Intolerable Ski Graphics

[BlizzardBabe]

Ok, this is clearly a killing-time-on-a-Tuesday-afternoon-in-October post, but would you ever buy a truly fantabulous ski that had graphics you absolutely hated? I'd like to think I would if the ski really was the ideal package for me, but there are limits. I'm not going to spend my time on a chair staring down at a large ugly insect, a misshapen human head, or a reptile in full strike mode. I can't wear Spyder attire b/c of the damn spider graphic, which just weirds me out (definite arachnophobe). Don't even get me started on scorpions.

Anyone else out there w/visceral reactions to certain graphics/logos?

 

[Jilly]

At the moment I only have 1 pair of skis that really have any graphics. And the Santa Anna, doesn't bother me at all.

But, yeah! Skulls, snakes, snarling dogs, nope....don't care for those.

And my daily driver is orange, black with some lime green letters...

 

[ouncible]

Maybe? I'm used to wearing and skiing on truly hideous gear because it's my only option/practical/cheap/amusing.

The nice thing about ugly gear is that I'm reminded to keep my eyes further downslope when I'm skiing.

That said, some of the graphics out there really shout "I'm an idiot," so I might have to ask myself whether the advantages of the ski outweighed finding the money to keep them in ski wraps.

 

[tinymoose]

Skis are such a difficult fit for me as far as finding something in a good length and flex, if I loved the ski I wouldn't give a second thought to the graphics. I've had some skis I didn't love: thinking of my old, brown Volkl Lunas and Dynastar Idylls, or my pink and blue Yumis.

 

[santacruz skier]

Best ski graphics ever were my k2 Lotta Luvs. Everything else I've owned are meh.... ok. I do like the graphics on Moment Skis and really should try them..... yeah I know @WaterGirl !

 

[AJM]

Personally I dont like the K2 graphics, mine are tolerable but some of the others really rub me up the wrong way
When I was looking at a replacement for my Sheevas this past season a Dynastar ski was suggested but the graphic was hideous (to my mind) so it was a firm no from me !!

 

[snoWYmonkey]

My favorite skis have a very boring race type graphic. Tolerable. Really ugly skis would be hard for me to feel the love for, unless it is the actual point. Then it can be funny.

There is a pretty sweet feeling when the graphics are pleasing and the ski is a great one. I tell people to steer clear of graphics they hate but be open to graphics they are feeling ho hum about.

There are a few snowboard graphics I absolutely adore. Oh well!

 

[mustski]

Years ago, the Armada VJJ had a truly horrible graphic which “suggested” female anatomy. I knew that graphic had been designed by a woman because a family member was one of the Armada execs. I also knew it was reputed to be a serious charger of a ski. I just couldn’t bring myself to try it. It felt offensive to me. Other than that, I’ve never been bothered by graphics.

 

[scandium]

Not at full price. Possibly second hand or 50% off. Stickers exist!!

 

[beane]

I was super excited about trying the Moment Sierra but this year’s graphic is really bad (to my eye) so it’s off my list .

 

[Sokolva]

I was super excited about trying the Moment Sierra but this year’s graphic is really bad (to my eye) so it’s off my list .

You can often find the last years version! I saw several new ones floating around for cheap recently, I’d keep an eye out for shops getting rid of last years inventory. I do actually like this years Sierra art, through my rainbow crystal Sierras of 22/23 have definitely grown on me.

I would definitely buy a ski with graphics I didn’t like if it was the right ski, and I have. I skiied on very ugly old Salomon’s for years and loved them. And like I said, I really wasn’t a fan of the Moment Sierra art I bought. Loved the painterly surrealism of the Bella’s of that year, but the Sierra was a better choice for the terrain I ski and the all mountain use I needed it for. It is so much more important for me to love the feel of the ski.

However, I really appreciate and respect when ski companies go all out with art and put a lot of effort into making their skies moving works of art and beauty. I think it’s something that I would love to see more of, rather than boring and stale designs. I’d rather a ski have art which isn’t my style than be boring if I had a choice. But if it is boring, I’ll just customize it with wraps, stickers, painting, etc!

 

[TheGreenOne]

Ok, this is clearly a killing-time-on-a-Tuesday-afternoon-in-October post, but would you ever buy a truly fantabulous ski that had graphics you absolutely hated? I'd like to think I would if the ski really was the ideal package for me, but there are limits. I'm not going to spend my time on a chair staring down at a large ugly insect, a misshapen human head, or a reptile in full strike mode. I can't wear Spyder attire b/c of the damn spider graphic, which just weirds me out (definite arachnophobe). Don't even get me started on scorpions.

Anyone else out there w/visceral reactions to certain graphics/logos?

I'm the type that buys a product knowing it's been upcharged because of non-essential finishes.

That also means I will not purchase something even if it has the best of specs if I can't love the visual treatment.

Occupational hazard... I am annoyed at myself often.

All the skis I've bought so far have clean graphics (Rossi's w/o 'illustrative' tops) but am a little open to wacky graphics on helmets and jackets... all my gear is slowly going pattern-less though.

 

[Rashika]

I was actually thinking the same recently when looking at purchasing new skis… why are the graphics so blah or simply ugly? I kinda feel they are aiming at such a generic skier that they make it too ‘average’ in the hope it will appeal to more, people, but that seems to have the opposite effect.. from what I have seen there is definitely a male lean on the graphics which doesn’t appeal to women.
Maybe it’s the graphic designer in me, but yeah I agree with most here, the graphics just don’t appeal.
Funnily enough I have the same with motorbike helmets, I have a good quality brand I love and that fits well but the graphics over the last few years have been yuck, so I went for Matt black last time, I figured I could always sticker it! I really loved my angel design helmet, but it was past its ten year lifespan so I had to replace it….

 

[racetiger]

Thankfully I like all my ski graphics. If I don't like something that's what stickers, sharpies and paint are for!

 

[RandomSkier]

I don't care how shallow it is, but graphics matter! Haha. When I look at my sports gear, I want to *love* it. Nice looking gear calls to you; it begs to be used. It beckons to you like a siren song. When I get my skis (or bikes, or longboards) out of storage for the season, it's like, "Hello, my pretties. I've been waiting for you."

No, I would never choose skis that were totally wrong for me based on graphics. And I can definitely choose lesser graphics on last season sales. It's just that loving the look of your gear adds another emotional attachment to the sport and your stuff and just makes it more fun. You spend a lot on your gear, not wrong for wanting it to look awesome too.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I don't care how shallow it is, but graphics matter! Haha. When I look at my sports gear, I want to *love* it. Nice looking gear calls to you; it begs to be used. It beckons to you like a siren song. When I get my skis (or bikes, or longboards) out of storage for the season, it's like, "Hello, my pretties. I've been waiting for you."

No, I would never choose skis that were totally wrong for me based on graphics. And I can definitely choose lesser graphics on last season sales. It's just that loving the look of your gear adds another emotional attachment to the sport and your stuff and just makes it more fun. You spend a lot on your gear, not wrong for wanting it to look awesome too.

I think you've hit on something, @RandomSkier . There's a psychological/emotional element there for me as well. My current quiver art is boring, but it doesn't make me want to run away and hide. Stickers . . . hmm . . . yes.

 

[altagirl]

Ok, this is clearly a killing-time-on-a-Tuesday-afternoon-in-October post, but would you ever buy a truly fantabulous ski that had graphics you absolutely hated? I'd like to think I would if the ski really was the ideal package for me, but there are limits. I'm not going to spend my time on a chair staring down at a large ugly insect, a misshapen human head, or a reptile in full strike mode. I can't wear Spyder attire b/c of the damn spider graphic, which just weirds me out (definite arachnophobe). Don't even get me started on scorpions.

Anyone else out there w/visceral reactions to certain graphics/logos?

While I would say that I do occasionally see graphics that I just couldn't deal with no matter the price or quality... I would LOVE skis with snakes, and... many if not most insects or arachnids, though that depends more on the scene than the critter. There are many styles of graphics that wouldn't appesl to me with them as the subject

But that's... to be expected I guess as someone who grew up with snakes as pets and loves photographing bees and spiders and such.... I think I spent half of my childhood wearing a pink t-shirt with a purple glitter boa constrictor wrapped around the arm and torso until that shirt literally fell apart. I'd so love graphics like that.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

My hubby had snakes for a long time (mostly before we were married). The Ball Python was tolerable, but no way was I going to feed it when he was away. I refused to even go to the pet store for mice.

There's probably an appealing and repulsive graphic(s) out there for everyone. It would be so cool to be able to order a personalized graphic from the manufacturer. That day is probably coming.

 

[DianneRose]

My hope/goal is to ski powder, so they should be covered most of the time! It’s all about the performance first and price second! Also, if they’re truly ugly, then maybe you don’t need to worry about them being stolen?

 

[Basil]

I won't buy skis if they are ugly. Too many choices out there of great skis to buy! I don't want to spend that amount of money on something I don't like the look of. But similarly, I wouldn't buy a ski just because I loved the graphic if they weren't a good ski for me. Fortunately, there are so many skis that are great skis and have attractive graphics, so I don't often run into the situation where I need to make these choices.

Some graphics that have turned me off - Most of K2's line over the past few years, particularly Disruption series with odd-looking square tips and ugly color combos. Several of the Rossignol Experience series (how is poop brown a good idea?) Anything that looks kind of juvenile or hints at bathroom, sex, or drug jokes.

I'm particularly fond of bright colors on skis since my ski outfit is grey, and I don't wear many bright colors as clothing.