How Long To Get Used To A New Ski

[ronski]

How long does it take most of you to get used to a new ski. Assuming set up is near what you are used to. I have seen people run very close to their usual with only a ride or two while others seem to struggle. Is it proportional to technique where the more sound your technique is the faster you adapt? Is it confidence? I realize there can be a whole bunch of other variables but I was just wondering what others experiences were whether you change skis like your socks or have been on the same stick for years like me. The reason I ask is I had to get a new ski recently and love it but after about 40 rides still find myself improving on it without any changes despite my rotten technique.

[Horton]

"IF" the settings are good I can go down the line after 3 or 4 passes but that is my ONE talent in life. Most skiers take 3 to 10 rides I think.

 

You have to get through the honeymoon stage before you really know what you have.

 

At 40 rides the change is no longer the issue. You are growing as a skier.

[Chef23]

By the end of the first set I like to feel comfortable. Certainly after 3 or 4 sets I like to be running my practice average. I could certainly see continuing to improve on a new ski beyond 3 or 4 sets as you get more comfortable on it.

 

Last year I changed skis a couple of times I went from an A1 to an S2 and ran close to my practice PB the first set (3@35 off). I went to a Goode Mid later in the summer (because I couldn't keep the S2 I was on) and ran 32 the first set and 4@35 within the first several sets.

 

This summer I skied 3 sets on an A3 and never felt comfortable on it. By the 3rd set I managed to wobble through a 32 off but I never felt right on it. Maybe it was me but I didn't feel comfortable enough on it to consider buying it. When I got back on the Goode Mid I felt much better right away.

[Kelvin]

I've been on D3s for years and they always feel comfortable right away. I've tried other skis from time to time and never really get them to feeling as comfortable . But that's why @Chef23 was able to get such a good deal on his Goode Mid last year. Glad it worked out for you.

[ForrestGump]

Hell Kelvin, I saw you jump on that Nomad after your other ski broke and you looked better on it the first round!

[Kelvin]

Yeah, it took a set to get used to it, but I'm skiing really well on it right now. I was in a bind and needed something quick. Since it was a D3, it was the best alternative on short notice. Not sure where I should go from here after Regionals.

[Waternut]

I'm with @Horton. If the settings are correct, it shouldn't be a huge deal. Last year I hopped on a Strada and was running my usual easy passes but it felt funny. By the end of the first set, it felt very similar to my old ski but slightly better in some ways.

 

I ended up buying a used Strada (same year and size as the demo) and my first set I couldn't even get halfway down my opening pass after several attempts. Long story short, the fin settings were drastically different. I set it up as close to stock as I could with my current calipers and it was instantly better. When I started using the same style calipers the same way Radar uses them, I got even better.