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

Posts: 12 - Karma: 418

Mar 27 2015 1:15PM

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?

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pyrojoe34

Posts: 12 - Karma: 418

Mar 27 2015 1:17PM

Here's the GoPro video I mentioned: https://vimeo.com/100252154

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Park_Mho

Posts: 351 - Karma: 390

Mar 27 2015 1:44PM

What din do you normally ride at? Squires def wont be good at your height and weight.

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pyrojoe34

Posts: 12 - Karma: 418

Mar 27 2015 1:54PM

Park_MhoWhat din do you normally ride at? Squires def wont be good at your height and weight.

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?)

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PowPirate

Posts: 437 - Karma: 621

Mar 27 2015 2:04PM

pyrojoe3410 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?)

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

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Park_Mho

Posts: 351 - Karma: 390

Mar 27 2015 2:41PM

PowPirateYou'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

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.

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PowPirate

Posts: 437 - Karma: 621

Mar 27 2015 3:46PM

Park_MhoThe 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.

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

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Kickerzzz

Posts: 234 - Karma: 62

Mar 27 2015 11:20PM

pyrojoe34What 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 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.

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veng_m

Posts: 1267 - Karma: 2,720

Mar 28 2015 9:31PM

don't buy the squires. imo, i wouldn't get the infamous either. ive heard that the durability isnt too great and i dont know if they fixed it or not. I would check out the atomic punx in a 176 or 182 and the marker jesters with a 90mm brake.

http://www.evo.com/skis/atomic-punx.aspx#image=80519.Image.1.jpg&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&utm_campaign=80519

http://www.evo.com/alpine-ski-bindings/marker-jester.aspx

the extra money is definitely worth it with how long these skis will last you

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