Powder/Backcountry skier looking to try freestyle. Don't know anything about park skis, what should I be looking for?

P

pyrojoe34

New member
Looking to snatch up some end of season sales or craigslist buys for a pair of decent skis. I'm ~175lb and 6ft tall. I currently ski 2013 Atomic Bent Chetlers (192cm) and mostly in pow but want to try to get more into park/freestyle skiing on the shitty days. Since I have no idea what to look for in a park (and somewhat all-mountain) ski (mostly air & butter stuff. Some rails but not a ton. Mostly stuff I can do in the backcountry too), I thought I'd ask here.

What size should I look at? I was thinking of looking for a 175-180cm (80-90mm waist) ski with rocker/camber/rocker. I want it to be light, butter-able, and will spin easily but still be stiff and edgy enough to charge down variable terrain and hit some drops. I was looking at maybe something like the 2015 Atomic Infamous 176cm?

I'm hoping to find a pair on Craigslist for $150-200 with bindings(not that uncommon here) or spend under $300 on a clearance pair and snatch up some cheap(ish) bindings. Any recommendations would be awesome.

Here's[1] some GoPro footage of mine to give you an idea of where I'm at in "skill" level. (Some snowboarding in there too, ignore that, I do both)

*Also been considering some Volkl Alley skis(2011 I think) in a 168. Looks like I can snatch some up for under $200 (hopefully talk them down to $100-150) with Marker Squire bindings. Thoughts on these skis?
 
13381698:Park_Mho said:
What din do you normally ride at? Squires def wont be good at your height and weight.
Click to expand...

10 in the toes 11.5-12ish in the heels. But that's for charging/pow. I don't mind them a little looser if I'm trying to learn spins (they're like 3-11 right?)
 
13381709:pyrojoe34 said:
10 in the toes 11.5-12ish in the heels. But that's for charging/pow. I don't mind them a little looser if I'm trying to learn spins (they're like 3-11 right?)
Click to expand...

You're gonna need a more burlier binding. It's not just the spring strength/tension it's about the construction and housing too. You should be looking at a minimum at the sth2, griffins, fks 14, AAA13
 
13381714:PowPirate said:
You're gonna need a more burlier binding. It's not just the spring strength/tension it's about the construction and housing too. You should be looking at a minimum at the sth2, griffins, fks 14, AAA13
Click to expand...

The sth and attack 13 would prob be the best for him. The griffon has too much plastic and the brakes on the fks are inpossible to replace, and he needs that especially if he is learning to land swtich.
 
13381739:Park_Mho said:
The sth and attack 13 would prob be the best for him. The griffon has too much plastic and the brakes on the fks are inpossible to replace, and he needs that especially if he is learning to land swtich.
Click to expand...

i agree to an extent. . the brakes are a huge down side on the fks but I've never had any problems with my griffins
 
topic:pyrojoe34 said:
What size should I look at? I was thinking of looking for a 175-180cm (80-90mm waist) ski with rocker/camber/rocker. I want it to be light, butter-able, and will spin easily but still be stiff and edgy enough to charge down variable terrain and hit some drops. I was looking at maybe something like the 2015 Atomic Infamous 176cm?
Click to expand...

I'm about your height and a little lighter and ride 179 cm Volkl Steps in the park. They're 112-85-112 symmetrical with rocker-camber-rocker. Stiff enough to hold up on hardpack and rail pretty well. Great for spins and switch. They're not super buttery, but that's a trade-off - I wouldn't want really soft skis for drops - just personal preference.

The Volkl Alleys at 168 will be too small for you for sure, also I'd get something burlier than Marker Squires at your weight. If you could stretch your budget, Jesters would be a way more better investment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top