realskiers

We are a small fraternity that actually likes sidecut.?

JB,

As you have stated previously, the appeal of the deep waisted ski is in decline. I'm wondering what the causes are? I can understand the appeal in bigger mountain western skiing, but, for the east, I think somewhere around 78 mm waist the ability to get on edge, perform at speed and remain comfortable all day long is optimized as a "daily driver". Maybe it's as simple as the newer skis just turn easier no matter what the waist. It amazes me on Epic when an eastern skier asks for recommendations, many recommend something around 88 and above. The Philpug's can ski a 88 in the east, but, how many ski with his ability and hard charging style?

One aspect of skiing that interests me is looking at those skiing down while I'm riding the chair. Honestly, I see very little skiing that excites me. I want to watch 1 in 20. So much tail pushing, standing straight up, hands at sides and making the same boring skids. Maybe it's just that if you are going to ski poorly, any ski will assist you in getting there. Perhaps the day of technique is over, replaced by instant gratification of just going fast. Somehow the concept of learning to ski first and then developing an individual style has been lost.
 
Certainly, ski manufactures benefit as skiers are enticed to get something new, and the sport needs money pumped into it. Hype is a great stimulant. I've benefited from a second ski to do things that my daily driver does not deliver, and, no knock intended on those seeking to extend the range of equipment they enjoy.

Maybe I'm just locking in on my personal beliefs and should not be so harsh on others enjoyment. Although we may like others to think and do as we do, it's just not the way of the world. What I believe is that we all need to match our individual needs to the ski we select, and, not to be in lock-step with a trend.

Rant over!

PS - Jim, congrats on starting a thread that has such a long life!

I wonder if its the snowboard influence.  People take a 30 minutes lesson and they are able to "board".  How many boarders do we watch that really use the edges. There are some that really can, but the vast majority (especially at local hills) are just sliding and skidding their way down the hill, and enjoying.  I think wide skis emulate some of that, and the width makes them easier to slide around without those nasty edges getting in the way.  Similarly, snowboards really float in powder -- so do the wide boards.

The other option is that it is slick marketing by the ski companies creating a market that really isn't there.

Bottom line question??  Are more of the "average" skiers excited about and having a good time skiing because of wide boards, even if it is only because they provide the illusion of big mountain skiing??  I think the answer is yes, and if they are enjoying it then its hard to fault them for the way they've found to enjoy outdoor physical activity.

My east coast ski is my Head SuperShape Magnums.  72 under the waist with pretty decent versatility.

http://shop.nextadventure.net/ski-logik-ullrs-chariot.html

just in case...

LOL, too funny!

Ron,
From the Real Skiers archives and living proof that you got your skiing progression done right and on a Supershape!

PS - If I had a house at the 'boat, I'd be a much fatter guy!

SKI: SuperShape w/FF12's 170's 121-66-107
Skier, level 8/9
AGE:42
Weight: 175
height 6

Conditions: Icy, hardpack to Fresh 8" of powder

Overview:The SS is truly an incredible ski!? This is simply the best ski I have ever skied on. Incredibly versitile, an absolute blast to ski on.? I did not ski on anything the SS couldn't handle. It's my 80% ski. (the IM82 is the 20%). Fast, nimble and rock solid. I would have to compare this most like a RX8.? It is not for intermediates!? It likes to be driven.? Skidders need not apply, you will not be happy! bring your technique and love of speed. Not a Sunday driver.

Icy hardpack and firm groomed day: Ski just thrives on ice and boilerplate, very stable and transitioning from ice to hardpack was seemless. This ski is just rock solid. Obviously, with the sidecut on this ski, carving is a dream, its so easy to rock this baby over and lay some of the tightest, deepest trenches! It is also happy to make large and medium turns, short turns are rapid fire, the ski is so nimble and perfectly balanced (for me) the reaction to minor movements is almost exaggerated. Just too much fun. You will want to drive this ski.

8" of fresh powder and piled up powder (blue level mogols)- I was thinking that I was crazy with these skis in the fresh powder. As I went down my first run, I was waiting for the sides to catch, nope didn't happen!? Don't be fooled by the 66mm waiste, the ski has so much float with the 122 up front and the 107 in back, it blasted through everything with ease. The only time it got caught up a bit was skiing GS turns across the fall line in about 1.5 foot piles of powder.? Even then it was manageable.? I actually demoed the 82's that day and that's where they sold me.

Ski the SS aggressively and actively, technique is a must, don't learn to carve on these, they aren't going to be a good choice, if you are a carve juncky like I am, you must ski them. Beg borrow or steal (just not mine) but? get on a pair.

Original of this review was posted on April 17, 2006

omg!  thats too funny...  my havent i progressed!   I'm such a gaper. 

btw- take a look at the date on my review my bet is that pre-dates the updated review peter/hh one posted......

yes, as always, you can ski a SS but I choose not to. Its not what I enjoy anymore. The most fun I have had on groomers has easily been the MX78. it almost made me want to ski a groomer for more than a day....  the 88 comes damn near close. (I may sell the 78's if only to afford the 100-105)

lineup for this season are the Benny's, a to-be-determined 100-105 ski (most likley setup for touring) and the 88's.

LP, I dont think I did a 180 on my words at all. In fact, I look at that and see how I have progressed to find skiing an ski's that I truly like. To evolve is good, to be stuck in the same ol' rut shows you have a closed mind and you are not open to find new things that y may enjoy more. I have no issues whatsoever about that review.  It's a very accurate and true review. At that time, it was what I was into.  I will be posting up new reivews in just a few months on new skis (In fact i already poste up reviews on the kaslte 88 this August) I will be on. The Bent Chetlers and others. I love trying different ski's, skiing new terrain, using different techniques but most of all, I love joy I realize through skiing hangng with others like-minded.

I can find other reviews if you like?  BTW- I loved that im82, for it's time it was a big pow board and it was the 1st ski I ever went off-piste with.  Now I am on a 142-123-135 20/20 rockered, low cambered toy!  Whoo-hooo! 

considering the average skier in on the snow less than 10 days (pretty sure it's 7.5 days) its a huge expense to take 3-4 family memebers to the slopes for the days, let alone take lessons (which most view as boring and a waste of their day) this is another reason for the popularity of snowboarding. Much lower cost, faster learning curve, to most its a social event.

Mike, you haven't flipped either, again, this is a ski that through technology and your progression of skills has made the width of the ski a non-sequetor, besides, the width of a ski is only one of many other factors that have a huge effect on it's performance/handling...