J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dshenberger

The only experience I have with it is lust!!!! I want some so bad, but I think I will have to wait two years. :( Let us know how they work out!

I don't know why people don't check behind them. I guess I am a little paranoid about taking it in the back, but it isn't that hard to take a glance back, and see who might need past. I, also, hate catching up to people who are oblivious to the world outside their ski tips. You get the random turn pattern, and sudden stops in the middle of the trail(or piste, if you prefer;).

It goes along with the way people drive. The only time they pay attention is when you happen to stand in the way of their progress.

A fine example that comes to mind is a demo day we had this year. The booths were set up at the edge of the base area, and this guy comes up to the Rossi booth carrying his skis. The tech turns from his bench to grab a pair of skis behind him, and this guy drops his skis right in front of his bench to put them on! The tech was so mad - he grabbed the guys skis and threw them out of his area. :)

Anyway, good point Ise: "look around!"

No offense taken! I understand what you are saying in general. Everyone likes to overbill things. The "toughest" ski I have been on is a Rossi Mutix 175cm. I did not enjoy the experience. I was not on a black runs, and with my 150 pound weight, I just couldn't get them to flex. Just goes to show how poor a skier I am! :)

In other news - I will be enjoying all the fresh powder in Heavenly tomorrow!!!

ise wrote:

pavelski wrote:
The newer 2009 skis seem to have discovered a way to make a "plate or rail system" that permits low vibration ,,yet has less weight! The Head SL World Cup and Fischers WC SL are two such examples!

No they haven't, plates have always had that function right back to Derby flex plate systems. Some manufacturers like K2 even played with piezoelectric systems inside the skis, Salomon had "suspension" binding systems at around the same time which would be the early 1990's. Most skis are designed to damp vibration, that becomes a design challenge with a stiffer ski so the function migrates to the binding and plate, obviously (or it should be) any interface provides the opportunity to provide dampening which is why it's been utilized for 20-odd years.

If you had read the whole statement you would have noticed that he said "yet has less weight." ;)

Also, thanks to all for the interesting perspectives. I understand what you are saying about them not being "real" race skis, but that does not alter the fact that the manufacturers label them (and sell) as such. And, I would venture a guess that many non-sponsored racers do, indeed, use them. :) For example, we had a GS race at the resort where I work. And guess what? I saw a many guys with GS9's, 10's and 11's.

I like The North Face Freedom pants for the price. Spyder, also, perform quite well. If you watch www.steepandcheap.com you can find some good deals on really nice stuff, but I am not sure if they ship outside the US.

I've been using Racewax this year. They seem to be a nice company, and their prices seem to be good. Racewax.com

You are quite amusing, Trencher! I am nearly convinced to never us poles again! I will try it my first day at Heavenly. Especially, since my shoulder still isn't healed, and I don't want to do anything to mess it up again. :)

As for Bode: I think he just does whatever he has to to get down the mountain! He is an innovator, and a natural at making his way down fast. You did bring to mind another point for poles, though. Those gates have to hurt at 60+, and the poles seem like the best solution to taking a beating.

I know you were all ripping on Bode Miller for flailing his poles, but here is an interesting video demonstrating his pole planting views.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2KAtSx0SnPs

I think Trencher must have had a bad experience with ski poles as a child. ;) I have to say that sometimes poles are a nuisance, and I have been tempted to just not use them, but they do make it easier to get out of your skis. Just because you are carrying poles does not mean you can't skate. I hate pushing myself around with my poles! Another use is if you happen to fall and lose a ski, it gives you a way to get extra support to get back in. Or, in one case I loaned a pole to a girl who was skiing for her first time, and her boyfriend told her she didn't need poles. I don't know why he didn't hike back up the hill to help her get back in her ski. . .

As for rhythm - I was always fond of a little rubato. :)