J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Marksman

Hi folks.

Well after far too long procrastinating I have finally done the deed.

Having received good service from the two shops I visited I feel it only fair to sing their praises.

First up was Barry Ski Lodge. (Now in Cardiff just to confuse the innocent.)

The shop is new and fresh, has on site parking and was a very pleasant place to be. Good web site too and a Starbucks next door which had the most engaging staff I've seen in any shop.

I was seen by Baz who was an all round top bloke. He knew the characteristics of his boots inside out, he understood my ability and aims and didn't try a hard sell. After talking with him for 20 mins I had complete trust in what he was telling me despite me being the most cynical of customers normally. I would happily buy from this man.

However he had not a single current year boot in 26.5 so proceedings stalled! Argh, so close and yet so far. He didn't even attempt to sell me a 27 but insisted I try on some 26.5 first and only if they were too small go up a size.

Several offers of service were made on his behalf that I've rarely seen in any shop. Such as if I bought boots online he would fit them for free. Also if I bought boots in a 26.5 (from elsewhere) from a range he stocked and they were too small he would swap them for the next size up and fit them, again for free.

So a great shop, and top service, but I'm off in a couple of weeks so wanted to try somewhere else…

New day, new shop. This time Coyoti in Cowbridge. A smaller shop with a narrower range but still a very nice place to be. Busy too which is always a good indicator! Simon was my fitter and again he was a straight talker, who gave clear advice and put me at ease. I felt comfortable that his intention was to sell me a boot suitable for my needs rather than just making the largest sale he could.

Anyway the upshot is a shiny pair of boots, some foot-beds (instantly made the boot feel like part of me rather than just strapped on the end of my leg) some socks and a dented credit card.

So thanks to all who gave me advice on where to go and to any other newbies such as myself I can only recommend going to shops and talking to the fitters.

Oh and Ria, how was your trip?

Final point to any designers out there. Fake carbon fibre is not cool. It is not edgy. It simply makes your product look cheap and chavtastik.

Cheers,

Owen.

Zell Belle wrote:Ha ha my husband will be known from here on in as Mr Muggles. No he won't be tempted back he really hates the cold and he is an addicted golfer (handicap of 7 so he plays a lot). I was trying to pluck up the courage to go on an organised group week in Morzine last year which included lessons but chickened out. Got something sorted this year though and off to Zell am See next Saturday with a non skiing friend so am really looking forward to it. Hope you get your boots sorted as I am sure there are some Welsh J2skiers who will help you out.

Howdy Ria.

Mr. Muggles having a golfing habit is perfect!

His and your chosen sports are so similar that he should comprehend the technical aspect, the need to practice regularly and the need for expensive shiny things. Thus he should have no problem with you spending half the household income on ski kit and running off a couple of times a year skiing...

As it happens I'm of to Morzine. Liked it last year so back again this. If you have another chance just do it!

(Note to Admin:- Is it breaking forum policy to try to tempt a member to abandon her husband on a golf course and meet up with me in a foreign country?) :shock:

Ally – I hadn't though of trains. :oops: Doh! That might be a plan if the local option doesn't pan out. Thanks. :thumbup:

Bluebird – Thanks muchley. Brilliant fist hand advice. Why didn't I join this forum earlier? Thanks for answering my question and giving me a direction to head in. Cheers.

Ltd – Interesting. Good enough to inspire a ski instructor is pretty good! Thankyou.

Tempting to do the unthinkable (take a day off work) and go and have a look at a couple of shops. Maybe if I say I'll give a free plug on J2Ski they'll give me free boots and all the skis I can carry!

Cheers all,

Owen.

Deleted duplicate post.

Trencher wrote:What Admin said.

The tuning on rental skis is often overlooked.
For a beginner, you should be looking for sharp edges, but detuned (made blunter) at the tip and tail. This will allow them to easily use the edges, but the ski won't hook into a turn, and will also release easily.

Thanks Trencher. That makes good sense. :thumbup: As a newbie to the forum I'm impressed with the clear advice given out by the regulars on a whole range of topics. Not only in answering the questions but also giving the background or technical reasoning behind an opinion.

Dave Mac wrote:
To reinforce admin's point, early skiers have to work MUCH harder than more experienced souls, so a softer, easier flex, produces easier turns. When you discuss this lady's speed, you might actually be at 10 kph, whereas a performance ski might operate at 50kph.

Thanks and ditto to what I said above.

How to roughly quantify the softness ski? Can one tell by simply placing them face to face and squeezing between the bindings until they touch? Or clamp them to your feet and stand on them?

I'm sure I'm rehashing topics you're tired to death of so if there's an old thread that anyone can point me in the direction of that'd be great. Anything so I can broaden my vocabulary / understanding of the kit.

Dave Mac wrote: I recently hired from Skiset for a group. Most people took middle level. For the beginner, and for myself, I booked the lower level. The beginner experienced good soft skis, I had a fantastic time whipping down the runs, floating, turning on demi-euros, blah-di-blah. The key thing is that we discussed the needs with the operator, when we collected.
Oh, and weren't the other "middle level" guys peed off! :D

Fun! I had a target shooting friend that took great delight in turning up on a range with kit 20 years out of date. The locals used to take the mickey or offer patronising advice. Right up until he shot rings round them! :P

Cheers all.

Owen.

stink wrote:And that is a very good point!!

I'm open to offers, just wanted to see what people were willing to pay really.

In that case I'll open the bidding at a curly wurly and a compromising photo of my ex.

Unless I'm going blind in my advancing years methinks you've missed the price!

O.S.

Coop wrote:No one knows....a complete mystery...just like the H2 in H2O..

Fairy snuff! Following the chemistry referance what J would one need two of to ski well?

Owen.

Good evening Mr. Admin Sir and thank you for the advice and the warm welcome.

I see what you're saying and will certainly talk more with the hire shop on our return. Thanks for the common sense approach. (And the pun was pretty decent too.)

Ironically as she hit her head she has no recollection of the accident. We've had to reconstruct it for her so she has an idea as to what to do differently next time. As such her confidence is OK which is great. (I was worried that without a direct memory of how things went wrong she'd be hesitant to try again. ) So a gentle start is in order.

On an unrelated topic what does the "J2" in J2ski mean. I've only been reading for an hour and so far that has eluded me!

Many thanks,

Owen.