New Gear for this Season

[lukoson]

I guess whichever one I can find the best deal on will win

J had a $100 off code Bob100. It may have expired on Labor Day but if you like the skis you could probably email them.

 

[raisingarizona]

I'm set for skis.

Will be experimenting with a Kulkea heated boot bag for ski trips when I drive instead of fly. Decided it would be useful in the midwest . . . in January.

Also got an avalanche beacon for in-bounds use. Now that I'm skiing over 75% of the time off the groomers, all of the instructors I work with somewhat regularly out west have recommended using one. My instructors at Alta and Bridger Bowl always wear one.

If it’s nuking sideways at a ski area that’s mostly avalanche terrain it’s not a bad idea. Statistically though it’s not likely that you’ll ever have to use it. I’ve been skiing heavily in the back country since 1995 and I’ve never changed the switch to search for an actual situation ever.

 

[MarzNC]

Congratulations, and I mean that sincerely.

Thanks.

I had no idea ten years ago that I'd be in good enough shape to enjoy skiing 50+ days a season after improving technique so that I can have a good time on Taos double-black terrain with good snow. Note when I was checking out skiing in the northeast 2013-19 (daughter in school in LP or Boston), I mostly stuck to blues except on the rare occasion I caught a powder storm. I'm not a fan of boilerplate or icy conditions.

The first time I checked out Plattekill in 2014 those bumps were beyond my ski ability. It was a different story when I caught a powder day in Feb 2022. I was confident enough to check out every run that morning. Not interested in speed, but have learned how to link turns on steep natural snow terrain instead of stopping to reset every 3-4 turns. Multiple Taos Ski Weeks in addition to other lessons with Level 3 instructors made a difference.

 

[raisingarizona]

Speed doesn’t matter as long as you’re feeling that “flow”. The flow state is what’s up.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Let's see...

I'll be rocking all my old ski gear.

I need a new helmet for riding sled, so that's on my list.

Already purchased a new red dot scope for deer season, so all good there. I could use a new scope for my muzzy, but most likely will put that purchase off for yet another year.

The best time of year is almost upon us. Let the party begin!

 

[JK_PA]

I think I'm going to stick with what I got. Maybe a new fleece.

88 is my daily driver and 96 is my favorite ski. I need a 104.

Whiteroom (88 and 96) and Head (88).

Like I said, no new skis for me this year, maybe next year the 104s. Those will likely be Whiterooms.

I appreciate all the discussion about suggested skis for different conditions. I wish I had come across something like this last year when I was searching for a good ski for east coast trees. I thought I would pass along my ski search thought process since it may be relevant to the parts of this thread about Nordica Enforcer and 104 mm underfoot (as well as general ski options for different conditions). Up until last year I had been skiing Rossignol E-88s (172 cm) for the previous 7 years. They treated me well and really made skiing any type of groomer (i.e., buttery, icy, steep, flat) a heck of a lot of fun. Side note: In my neck of the woods (southeast PA), groomers are pretty much my only option most of the time. I demoed multiple sizes and purposely purchased the E-88s a little long because I appreciated the control afforded by that extra bit of tail length (side note: I’m 5’7” and 150 lbs). However, tight tree skiing with them was a challenge for me (which I attributed to the length and/or stiffness of the ski). Also, I wish I had a ski option greater than 88 mm underfoot for those rare situations when I found myself in deep snow (and my old rock skis equipped with an even older pair of Fritschi AT bindings that I use to play in the woods are even narrower underfoot). I turned 50 last year and, instead of having a party or going on some trip, I decided to treat myself with a decent backcountry set-up that was equipped with Shift bindings so I could also use them inbounds for the rare times I find myself at a resort on a powder day. This being the east coast, most of the time I find myself in powder involves trees so I really wanted a ski that had some float but also maneuverability for trees. My search focused on a ski in the 95 -105 mm underfoot range without any metal and a little shorter than my current 172 cm length. What I purchased last year was the Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited (165 cm length and no metal). So far they have performed above expectations. I tried them at Smuggs in March when Smuggs had deep snow and I could turn on a dime in the glades and Back Bowl. I felt like I could go anywhere. What surprised me though was how much fun they also are on groomers. I was not expecting that considering they are 104 mm underfoot (disclaimer – this was the first ski I ever tried over 195 cm). I ended up using (and enjoying) the 104s for 7 of my last 8 ski days last year (and only a couple of those days were powder conditions). I have not tried them on true east coast icy/scraped-off conditions yet (and may not) but I will definitely be enjoying them inbounds more than I expected. Just though I would pass along my thought process (and results) of my search. Think snow everyone!!

 

[Dmoss]

I appreciate all the discussion about suggested skis for different conditions. I wish I had come across something like this last year when I was searching for a good ski for east coast trees. I thought I would pass along my ski search thought process since it may be relevant to the parts of this thread about Nordica Enforcer and 104 mm underfoot (as well as general ski options for different conditions). Up until last year I had been skiing Rossignol E-88s (172 cm) for the previous 7 years. They treated me well and really made skiing any type of groomer (i.e., buttery, icy, steep, flat) a heck of a lot of fun. Side note: In my neck of the woods (southeast PA), groomers are pretty much my only option most of the time. I demoed multiple sizes and purposely purchased the E-88s a little long because I appreciated the control afforded by that extra bit of tail length (side note: I’m 5’7” and 150 lbs). However, tight tree skiing with them was a challenge for me (which I attributed to the length and/or stiffness of the ski). Also, I wish I had a ski option greater than 88 mm underfoot for those rare situations when I found myself in deep snow (and my old rock skis equipped with an even older pair of Fritschi AT bindings that I use to play in the woods are even narrower underfoot). I turned 50 last year and, instead of having a party or going on some trip, I decided to treat myself with a decent backcountry set-up that was equipped with Shift bindings so I could also use them inbounds for the rare times I find myself at a resort on a powder day. This being the east coast, most of the time I find myself in powder involves trees so I really wanted a ski that had some float but also maneuverability for trees. My search focused on a ski in the 95 -105 mm underfoot range without any metal and a little shorter than my current 172 cm length. What I purchased last year was the Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited (165 cm length and no metal). So far they have performed above expectations. I tried them at Smuggs in March when Smuggs had deep snow and I could turn on a dime in the glades and Back Bowl. I felt like I could go anywhere. What surprised me though was how much fun they also are on groomers. I was not expecting that considering they are 104 mm underfoot (disclaimer – this was the first ski I ever tried over 195 cm). I ended up using (and enjoying) the 104s for 7 of my last 8 ski days last year (and only a couple of those days were powder conditions). I have not tried them on true east coast icy/scraped-off conditions yet (and may not) but I will definitely be enjoying them inbounds more than I expected. Just though I would pass along my thought process (and results) of my search. Think snow everyone!!

I've been thoroughly enjoying my Blizzard Rustler 9s for the last 3-4 years, with the exception of terrible top sheet construction that chips like crazy on two different sets of skis (had Blizzard send me a new pair after the first pair got all messed up after 1 season). They are very light and playful and allow me to keep up with the kids in the trees, and are stable enough to get going on the groomers. They do great on the 3-5 inch east coast powder days. If I see a good deal on something a little heavier and more groomer focused off demo I could see picking up a second pair, but for now the Ruslters have been a nice 1 ski quiver.

My real addition this season will probably be boots, that's the one piece of equipment I won't skimp on. I have always had circulation issues, I want to try some of these new BOA boots if I can find them. Fischer and Salomon seem like the two that will fit my foot best. I've bene skiing a 110 flex the last 5-7 years, but may have to step it up to 120. I think the key to boots is take your time, try on a lot of stuff, sit in them for a while and most importantly find a boot fitter who knows what they are talking about.

 

[lukoson]

They sent you a free new pair? How'd you manage that? My Kore 105s have maybe 10 days on them and they look like they fell off the roof rack going down 87!

 

[Brownski]

I think easily nicked top sheets is a Blizzard thing. I experienced that also

 

[Harvey]

Think snow everyone!!

The air gets a little cooler and we are off to the races! people