J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by smirnoff_skier

Hi all,

I am looking to buy a set of all-mountain skis that I can mainly use for carving but can also use to do the occasional tree powder run or hit a few jumps in the park (70% on-piste, 30% off).

I would say I am an intermediate skier and go abroad for 3 weeks a year (but do at least 3 hrs a week dry-slope racing) so I am looking for something towards the top end.

I have a short list (which isnt very short) of:

Atomic Nomad Blackeye
Atomic Nomad Highnoon
Salomon X Wing Tornado
Salomon X Wing 10
Head Xenon Xi 10.0
Volkl AC20

I dont feel confident enough or have the skill level to use my thin slalom skis on all terrain and feel I need something more stable.

I am also having problems deciding which length would be best. I am very used to skiing on racing skis of 155cm or 160cm so have been looking in the 165cm region. When I got my boots from Ellis Brigham (see other thread) the other week, the sales person recomended a 170cm for the sorts of things these skis are designed to do. Ellis Brigham have the Salomons and Head skis for testing so will go and try these out but I dont think I can test any of the others.

Also, is it worth buying skis in England or waiting until I get to Mayrhofen in December? I assume I would be able to find more skis to test but then I might waste potential good skiing time and they may not be any cheaper.

So....any thoughts or experiences on any of these skis/issues?

Cheers
Tom

3 weeks ago I speant just over 3 hours at Ellis Brigham in castleford getting some boots fitted and it was the best ski related money I have spent yet. I have already used then for 2 race competitions on dryslope and the immediate difference in performance is massive.

The last time I bought boots, I had my feet measured at snow and rock and then bought some atomic boots off the internet. They turned out to be too big for my feet and I had a lot of heel lift.

In Ellis Brigham I tried on about 6 different pairs and spent time walking around in all of them so I could get all aspects of the boots just right. There is a lot of differnce in feel between them especially in areas like the heel. I thought the Nordica Speedmachines were really good until I slipped on a pair of Salomon Impacts and the heel lift was much better.

The boots and custom footbed were just under £300 and the service was exceptional. I would advise going early in the morning so you get the undivided attention of the staff.

With boots, more money doesnt always equal better boots as the last pair I bought were a lot of money but didnt work for my feet. Its all about the fitting.

Mayrhofen on the 12th December but hitting the gates on the dryslope every monday....fun fun fun!

Well I am about to graduate and trying to get into the automotive marketing industry, not a great time for either as most companies are getting rid of their grad schemes. Oh well, I am going to cheer myself up with another pair of skis I think.

PS, either forum people or other crazy skiers!

that would be pretty cool. has anyone ever strapped a rocket to a set of skis?

Its all about the re-kit.
Have just purchased a lovely black one-piece. 90's retro Quicksilver - superb. And a Burton jacket for the other days. Sometimes in the summer i have a quick try on just so i remember it not too long until winter.

TKMAXX in Sheffield is all stocked up, its gunna take a hammering!