Love the comments about having some rocker in the front part of the ski. I'm a snowboarder who grew up on stiff full camber boards in the early 90s so for me it's full camber or nothing. But when friends ask me what kind of board to start on I invariably recommend something with some element of rocker at the front - "cam rock" it is sometimes referred to. Easier turn initiation and reduced chances of edge catching makes a big difference when you are trying to progress quickly.
I was just asking this question myself for the next season. :) Thanks! Btw: if there's three possibility for requests, how about another good "Be the best skier you can" series for the summer (anaerobic drills, unilateral exercises?). I know you're in the southern hemisphere but we're all stuck in the warmth here. :) Xoxo
I used to always drive a racer stock SL or GS ski. Actually, before the 35m radius skis the previous GS skis were pretty decent all around boards. Now even with the return of the 30m radius GS skis, they are terrible one quiver skis. World Cup skis are just so demanding. I now buy the Masters Race version of SL skis and do not buy dedicated GS skis. I do like 100% cambered skis or a slight rocker in the tip in the front for turn initiation. I will never buy double rockered noodle skis. Something like a Volkl Kendo with double metal layers and a very slight front rocker is a good all around set of skis. I go way back to skiing 207 cm slalom and 215 cm GS skis. I could still ski crud such as breakable crust on them. Actually it made me a better skier as I had to be very precise. Modern skis have made us lazy and we can get away sloppy technique.
Some manufacturers are making shorter skis that maintain the same radius as their longer skis. Nice to see. Also blizzard Now alters the wood blend core for each length of their ski. Gives a better flex pattern to the shorter ski... I'm a advanced very short skier. I have some insight.
@puregsr I go a little higher than the chin even with my carving skis. One sixty cm is usually the shortest I buy. (Im 5' 5" ish) I've tried to go a little bit shorter and it always feels a little bit too short for me. I'm strong for my height though. If you're skinny or a less accomplished skier, chin high is probably right.. I haven't personally been on the R15 w b. But I work part time at a shop and a few of the guys have it and really like it. It's a really strong carving ski, but it's not too punishing. Great groomer ripper.
Hi Thomas. Generally speaking a waste of money and your time. There are many reasons why but one of the obvious ones is to do with how your feet are in a state of constant change which means the fit is only relevant for the second they were made. Let me rant more on a future podcast. Thanks for the comment
Love the comments about having some rocker in the front part of the ski. I'm a snowboarder who grew up on stiff full camber boards in the early 90s so for me it's full camber or nothing.
But when friends ask me what kind of board to start on I invariably recommend something with some element of rocker at the front - "cam rock" it is sometimes referred to. Easier turn initiation and reduced chances of edge catching makes a big difference when you are trying to progress quickly.
I would be up for some off-piste gym work and analysis when I'm in Kaprun at Andy's Ski Camp next December or in the following week. Sign me up!
Good point about,” how the ski is serviced”.
I was just asking this question myself for the next season. :) Thanks!
Btw: if there's three possibility for requests, how about another good "Be the best skier you can" series for the summer (anaerobic drills, unilateral exercises?).
I know you're in the southern hemisphere but we're all stuck in the warmth here. :)
Xoxo
Great suggestion!
I used to always drive a racer stock SL or GS ski. Actually, before the 35m radius skis the previous GS skis were pretty decent all around boards. Now even with the return of the 30m radius GS skis, they are terrible one quiver skis. World Cup skis are just so demanding. I now buy the Masters Race version of SL skis and do not buy dedicated GS skis. I do like 100% cambered skis or a slight rocker in the tip in the front for turn initiation. I will never buy double rockered noodle skis. Something like a Volkl Kendo with double metal layers and a very slight front rocker is a good all around set of skis.
I go way back to skiing 207 cm slalom and 215 cm GS skis. I could still ski crud such as breakable crust on them. Actually it made me a better skier as I had to be very precise. Modern skis have made us lazy and we can get away sloppy technique.
Sounds like you are on the same thought as we are.
My son wants twin tips.. I told him over my dead body!
I always tell him, Learn to carve, then you can do whatever you want.....even Snowboard...
Some manufacturers are making shorter skis that maintain the same radius as their longer skis. Nice to see.
Also blizzard Now alters the wood blend core for each length of their ski. Gives a better flex pattern to the shorter ski... I'm a advanced very short skier. I have some insight.
How short do you go? To chin? You like the Blizzard Thunderbird R15 WB?
@puregsr I go a little higher than the chin even with my carving skis. One sixty cm is usually the shortest I buy. (Im 5' 5" ish) I've tried to go a little bit shorter and it always feels a little bit too short for me. I'm strong for my height though. If you're skinny or a less accomplished skier, chin high is probably right..
I haven't personally been on the R15 w b. But I work part time at a shop and a few of the guys have it and really like it. It's a really strong carving ski, but it's not too punishing. Great groomer ripper.
But previously you mentioned people shouldn't learn on short slalom skis in your class, would you elaborate on that?
Just wondering what your opinions are on foam injected custom liners for your boot?
Hi Thomas. Generally speaking a waste of money and your time. There are many reasons why but one of the obvious ones is to do with how your feet are in a state of constant change which means the fit is only relevant for the second they were made. Let me rant more on a future podcast. Thanks for the comment
"Prices are going to go up & up". Lol, as the coming recession comes in, the opposite will be true, or you'll have zero customers.