Back to ski choice:
It's even more what current supply chain executives would admire than what the Soviet planners would have admired.
He and his crew test boots and skis extensively each year. They find the smallest supplier bundle that can provide the best overall skiing experience. Each new vendor relationship and export/import agreement adds significant cost and bureaucratic headache for a shop his size. I know ... I have discussed this at length with the individual(s) who execute his supply plan.
Todd's analysis is spot on! Never loose sight of the fact that Harald is a small business owner selling skis in an uber competitive market. He's dumb like a fox! Ski on models you sell, tout only those models, be quiet about everything else. By aligning with Head, he gets the mega-ski company with more models across the board than anyone. That relationship may have started with the original Supershape many seasons ago, and, as Head grew over the years, it's harder to leave. He's criticized several Head skis and I doubt they can be found in his shop. It's funny that in last year's World Cup championships, all Head podium finishers were photographed carrying i-speeds, but, you will not hear HH tout them.
From a supply standpoint, it would be easy to add 2 skis from a small vendor looking for the publicity, so adding Movement, a very limited distribution ski, should be an excellent fit. I still believe HH always wanted to find a wider ski to add to the fleet as that where today's market is. Carrying 6 skis just makes financial sense.
I still get a chuckle out of his announcement that he will ski on a ski that is not imported by Head USA. So, if you want to ski what HH skis, then you have to get it from him. On his last DVD, the Icon, now TT80, was the star, and now the love affair is over.
Anybody think the rest of the results of the ski testing results, detailing those less capable, will be published?
I'm not knocking what he does. As Max states, he gives away for free a lot of great information, and, listening to one trusted expert can save us all money and time. As Lynn states, he's really much more about skill development that finding the perfect ski. For sure, my quiver is much more competent than I.
But, then again, demoing is fun! I hope Head returns to the world famous Elk Mountain demo day - first Friday in January!
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