These question/answer sessions are very helpful. Seems like so many people ask the same questions I’ve had! Love how frequently you post as well, I always look forward to hearing what you recommend!
Hi....I've really been enjoying your reviews and perspective on skis, length, width, etc. I've been trying to use something around 100mm underfoot as my daily ski for maybe ten years, and I haven't liked any of them on groomers. They're ok, but in the end, really boring. My groomer ski is either a pair of Head 181 GS or Blizzard 165 SL, with exactly zero versatility off the groomed. So I took a very minor leap last night for a pair of your beloved Atomic Maverick 88 ti's and some Look SPX 12 bindings for a delivered price of $510. I remember my first pair of 90mm skis after using nothing but long straight skinny skis, and they were a revelation. Now I'm going back to that width and every hopeful that at last I'll have something fun on the groomers but able to go all over the mountain. Thank you!
All my skis are 1 season demos. Easy way to save money, easy to adjust to any boot, easy to resell to someone else. With that said, there's sometimes sales for new that are as good as demos, but I'd never buy used boots.
First things first: love your channel. Honest and authentic content, the studio setup in your yard is just topnotch 👏👍😂very much appreciated 🙏 2 years ago I bought myself the K2 Mindbender 89Ti and not regretting it. Serves me as my one ski quiver. I spend most of the time on groomers. In the alps pow days are getting scarce and with my almost 50 years of age taking it a bit more relaxed these days. But yeah, started thinking about abandoning my 1 ski quiver approach and to get me a wider ski for more off-piste days with my younger brothers and additionally a more powerful carver. The K2 Disruption 78 I demoed two years ago felt super nice...but the Black Crows Octo you mentioned could be worth to check out. Wondering how the lack of a titanal layer is impacting grip and power. let‘s see. Living in Zurich, Switzerland and skiing mostly in the eastern part of Switzerland and Tirol Austria. Just give a shout out if you plan to visit next winter the alps. Would be more than happy to make some runs with you or have a drink or two at aprés-ski. 🍻 Cheers., Jan
I did the ski swap thing in the late 90's when I was new to skiing. Agree w/the lot here far as used boots goes no way. Used skis I'm unopposed to a good demo sale etc. In 2002 I had a new pair of Volant's were 1 delaminated, and the long defunct SportsMart exchanged and upgraded me no problem. Done well on both new & used skis there's merits to both. I get an instant smile and happiness when I see you've posted a new video thank you!
Thank you Elliot for reviewing my quiver. I am a grown man but right now I am giggling like a little girl. I most certainly will try the Octo when I have chance. Luckily my home hill Himos (not going to call it a mountain) has quite often dedicated BlackCrows demo days. About used versus new skis I have a bit to say. Long time ago I bought a used pair of Rossignol Soul 7. Because they were cheap I dared to try a type of ski I had not tried before. First few weeks they felt weird and scary but then something just clicked and started to like them more and more. I started to try new things and ways of skiing. I can honestly say that that pair of Soul 7 changed me as a skier. I still think about them almost every day. Demo days are not long enough for me to get to know a pair of skis or in this case more importantly a type of ski well enough. Used skis are a good way if you want to try something profoundly new. Thanks again for great content.
Could we get BlackCrows to make the Octo in pink or purple? I believe all skiis need to have a purple/pink colour scheme. 😤😂 Also, wrt used skis & boots. Bought my first pair of boots last year and they didn't fit properly. I have EE-EEE wide feet. Got mysellf fitted for boots this spring at EVO PDX and those feel great on my feet. Used boots deffinitely not worth it. Used skiis are hit or miss in my short experience. Got a pair of Slomon stance for $225 a month ago. I feel like they will be great for Ice coast skiing.
I ski in Utah and Tahoe and I must say that if you are looking for something to carve on and go off trail with - Fischer Ranger (have the 94 FR and 102 FR), Nordica Unleashed (have the 98) or perhaps the new Ripstick 102 would be perfect. The Rangers feel like they have autopilot on - there is no place that you can't go with them. The Unleashed is a little more work in tight spaces but a lot more supportive at high speeds. Only boiler plate ice is where high edge angles are a challenge. I was watching the Ski Essentials review of the Ripsitck 102 and I must say I am interested to try them if I get a chance. My problem is that I am looking for a pair of skis to replace my Soul 7s and it seems RicketySkiReviews as well as everyone else is pushing me towards Bent 110, but I am split between those and BC Atris or Moment WildCat. Any suggestions?
I love Soul 7 (original, not the HD). I have spent a lot of money to find anything similar. The absolute best I could find was Armada Tracer 108. Sadly, they do not make those anymore. If you can find used Tracers, I would give them a try. I have tried the Atris. They are good, but they do not feel like Soul 7. They are too hardcore and too serious, if you can catch my drift.
Boots and skis are consumable equipment. I mean, there are only so many good days in either before they lose their flex, lose their stiffness, etc. Used never made sense to me unless someone is literally giving stuff away. Sure, used ski clothing is great, but the technology in clothing hasn't moved as fast as it has with skis and boots.
One thing I would add is never ever ever buy ski boots online. You cannot buy them simply on the basis of brand. Its all about your foot shape, weight, and body type, and a qualified boot fitter is pure gold in terms of getting the right boot and the right fit. That's why good ski shops carry multiple brands of boot.
As a heavy body type, experienced advanced, not aggressive skier and Deacon 84 owner, I personally do not recommend this ski for an intermediate skier, or it must be sized down with one size. It skies a lot longer than size, extremely grippy and the tail is quite stiff. Take it into consideradtion. If there is a Montero AR is already in the quiver, it does not make sense buying a Deacon 84 IMHO.
When it comes to having a lot of skis to maintain and having to wax them, why not try phantom glide? Especially for daily drivers it can save a lot of money. With some pairs of skis yeah keep them waxed like racing or park skis. Ive never had a problem using phantom on my skis. Would love to hear back from anyone!
To me it depends on the ski model and the shop from which you would buy them used. Example, my sons are both rocking faction prodigy and are skiing them like beasts. I am shocked to report that though the top sheets are rather mangled, the bases and edges are in great condition. My ranger frs on the other hand seem to have a rather flimsy build and I would honestly not buy a pair of those used. So I guess it comes down to how durable of a build the ski is and how thorough the shop is when they say Used Condition 8.5 (Powder7). I can confirm that "lonepinegearx" is a hit and miss and I would encourage zooming on the pics before you buy. In the end if you want a screaming deal .... I suppose I have too many pairs of ski so I won't mind sharing the info - Sierra Trading Post - Got a pair of Faction Agent 2's for 149.99 NEW. Slap a strive 14 for $150, also new from eBay and you got yourself a nice pair of whatever skis for $300 (can't really complain about it). New mmmmm will never pay retail as I know that markup is way too much (a classmate of mine's family own the factories where Atomic Maven and BC Captis are made, so I have some idea of how much it costs to produce).
I don’t have any problem buying used gear as long as I can get an accurate usage history and I can see it’s in good condition. Just bought QST 106s with Pivot 15s that were skied less than 10 days last season with no base damage, but some top sheet scratches from a shop tech that realized he wanted more playful twin tip skis instead. Skied them a few days at the end of the season and they were great. They were $650, but over $1200 new with the fresh wax and tube he just did before selling them.
Long time subscriber here, I’m a big mountain/freestyle skier in Colorado, I daily a Volkl revolt 104, Rossi sender 94 for carving, and k2 recliner 112. Either gonna get a qst 106 or blank which should I get?
Can assume people who buy used ski boots also buy other used clothing and/or footwear?? I agree with the commentor below that I would never buy used boots. But gently used skis?? Absolutely. When you can get (out the door) 2023 top-of-the-line skis with bindings that don't require a remount (demo or not) for less than $500 is a no brainer. Regarding REI, you get one free machine wax per day per membership. Technically, you can wax your skis every single day if you want while the shop is open (October-April??) I get like 20 free waxes per season. I love it. The Jackson, San Diego, and Millcreek REI locations are fantastic.
I've had a series of disasters with used race skis (I coach) - the edges are already narrow when new, and they just get used up from filing here on the East Coast. I've had really good success with SkiYard on their early season deals, so shout out to Western NY. Anybody else find the FIS skis last way better for flex than the consumer models? This channel comment section is the best.
Someone already pointed this out, but Calgary is not on the East. My apologies for the mix up.
These question/answer sessions are very helpful. Seems like so many people ask the same questions I’ve had! Love how frequently you post as well, I always look forward to hearing what you recommend!
Hi....I've really been enjoying your reviews and perspective on skis, length, width, etc. I've been trying to use something around 100mm underfoot as my daily ski for maybe ten years, and I haven't liked any of them on groomers. They're ok, but in the end, really boring. My groomer ski is either a pair of Head 181 GS or Blizzard 165 SL, with exactly zero versatility off the groomed. So I took a very minor leap last night for a pair of your beloved Atomic Maverick 88 ti's and some Look SPX 12 bindings for a delivered price of $510. I remember my first pair of 90mm skis after using nothing but long straight skinny skis, and they were a revelation. Now I'm going back to that width and every hopeful that at last I'll have something fun on the groomers but able to go all over the mountain. Thank you!
I just learned my local shop is going to have the Octo available for demo next season. So stoked to try that out.
Oh rad!
All my skis are 1 season demos. Easy way to save money, easy to adjust to any boot, easy to resell to someone else. With that said, there's sometimes sales for new that are as good as demos, but I'd never buy used boots.
First things first: love your channel. Honest and authentic content, the studio setup in your yard is just topnotch 👏👍😂very much appreciated 🙏
2 years ago I bought myself the K2 Mindbender 89Ti and not regretting it. Serves me as my one ski quiver. I spend most of the time on groomers. In the alps pow days are getting scarce and with my almost 50 years of age taking it a bit more relaxed these days. But yeah, started thinking about abandoning my 1 ski quiver approach and to get me a wider ski for more off-piste days with my younger brothers and additionally a more powerful carver. The K2 Disruption 78 I demoed two years ago felt super nice...but the Black Crows Octo you mentioned could be worth to check out. Wondering how the lack of a titanal layer is impacting grip and power. let‘s see.
Living in Zurich, Switzerland and skiing mostly in the eastern part of Switzerland and Tirol Austria. Just give a shout out if you plan to visit next winter the alps. Would be more than happy to make some runs with you or have a drink or two at aprés-ski. 🍻
Cheers., Jan
He skis in the west. West of Calgary. Approximately straight north of you.
Omg, I totally messed up where Calgary is, apologies
Poor Canadian rockies 😆
I did the ski swap thing in the late 90's when I was new to skiing. Agree w/the lot here far as used boots goes no way. Used skis I'm unopposed to a good demo sale etc. In 2002 I had a new pair of Volant's were 1 delaminated, and the long defunct SportsMart exchanged and upgraded me no problem. Done well on both new & used skis there's merits to both. I get an instant smile and happiness when I see you've posted a new video thank you!
Thanks for watching!
@@RicketySkiReviews Thanks for being You!
Thank you Elliot for reviewing my quiver. I am a grown man but right now I am giggling like a little girl. I most certainly will try the Octo when I have chance. Luckily my home hill Himos (not going to call it a mountain) has quite often dedicated BlackCrows demo days. About used versus new skis I have a bit to say. Long time ago I bought a used pair of Rossignol Soul 7. Because they were cheap I dared to try a type of ski I had not tried before. First few weeks they felt weird and scary but then something just clicked and started to like them more and more. I started to try new things and ways of skiing. I can honestly say that that pair of Soul 7 changed me as a skier. I still think about them almost every day. Demo days are not long enough for me to get to know a pair of skis or in this case more importantly a type of ski well enough. Used skis are a good way if you want to try something profoundly new.
Thanks again for great content.
Could we get BlackCrows to make the Octo in pink or purple? I believe all skiis need to have a purple/pink colour scheme. 😤😂
Also, wrt used skis & boots. Bought my first pair of boots last year and they didn't fit properly. I have EE-EEE wide feet. Got mysellf fitted for boots this spring at EVO PDX and those feel great on my feet. Used boots deffinitely not worth it.
Used skiis are hit or miss in my short experience. Got a pair of Slomon stance for $225 a month ago. I feel like they will be great for Ice coast skiing.
I ski in Utah and Tahoe and I must say that if you are looking for something to carve on and go off trail with - Fischer Ranger (have the 94 FR and 102 FR), Nordica Unleashed (have the 98) or perhaps the new Ripstick 102 would be perfect. The Rangers feel like they have autopilot on - there is no place that you can't go with them. The Unleashed is a little more work in tight spaces but a lot more supportive at high speeds. Only boiler plate ice is where high edge angles are a challenge. I was watching the Ski Essentials review of the Ripsitck 102 and I must say I am interested to try them if I get a chance. My problem is that I am looking for a pair of skis to replace my Soul 7s and it seems RicketySkiReviews as well as everyone else is pushing me towards Bent 110, but I am split between those and BC Atris or Moment WildCat. Any suggestions?
I love Soul 7 (original, not the HD). I have spent a lot of money to find anything similar. The absolute best I could find was Armada Tracer 108. Sadly, they do not make those anymore. If you can find used Tracers, I would give them a try. I have tried the Atris. They are good, but they do not feel like Soul 7. They are too hardcore and too serious, if you can catch my drift.
Boots and skis are consumable equipment. I mean, there are only so many good days in either before they lose their flex, lose their stiffness, etc. Used never made sense to me unless someone is literally giving stuff away. Sure, used ski clothing is great, but the technology in clothing hasn't moved as fast as it has with skis and boots.
One thing I would add is never ever ever buy ski boots online. You cannot buy them simply on the basis of brand. Its all about your foot shape, weight, and body type, and a qualified boot fitter is pure gold in terms of getting the right boot and the right fit. That's why good ski shops carry multiple brands of boot.
Have you heard about Vishnu skiiis? They prereleased a 111 waist big mountain ski.
Looks 🤌.
As a heavy body type, experienced advanced, not aggressive skier and Deacon 84 owner, I personally do not recommend this ski for an intermediate skier, or it must be sized down with one size. It skies a lot longer than size, extremely grippy and the tail is quite stiff. Take it into consideradtion. If there is a Montero AR is already in the quiver, it does not make sense buying a Deacon 84 IMHO.
When it comes to having a lot of skis to maintain and having to wax them, why not try phantom glide? Especially for daily drivers it can save a lot of money. With some pairs of skis yeah keep them waxed like racing or park skis. Ive never had a problem using phantom on my skis. Would love to hear back from anyone!
For the person looking at the Volkl Deacon 84, they are changing to 82 under foot for 2025, and will now fall under the “Peregrine” product name.
And they became less demanding than the 2024 Deacon 84.
I am probably sounding like a broken record but I really like all the skis in these quivers..
Thanks for watching everyone! Would love to hear your thoughts on Used Skis VS New With Warranty. Have a great weekend.
To me it depends on the ski model and the shop from which you would buy them used. Example, my sons are both rocking faction prodigy and are skiing them like beasts. I am shocked to report that though the top sheets are rather mangled, the bases and edges are in great condition. My ranger frs on the other hand seem to have a rather flimsy build and I would honestly not buy a pair of those used. So I guess it comes down to how durable of a build the ski is and how thorough the shop is when they say Used Condition 8.5 (Powder7). I can confirm that "lonepinegearx" is a hit and miss and I would encourage zooming on the pics before you buy. In the end if you want a screaming deal .... I suppose I have too many pairs of ski so I won't mind sharing the info - Sierra Trading Post - Got a pair of Faction Agent 2's for 149.99 NEW. Slap a strive 14 for $150, also new from eBay and you got yourself a nice pair of whatever skis for $300 (can't really complain about it). New mmmmm will never pay retail as I know that markup is way too much (a classmate of mine's family own the factories where Atomic Maven and BC Captis are made, so I have some idea of how much it costs to produce).
I don’t have any problem buying used gear as long as I can get an accurate usage history and I can see it’s in good condition. Just bought QST 106s with Pivot 15s that were skied less than 10 days last season with no base damage, but some top sheet scratches from a shop tech that realized he wanted more playful twin tip skis instead. Skied them a few days at the end of the season and they were great. They were $650, but over $1200 new with the fresh wax and tube he just did before selling them.
Long time subscriber here, I’m a big mountain/freestyle skier in Colorado, I daily a Volkl revolt 104, Rossi sender 94 for carving, and k2 recliner 112. Either gonna get a qst 106 or blank which should I get?
Stomp it is in europe. Are you going across the sea?
Yeah, or at least looking into visiting
Just make sure, that you are going to meet them in Austria, Italy or France. Switzerland is a good place to ski, but hideously expensive.
Hey. Is there a way to just slightly stiffen a boot? Like a rivet or two?
Can assume people who buy used ski boots also buy other used clothing and/or footwear?? I agree with the commentor below that I would never buy used boots. But gently used skis?? Absolutely. When you can get (out the door) 2023 top-of-the-line skis with bindings that don't require a remount (demo or not) for less than $500 is a no brainer. Regarding REI, you get one free machine wax per day per membership. Technically, you can wax your skis every single day if you want while the shop is open (October-April??) I get like 20 free waxes per season. I love it. The Jackson, San Diego, and Millcreek REI locations are fantastic.
I've had a series of disasters with used race skis (I coach) - the edges are already narrow when new, and they just get used up from filing here on the East Coast. I've had really good success with SkiYard on their early season deals, so shout out to Western NY. Anybody else find the FIS skis last way better for flex than the consumer models? This channel comment section is the best.