Hi everyone,
I'm a 5'4" (163cm) 150 lbs male, fairly athletic (build like an English bulldog). Probably a solid intermediate, average speed/aggressiveness. Easily handle blues and content in blacks that aren't super bumpy. I've been skiing for a few years now, mostly on a set of Techno Pro's that were given to me. Great for learning on eastern Canadian hardpack- 144cm/70 wide, very much beginner skis. Same with the boots, super soft flex.
I was in Colorado in March for a ski trip and rented some more appropriate gear after sinking on my beginner stuff. Not knowing anything about skis, I went with what the rental shop recommended. I spent one day on 166 Brahma's and a couple days on 161 Nomad 95's. Boots were some kind of Technica, 90 flex rating. I was able to handle the Brahma's well enough, but sometimes I felt the ski was in charge or me, vice the other way around. Perhaps a bit too stiff. I think the Nomads were less stiff, more rockered and already shorter- easier to smear turns, and still miles above my Techno Pros. It was all the convincing I needed to get some new stuff.
I'll be skiing mostly eastern Canada (Mont St Marie, Mont Tremblant, Stowe) with one trip a year out west (Colorado, BC, northern cal), mostly groomed but looking to spend more time improving in trees/bumps and in some light powder- if there is going to be a dump of snow, I'll rent skis for that.
I've got a good line on a set of 2019 K2 Pinnacle 88's (163) with Attack2 13 B95 bindings, and Blizzard Bushwackers (166) with Marker Griffon B90 bindings. After reading about these and others similar, these seem pretty solid choices. For boots, it's probably too risky to buy without trying them on at all. US size 7.5, 100mm wide (EE shoe width). I could pick up a pair of K2 B.F.C. 90's (25.5 mondo), with a generous 103mm last, for a great price. But I'm guessing the advice will be "don't do that!".
Thanks very much Pugski, your forums rock.
Ryan
I'm a 5'4" (163cm) 150 lbs male, fairly athletic (build like an English bulldog). Probably a solid intermediate, average speed/aggressiveness. Easily handle blues and content in blacks that aren't super bumpy. I've been skiing for a few years now, mostly on a set of Techno Pro's that were given to me. Great for learning on eastern Canadian hardpack- 144cm/70 wide, very much beginner skis. Same with the boots, super soft flex.
I was in Colorado in March for a ski trip and rented some more appropriate gear after sinking on my beginner stuff. Not knowing anything about skis, I went with what the rental shop recommended. I spent one day on 166 Brahma's and a couple days on 161 Nomad 95's. Boots were some kind of Technica, 90 flex rating. I was able to handle the Brahma's well enough, but sometimes I felt the ski was in charge or me, vice the other way around. Perhaps a bit too stiff. I think the Nomads were less stiff, more rockered and already shorter- easier to smear turns, and still miles above my Techno Pros. It was all the convincing I needed to get some new stuff.
I'll be skiing mostly eastern Canada (Mont St Marie, Mont Tremblant, Stowe) with one trip a year out west (Colorado, BC, northern cal), mostly groomed but looking to spend more time improving in trees/bumps and in some light powder- if there is going to be a dump of snow, I'll rent skis for that.
I've got a good line on a set of 2019 K2 Pinnacle 88's (163) with Attack2 13 B95 bindings, and Blizzard Bushwackers (166) with Marker Griffon B90 bindings. After reading about these and others similar, these seem pretty solid choices. For boots, it's probably too risky to buy without trying them on at all. US size 7.5, 100mm wide (EE shoe width). I could pick up a pair of K2 B.F.C. 90's (25.5 mondo), with a generous 103mm last, for a great price. But I'm guessing the advice will be "don't do that!".
Thanks very much Pugski, your forums rock.
Ryan