Help Needed: Ex-snowboarder needs ski advice

[amster]

Hi all,

I want to take advantage of last year's demo sales and get myself a pair of skis for reasonably cheap. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm still new-ish to skiing, but I want these skis to take me well into intermediate-land, at least. (if possible). I'll be skiing in the Northwest with some Tahoe time.

I'm 5'8" and 160.

Please forgive me if I'm blundering already, I really don't understand ski gear yet.

Thanks!

-amster

 

[Robyn]

You know, if I didn't know better I would think you were my cousin Sterling! :D

I'm going to leave your question to our gear experts but welcome to our humble abode!

 

[Jilly]

What skis are you seeing on sale? That would help us, advise you. Just like your snowboard, there are different skis for different conditions, levels. So make and models that your are seeing!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

amster, the bigger consideration here is going to be boots -- and if you've been riding awhile and not skied, getting into ski boots is....well, a big change. Fit's critical, these aren't snowboard boots - snugger, stiffer, closer fit. (though snowboard boots are catching up)

My experience, having watched cross-overs, is that most riders feel most comfortable on twin-tips, because they are used to being able to ride switch. Difference, obviously, is that skiing switch is full-on backwards. I've recently seen some crazy deals on Tramdock (+-$200 less bindings), and there are some good eBay dealers as well with good offerings. So keep your options open!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Example of great deals on eBay:

https://cgi.ebay.com/skis-package-FISCHER-VISION-76-164-binding-womens-NEW_W0QQitemZ140274765047QQihZ004QQcategoryZ16062QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have dealt numerous times with this merchant and have recommended same to others here (and they were satisfied as well). Have a look and keep checking his stock.

 

[amster]

Hi Guys,

I had a Salomon friend recommend the Mynx 166 and the Scarlet 164 which were on a sweet sale at Kirkwood. Also, another friend said the Roxy Black Magic 166 would be good. I'm kind of going into this blind, so maybe I could even find something on craiglist that won't break me. I'm sure I could find a good deal somewhere on whatever you guys recommend.

 

[Jilly]

Both of these Salomon's are twin tips. The Mynx is softer than the Scarlet. Mynx is 81 underfoot, the Scarlet 96. You might want to look at that Mynx for your first ski.

 

[ski now work later]

I own both pair although my Scarlets are in the process of being sold. The Mynx is very soft and is my "learn how to ski switch and play around in the park" ski. It sounds like it might be a great ski for you for this season. The Scarlet is beefier, wider, and a great powder ski that performs well on hardpack too, also a twin tip. Both skis are great in bumps and trees and have short turning radius stats, good for a newer skier. Have fun shopping!

 

[amster]

Oh no, I'm getting VERY EXCITED! I'm going to shop around right now, and see what I find. Feel free to send more suggestions if you think of 'em.

You guys ROCK for helping me out so fast. I'd hate to miss out on the deals, you know?

THANKS!

-Amster