And a "boys" trip may occur occasionally. I can't justify having more than one set, so I just have to go for a reasonable versatile all mountain ski - in my case Rossignol B2's bought off ebay. Sounds like you need to do something similar. I find the number of ski's on the market quite bewildering. And I am sure there are 10-20, probably more that could do the job for any one individual. If I was in your shoes I'd probably base my decision on reviews and price, and take a punt. The Sultans are probably a safe bet. I'd probably go for 85's not 80. Nice bundle here http://www.snowtraxstore.co.uk/dynastar-legend-sultan-85-2011-salomon-sth12-binding. At least you've skied them (or something like them) so know they will not be totally wrong for you.
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You know it makes sense.
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Sorry just saw on the link they were all sold out. Anyway it's a guide to sort of the price you might get some for.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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I did it!! Ordered some Atomic Blackeye Ti skis in 167 this afternoon. We are driving down on Fri 10th so there should be plenty of time to admire them before strapping them to the car.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Come on, how much 
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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?
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Let me know how you get on with them mate. I'm very tempted to buy them myself.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Layne, £375 delivered through Nevis sport online. Couldn't find it cheaper and in stock elsewhere. Looked at Ski Conrad (or whatever it is called) which was cheaper but 2-4 weeks delivery so nearly went up to the Crimson Ti but fortunately they were out of stock as well
RichTraff, Keep watching the site in a couple of weeks. There might be a pair for sale if I struggle with them.
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FAQ
and more like 75 kilos so I guesss that ties in with 
I am now tempted to buy more skis 
