WideManiv Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Hey y'all, I'm a beginner skier looking to make purchase a pair for myself and my girlfriend (She's intermediate) this valentine's day. What brands do you like the best and can you justify why? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 26, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted January 26, 2019 Think more in terms of skiers level of skill, where you ski, what you ski behind and get back to us. Brand means very little compared to what the ski is designed to do be it beginner, intermediate, advanced or pro. All companies have varied levels of skis related to skill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jimski Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Customer service RADAR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skinonstop Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Radar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller bigskieridaho Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Radar by far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Rednucleus Posted January 26, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted January 26, 2019 I am so happy with my HO and the support I have received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Intermediate is a broad category... Radar Senate HO Ommi Connelly V Raw beginner Butterknife Freeride ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Radar - like the skis and they are easy to get inexpensively Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gsm_peter Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Don't forget the bindings. Can have a major impact on the skiing experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Orlando76 Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Depends on the year and as mentioned, skill level. Radar has best customer service hands down. Sometimes Radar has a great ski for me, then some years not so. D3 makes a great consistant and forgiving ski but up until the 2018 D3 NRG the D3 skis just hadn’t worked well for me. Radar is the only manufacturer that comes to my mind that makes a great effort in the intermediate skier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wayne Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 @WideManiv based on how you opened this thread it looks like you will be making a purchase without taking the opportunity try a few different skis. All of the ski manufacturers have great options that perform well, you almost cannot go wrong when at your level(s) with any brand. I’ve seen and experienced good customer service from Radar, HO and Connolly. They each have their own way but no negatives. Will you and your girlfriend go to a local shop for the purchase? If yes, I would follow what @gsm_peter said and choose bindings you are comfortable with then go with a ski of that manufacturer. There are some cross brand compatibility but it’s easier at your level to have a matching ski and binding manufacturer. Bindings you are not comfortable with can ruin what could be a great ski. After that, ski, ski, ski! Nothing better than time on the water with people you care about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller VONMAN Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 2018 D3 EVO Over the years had lot's of other brands. But always found myself back on a D3. Custom, Z7-ST, Fusion, Quest and now a EVO. And all the skis I've use since the D3 Custom have been with D3 leverage boots. Great ski, great company service and never had one break or wear out. Ernie Schlager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Drew_Wright_OBXtoFl Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 Radar. Tried others HO Good D3 and I keep going back. Top line 2016 ski from Radar is still my favorite all time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sodbuster88 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 +1 for D3 (I’m still on the Q45 and love it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MDB1056 Posted January 26, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 26, 2019 As essentially beginners I would go used on Ski it again . Some GREAT skis there for little money that will give you great experience and not break the bank . All those mentioned are great brands . I’m an HO guy but have been flirting with Radar and D3 as well. Get started as you’ll go through multiple skis the more you ski. Owning different skis is half the fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller APB Posted January 27, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 27, 2019 RADAR. Easy choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtmecheng Posted January 27, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 27, 2019 From what I've seen on here HO, Connelly, and Radar all have good customer service. I personally had great experiences with HO. They did an awesome job making a small manufacturer defect on some bindings right. Helps that I like the Omni. If you can't demo skies then all you can do is pick one and roll with it (there are still some sales on 2018s depending on your size). All three companies make great skies for the beginner to intermediate level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MDB1056 Posted January 27, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 27, 2019 Buy used - save 50% or more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skier2788 Posted January 27, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 27, 2019 For me at a an early stage in your skiing life I would find out what local support you have and go with that brand. If there is a local pro that rides a particular brand or even a good pro shop. Someone that can help you setup the ski and tune it is helpful. What part of the world are you in? For me it's Radar. Have skied other brands and always go back to radar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskier Posted January 28, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 28, 2019 Radar, excellent customer service, can demo in Orlando. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Garn Posted January 28, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 28, 2019 For me it is HO hands down. The customer service simply cannot be beat by anyone. From skis, to ropes to anything they make, they stand behind it 100%. And if I were you I would take a close look at the Omni. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OKSkier Posted January 31, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 31, 2019 RADAR - Period. Amazing customer service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller aspski Posted January 31, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 31, 2019 I've only ever owned HO skis but my favourite brand is Radar which is weird. I will probably be going Radar for my next ski. Both my wife and I are on HOs which we both like though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Windsurfnut Posted January 31, 2019 Baller Share Posted January 31, 2019 Radar. Very well detailed differences of each model and construction of skis, and what to expect from each. Easy to shop and compare for skill level. Great marketing. Awesome pre sale and after sale service/support. I'm on my 5th Radar ski, wife has a radar and both kids on radars. We're a radar supporting family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonvandenbrink Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 We have had great experiences with Connelly Products. I ski a Concept with double bindings. My dad is 62 and skis the "Big Daddy". I like the hinge bindings, but they all probably make a version of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 RADAR...They make good looking stuff that performs very well. They are in touch with and respond to what the market wants. Also @brooks and team will take care of you if any issues arise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 @jasonvandenbrink the hinge findings were only available for a short time and are NLA. No one else really tried that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Golfguy Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 I'm surprised Goode isn't mentioned. I see many top skiers riding Goode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 @Golfguy - I guess it could meet the title of the thread but would you recommend this guy buy himself one as a beginner? I know they're not in my top...4 for next SKI I would consider buying at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtmecheng Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 This thread is like Chevy versus Ford or Honda versus Toyota. It's really interesting to read how some think a brand is so much better than the others, not by year but for many years. I wonder how many here that say they like one brand so much better than another have tested the current Omni, Senate, and V models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted February 2, 2019 Baller_ Share Posted February 2, 2019 @vtmecheng insightful ...but Denali is clearly the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ToddA Posted February 2, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 2, 2019 I have found HO has great customer service and support, as well as great products. @savaiusini and all the guys at the top of the HO Team are really committed to producing a great product, as well as pushing the tech and design of the sport forward. I can say that you wouldn't be disappointed in going HO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakecuz23 Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 There is no right answer. The best thing is to find a ski that fits your skill level and price range. Ski-it-again.com is a great place to find a deal on a used ski. Read forums and figure out what ski is good for you. HO CX/TX, HO Omni, and Radar Senate are some common skis that are great for beginners/intermediates. If you are a short-line skier, An HO A-series (A3 in particular) is also a great ski. Do your research and gets whats best for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JBB Posted February 4, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 4, 2019 @jasonvandenbrink @BraceMaker ... What are hinge bindings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted February 5, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 5, 2019 @JBB hinge tech was something connelly introduced mid 2000s where you have a lever behind the heel that when flipped down makes getting into the boot easier. I dont think they have had it on a slalom binding for a long while. And it's only on wake bindings for kids now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DaveD Posted February 5, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 5, 2019 I'm a D3 fan but can't speak to their customer service because I've never had a problem with anything I've bought from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Booze Posted February 5, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 5, 2019 @Golfguy - maybe it just goes without being said. Me being a person who rides, arguably of course, as many sticks as Hortonism, I can say it really is much like Chevy vs Ford vs Toyota vs Dodge, etc etc. Goodes have consistently over a period of time resonated with me more so than the other brands. Who's to say if I stayed on a Vapor or Omni or GTR or any other high end ski, could I ski as well or better in the long run? It's hard to say. But I have respect and props to all the guys at the different companies and have nothing bad to say about any of them. @WideManiv - I think you should speak to someone at a ski shop/dealer and get a ski that is easy to ride. It's analogous to...say...you need a simple inexpensive vehicle to carry around kids and groceries and such. Most of the car manufacturers have offerings that could fit the bill. A Porsche Panamera would ceratinly be nice, but a Ford minivan might be easier to use every day. It's gonna come down to what feel and features you like best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jriester33 Posted February 6, 2019 Baller Share Posted February 6, 2019 Go with HO, great equipment and the best customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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