TIME FOR A NEW SKI! : )

Hollywood wrote: You should watch Caddyshack.

Many many years ago I was out skiing and there were a couple of rookies along for the ride. When it was my turn I opened up the ski locker and pulled out my ski. The two commented....Oh he's getting out the old Billy Baroo.   "Oh Billy, Billy, Billy, Billy, Come on Billy"

There is actually a section in the forums for it and a page on the site with slideshows.lol

Anyways, those reunions look great!

There should be one in Eastern Washington along the Columbia river. Tons and Tons of smooth water, perfect for skiing all day long. Also many ski courses hidden in shallow lagoons were only the brave go.

(We have a great view of the course in front of us. It is in a shallow area to one side of the lake. One side of it is the shoreline and the other is 8" deep sand bar. We lLove watching stupid people drive there boats up on to it. The course itself is only 4.5' to 10'. Pretty tight and scary)

Anyways, it would be a blast to have a reunion there. Many lakes to choose from!

What goes on at the reunions?

Hangout, skiing, boating...

Ok, now I get it.

I agree, there are many people on this sight that are very helpful and knowledgeable.

I appreciate all of the help you all give!

By the way, were is the reunion? I have only heard about it...

harddock wrote: Hollywood wrote: I just got a mint Ti Bubble 2 that I'm stoked to swing. Now he's gonna think he is HollyTIGERWood!! Cinderella story - here we go, he's lining up on the T, here's the swing and oooooooooooohhhh he still slices left.

What? Umm...

Look to try a Radar Senate or Senate-C.

I just got a mint Ti Bubble 2 that I'm stoked to swing.

Top of the line skis are great if your a top of the line skier. Too often people buy the product the pro uses only to be dissapointed in the performance. What works for Wade Cox or Andy Mapple may not better your ride. Skiing on a very aggressive ski is a treat if your a very aggressive skier. You might be happier with an intermediate ski even if it means buying one or two more before you break any records. Like mentioned above techniques and equipment have changed. If your technique is old school and your ski is the new high tech it may not help you. I'd work with a coach (more so than a store)who can see your ability and guide you towards a ski that will work for best for you.

To the "90% form" people- yes, technique is important and money spent on lessons or video lessons is very, very good money spent. I have a whole site dedicated to this.

However.

Ski technology has come up LEAPS AND BOUNDS over the past 10 years. It's like golf and drivers- once that Big Bertha came out in 1996 or so, everything changed. Everyone skiing on a stick over 5 years old owes it to themselves to try something newer. I'm skiing better than ever and I attribute 90% of that to my ski, a 2009 D3 CustomX that I purchased brand new in 09. When I come out of the ball, the ski finishes extremely hard and the potential for cross-course acceleration feels limitless. I'm not great at skiing the course but I can honestly say the ski made a big difference. Before that I had upgraded from my 02 CDX to a brand new Connelly F1X. A pro-level shortline ski (in 02) to a modern, somewhat wideride intermediate ski. Way faster, way more responsive. I took a set on my old CDX (last year?) with Hollywood who has permanently borrowed it and it felt like a 2X4.

As far as brands- you can't go wrong. Most everyone makes a top-level ski that is great. I hear great things about the A1, the A2, the Strada, and the Z7. What I personally like about D3 is ALL they make is top-level, handmade skis. Nothing else. I have to appreciate a company who takes a niche of a niche like that. The rules seem to be changing as far as top level ski being for a top level skier- I've heard from MANY sources that the Strada is great for everyone. Never tried it, though.

Even with stock settings, it's AMAZING how different skis from different mfgrs feels. I did a ski test in 07 with 3 intermediate skis and I could not believe how different they felt. Definitely try what you can and determine for yourself what will meet your needs.

Folks around here that know me know that I am never in a big hurry to spend money. That goes hand in hand with my philosophy that I don't need equipment that's better than I am. I am about where Derek is. On a good day, when the planets are aligned just right, I can make it through the course 15 off about 28 mph, on a really good day maybe even a titch faster. So as long as that is where I am, I am sure my 25 year old OBrien competitor is fine. When I start struggling to get that extra ball at 34 mph and 22-28 off, then I might worry about a new ski. I do appreciate that having the right equipment helps and in fact, when the opportunity arises, I like to try more aggressive skis to see if they help me, but for now, I'm all set. It cracks me up when someone decides to take up a sport, water skiing is just an example, and they go out and buy that $1200 ski figuring it will make them a great skier. Like you said Craig, 90% form.

75 Tique wrote: Not being any kind of authority on skis, I have a question for the folks contributing to this thread. This question comes up a lot...what is a good ski, or what ski should I get. Isnt it a hugely individual thing? Once you get over a certain price, I am guessing they are all good skis. Different shape, edges, rocker, flex....lots of variables I guess. It just comes down to what fits/suits you, no? So how can I recommend a ski to someone. I may like it, but it could be wrong for him. And although I applaud Derek for making it through the course at 15 off at age 15, I don't think at that stage he needs a $1200 or $800 ski. I'm not being critical of anyone's response here. In other words, the best ski may not be the beat ski. It just seems it would be hard to recommend a ski to someone. I can see the temptation. A billion years ago I bought one of the first HO Mach 1s. I thought it was amazing, like riding a rail. But that was just for me. Others may have preferred a Jobe, which I found very squirrely. My thinking is the only way to go is to try them out.

That is what I tried to suggest.

That's what I've heard. Alot of the skis are almost highly tuneable to be the same
but, I need a new ski anyways.

I keep out growing all of my gear...

75 Tique wrote: Not being any kind of authority on skis, I have a question for the folks contributing to this thread. This question comes up a lot...what is a good ski, or what ski should I get. Isnt it a hugely individual thing? Once you get over a certain price, I am guessing they are all good skis. Different shape, edges, rocker, flex....lots of variables I guess. It just comes down to what fits/suits you, no? So how can I recommend a ski to someone. I may like it, but it could be wrong for him. And although I applaud Derek for making it through the course at 15 off at age 15, I don't think at that stage he needs a $1200 or $800 ski. I'm not being critical of anyone's response here. In other words, the best ski may not be the beat ski. It just seems it would be hard to recommend a ski to someone. I can see the temptation. A billion years ago I bought one of the first HO Mach 1s. I thought it was amazing, like riding a rail. But that was just for me. Others may have preferred a Jobe, which I found very squirrely. My thinking is the only way to go is to try them out.

Exactly. I am not going to go buy a ski just because someone says they like it, but I defi will tale it into consideration and demo or try it put with my bindings.

All I am asking is what other people who usually have been skiing for sometime what ski they think is good.

And you are right, when you reach a certain price all of the skis are considered good. It is just wetter you like the feel/ride of the ski...

Not being any kind of authority on skis, I have a question for the folks contributing to this thread. This question comes up a lot...what is a good ski, or what ski should I get. Isnt it a hugely individual thing? Once you get over a certain price, I am guessing they are all good skis. Different shape, edges, rocker, flex....lots of variables I guess. It just comes down to what fits/suits you, no? So how can I recommend a ski to someone. I may like it, but it could be wrong for him. And although I applaud Derek for making it through the course at 15 off at age 15, I don't think at that stage he needs a $1200 or $800 ski. I'm not being critical of anyone's response here. In other words, the best ski may not be the beat ski. It just seems it would be hard to recommend a ski to someone. I can see the temptation. A billion years ago I bought one of the first HO Mach 1s. I thought it was amazing, like riding a rail. But that was just for me. Others may have preferred a Jobe, which I found very squirrely. My thinking is the only way to go is to try them out.

IntelSoftApps wrote: I currently ski on a Connelly Concept 64 I have had it for 2 years now... I ski in a course. I usually get 6 @ 15 off

How fast? I'd say you have plenty of room to progress with the Concept.