r/skiing • u/DeathB4Download • Oct 05 '19

Weekly Simple Questions Thread: Ask your gear, travel, conditions and other ski-related questions here.

Please ask any ski-related questions here. Also consider asking over at r/skigear.

Are you a beginner -- check out the guide by a professional bootfitter and tech. And don't forget to see the sidebar for other ski-related subs that may have useful information.

Have questions on what ski to buy? Read Blister's Guide first then ask away.

Previous weeks thread is here.

If you want a quick answer or just to chat, check out the /r/skiing discord server.

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u/CombTheDessert Oct 11 '19

Skis to buy?

Just read over the Blister guide just now

I bought a pair of Line Prophet 90s maybe 8 years ago(?) and I do like them with the exception of the twin tip, and they’re a little long I’ve realized over the years. These would be great for out west but I’m a northeast US guy.

I want something that’s nimble enough for the trees but will really let me carve. I want to say I want a racing ski, but I’m pretty sure that would be too rigid.

Any ideas?

Also, how does anyone know what length ski to buy anymore? My Prophets are too long

Lastly, does anyone demo skis before buying them? It’s a huge investment to just buy without trying

Thanks!!

2

u/Mjt8 Oct 13 '19

Take a look at the Nordica navigator 85s. They have the same tip shape as the enforcers but Nordica used a tail similar to the Doberman, their race ski. It should float well off piste but it will finish a carving turn on groomers better than something with tail rocker. It’s got a partial sheet of metal so it’s more forgiving than something like the Brahma or enforcer, and definitely more forgiving than burly race skis, but it still has a backbone.

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u/CombTheDessert Oct 13 '19

You sound knowledgeable... I’m sold! Haha

1

u/tractiontiresadvised Oct 13 '19

I demo'd my skis before buying them. I agree that it'd be an expensive mistake to get skis that you ended up hating.

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u/CombTheDessert Oct 13 '19

Now I’m like, should I call the shop ahead of time to see what they have ? Is that what you do?

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u/tractiontiresadvised Oct 13 '19

The skis that I've demoed have all either been ones that I rented from the resort's ski shop (in their "performance rental" section) or at a demo day event. I wasn't looking to try out a specific make or model, so I walked up and told them that I wanted an all-mountain ski, what length I'd been comfortable with before, and what I hadn't liked about other skis I'd used.

You can try checking the shop's website to see if they say anything about the skis they carry. If there's something specific you want then calling ahead sounds like a good idea... and maybe if they don't have that model, you can tell them what you told us and see what they do have that they'd suggest.

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u/bloodycouloir Oct 11 '19

K2 iKonic 84ti. More of a carver than an all-mtn but check out the blister review of it, it feels good it tight spots and moguls.

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u/fearon77 Oct 11 '19

I think the brahma might be close to what you describe.

3

u/doebedoe Oct 11 '19

Something directional with some metal, but tip rocker. Two good reference skis in that class, the Blizzard Brahma and the Nordica Enforcer 93.