Help! There is way too many skis to choose from!?

Question

Ok i am looking for some new skis. I like doing about half the time in the terrain park ( i live in minnesota not too good for skiing ) and the other half of the time i just ski around. What skis should i get. I was thinking i like rossignal, but there is soo many to choose from. Like all the different kinds. Please help me.

Answer 1

Most brands have a "skicross" series which is much like a racing / carving ski, but modified for more versatility in terrain and conditions. Will handle jumps and short turns better and even some powder. Can be purchased shorter to increase versatility, while still remaining stable at high speeds on steep grades. There is usually a series of carving skis that can limit what you can do and wont handle powder well at all. There is usually an "all mountain" series a little wider than the skicross series. Good if you'll be spending considerable time in powder (rare these days). Not as nimble on groomed slopes or in the park. There are the twin-tipped "trick" skis that often wont perform well at high speeds, on ice, or in powder. It seems you ski almost exclusively on groomed slopes and desire some versatility, so... I would recommend a "skicross" series ski from whatever brand you like. Will also give you enough versatility to perform well just about anywhere you may travel to someday, barring LOTS of powder. I like the skicross skis from Atomic and Dynastar.

The Supercross series from Atomic offers great performance on a wide variety of terrain, while remaining stable at high speeds. A few models are offered depending mainly on how stiff a ski you want. (Stiffer usually equals a little less forgiving on bumps, rough terrain, better grab at high speeds) http://www.atomicsnow.com/atomic.php?id=26&s=11 I would choose between the SX 7 and SX 9 depending on if you want slightly easier to ski / better in the park, or better grab at high speeds. Choose the 9 if you're heavy for your height or prefer a shorter ski.

The Skicross series from Dynastar is similar and you can often get a great deal on them on eBay. A little heavier than the Atomic. Maybe more stable for high-speed carving and crud, not quite as nimble in the park. They are designed to do everything though, like the Atomic Supercross, with an emphasis on high speed carving. If you don't have a ton of money to spend, and still desire an advanced level ski... I highly recommend the Skicross series from Dynastar. I have the Skicross 9 which is not the top of the line, but I don't think I'd ever need anything stiffer (I've heard the 10s can be a handful, mostly for heavier skiiers and speed demons). I LOVE them, and what a bargain!!! Sometimes how much money you have has alot to do with your choices and things still work out well... LOL There's no other ski I know of in the same price range that's half as capable. My 9s are about forehead height and give me perfect control under any conditions. You could probably go shorter in the 10s and have a more nimble ski that's still good at high speed and on ice.

Both of these skis perform well without having to buy them very long. Anywhere between the bridge of the nose and forehead is about right. You can go shorter if you buy them stiff and are willing to sacrifice maximum speed for more nimble handling. Adds to their versatility... Both are slightly wider than racing / carving skis. Better stability for stunting. Will even handle some powder, but are much better on the trail. Both are very popular and well-liked by most who have skied them.

Dynastar also has the twin-tipped Trouble Maker series. Would be a little better in the park, but I think the Supercross or Skicross would be a better choice if you're only going to own one pair of skis and want to be ready for just about any speed, grade, terrain or conditions.

The backs of the Skicross are a little long and stiff... I think for better versatility / trickability without sacrificing stiffness and high-speed control (shorter in front better for bumps, etc...). GREAT snap out of turns. DON'T let anyone mount the bindings in such a fashion where the center mark on the boot ends up forward of the center mark on the ski if you get them. You'll be tripping when the backs of your skis catch funny. A little behind the center is OK.

Answer 2

Salomon Crossmax 10's best all terrain ski I've skied.
I tested Atomic, Fischer, Dynastar and Volkl, don't know too much about the K2 , but they were the first company to make the Carver.
I would suggest you are honest with a good sales man about your ability and tell him what terrain you will be skiing, better still see if you can test some sets.

Answer 3

Do a demo program. You can pay to test several skis while in the same snow conditions. No one can tell you what ski is the best. It will depend on ability, weight, snow conditions you have available most of the time and other factors. I personally like volkl and atomic. atomic is too heavy, generally ,for playing in a park. Volkl can be very expensive. Salomon whores themselves out and I think are not so good. Rossignols tend to be very stiff. Do yourself a favor: don't listen to friends, shop workers or the posts here that tell a specific brand. DEMO IS THE WAY TO GO most shops will apply the price of the demo session toward your new purchase.

Answer 4

i just a brand new pair of skis last year and they had so many to choose from it was very overwhelming. i ended up getting "Danstar" (I think) and since I always had old skis these ones are much shorter. it was difficult to get used to, i ended up hurting my knee badly when i fell the ski slit right across my knee and cut thru the pants to my skin. very sharp those things are.

if your going to be using them for more jumps get the .......um...not sure what they are called but they have like springs on them to help the bumps better and easier to ski with. also wherever you buy them make sure you ask a lot of questions and see which one is good for you.

i can't ski anymore...i worked at the ski resort last year but ended up falling and hurting my back badly so make sure to wear head gear even tho it looks dorky it can save your life. have fun this year!

Answer 5

You really want help ? Don't get any ! I went on a trip with my wife who's a Girl Scout Leader on a ski trip.It just about killed us both.I put chains on when it gets icy . I have anti-lock brakes I drive 30 mph or less if I even have to get out.But on a ski slope I strapped two boards on my feet , someone give me two sticks , then I went down a mountain faster than I would ever want to drive on a good road.Why don't people realize you can't have fun at a place were Doctors and EMT's are waiting for you.

Answer 6

K2's are nice skis. They're really good quality. Rossignol's are the next best. If you can't decide what type besides brand, talk to someone in the ski lodge or someone else who would know.

Answer 7

get a fatter ski-better 4 triks & get w/ twin tips i LOVE my solomans for the terrain park & messing around but ask the person in the ski shop whats best!

Answer 8

if you spend that much time in the terrain park (at hyland by any chance?? i work there) definitely get twin tips. im not a big fan of rossignol, but i would sugest LINE. they make great skis, and i have friends who swear by them

Answer 9

Atomic note: Atomic are best skis, but it is sandvich, so if you are rich or big ski fan, it is the best choice (but you have to buy new one times pro 1-3seasons).
Snow soon.

Answer 10

Vokl (spelling?) P40's are good skis
Also any K-2's are worth your money..Hope this helps and Happy skiing!
Blessed Be~