Basically like half the ski industry is hung in the balance of this whole deal. K2 is the largest action sports equipment manufacturer in the world. Shit's going to change if this goes down. Hopefully for the better (i.e. people buying from small ski companies more)...
Sep 23 2016 2:53AM
Sep 23 2016 4:53AM
Wait, so I've only read up on this a bit, and I'm a bit confused. Did I read that k2 is looking to just up and close all their skiing brands, not even selling them off? That would be really, really bad if full tilt, line, k2, ect just ceased to exist. I've been wearing full tilts for so fucking long
Sep 23 2016 5:12AM
Wait, so I've only read up on this a bit, and I'm a bit confused. Did I read that k2 is looking to just up and close all their skiing brands, not even selling them off? That would be really, really bad if full tilt, line, k2, ect just ceased to exist. I've been wearing full tilts for so fucking long
Sep 23 2016 7:37AM
RparrWait, so I've only read up on this a bit, and I'm a bit confused. Did I read that k2 is looking to just up and close all their skiing brands, not even selling them off? That would be really, really bad if full tilt, line, k2, ect just ceased to exist. I've been wearing full tilts for so fucking long
Parent company wants to sell all of K2 as one. I would think that if there are no buyers for K2 as a whole they would sell off the brands under it because some money is better than no money, unless splitting it up would be that much of a pain in the ass. Even if they close em all up I would imagine somebody would get there hands on dalbello and full tilt boot molds. (P.S. I don't know what I'm talking about)
Sep 23 2016 7:45AM
Josh__PeckBut what about the FULL TILTS
Full tilts are basically bear traps. Felt like my foot was on fire when I tried them on.
It would be unfortunate to not have more of these cheap companies for people who can't afford skis like ON3P... but it would be great to get rid of shit brands like LINE, Full Tilt, and marker.
Sep 23 2016 8:48AM
SconnieFull tilts are basically bear traps. Felt like my foot was on fire when I tried them on.It would be unfortunate to not have more of these cheap companies for people who can't afford skis like ON3P... but it would be great to get rid of shit brands like LINE, Full Tilt, and marker.
The most fucked thing about this shitshow is that dalbello was like JUST absorbed by k2, and is already going under. That's so fucked.
Sep 23 2016 8:54AM
Sconniebut it would be great to get rid of shit brands like LINE, Full Tilt, and marker.
do you know how many people line and full tilt support with free skis and/or boots? there's no money in skiing right now and there are tons of kids that deserve to be compensated - line does far more to help out "the little guy" than any other company in the industry. what an asinine statement.
Sep 23 2016 11:21AM
RparrWait, so I've only read up on this a bit, and I'm a bit confused. Did I read that k2 is looking to just up and close all their skiing brands, not even selling them off? That would be really, really bad if full tilt, line, k2, ect just ceased to exist. I've been wearing full tilts for so fucking long
The Hedge fund that owns all the companies that owns the companies that owns the companies that own K2 announced that they have considered the idea of thinking about shuttering under performing categories... one of which is Winter sports.
So basically nobody know shit, nothing is official and the rumour mill is in high gear. They did drop Seth Morrison, and they did let go of a number of employees.
We're doing our best to get more facts on the situation.
Sep 23 2016 11:34AM
KendozersBrotherBasically like half the ski industry is hung in the balance of this whole deal. K2 is the largest action sports equipment manufacturer in the world. Shit's going to change if this goes down. Hopefully for the better (i.e. people buying from small ski companies more)...
Now to address the original point... yes it would be insane if we lost one of the biggest brands in the sport. Loads would change. I mean I think we're already going to see a massive change in hardgoods manufacturing.... Especially with the struggles that the brick and mortar ski shop method of distribution has been facing.
Honestly though, these Hedge fund announcements rarely lead to actual company shutdowns. Remember all the drama around Quicksilver and Rossignol?
https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/Quiksilver-Buy-Rossignol-320-Million
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/28/business/fi-quiksilver28
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/09/09/bummerquicksilver-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-in-us.html
Rossignol is still here and has one of the hottest selling Skis in the game for regular skiers, the Soul 7. Quicksilver is still around doing their thing.
Sure, business units end up getting hacked and slashed and totally re-built.... and sometimes loads of awesome people get cut... but most of the times they don't die off they're just re-invented.
Sep 23 2016 11:39AM
Mr.BishopThe Hedge fund that owns all the companies that owns the companies that owns the companies that own K2 announced that they have considered the idea of thinking about shuttering under performing categories... one of which is Winter sports.So basically nobody know shit, nothing is official and the rumour mill is in high gear. They did drop Seth Morrison, and they did let go of a number of employees.
We're doing our best to get more facts on the situation.
I'm just worried because if both dalbello and full tilt went under, I literally would not know where to buy boots. That would be catastrophic
Sep 23 2016 12:32PM
RparrI'm just worried because if both dalbello and full tilt went under, I literally would not know where to buy boots. That would be catastrophic
For the first part of your journey, you must find this magical and mysterious establishment most commonly known as a ski shop. Once you have made your way into this enchanted location, you must seek the "knower of all", locals refer to him as "bootfitter". He has shown the way to many that have come before you. By taking advantage of his vast knowledge, you will find the boots you are looking for.
Seriously though, you Dalbello and Full Tilt fanboys are so scared of the outcome of this it's laughable. There are other boots out there that will work. Fischer, Lange, Atomic, Roxa, etc... all make a boot that will fit your foot. Sure, they might not make you look like you're on a first name basis with the entire Level 1 roster but your feet will be comfy and you'll be able to ski.
Sep 23 2016 12:32PM
Sep 23 2016 12:37PM
RparrI'm just worried because if both dalbello and full tilt went under, I literally would not know where to buy boots. That would be catastrophic
The other important thing to remember that going Bankrupt often doesn't mean that a company goes away. They just re-structure their debt, re-build and don't miss much.
Shut down is a different story... which is what caused this stink because that was what the Hedge fund manager said in the press conference... but I'd be surprised if that actually happened.
Sep 23 2016 12:51PM
Sep 23 2016 12:56PM
Long Story short:
severLA Key twin tip/newschoolers brands could be very different or dead in the next year or two.
FWIW, the brands that are killing it right now are not really focused on producing twin tip/freestyle skis. Several of them build them, but it is not their marketing or production focus. Those that are seeing good numbers don't spend a ton going after your money. You all became a cheap date. Newschool skiing is lame. Snowboarding is cool again.
Sep 23 2016 12:57PM
KendozersBrotherK2 does things for skiing believe it or not. Our local rep here sponsors plenty of shit. And their skis are pretty damn good for the money. I'd rather buy from a small company, but it's hard to knock them so definitively
Hold the bus. People are still going to want to buy skis and instead of the money going into the pockets of a multi national people can turn to the smaller brands giving that money they would have given to k2 and they will then have the money to do more things for skiers themselves .
However I think I'd rather have the brands people know under the K2 umbrella remain but be split up and ideally end up skier owned.
This is all getting a bit political now but this is the chance to claw back brands for ourselves.
Maybe a cooperative buy out of Full Tilt from all the 12 year olds on here…if they can get their parents card details.
Sep 23 2016 1:37PM
Everyone who is worried about getting quality 3 piece boots if FT and Dalbello go under should check out Roxa boots. They own the original 3 piece patent and made FT and Dalbello boots for years. Same 3 piece design, they have some great park and touring boots. Dean Bercovitch and I ski in the Freebird 120 for park, JF Houle and Jules Bonnaire were in them too at WCS. Link: http://www.roxa.com/
Sep 23 2016 3:12PM
SconnieThey don't deserve shit. Everybody that can throw down thinks the industry owes them something, but being able to participate in this sport in the first place is a huge privilege.
You need to step the fuck back and respect some of the companies that have influenced and supported our sport so heavily.
You're a fucking 13 year old kid that has absolutely zero perspective on what the industry has been like in the last 10. Yet, somehow you feel justified in making statements about 'shit' companies that have given way more to the sport than you ever will.
Sep 23 2016 4:35PM
Ok, something I just thought about that I haven't seen discussed.
If Marker goes down with this, all of their bindings IMMEDIATELY become NON-INDEMNIFIED. All of them.
With no company to back them, ski shops won't touch them. That's fucking HUGE, and affects nearly every skier from beginner to expert
Sep 23 2016 4:47PM
SconnieFull tilts are basically bear traps. Felt like my foot was on fire when I tried them on.It would be unfortunate to not have more of these cheap companies for people who can't afford skis like ON3P... but it would be great to get rid of shit brands like LINE, Full Tilt, and marker.
I'm curious as to why you think these brands are shit.
Sep 23 2016 5:36PM
Is Roxa affiliated with Full Tilt or just made in the same factory? Because if they went under too it would be Salomon, Atomic, and Fischer left for boots?
Also whats with all the hate on Line Skis? I mean their price point skis are price point, but I would love to get on a pair of mordecais or pescados
Sep 23 2016 6:19PM
.lenconIs Roxa affiliated with Full Tilt or just made in the same factory? Because if they went under too it would be Salomon, Atomic, and Fischer left for boots?Also whats with all the hate on Line Skis? I mean their price point skis are price point, but I would love to get on a pair of mordecais or pescados
don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure Roxa/full tilt are affiliated, they use the same molds (roxa used to have their own version of the booters, and now have their own descendants). It might be some sort of licensing deal for the molds.
as for Line hate its probably nerds hopping on the bandwagon. There's no doubt there are higher quality products out there but Line is by no means "shit"
Sep 23 2016 6:20PM
SconnieFull tilts are basically bear traps. Felt like my foot was on fire when I tried them on.It would be unfortunate to not have more of these cheap companies for people who can't afford skis like ON3P... but it would be great to get rid of shit brands like LINE, Full Tilt, and marker.
haha get fucked kid. you hate those brands because they're popular and it's not edgy to like popular things.
explain to us all why those brands are shit and how the industry would benefit if they disappeared.
Sep 23 2016 7:00PM
a_burgerdon't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure Roxa/full tilt are affiliated, they use the same molds (roxa used to have their own version of the booters, and now have their own descendants). It might be some sort of licensing deal for the molds.as for Line hate its probably nerds hopping on the bandwagon. There's no doubt there are higher quality products out there but Line is by no means "shit"
yeah id assume they are affiliated but from all I know they just share the same factory. I could probably look up if they are affiliated.
what was the name of the big company that owned all of k2, line, ft, etc?
Sep 23 2016 7:11PM
.lenconyeah id assume they are affiliated but from all I know they just share the same factory. I could probably look up if they are affiliated.what was the name of the big company that owned all of k2, line, ft, etc?
based on some quick googling it seems like they started it out as a factory producing boots for other companies like raichle, dalbello, etc. and ended up developing their own boot line. I think FT probabaly just went to them for manufacturing since they were the last ones to make raichles, and dalbellos used to be there until dalbello got bought by Jarden (K2's old parent company that was bought by Newell) and moved (making me think Roxa isn't owned by Jarden maybe?)
Sep 23 2016 7:15PM
a_burgerbased on some quick googling it seems like they started it out as a factory producing boots for other companies like raichle, dalbello, etc. and ended up developing their own boot line. I think FT probabaly just went to them for manufacturing since they were the last ones to make raichles, and dalbellos used to be there until dalbello got bought by Jarden (K2's old parent company that was bought by Newell) and moved (making me think Roxa isn't owned by Jarden maybe?)
hopefully not, i like roxa boots
Sep 23 2016 7:46PM
SconnieThey don't deserve shit. Everybody that can throw down thinks the industry owes them something, but being able to participate in this sport in the first place is a huge privilege.
They don't deserve anything? It's a sport you fucking reatard. When your a high level athlete you Do Deserve to be sponsored. Its as beneficial for you as it is for the company because you as an athlete are a huge marketing tool for the company.
Do you know how Nike works? Or how Air Jordan works? Not to too difficult.
Sep 23 2016 11:18PM
i know Volkl doesn't have a huge focus on newschool skiing but they are that brand who does nothing particularly special but moves a shit load of skis because their range is so broad easy for your everyday skier to identify with and like. imo volkl shutting would have a bigger effect on the industry than K2 or line.
Sep 24 2016 12:08AM
Roxa and Full Tilt are not affiliated AFAIK.
Full Tilt used to license the Booter, HighFive, and Mary Jane from Roxa. These boots were developed by Roxa and actually existed for several years before Full Tilt licensed them. Full Tilt / Line may be paying Roxa to produce Full Tilt boots. I don't know which Factory they are using to produce them.
Last year Roxa was distributed in NA through the same channels as 4FRNT.
Roxa existed long before Full Tilt, makes more than ski boots and will continue to do so regardless of Full Tilt's continued existence.
Sep 24 2016 12:25AM
GORILLAWALLACEhaha get fucked kid. you hate those brands because they're popular and it's not edgy to like popular things.explain to us all why those brands are shit and how the industry would benefit if they disappeared.
Kids the stereotypical tool millennial. I think I've seen him post conflicting opinions on black people 10 times he goes from calling people racist and supporting BLM to calling BLM animals at the drop of a hat. Not to mention in the post you quoted he admitted that an over fluffed well 'marketed' brand on newschoolers like ON3P are too expensive for him.
Who the fuck is going to start making better bindings than Jester Pros??? Has he ever skiied serious terrain in high din bindings where he needed a clean release on a nasty ass crash but at the same time has been saved a 1000ft hike and a search in pow when they don't????
Sep 24 2016 12:31AM
LucasYou need to step the fuck back and respect some of the companies that have influenced and supported our sport so heavily.You're a fucking 13 year old kid that has absolutely zero perspective on what the industry has been like in the last 10. Yet, somehow you feel justified in making statements about 'shit' companies that have given way more to the sport than you ever will.
Shit companies like LINE, and full tilt can slobber my dong. I don't care what they did for the industry when I was 8 years old... they suck cock now. I'm 18, by the way, you whore.
GORILLAWALLACEhaha get fucked kid. you hate those brands because they're popular and it's not edgy to like popular things.explain to us all why those brands are shit and how the industry would benefit if they disappeared.
Low quality brands for low quality people like you.
T-Lan_DistrictThey don't deserve anything? It's a sport you fucking reatard. When your a high level athlete you Do Deserve to be sponsored. Its as beneficial for you as it is for the company because you as an athlete are a huge marketing tool for the company.Do you know how Nike works? Or how Air Jordan works? Not to too difficult.
You spelled retard wrong, retard.
What are you trying to prove to me? I'm right you're wrong.
Sep 24 2016 12:33AM
Pipe_MunkySeriously though, you Dalbello and Full Tilt fanboys are so scared of the outcome of this it's laughable. There are other boots out there that will work. Fischer, Lange, Atomic, Roxa, etc... all make a boot that will fit your foot. Sure, they might not make you look like you're on a first name basis with the entire Level 1 roster but your feet will be comfy and you'll be able to ski.
race boots with narrow fit over freeride/freestyle specific boot with narrow fit for the win am I right!? fuck that.
but srsly bishop is right. immediately I was stressing but no one knows whats going on. wheres the k2 team coming out and saying whats up when we need them!
Sep 24 2016 1:19AM
SconnieShit companies like LINE, and full tilt can slobber my dong. I don't care what they did for the industry when I was 8 years old... they suck cock now. I'm 18, by the way, you whore.Low quality brands for low quality people like you.
You spelled retard wrong, retard.
What are you trying to prove to me? I'm right you're wrong.
Something isn't low quality just because it isn't hand made by a dude with a beard wearing a flannel in some trendy Western city like SLC or Portland.
The R+D is almost always going to make their product better regardless of the mass production. Not to mention the smaller companies all piggy back off the R+D of the larger.
You got owned in this thread fuck off out of it you are hating on the injury and wishing for a loss of jobs and wanting people to have fewer options and higher prices when it comes time to buy a new pair. I'd take a pair of Lines/K2s and a season pass over ON3P and no season pass every day of the week. Line was one of the first companies to embrace the movement to wider skis.
Sep 24 2016 2:59AM
SconnieShit companies like LINE, and full tilt can slobber my dong. I don't care what they did for the industry when I was 8 years old... they suck cock now. I'm 18, by the way, you whore
You're a sad excuse for an 18 year old kid. You fucking suck at skiing, sit the fuck down and talk when you can do more than straight air you piece of shit.
Sep 24 2016 8:13AM
LucasYou're a sad excuse for an 18 year old kid. You fucking suck at skiing, sit the fuck down and talk when you can do more than straight air you piece of shit.
You're good at making assumptions based off a fake internet personality. Talk to me when you are good at real skiing you stupid park rat.
Sep 24 2016 8:45AM
treebeardOk, something I just thought about that I haven't seen discussed.If Marker goes down with this, all of their bindings IMMEDIATELY become NON-INDEMNIFIED. All of them.
With no company to back them, ski shops won't touch them. That's fucking HUGE, and affects nearly every skier from beginner to expert
bro its drilling holes and screwing in screws
just because those meager life skills are beyond your capabilities doesnt make it that hard
there are a shitload of people who understand the concept and are able to exucute this simple task
and there are a shitload of skiers who wouldn't put free markers on their skis
BECAUSE THEYRE ARE MUCH BETTER BINDINGS AVAILABLE that dont suck
i routinely mount NON INDEMNIFIED like old solis for people
usually for weed and/or booze
back to the chicken little 18 year old operating at a 12 1/2 yo level of emotional and intellectual development
Sep 24 2016 9:04AM
SconnieYou're good at making assumptions based off a fake internet personality. Talk to me when you are good at real skiing you stupid park rat.
I mean you ski at Granite Peak which isn't exactly real skiing on real snow, on real jumps on real cliffs like Tanner Hall says. So take a seat and calm down you angsty guy
Sep 24 2016 10:42AM
SconnieYou're good at making assumptions based off a fake internet personality. Talk to me when you are good at real skiing you stupid park rat.
I haven't really skied park in a couple years but you're talking to someone from the PNW while you live on the fucking east coast. I could throw some recent content you're way but my experience as a racer when I was younger tells me you still have no fucking clue what you're talking about.