J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dshenberger

Wow! Someone has a little rage problem! Interesting how there are a bunch of ad hominem attacks, and nothing substantive. Also, what in the world is a "Catharina?" And "ever bigger cars with less miles to the gallon." Look around! The majority of cars are much smaller than they have ever been! And fuel economy is far better than the dream you hold of some utopian past.

Since you already are a TNF user - check out the Freedom pants. I bought a pair this year, and they are pretty good. I, also, like my Spyder pants, but they were a bit more money. :)

I think goggles are oversold sometimes. Unless you are skiing while snow is falling, or in a lot of powder, I don't think they are a necessity. But, if you are buying - I like the Oakley Wisdom. I think I have the persimmon lenses, and they work well for night skiing, too. If you get black, they might be a little dark for overcast/snowy days. If it is bright, and sunny, I just wear dark glasses.

Good luck, and you will have an awesome time! A little bit of time on skates might make your life easier too.

There are issues with durabilty/ wear on the ski. Regular waxing makes the skis last longer. Unless you can afford to buy new skis every year, you may wish to wax on a regular basis. :)

Now, as to performance. . . Skiing, for most of us, is about enjoyment - not a race against the clock. But, as a pleasure activity some of us desire to expend the least amount of effort while we have fun. Why work hard if you don't have to? A properly waxed ski is just easier to use! Yes, it may be possible to be "faster," but we go back to the sports car analogy. :) Why would you want to have to "push" yourself if you can just glide there!

Now, I am not trying to tell anyone they have to wax their skis, but for some of us it is a necessity!

If you are going to be trying demos - you should be fine. I personally have a pair of Volkl Supersport S4's. You have about 15 pounds on me at the same height, and I am using 168's. I am not super advanced, but I ski in all types of conditions, and all difficulty levels of terrain. I am in PA, so most of my snow is man made. I don't think I have ever come close to pushing them to their limit. Today was my first day at 2 degree edge bevel, and they were awesome! Tons of grip, and very stable. If you wanted something a little stiffer - check out the S5.

Good luck!

Well, I don't mean to be contradictory, but. . .

I am actually 26. :) And the closest things to "roots" in the UK are that I had an British table tennis coach until I got to busy with skiing!

Maybe Pavel was just trying to make me older and more balanced! Haha!

Well. . . When we talk about sandpaper we refer to more aggressive grades as the ones with "larger" grits. They take material off more quickly. If not used carefully, it can cause damage. :)

Or maybe like putting a 5 degree edge bevel on my skis - sure some people might "need" something like that, but it would cut too "aggressively" for me. I would probably ski in circles!! Or die!

One more idea for you: Aggressive meaning designed to be pushed hard(pushes back HARD!); if you don't have the strength or ability to make the ski flex - it won't turn effectively.

Does anyone have any experience with Racewax? www.racewax.com I happened across their site while trying to find wax, ordered some, then find out they are a family business about 30 minutes away from me! I haven't tried it yet, but I think I will be using some next week. :) Right now I have some SKS on my skies, and will be curious to see if there is any noticeable difference.

I am here, Mike! I think Trencher would be the ideal candidate to "represent" the USA! :)

I would die before I sang "God Save the Queen" as a "subject." Haha!