Ski Recommendations

Cumby85 · May 9, 2014

Hi, new to this forum and looking for some suggestions/advice. I'm a previous skier that is looking at getting back into it with my family. Still have some equipment, but am probably going to need to find a slalom and maybe a trick ski. Let's just say that when I was skiing competitively, Kidder and EP were big brands. I'm hoping to find a solid performance slalom without breaking the bank. I'm fine with looking for something used. I just am not up to date as to what's out there and how much I should expect to spend to get a decent ski? Since I'm going to most likely have to get some equipment for the kids too, the cheaper I can get by with a decent ski, the better. Any recommendations on slaloms to look for and how much I should expect to pay? Same questions for a trick ski?

Horton · May 9, 2014

@Cumby85 Welcome aboard

I really need to write a something for the FAQ on this subject.

If you are not into deep shortline and want something on a budget you cannot go wrong with either of these skis.

http://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/10398/radar-senate-mini-review

http://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/10111/ho-cx-superlite-partial-review

For new gear please visit the BallOfSpray advertisers listed at the bottom of this post.

Used skis? Get them from http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Slalom

Remember that you generally get what you pay for. Used gear can be a killer deal or a total waste of money.

Cumby85 · May 9, 2014

Horton, on that senate, what's the big difference, beside cost, with the graphite vs. alloy? Also, will any brand binding work with most slaloms? Thanks.

Horton · May 9, 2014

Any new bindings will fit most skis. With back bindings Connelly and D3 use a wider patter for the back holes. Some Radars use this also. There are easy work arounds for almost any combination.

The Senate Graphite is built from slightly better materials. It will be faster and is a better ski.

Cumby85 · May 14, 2014

Horton, I'm most likely looking at having to pick up more equipment than I thought with getting the kids involved and needing a trick ski too. I may have to try to find something cheaper for now. Can you provide any recommendations on lower price point used skis that I might look for, maybe $200-$400 dollar range? I'm not concerned if its not the newest technology, or an older ski, as long as it is, or was, a tournament level ski capable of handling the slalom course. Thanks.

PurdueSkier · May 14, 2014

Tons of good stuff on ski it again. You do get what you pay for. It might be hard to find a good quality/condition ski under $400 with bindings but there are plenty sub $500 skis blank.

bogboy · May 16, 2014

@Cumby85‌, the latest generation triumph, IMO. Stable, reliable, and pretty fast. ( with the steps) I would love to try the new tx sl also, as well as the cx sl.

bogboy · May 16, 2014

I messed up... I meant to post the above to @gottaski in his " best course learning ski for 30mph". Will make a note to him in that colum.

Cumby85 · January 28, 2015

Horton, I missed an opportunity this fall to go test out some skis. Life happens. I'm seeing some Radar Strada's on Ski It Again that aren't terribly expensive. Wondering about it vs. the Senate for a good ski to get me back on the water and still give me something to grow into. Would that also be a good choice for someone that has not spent a lot of time in the course and has not been skiing for a long time?

The_MS · January 28, 2015

Yes

bigtex2011 · January 28, 2015

@cumby85 i ski on a radar. i didnt like the strada. i would go with a used vapor. more will show up on ski it again as early spring and summer nears good times chris

jjackkrash · January 28, 2015

@Cumby85. One of my ski buddies went from barely running 28 mph to running 28 off@ 34 mph on a Senate in about 2 seasons. I am on a Strada. Its a good ski, but frankly I skied better on my older Connelly F1. I am currently in the market for a new ski. I think either a Senate or a Strada would be fine, but I wouldn't shy away from the Senate.

lpskier · January 30, 2015

@jackkrash If you liked your F1, you would love the Prophecy. The Prophecy is replaced with the GT in 2015. I haven't tried it yet, but the reports are great.