Ski Startup - what kind of designs would you want to see?

jrtknz

jrtknz

New member
Hi guys -

I'm new here, but I think that my new ski related startup might be interesting to the community. This is something that I've been thinking about and making for myself for years, but just recently made it legit.

Vinyl wraps for skis. If your skis have a lame design, or they're just looking old and roughed up, you can make them look awesome for just $65, free shipping. We've tested the materials over the past few seasons, and the wraps hold up great. We asked skiers in the lift lines at Vail what they thought and they were all stoked!

So, what kind of designs would you want to see? We've got some real funky ones in the works - my personal favorite and the one I have on my skis is beardman.

Our site is www.norkasports.com. Any feedback on website, designs, product etc., good or bad is always welcome - we want it to be great! I attached some product images below as well, take a look.

Sorry for the semi long post - if you made it this far, good on you!

-Jarrett
 
Hmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...
 
So this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?
 
13677512:gapersarefriends said:
So this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?
Click to expand...

Adding to this, like if I snag my skis on a root or something, would the entire vinyl just rip off?
 
13677512:gapersarefriends said:
So this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?
Click to expand...

I checked out their site and there was a demo video of how they apply the vinyl. It seems they do take off your bindings and apply the vinyl, but I too am concerned about the ripping of the entire vinyl. It does seem they make a tight fit though on the bright side.
 
Personally, Heartcarve - and it's in the public domain now: name/logo/ads/designs... so anything original in the win gallery (if it's original).

At present, I would put the wrap on my drumkit. But a bunch on my NS friends might be interested.

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Is there any way to print next year's ski graphics so I can pretend to be sponsored and get mad pro hoe pus?
 
Thanks everyone! A lot of good questions here and I'll try to answer them all the best I can!
13677487:cydwhit said:
Hmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...
Click to expand...

@cydwhit Thanks for the feedback! I totally understand the skepticism, and one of our biggest challenges is going to be proving the wraps durability. I hope you'll give it a try though!

13677512:gapersarefriends said:
So this is similar to wrapping a car? Do you take the bindings off to wrap or do you wrap around them? how well do they hold up to top sheet chipping?
Click to expand...

@gapersarefriends, yes, you could definitely compare it to wrapping a car. Taking the bindings off is ideal, but for those that don't like the idea of this you could also cut around them (just going to be more work). We are working on a companion product for customers that don't want to or don't feel comfortable removing bindings. As far as top sheet chipping, the wraps are very durable (but not invincible). They handle top sheet chipping similarly to how your skis without it would.

13677521:e.littt said:
Adding to this, like if I snag my skis on a root or something, would the entire vinyl just rip off?
Click to expand...

@e.littt Theres not a situation where the vinyl would actually rip off - but just like your skis, if you hit them on something that would chip your skis you may get a chip to the wrap as well. You've given me the idea to upload closeup of my skis to the site to show how they hold up. The hold is actually very strong, so a chip only results in a chip, with no tearing. I was actually removing an old vinyl last week to film a "how to" on removal, and it was pretty stuck on there after ~3 years of skiing with it.

13677535:GregFlik said:
I checked out their site and there was a demo video of how they apply the vinyl. It seems they do take off your bindings and apply the vinyl, but I too am concerned about the ripping of the entire vinyl. It does seem they make a tight fit though on the bright side.
Click to expand...

Thanks @GregFlik! You're right in saying that taking off the bindings is what we recommend to do. It is possible to wrap around them with some careful cutting, but our process is what we've found to be best! Also - I understand your concern with the ripping...this is a big hurdle for us to prove the durability of the vinyl. We've updated our application process to include a "heat with a hairdryer" step (how to video updating coming soon). This step in the process actually makes the wrap behave like a shrink wrap, and tighten around the ski. I can assure you there is no risk of it tearing off - but just like your skis, it is susceptible to small chips if you hit rocks etc. We're thinking about shooting a video where we drag a ski with the wrap behind a car or something, to show its durability - haha. Any ideas on what would prove it to you would be great!

13677560:Abu-Baghdadi said:
Is there any way to print next year's ski graphics so I can pretend to be sponsored and get mad pro hoe pus?
Click to expand...

Haha - sorry @Abu-Baghdadi, we can print mostly anything, but we're not really cool with taking designs from other companies.
 
They had this is the 80's. I found some old rolls in the basement at the ski shop I worked at. Durability was the major issue. Good luck.
 
13677641:johnblaze said:
They had this is the 80's. I found some old rolls in the basement at the ski shop I worked at. Durability was the major issue. Good luck.
Click to expand...

@johnblaze I've seen one place in some random forum a reference to something similar to this in the 80's, but can't find much more. Any idea what they were called etc?

Durability was the main problem that we were focused on solving when we were developing it. Our first prototype was actually fairly durable, but the current version we are selling is ~20x thicker, which a stronger laminate as well. We have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.
 
13677644:jrtknz said:
We have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.
Click to expand...

I saw on the website Strong vinyl to withstand the cold and water. Curious as to how they will hold up when the outside temps are 50+ during Mt. Hood summers as well as super wet heavy slush. Do these hold snow on the tops of the skis similar to a normal top sheet or does snow stick more so to them?
 
You guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!
 
Blank white , wood grain, and sticker bombed would all be pretty cool.

Another idea (I saw it on here a few weeks ago idk who said it) is to put caution symbols on the tails that say "dont you f_cking dare" so gapers think twice about bumping into my skis in the lift line
 
13677668:ben_collins said:
You guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!
Click to expand...

Nvmd I didn't see you already had this
 
13677487:cydwhit said:
Hmmm...

I still am intrigued but not 100% sold on the idea of wraps.....

I've drawn a few top sheets, and one is getting layed up right now, I'd potentially be interested in trying out your custom service at some point though...
Click to expand...

I had a friend who a few years back had this idea, the ski shop I work for has been doing it for years on sponsored racers and park riders skis and usually we've found the wraps last as long as a normal top sheet. The only models we had issues with were race skis with some sort of 3d shape on the top sheet.

Anyways stoked to see where this ends up, If you didn't do this I probably would've taken a shot at this in a few years!
 
13677668:ben_collins said:
You guys should make it so you could get a template of whatever ski model someone has, design their own skis in photoshop and then send them to you for vinyl printing. I would absolutely love to create a wrap for my company!
Click to expand...

Hi @ben_collins -

We do offer this exact thing! You can find it if you go to the shop for ski wraps page. Send us an email at hello@norkasports.com if you have any questions or need guidance, thanks!
 
13677673:J_S said:
Blank white , wood grain, and sticker bombed would all be pretty cool.

Another idea (I saw it on here a few weeks ago idk who said it) is to put caution symbols on the tails that say "dont you f_cking dare" so gapers think twice about bumping into my skis in the lift line
Click to expand...

Great ideas @J_S, thanks! I've been thinking that wood grain would be really awesome. We also offer matte finish, so a matte white or matte black would look dope.

13677675:freddy.allport said:
I had a friend who a few years back had this idea, the ski shop I work for has been doing it for years on sponsored racers and park riders skis and usually we've found the wraps last as long as a normal top sheet. The only models we had issues with were race skis with some sort of 3d shape on the top sheet.

Anyways stoked to see where this ends up, If you didn't do this I probably would've taken a shot at this in a few years!
Click to expand...

@freddy.allport Very cool - I have seen before that some shops will do a one off wrap in certain instances, and there are a few companies out there that do a similar thing for snowboards. I'm excited to see where things go - thanks for the support!
 
I have many questions:

1. How do you make a skin to so many different sizes of skis?

2. Custom designs is a must, everyone wants to have there own graphic on their ski they designed the self, is it possible? When could we see this?

3. Does it affect the flex/ side wall of the ski?

4. How long it take to apply the skin?

5. Does water affect it?
 
13677644:jrtknz said:
@johnblaze I've seen one place in some random forum a reference to something similar to this in the 80's, but can't find much more. Any idea what they were called etc?

Durability was the main problem that we were focused on solving when we were developing it. Our first prototype was actually fairly durable, but the current version we are selling is ~20x thicker, which a stronger laminate as well. We have solved the durability issue, to the point that the wrap is as durable as the skis.
Click to expand...

Man i have no idea.. it was a long time ago. they came in what looked like a peanut butter jar.
 
13677721:Pole-Less said:
I have many questions:

1. How do you make a skin to so many different sizes of skis?

2. Custom designs is a must, everyone wants to have there own graphic on their ski they designed the self, is it possible? When could we see this?

3. Does it affect the flex/ side wall of the ski?

4. How long it take to apply the skin?

5. Does water affect it?
Click to expand...

Thanks @Pole-less, you have questions and I have some answers for you!

1. Our stock wraps are designed to be long enough to fit most skis. These are 183cmx18cm long. At checkout, there is a dropdown option to pick this size, or to say that your skis are smaller or larger so that we can insure that the wrap will fit.

2. Of course we offer custom! You can see right herehttp://norkasports.com/shop-customskiwrap.html

3. The wrap itself is able to flex, so there is no affect to the flex or the side wall of the ski

4. It takes about 45 minutes to apply the wrap including set up. It depends on how careful you want to be, and how nicely you want to trim it.

5. Water does not affect the wrap. There are no issues with the wrap getting wet, or being in cold/hot temps.

Thanks for the questions! Hope this clears everything up!

13677730:johnblaze said:
Man i have no idea.. it was a long time ago. they came in what looked like a peanut butter jar.
Click to expand...

haha no problem @johnblaze, I'll search around some more and see if I can get some info
 
13677751:jrtknz said:
Thanks @Pole-less, you have questions and I have some answers for you!

1. Our stock wraps are designed to be long enough to fit most skis. These are 183cmx18cm long. At checkout, there is a dropdown option to pick this size, or to say that your skis are smaller or larger so that we can insure that the wrap will fit.

2. Of course we offer custom! You can see right herehttp://norkasports.com/shop-customskiwrap.html

3. The wrap itself is able to flex, so there is no affect to the flex or the side wall of the ski

4. It takes about 45 minutes to apply the wrap including set up. It depends on how careful you want to be, and how nicely you want to trim it.

5. Water does not affect the wrap. There are no issues with the wrap getting wet, or being in cold/hot temps.

Thanks for the questions! Hope this clears everything up!

haha no problem @johnblaze, I'll search around some more and see if I can get some info
Click to expand...

Seems like you guys did a lot of work before putting yourself out there, excited to see how this takes off.
 
I thought this was going to be another TBK Ski co. or Roxor but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the person running this is well educated, respectful, and knows what he's doing. It'll be interesting to see where this company goes from here.
 
sorry guys - had to create another account to reply, since I was over the 5 post limit.

13677761:hot.pocket said:
Seems like you guys did a lot of work before putting yourself out there, excited to see how this takes off.
Click to expand...

@hot.pocket Thank you! Means a lot to hear people interested in the idea, we definitely put in a lot of work, with a lot more work ahead of us!

13677769:captain_whale said:
I thought this was going to be another TBK Ski co. or Roxor but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the person running this is well educated, respectful, and knows what he's doing. It'll be interesting to see where this company goes from here.
Click to expand...

Thank you @captain_whale! Hopefully you will be hearing about us / seeing us around soon enough!

13677782:bananabrains said:
How much additional weight would the wrap add to the ski?
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@bananabrains The weight is pretty negligible...our shipping weight in a package is 2lbs and we include an x-acto knife for trimming, and an alcohol wipe to wipe down the ski before applying. I'd say that once you take the weight of the package out of it and the wrap is all trimmed up and on it adds ~.5lb or less
 
What type of vinyl are you using? Made an attempt with permagrip vinyl a few years ago and it wouldn't stay on at the flex points.
 
13678166:steezyjibber said:
Damn, this is pretty dope.
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Thanks dude! We think so too!

13678203:Smart said:
What type of vinyl are you using? Made an attempt with permagrip vinyl a few years ago and it wouldn't stay on at the flex points.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but we can't really give away our "special sauce". We tested multiple vinyls in combination with multiple laminates in order to find what works best. The skis I have now have been wrapped for the past 3 years with no issues with it staying on!
 
13677794:Fred_Bear said:
Only a couple pounds per ski
Click to expand...

13677869:jrtknz2 said:
@bananabrains The weight is pretty negligible...our shipping weight in a package is 2lbs and we include an x-acto knife for trimming, and an alcohol wipe to wipe down the ski before applying. I'd say that once you take the weight of the package out of it and the wrap is all trimmed up and on it adds ~.5lb or less
Click to expand...

Cheers, this shouldn't have a major effect on ski/skier performance then
 
how well does the wrap stick to skis if they are really beat up? like top sheet chips and all that
 
13678332:MNSkiers said:
They look pretty slick
Click to expand...

Thanks @MNSkiers!

13678382:Peter. said:
how well does the wrap stick to skis if they are really beat up? like top sheet chips and all that
Click to expand...

@Peter. The wrap will not have an issue sticking to the surface...but we recommend trying to file off any sharp edges etc. Try it out :)
 
13677555:baby_HC said:
Personally, Heartcarve - and it's in the public domain now: name/logo/ads/designs... so anything original in the win gallery (if it's original).

At present, I would put the wrap on my drumkit. But a bunch on my NS friends might be interested.
Click to expand...

tumblr_m6vd1kYRax1r3zat8.gif
 
Word of advice: the majority of female skiers don't want pink, purple, floral or cute top sheets, there is already enough of them going around and it legit stops me from buying what could be a great ski
 
13678499:snophie said:
Word of advice: the majority of female skiers don't want pink, purple, floral or cute top sheets, there is already enough of them going around and it legit stops me from buying what could be a great ski
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice! Part of my inspiration was my sister's corny floral pattern skis! She was going to buy new skis just because of the bad design!
 
This is a sick idea! Also your website looks great and is really easy to use, keep up the good word and im excited to see where this goes!
 
13678517:User1 said:
Looks awesome, it seems like you put in some hard work, I hope it works out well.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

13678652:Morriski_ said:
This is a sick idea! Also your website looks great and is really easy to use, keep up the good word and im excited to see where this goes!
Click to expand...

Thanks, we appreciate the support!

13678656:dresserski said:
Dekal used to do the same thing, and they are no more
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Interesting...hadn't heard of them and they were pretty tough to find any details on, aside from an old new schoolers thread. Based on the thread, it sounds like they had a lot of website issues but that people liked the idea in general. Hoping that we improved on all their shortcomings - won't know unless we try though!
 
13678641:baby_HC said:
Why not? I mean you're a self-proclaimed oldskool person, right?.. so why are you here? Especially this thread, which is about self-expression away from status-quo.
Click to expand...

To know where you are going you need to know where you came from, thats why i like the old school stuff.
 
I have some feedback and it's kind of negative but hopefully it will help cause this isn't a bad idea.

I don't like any of your graphics at all haha I'm sorry, I think you could work on that. So if I hated my ski graphics so much I'd have to pay $65 to replace it. Well, I'm no artist so I'd have to pay someone like Cy (who has sick art btw) to do a draw up for me. Then, since it's a custom drawing, it's another $5. That's probably going to come out to be $100 at least. With companies like ON3P and caravan already offering custom graphics what's the point of coming to you? I'm not trying to sound rude, I like the idea, I just think you need to work on some stuff.

Also I don't think I've ever been on a ski I really liked and thought "if only these didn't look stupid" idk it seems like most ski graphics are pretty cool these days. Kinda seems like a novelty to me and if that's what you're going for then cool. Sorry if I seemed negative, not trying to discourage, just giving you my .02
 
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