Messages posted by : Neiltoo
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I'd be the first to admit that I know nothing about snowboards but I see your point about graphics though, Trencher. I hadn't considered that side of things, it stands to reason though that a small independent may be able to offer a lot of flexibility there.
Still waiting to hear about these technical innovations though ) I got talking to one of our ski reps today [on his yearly visit ) ] and the subject of small independents came up. He played me a podcast of a Scottish outdoor radio show (can't remember the name) which included an interview with Andrew Phyn from WhiteDot Freeride. Rarely have I heard such marketing speak used in a ski context.... at least they have their own molds though :D |
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The notion that the people who design skis for mainstream manufacturers do not also have dedication and take pride in what they do seems bizarre to me.
I don't know where you are or what manufacturers you are referring to but the key word in your sentence is 'rep' Most ski shops deal with a rep who works for an importer who buys from a manufacturer. The ability (or lack of) of a rep tells you nothing about the passion and flair that may or may not go in to making the skis. If a small company is successful they will need to employ reps at some point, will this change the vision and dedication of the makers and designers? As for having an input into the ski design - I've skied all my life, 320 weeks or so and any ski maker that needs input from me to make his skis better isn't someone I want to buy skis from. :D I asked what these small ski makers were doing that made their skis different or better than the established makers .... All I've heard is the standard differences between a big company and a small one. As I've said, I admire what they are doing and I wish them luck and if you want to buy their skis simply because they are from small companies thats great but if you want to say that their skis are better or that they are doing something innovative then please give some examples. |
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Excellent video quality. The notion that Zinal is "somewhere near Verbier" might just ruffle a few feathers though :mrgreen:
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Verbier Chamonix Courmayeur Bariloche Lesotho 1990 - and boy does that seem like a long time ago :mrgreen: |
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:mrgreen: Lots of places, mostly in the Mournes, mostly pretty poor too :mrgreen: |
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January - Fortress
February - Courmayeur March - Malbun April - Geilo (havn't skied this one) May - Verbier June - Lesotho July - Bariloche August - Portillo (havn't skied this one) September - Hintertux October - Tignes November - Aviemore December - Ireland (on snow) |
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Me too January - Fortress February - Courmayeur March - Chamonix April - Meribel May - Verbier June - Lesotho July - Bariloche August - Zermatt September - Hintertux October - Tignes November - Aviemore December - Lake Louise I had to get out a diary or 2 to check but you can and I did. :D |
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Ok, I've taken off my grumpy old man's hat and I've read everything that I can find about these skis and other new skis by small manufacturers and I'm left with one question: Whilst I admire what they are trying to do and I wish them luck, what is it that makes their skis in any way different or better than the more established makers skis? Judging by freestyler01's use of language we may not have much in common ) but what is new or brave (anymore than any new business is 'brave') about what this manufacturer is doing? |
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