shaped skis

Question
I am looking for advice on purchasing a new set of skis. I am 39 yrs old, 5'-10" 155lbs. I consider myself to be an extremely good skier, bordering on expert. I love to go fast and love to make quick turns as well as long smooth turns on very steep slopes. I live in upstate NY so I'm used to skiing on hard packed surfaces. My problem is that I'm probalbly one of the last persons to purchase a set of shaped skis. I bought my 185cm Olin Extremes with Marker M46 bindings in 1987 and absolutely love them. I'm not a huge fan of mogul skiing anymore but I still love my skis, but I think it safe to say that they are finally ready for the boneyard. I have been reading articles on the internet because I don't really have any other resourses and I just don't know what type or size to buy. I feel like I'm completey lost in today's world of ski equipment. Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated!!! Also, believe it or not I'm still using Raichle rear entry boots...yes...I'm a dinosaur!

Answer
Hey Steve,

First off, you're not a dinosaur. If the gear you have been using is working for you, then what's the problem? Skiing itself hasn't changed, just the equipment. I still see people on older gear. Some would laugh or sneer but as I said before, if it works for you, then go for it. I have always skied on a budget and didn't make the switch to shaped skis until five years ago when I bought telemark skis. But then I wondered why I hadn't switched sooner.

Shaped skis really do make skiing easier but if you are already carving good turns, shaped skis will just make it easier on you. It won't change your stance or your style, just the ease of making turns. The thing to realize about shaped skis is that you will probably be going to a shorter ski. I know it sounds strange but it will happen. I was on 207cm, then 200cm for my first tele skis, now I'm on 188cm tele's. I never thought I'd be back on the length of ski I used in high school. With wider tips, tails, and waist, shaped skis have the same amount of surface area as a longer old style ski.

Shaped skis are available in any type of ski discipline. For the type of skier you describe yourself as, you will probably be best served on an 'All Mountain' ski. They are designed to work well in all conditions and be stable at high speeds. I am always surprised at how fast I can comfortably go on my 188cm skis.

I fully understand about being lost in the amount of gear available today. My best suggestion would be to talk to your local shops and the shop on your local mountain. Ask about their demo program. Many shops offer multi-day packages that allow you to try different skis each day. On mountain you may even be able to switch during the same day. This allows you to test various brands and styles to determine what will work best for you. Some shops have programs that allow you to pay x amount for the season and then apply that amount toward the purchase of the skis of your choice. If one shop offers a better package but you like another shop better, let the better shop know what the other is offering and they may match the deal to get your business. It never hurts to ask.

As for purchasing. There will always be new stuff available for a high price. Yes, new gear is expensive. But, one you have a good idea of what you want, you can shop online, ebay, and your local craigslist for good deals. Always be careful if buying used. Online shops can have some really good deals on gear that is new but one or two years older. Sierra Trading Post, Evo Sports, REI, are just a couple of places that I've seen good prices on gear. The great part about demo programs at shops is that you may find a set up that you really like and you may be able to purchase the package at a fairly discounted price.

You will probably be looking to replace your boots at some point. Most places don't allow test rides but you may find the mountain has some for demo. Again, look for an all mountain boot. You probably don't want a full on race boot but something one or two levels down from a race boot will provide the performance you will need. Many manufacturers are offering a 'thermo liner' in their boots. This is where they heat the liner and then you put the boot on for 10-15min to mold the liner to your feet. They are much better than the older types, remember Hansons?, in that they are much more pliable and remold to your feet each time you wear them. Look for a type that can be reheated multiple times for the best fit. Again, shopping on a budget can be done the same as skis. When I bought my tele gear I tried on various boots and then found the ones I liked for $200 less online. My 188cm skis I found on ebay still in the plastic for $100, new was over $500.

I know that there is a ton of information out there but go to Ski, Skiing, and any other online magazine website and look up ski and boot tests to get some decent testing information and also an idea of what ski models fit into the all mountain category. This way when you are demoing or shopping, you will know what you are looking for and not get sold on something the shop is just trying to get rid of. Best of luck with your testing and shopping and I'm very sorry about the delay in answering.

Hope this helps.
Keep on skiing,
Windlover