realskiers

Here are some thoughts regarding the trials of being a lurker with a small quiver on this forum.

I keep thinking that the smart way to go about getting a western ski is to buy one that is a year of so old. ?But here is the problem; several years ago Ron had me convinced that my skiing life wouldn't be the same unless I got some IM 82's, ?right as I was ready to pull the trigger, the 78's came out. More maneuverable and a possible classic to be talked about for years. ?I was really considering getting some 78's at 177 and started reading about Icelandic skis. ?Oh, how the folks on this forum made them seem like the most wonderful winter conveyance since wood slats. ?I loved the graphics, the performance in bumps, trees, deep powder. ?I loved everything that I read about them. ?I was ready to pull the trigger on some pilgrims..........b ut wait..........Gary now is making these JJ's seem so cool!!! ? ? ?

Confusion again ? ?

Do I dare ask for help here?!! ?I can't wait to here the helpful advise to come.

Ahh, yes several years ago, now this is sounding like a a post from Mike!? Yes, several years ago the 82 was great (BTW- it still is a great ski) but as time marches on,? and new technology a and new materails and as people ski more and different terrain they couldn't ski or couldn't ski well even 5 years ago, news skis emerge that now perform so well and differently, that what seemed fat, like a 82, now are considered "skinny".? A Pilgrim is a great example,? 90 underfoot, but has different flex characteristics softer tip, a stiff underfoot and moderate tail, the result? A ski that rips soft groomers, loves bumps and handles crud very well; a fantastic all mountain soft snow ski (also great for tele and BC  use)., all in a? tradtional sandwich construction and standard camber. I digress:? so you want advice?? My advice is to try different skis that work for you. If I had just followed the mass's I wouldn't be on Icelantics today!? Ther is is no perfect ski, there is no ski made for a scecific stlye of skiing that I know of (other than being part of group).? For where you ski, A nice 68-72mm wide ski along with a 84-92mm wide ski should cover it quite well. Powder boards?? I doubt they would be of much use, I think Gary would agree that JJ is not what you want or need. I woudn't even advise a Nomad! (and I'm supposed to!).? Unless you start to spend more time out west, don't bother. But find what makes you have more fun, maybe its a VOlkl AC50 or 30? Uber stiff and burly, maybe its a noodle Rossi , or  a head. all great skis. I just bought the Kaslte 78 from Phil. So take our advice but learn from your experience what is the right ski for you.? Now that's advice you can trust-? Its like going to the dr, I went through several until I found one that actually knew how to treat me, the rest were not quacks, just not up on thier medicine and new techniques.? ?But I went to them because they were board certified and recommended, just not the right ones for me. (OK, a couple were a little scary )   OK, please buy Icelantic PIlgrims.....