I'm in the market, potentially, for some new skis. Current pair has about 5 seasons on them (maybe 50 days total).

I'm looking at Evo.com and would like a ski shop guy to provide some input.

Looking for an all mountain ski in the 174-176 length range. Currently have some 80mm waist ones and feel like I'd like something a little wider for different conditions.

I'm an intermediate to advanced skier and mostly stick to groomers and steeps with occasional mogul work.

Current set is a little short for me as I've gotten fatter and feel a bit unstable at higher speeds.

I'm currently looking at the 85 Bent Atomics. What say you?

No expert here. My personal experience is that my 99cm Black Crows are fairly good all mountain. If I were you, I'd lean towards at least going up to maybe 92cm width. I wish I had another 5 cm or so on mine but I like getting into some powder if it's available.

85 is narrow for all mountain, but if you're on groomers and don't chase powder it might not be bad.

ETA: depends what part of the country you ski as well

10andBOUNCE said:

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No expert here. My personal experience is that my 99cm Black Crows are fairly good all mountain. If I were you, I'd lean towards at least going up to maybe 92cm width. I wish I had another 5 cm or so on mine but I like getting into some powder if it's available.

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99 is fat! Is it hard to turn those things? relatively.

I'm also not looking to drop $1k on sticks + bindings.

Black Crows looks nice but super pricey.

Thinking about the Bent 90s but the reviews say it's more for the terrain park?

I really just want something that I can still be fine on groomers, decent powder days for the overnight dump and something that does better in the crud on in-between days.

I was afraid of 99s being too fat also since I was only used to crummy rentals that were probably less than 80. But no, I don't have any issues turning or going through moguls, other than my lousy and scared form.

They weren't pricey either - I think I got them on sale for about $400 and then put another $175 into bindings I got elsewhere. Out the door probably around $600 installed. You just need to look for deals on prior season skis - Google shop will be your friend. I think the skis I got from Sun and Ski and they were somehow hundreds less than other places.

I know one of my buddies uses the Salomon QST 92 and he's a big mogul fan.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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10andBOUNCE said:

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No expert here. My personal experience is that my 99cm Black Crows are fairly good all mountain. If I were you, I'd lean towards at least going up to maybe 92cm width. I wish I had another 5 cm or so on mine but I like getting into some powder if it's available.

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99 is fat! Is it hard to turn those things? relatively.

I'm also not looking to drop $1k on sticks + bindings.

Black Crows looks nice but super pricey.

Thinking about the Bent 90s but the reviews say it's more for the terrain park?

I really just want something that I can still be fine on groomers, decent powder days for the overnight dump and something that does better in the crud on in-between days.

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Profile, less width for maneuverability.

I ski the Black Crow Atris as my quiver killer. I do keep a dedicated carving ski for groomer and Cascade concrete days.

On the Atris, 105 width, double rocker with Shift MNC for touring. I can't charge as hard on pure carving, but it's 80% and mostly because I run a crossover boot. It's still a 120 flex, but not a beefy downhill dedicated boot. Skis bumps and trees fine. I ski wetter snow and it cruises pow days.105 will feel large in your hand, but it's not really noticeable on the hill.

RangerRick9211 said:

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ChoppinDs40 said:

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10andBOUNCE said:

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No expert here. My personal experience is that my 99cm Black Crows are fairly good all mountain. If I were you, I'd lean towards at least going up to maybe 92cm width. I wish I had another 5 cm or so on mine but I like getting into some powder if it's available.

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99 is fat! Is it hard to turn those things? relatively.

I'm also not looking to drop $1k on sticks + bindings.

Black Crows looks nice but super pricey.

Thinking about the Bent 90s but the reviews say it's more for the terrain park?

I really just want something that I can still be fine on groomers, decent powder days for the overnight dump and something that does better in the crud on in-between days.

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Profile, less width for maneuverability.

I ski the Black Crow Atris as my quiver killer. I do keep a dedicated carving ski for groomer and Cascade concrete days.

On the Atris, 105 width, double rocker with Shift MNC for touring. I can't charge as hard on pure carving, but it's 80% and mostly because I run a crossover boot. It's still a 120 flex, but not a beefy downhill dedicated boot. Skis bumps and trees fine. I ski wetter snow and it cruises pow days.105 will feel large in your hand, but it's not really noticeable on the hill.

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I see. I'm not going too crazy here. I ski in a 90 boot.... not trying to break any records.

I've just always skiied something in the 80-85 waist range and prefer quicker turns but I wonder if widening and lengthening will really change that too much vs. feeling more stable.

No feedback on the ski choice put I just bought a pair of Volkl Katana 191s from corbetts.com. Caught them on an after Christmas sale. Regular 950 CAD on sale for 750 CAD. Retail in the US for 850. After the sale and exchange rate I wound up getting them for ~550. Free shipping and they deal with all the customs stuff. Great option to save some money. I plan on buying my bindings from them as well.

Can't wait to try them out. I'm upgrading from ~10 year old kendos and wanted something wider under foot. The katanas are 108mm. Also wanted something a little heavier & stiffer to cut through the chop.

Ok - just started reading this and these would be my first thoughts. 99 isn't too wide at all especially if it's a rocker camber rocker TT because of the reduced arc turn radius.

I personally ski on Lange LX130 and Black Crows Camox 180 w pvot 14s (they make a 174) that's 97 under waist as my all mountain skis. Rocker Camber Rocker gets you in and out of the trees but the wider waist let's you drive float if you hit pow or hard chop.

The Kore 93s are a nice set - playful underfoot, maneuverable, light but firm at toes so little to no toe chatter.

The Liberty Origin 96s are also a fire set.

If you want a heavier ski that requires driving - the enforcer 88 or kendo 88s are both solid sets.

I just picked up a set of 184 Faction Prodigy 3.0 (106 waist) and 184 Mana 3.0 (112 waist) on Pvot 15s and they slay.

The bent chetler 110s are also alot of fun but not a front side groomer setup.
I ski probs 100-120 days a year and work in the industry so feel free to bounce any questions.

Will you be in/around any major ski hills this spring? You could get a demo set for cheap on rental bindings - saves you from having to mount them and if they're Tyrolia Attacks, Wardens, or Looks, that a solid set for like $350-400.

Longer skis = more stability at higher speed.

Rocker tips and heels make longer and wider skis arc turning radius equivalent to shorter narrower skis. The lack of a true edge on the toe and heel makes initiating turns more fluid.

Whenever you settle on a pair LMK and I can see what price I can get to match. Usually I get 50-70% off wholesale.

I am and my last pair of skis were demos bought from Winter Park. I'm headed up 2x more this year and may go that route if they'll let me ski them first.

You're definitely skiing way more advanced terrain than I am.

What would you suggest for my desired setup?

5'10" 230lbs
Mostly stick to groomers and steeps (no chutes or crazy powder stuff). Rarely touch trees and hit up some moguls every now and then. We're working on getting our 3yr old on the mountain more (got her up in December) so I imagine I'll be doing a fair amount of harness snowplowing in the future.

I'm on 168's right now with an 80 waist and while I can turn them on a dime and go plenty fast, I definitely feel more unstable at higher speeds and they don't cut through crud or powder well at all.

Ideally, I'd like something that I can still manage and maneuver well but have a little more umph for those days where it isn't just groomed blues.

I started taking my son up when he was 3 (8 years old now). I've been using 140s without poles when I ski behind him - having shorties on makes is much easier to focus on him - I'd be too awkward with my normal 178s.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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I am and my last pair of skis were demos bought from Winter Park. I'm headed up 2x more this year and may go that route if they'll let me ski them first.

You're definitely skiing way more advanced terrain than I am.

What would you suggest for my desired setup?

5'10" 230lbs
Mostly stick to groomers and steeps (no chutes or crazy powder stuff). Rarely touch trees and hit up some moguls every now and then. We're working on getting our 3yr old on the mountain more (got her up in December) so I imagine I'll be doing a fair amount of harness snowplowing in the future.

I'm on 168's right now with an 80 waist and while I can turn them on a dime and go plenty fast, I definitely feel more unstable at higher speeds and they don't cut through crud or powder well at all.

Ideally, I'd like something that I can still manage and maneuver well but have a little more umph for those days where it isn't just groomed blues.

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This is the internet with zero context - so grain of salt and all. But I'd replace your boots whatever direction you go. You're stout enough to be in 120+ even on the groomers and especially so if you like to tilt a ski and charge even a tad. Crud, speed, carving, bumps - you drive through your feet. Confidence and control starts in the boot.

Ski specs: camber, rocker, waist, edge angle, bevel, the right wax, whatever in that department is the most fun. But the adage hasn't really changed: take your budget and put 80% towards a boot (professionally fit) and find twigs that you can afford with the remainder.

Good luck with the lessons! Our 4 year old started this season. It's her 8th weekend (we have a pre-K care + ski lesson option) and remains money down the drain, but she's having fun.

Hella truth right here. Boots can make or break your ski life. Spend the money on custom insole etc because it pays dividends. If you do by your boot, most local skiers size down 1 or 2 mondos.

Stoked you're so amped on skiing. It's the best.

My boots were new when bought in 2017 and I love them. I can ski all day without them bothering me and wear at apres no problem.

I'd love to drop the coin on Surefoots but I'm not in a town with a shop often enough. I actually did a project with Surefoot a few years back and really got to know their business and product (every single professional skiier uses their product but due to their size and industry following, they don't advertise at all).

As it was told to me. Shiffrin has worn them for most of her skiing life but Atomic is the one paying her money to wear the brand.

I'm really just in the market for new sticks as mine are getting beat up. Boots a little farther down the road when I feel like dropping $1,500.

Elan Ripstick 88 may be perfect for you. They make a 96 too but I think you'd vibe heavy on the 88s from your description.

What length you suggest? All I see is 164 and 180

ChoppinDs40 said:

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What length you suggest? All I see is 164 and 180

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172 or maybe 179 based on your height, weight and profile above (lean to the former).

If you're scoping Evo, etc, they may not have all the lengths offered. It sounds like you should ping Panda.

I have an Evo down the road (8 min. from my house) in PDX and still prefer to work through a local outfitter. They let you rip some demos, try out different lengths, camber/rocker profiles, etc. I have played them dirty in the past where I demo'd the Rossi Souls, knew exactly what I wanted, and sat on Backcountry sales to pick them up after the season was over.

I dunno, when I was in TX I only skied 10-20 days a year and I wanted 0 issues and maximum enjoyment when I did. I only had a few days. Now that I get 2-3 days a week, I don't mind haggling and getting creative and spec'ing more around specific missions.

Bottom line, find a shop you like in CO and set something up before your next trip! 99% of them will be great to work with and can get you dialed through a process specific to you. It's an investment in your time as much as equipment (0 issues, max fun on your limited days on the hill).

Hoping OP doesn't mind me tagging along on this thread, I should have realized there were some experts on here. I bought my first pair of boots this year and am currently in the air on my way to Park City to take them for a spin, unless I hear otherwise from this thread.

I am 6'4" 240# and an intermediate skiier with dreams of becoming more advanced. We are renting a place in Colorado for a week in March and I plan to take some intermediate-advanced lessons to increase my confidence. In the past I have felt weak and out of shape which has limited my confidence in ungroomed runs/moguls and powder but I can make it down. I'm focusing on endurance, general leg strength (peloton) and ankle mobility and strength.

I am from Dallas so I went to a Sun and Ski sports to try to get fitted for a boot and the experience wasn't amazing. The bootfitter said they basically only had 1 boot in stock that would fit me (28.5 mondo, average to slightly below average foot volume), so he put me in a pair of Salomon S/Pro 100 Flexes. I was surprised he recommended 100 flex but sort of trusted him to not do me wrong. After that visit I read a bunch more online and decided I was interested in the growing world of alpine focused hybrid boots so I bought 5 different sets from different brands to see what fit best. I ended up purchasing a pair of Tecnica Cochise 110s. They feel pretty good but I'm a noob when it comes to boots.

I want something that will last me ~5 years and I plan to commit to more time on the snow over that time period to get better and more confident. So here are my questions:

What do you think of that selection in general?
Seeing as I am not a Backcountry skiier, will I regret a hybrid boot?
Is 110 flex enough for me to "grow into" or should I go higher?
Would I benefit from visiting a bootfitter in SLC this weekend or am I overanalyzing and can't really know until I take them out for a day of skiing?

At this point since they are unused I could still return the Tecnicas but I feel like I might be splitting hairs. I tend to suffer from paralysis by analysis at times.

Tldr: did I mess up buying a 110 flex hybrid boot at 6'4" 240 as a mostly on piste intermediate skiier with dreams of getting more advanced?

I'll let the experts weigh in on your specific inquiry but when it comes to boots I've always gone by the rule of the closer to the mountains you can buy your boots the better.

being the OP, take my advice for what it's worth (Not much) but... if you're willing to drop the coin, go to the Surefoot store in Park City. These are foam-filled custom molded boots (shells are Technica, Salomon, Atomic, whatever). They also have a custom milled underfoot insole. We're talking a boot that's made for your foot only and they only sell boots - period.

My next set will be Surefoots and I expect them to last a decade with the amount that I ski.

I love my Surefoots. Granted they're a couple thousand but they're well worth it. If you go later in the season you can catch sale deals in April / May.

If you guys are in Vail or BC or Aspen/Snowmass/Highlands let me know!

I'm about to put in a Pivot order. If you decide on skis soon lmk and I can get you the pro deal on 15s for like $220.

what can you swing on those Elan Ripstick 88s?

Quick sidebar any chance you have access to discounts for any basic ski luggage/travel bags? I really don't wanna spend a lot of money and prefer a soft bag that can handle occasional air travel for two sets of skis.

JustPanda said:

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I love my Surefoots. Granted they're a couple thousand but they're well worth it. If you go later in the season you can catch sale deals in April / May.

If you guys are in Vail or BC or Aspen/Snowmass/Highlands let me know!

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We'll be in Aspen March 4-12!

ChoppinDs40 said:

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being the OP, take my advice for what it's worth (Not much) but... if you're willing to drop the coin, go to the Surefoot store in Park City. These are foam-filled custom molded boots (shells are Technica, Salomon, Atomic, whatever). They also have a custom milled underfoot insole. We're talking a boot that's made for your foot only and they only sell boots - period.

My next set will be Surefoots and I expect them to last a decade with the amount that I ski.

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Not sure I'm ready to drop that much for boots but that sounds awesome. I'm gonna go with what I got and hope for the best. I'm sure compared to rental boots it will be an upgrade and if I hate them then I'll count it as a slightly expensive lesson learned.

I just bought a Dakine Fall line bag. $150. quality looks to be solid.

You can have the liner shaved and the boot punched to fit your foot better once you have them on and knock out a couple runs. Usually takes an overnight for each adjustment

GarlandAg2012 said:

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ChoppinDs40 said:

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being the OP, take my advice for what it's worth (Not much) but... if you're willing to drop the coin, go to the Surefoot store in Park City. These are foam-filled custom molded boots (shells are Technica, Salomon, Atomic, whatever). They also have a custom milled underfoot insole. We're talking a boot that's made for your foot only and they only sell boots - period.

My next set will be Surefoots and I expect them to last a decade with the amount that I ski.

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Not sure I'm ready to drop that much for boots but that sounds awesome. I'm gonna go with what I got and hope for the best. I'm sure compared to rental boots it will be an upgrade and if I hate them then I'll count it as a slightly expensive lesson learned.

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Yeah, I'm a hobbyist: top spec gravel and road bikes and a quiver killer set-up, yet still a quiver of skis. Whatever.

I ski Dalbello as the shell fits. Expensive as hell, but not Surefoot. I run Intuition liners. It takes a season to dial fits (stretch, liner mild, shell mold, punching areas, etc). A legit 40 days for a dialed boot. This only works with someone familiar and you trust.

Oh, and thanks Panda on the lead. I'm not super legit, but if you're in OR, WA or Whistler - lemme know. I pass at Meadows, but backcountry Crystal/Rainier/Hood. Date weekends in BC once a year.

I talked w the Elan del today and it's too late to put in a single order this season. So sorry

Liar! Seriously though, I'd love to peruse your rental shops demo inventory whenever y'all put them on sale, virtually of course.

Let's run Snowmass one day.