First (proper) new ski day. Total cost <$700. Now the long wait begins...
Posted May 4, 2023, 4:29 PM UTC
12256
Is this a good time to buy skis? New to skiing so looking for suggestions. Also, will it make sense for an intermediate to go for a Atomic Maverick 86 C if it's ~400$ with bindings? Height 6 ft weight 220lbs
10
yes, this is the best time to buy NEW skis. used skis would be in the fall when everyone starts buying new skis again.
13
End of season is the best time to buy. Everywhere is looking to close out old stock to make way for next season's gear.
While I would encourage you to support your local shop there was a ~$175 price difference in what I paid for the skis online vs what my local store had them priced at, even at discount. The bindings were sub$300 online and weren't on sale here.
I am, unfortunately, not made of money so I had to limit my local support to the mounting.
9
i hear you. it's very difficult to justify "supporting local business" especially if you're supporting inefficiencies. ultimately, they're not makers of skis. they're retailers. so, the laws of capitalism should win out because we're not helping anyone by promoting higher priced products for no good reason. a ski hill is an entirely different story because that's subject to geographical and weather conditions and is an actual local product.
3
Do check the local shop though. I was able to beat the online prices at my local shop. It may be “inefficient” but the shops are contributing to the local economy and some people want/need the advice provided by a real person.
4
i'm not questioning the rationale of shopping at a local store entirely and i have shopped locally too and I do value the advice (even though there's always some upsell pressure). the trouble i have in this specific scenario is i'm set on a model and can't find a store that's advertising it as in-stock at a close price point. then it becomes a needle in a haystack problem and more convenient/efficient to buy online. anyway, a lot of the online sellers were similar stores that figured out how to scale their businesses better.
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you are allowed to negotiate with the shops. They might match the price and sometimes they're just looking to move inventory to have space for next year's stuff.
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That’s a good point about negotiation.
Next time, if the price disparity isn’t so much I feel like a jerk.
1
This is the truth. Bought a pair of north face pants for $160 on the spot, next day on the hill i saw the same pair on Evo’s website (same color, same size) on sale for $70. I was pretty disappointed, but I justified it with at least supporting the local shop.
I will also add, that same local shop lent me a board bag for my 6 day BC trip this January at absolutely no cost. So $160 pants were worth it in hindsight if that’s the only reason he decided to pull the bag out after I couldn’t find the rollerbag I was looking to buy.
Support when you can, but sometimes saving $90 is just financially the smarter decision
edit: wording
2
I have the same bindings….let me know if you figure out how to get your boot out without scraping up the paint on the rear lol.
2
They don’t hit the boot plastic but if I am not perfectly alighted the rubber sole rubs on the metal arms when I step in.
1
This was my first full season of skiing and I got the 86 c at the start of the season. I’ve used them in boot deep powder, packed powder, boiler plate, and corn in tuckerman ravine. They hold up in all those conditions but I think they shine in softer snow. Great in the trees and bumps but also able to carve short radius on the groomers. If you like going really fast there’s probably better options but I think these skis have really allowed me to progress. I’m 6’6 200lbs and am using the 184cm.
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thanks. sounds like a good idea. i'll probably pick up the 184cms as well.
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Maverick 86C will be an awesome intermediate ski that will allow you to grow as a skier and get into more off-piste skiing if you want but also will be great on groomers
2
That's a good price.
Depending on where you ski the 86c might be a bit one dimensional for groomers.
You are also a bigger guy so I'd be worried you'd outgrow that ski in a season, since that is a lighter softer ski. If you weighed 150 I'd be less concerned.
I'd consider something with metal, which will not necessarily be harder to turn on.
https://www.powder7.com/K2-Mindbender-99Ti-Skis-177cm-Used-2022/for-sale
Or something a bit wider if you ski in the west (I own this ski it's easy to ski).
https://www.powder7.com/Atomic-Bent-Chetler-100-Skis-172cm-Used-2022/for-sale
I'd get a 175+ length at your size as an intermediate and not outgrow it right away.
1
thanks. i did demo brahma 88 180cm and it skied totally great. but i kind of grow into whatever machine or tool i use and seldom complain about it unless it's completely bad. so it's a little hard for me to compare and contrast. i'll look into your suggestion as well. i do have a very functional beginner ski. an elan element 168. can't fault it for whatever icecoast has thrown at me. i'm not into speed (can't risk an injury) so it works fine. just hoping for an upgrade that's longer, wider and more responsive and hoping i unlock new abilities with that.
1
For east coast, at your weight I definitely get something metal. Blizzard makes skis with remarkable edge grip, it will cut into ice coast better and be much more stable at your weight than a carbon ski. The weight of the ski itself makes a big difference for stability in crud and chop as well as generally torsional stiffness for edge power.
If you felt comfortable on a 188 Brahma, you are good enough to handle most any ski that's not brutally unforgiving. I'd say get something over 180 in length.
If you want to dive into the rabbit hole Blister ski reviews. Some standouts
Line Blade optic 96 K2 Mindbender 89/99ti Blizzard Brahma/Bonafide Volkl kendo/mantra
Skis for these days are all pretty well made and designed.
1
If you’ve gotten good enough to the point where the addiction is starting to set in and all you want to do is ski, then just get decent equipment from the start. If you’re still iffy and it feels like a chore to ski then no
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get your ass to big snow and try them out
5
Rasta pivots!
5
Congrats! I always loved Look bindings! They’re just kinda cool in the way others aren’t 🤷🏻♀️
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While my vanity likes the idea of looking cool, and I think the matching colors does that, I am terrified about blowing out a knee as I close in on 40. Hence I splurged for the "safest" binding.
They are definitely too much binding for me. I am a level 2+ skier trying to close the gap to level 3. The shop set me at din 8.5 (6'2", 180#, athletic) and I am worried that even that is pushing it. I am never going to get to their top end.
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If it’s a good shop, trust it. That DIN sounds reasonable. As a former racer and current coach, I’ll say that ACL tears are often the result of trying to recover from a crash. If you’re going down, don’t fight it! Just go down. My two cents. Trust but verify here. Would hate you to just take my word as ski gospel!
5
FYI, the Pivot is an old design that is no more safe than any other binding without a lateral heel, which is almost all of them. They offer great vertical elasticity, which is nice for not coming out of them when you don't want to.
Protectors and knee bindings are the only options that offer lateral heel elasticity. Of those two, the protectors are a more modern design.
4
I was unaware of the Protector but I can't say I am particularly bummed about missing it.
For me first gen equipment is always incredibly suspect. While I am an early adopter in electronics and don't mind if I get burned I go the other way with stuff like this.
1
I thought the Protector binding was the safest
3
Got these bindings at the start of the season. You're going to absolutely love them.
3
Same. The only disappointment is when they scuff white plastic shows through.
May need some rasta sharpies to fill it in
2
Those are sexy and I’m jealous. Love the rustlers, one of my favorite skis I demoed this year.
3
Best alpine binding that money could buy 😎
3
Jay Peak is still open for two more days. No need to wait!!
3
Unfortunately (?) it is my 4 YO twins birthday this weekend and family is coming in. I am a couple hours away and I foolishly returned the kids yearly ski rental when the deluge of rain hit a couple weeks back.
2
Congrats man. It’s definitely the time to snag those deals. Did the same and got the bent 110s and Salomon strive 14s. Enjoy.
2
Thats simultaneously the worst and best! Getting new gear at a great price but than having to wait all year to use it. I feel for you, truly!
2
I demoed the 102's, I thought they were pretty good
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Nice sticks. I’ve had the first gen blizzard Cochise for a little over a decade now and they are fantastically versatile. You’ll like the rustler a lot I think
2
that is my first one that I bought a month ago. I am going to the mountain early next month 😁😁 Price of skis and Marker griffon 13 binding was $600. It was a good deal 40% off at the Sports Basement.
2
I have the exact same set up, took them out west for a end of season trip, can’t wait to use them next year
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I have that exact same combo down to the length. Really enjoyed them last season.
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Those are sick 🤙🏼🤙🏼
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Brother if these are your first looks congratulations. I’m about a year ahead of you and your in for a treat I’m so much better on these things than my old set up which was quite good attacks.
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First ones. First non demo/ski swap skis too. I overbought for my skill level but that is what progression is about right?
My kids (4 YO twins) did their first season this year and I realized how much time I was planning to spend on the mountain in the next few years and went for it.
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If you know you’re ski style not an over buy if you don’t then yes
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I know what I am working towards: hitting bigger jumps and more steeps.
Also, if I’m being honest, my gear will see some abuse. In an embarrassing occurrence my skis got knocked over by the kids (I didn’t place them in a very secure area) and the binding and ski edge at the tip have a scratch. I’m sure this won’t be the last time. Happy to have something where when not if that happens again I’m not stressing about it.
1
Are they 18s full metal? That’s what I have and they’re supposed to last a liftime
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Dins at 8? Why do you get 18’s?
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15s
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Pretty sure there is still skiing on Mt. Hood, Oregon!⛷️
1
Those Looks are hot. Makes me wish there was more skiing in Jamaica
Stratton is right next to Jamaica, VT ;)
John Candy would be proud....