Expertskier Reviews

[jbotti]

Peter has the first batch of reviews up for the 2012-2013 season. Of the big brands only Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar K2 and Head are posted. A few skis to highlight. It appears that most really like the Head Rev 85. Max has skied it and essentially agrees with the Review. The other ski that looks like it will get traction is the Rev 105. This is what we have been calling a marketing rocker ski, with limited amounts of early rise in the tip (can't remember if this has any tail rise or not). Head produced a similar ski last year with again what I would call marketing rocker and that is the Rock N Roll. This is a great ski that carves with skis that are much thinner than it's 95mm waist and it's a great off piste ski. Peter's review on this ski is way off base and the review says that essentially this ski can't be laid over. Max and I watched Harald arc some of the nicest tight GS turns at speed on very steep hard snow last year. Max and I have also skied the Rock N Roll and again the review is just not even close to reality.

Nice to see the first reviews. It's an annual reminder that skis season is coming and it's times to start thinking about skiing again (in case anyone stopped thinking about it!!).

[Liam]

How did the Rev 85 stack up with the peak 84 it replaces?  Any reason to go to the 90??

Quite a few of last year's peak series are floating around the local shops, at good prices...

[jbotti]

I have not skied any of the Revs. I know that Max has and I think he would say save your money and buy the Peak 84 or 90 at a discount. Both are wonderful skis.

[ToddW]

A year or two back, they added a new category "builds confidence."  What surprised me the other day when I looked through the first reviews was that almost every ski reviewed got a thumbs up on builds confidence.  Only a low single digit number of skis got the neither inspires nor inhibits confidence mark. 

Grade inflation or every improving ski design?

edit: fix typo

[Liam]

You know, that's a good observation Todd.

I suspect it has to do with the unique experiences of Peter K, himself.  He has been a 'gear guy' since the early 1960's and he retains a pretty good memory of equipment from then to now.  I'm fairly certain that just about any ski (or ski product) 'builds confidence' when compared to the pre-plastic boots and long, long skinny skis Peter first reviewed.

 

[jbotti]

Update: the review on the Rock N Roll has been modified and it is now much more indicative of how Max and I view this ski. It's a great ski. Put it on your demo list.

[jim-ratliff]

You know, it feels pretty good to be reading about skis instead of bicycles.


John, I will move this to the Ski Review forum at some point, but OK to be here for now.

[Philpug]

If anyone wants a NEW pair of Peak 84 in a 177 with bindings for 300 plus shipping, call me at 530-582-5781

[jim-ratliff]

Phil:
That's very tempting. I demoed these at Sugar Bush last year and really liked them -- MUCH better than my Watea 84's.  Hmmm.  You may hear from me after the weekend, even though I've sworn not to buy skis this year.


What kind of bindings? Head Power Rail?
Jim

[Philpug]

They have the power rails. Shipping will be about $30.00. If you want a Start Haus tune, that will be $60.00 so for less than $400.00 you are getting one of the best skis from this past seasoned tuned and ready to go.

[dan.boisvert]

... even though I've sworn not to buy skis this year.

I did the same, and have already bought a pair.  That's a great deal--I think you should go for it!

[jim-ratliff]

Phil:


OK, since everyone is pushing me along, I'm going to get the skis.  I'll give you a call on Monday when I'm back from the wilds of New York's Delaware River Valley.
 
Precision Tune in Frisco has been our go-to place for the past few years, but since StartHaus has the John Botti seal of approval, I will go for the tune as well.  I like 1 degree base and 3 degree side bevels, but someone told me that .5 degree base and 2.5 degree side bevel works better with wider skis (not that I can tell the difference). No detuning of the tip or tail, please.  And thanks for such a great price. Will talk to you Monday.

[LivingProof]

Way to go Jimbo! If memory serves me correctly, this will be the first purchase for the 12-13 season by a forum member (excluding late season purchases from last year). It gets the juices flowing. I was close to pulling a deal for a Kastle LX92 in a 170, but,

I admit to being tempted by Phil's deal, and, the Start Haus tune on my Kastle's was first class. Given the spotty reputation of off-the-rack Head skis, I say money well spent. Phil and Start Haus are a great resource for anyone looking for new skis.

I've had some conversations with Phil about replacing my 184 Sultan 94's, just a little to long and cumbersome for me. I'll  exchange the high speed performance for increased quickness. The Start Haus consignment ski sale starts this week, so, there may be something of interest that Phil may surface in a softer snow, mid-80 waist, high 170's length ski.

[midwif]

Jim called expecting to hear me say "no Jim, that's too much over lap and you have really been happy with the Watea's. " Instead he got encouragement to go ahead at that price! Especially since they are a dying breed of ski. I he did demo them last year at the February meet up and liked them.

Now I am getting the bargain bug.

Phil, any Peak 84's in a 155 size for a 120 lb woman -- or something else you know works well with tip to turn type skiing?

Yes, it IS wonderful to be talking skis/skiing again.

Thanks, Lynn

[jbotti]

Peak 84 is a great ski. I own the 177 with a power rail binding. Phil's price is tough to beat. I would be careful with .5 degree base. That will get very grabby on any snow that has much moisture content.