Adidas owned salomon for a period of time (or maybe they still do, idk).
No one was complaining when the 1080's and pocket rockets spawned mainstream freestyle skiing.
Nike's been making ski gear for years and supplied it in Europe / South America. I'm honestly surprised they haven't made boots / skis yet...seems like a logical step for em.
Just got some 159 missdemeanor's for my GF and she loves them. Sounds like she is similar in ability to yours. They turned out to be a great all mountain ski for a decent intermediate looking to get better.
Good luck.
check out their acg website. Nike sponsors numerous freeskiers in Europe. They make some pretty dope stuff imo.
You see it occasionally at nike outlets in the winter. I know Niketown Denver used to carry it too.
Good luck.
Braces for the most part do nothing. A placebo effect if you will.
Go to a doctor if your knee constantly hurts, if it only hurts doing certain maneuvers, maybe you should stop doing them.