Messages posted by : Gaz C
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Did a quick google search and my gut feeling is 'dodgy'. Can't quite put my finger on it, (it might be the repetitive use of terms like 'high-end', or the models in 1980's-style catalogue poses but it has the look of one of the (albeit better) snide Chinese marques. The list of 'high-end' features like snow-skirts, goggle-pockets and taped seams are pretty unremarkable. You'll find them on most mid-market jackets. I could be way off the mark but as my granny used to say, 'If in doubt, keep your hand on your ha'penny' :-) . I'd be more inclined to check out TK Maxx, or even some of the Nevica gear at Sports Direct if you're not to precious about the odd remark from the fashion victims.
http://www.skiwear4less.com/acatalog/Mens.html These guys used to have some good deals but I believe they have been taken over by Sports Direct, so they may end up selling the same gear. |
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Had a pair of Bolles for the last 15 years. They have been brilliant. Horror of horrors they have a cracked lens :cry: . Could be something to do with the faceplant in Westendorf :oops: . Just replaced them with a pair of Oakleys that were to good to resist at the price :-)
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All good points. I've read/been told countless times that with good technique you can ski off-piste on practically any skis. The problem for most of us is that we don't get to ski enough to acquire that technique. This is where the 'early rise', 'rocker', 'reverse camber' etc. (and the marketing) comes in. Here is my personal experience: good (I think), aggressive, intermediate skier; not quite 'stuck on the plateau' but only making incremental gains with each trip. Had two weeks (over two years) of lessons with a good instructor in Folgarida and felt that my control was so much better. Went to Gressoney thinking I was 'the dog's'; went off-piste with a guide and very quickly realised that I wasn't :lol: . Felt like I was at the beginner stage between snowplough and parallel :cry: . Persevered,got a little better and started to enjoy myself but knew, deep down, that I was getting by on fitness and physical strength. My weapons of choice were Fischer AMC76 'all-mountain' skis.Had them about seven years. They got rave reviews when they came out and I got on with them like a house on fire from day one. Went to Tignes (Dec 12) took the AMCs with me but seized the opportunity to try some of the newer, wider all-mountain skis. I had a morning on a pair of Movement Buzz (99mm waist) and, while I was disappointed that I was unable to venture off-piste with them due to the lack of visibility, I was amazed at just how well they skied on-piste. My buddy had a pair of Movement Trust (108 waist) and on the day we went over to Val d'Isere, he was flying on them.I was back on my AMCs grinning from ear to ear while wondering how he was managing to go so fast on those Trusts. I can still hardly believe how responsive and confidence-inspiring they both were on the piste. Now the best bit -) . The next day I was back on the Buzz(es). Visibility had improved and it was time to take them off-piste. We skied to Val d'Isere again, this time grabbing every opportunity to go off-piste and/or through the trees. Back to Tignes, where I broke a convention and grabbed a burger 'on the hoof' :oops: oops, I mean 'on the go' for lunch ( I wanted to make the most of the skis and the conditions), before joining up with my off-piste class. I was feeling pretty confident before the lesson but boy did those skis help me. Where my AMCs would start to sink in the powder while I was plucking up the courage to commit to the next turn the Movements would float, buying me that little bit of extra time that I needed before 'diving down the hill'. It's no exaggeration to say that they transformed my off-piste skiing! When the lesson was over, I stayed out with the more advanced group. Granted, I was the 'muppet' of the group but I was just thrilled to still be out there and the fact that I was still out there was, in no small part, down to those skis. We stayed out till the last lift closed and I went back happy and exhausted. I guess the point I an trying to make, in my usual long-winded manner is that while there is lots of hype and ,dare I say, b*11$^!t, surrounding these newer, fatter all-mountain skis , I for one am a convert. If they provide a 'short cut' to help me get to the level I want to be at then fine. Most of us don't have the time, money or lifestyle to learn to ski off-piste on GS skis. I'm going to keep up with the lessons though. I don't want to be joining the 'Allthegearandnoidea Club'! -) |
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That's a good shout, Smokey.
Howzabout these rascals? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skiweb-Neon-Pink-Ski-Braces/dp/B002P4AD1U/ref=sr_1_11?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1359625823&sr=1-11 Or, a little less ostentatious and 3 quid extra; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skiweb-Ski-Braces-Black/dp/B002E72ICU/ref=sr_1_3?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1359625918&sr=1-3 |
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Except my first one;-) |
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Seriously, braces are the way to go. I also have a pair of HH trousers that used to fit well but are now starting to hang off me (think I must have a tapeworm :lol: ). I must get these sorted out before my next trip and I had kind of forgotten about them. I shall have to 'get on the case'. I'll give you a shout if I manage to get sorted before you do :thumbup:
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If you continue to have no joy in your search for a belt, I suggest you get a snowboard to complete the look. :lol:
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I have only ever driven through Cortina en route to other Dolomiti Superski resorts. It's a classy town, full of nice hotels and up-market shops (better bring your gold/platinum card as well as your camera -) ), so I don't think you'll have any problem finding good accommodation. It's a little bit out of my league to be honest: I tend to stay just down the road with the rest of the 'riff-raff' in Canazei :lol: . I think your good lady will love it.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HACSearch?geo=194745#02,1359593318735,cb:Azfc_5|zfc_4,rad:S0,sponsors:A |
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