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July, 2025

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Official "Which skis should I get" Thread

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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I'm sick of all the threads saying "which skis do I get", "what length", and all that crap. Not sure if there's already a thread like this, but post all of your questions here, using the same format and information you would in your own thread, and we will do the best we can to try and answer you.
14 years ago
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iSteeze
Posts: 37 - Karma: 10
I'm just starting to learn to ski park and would really like to get some twin tips. I ski in the Northeast, am between 5'11" and 6', and about 175 pounds. I'm fairly new to skiing and just started learning to ski park, so I don't want to spend too much money, I just want a good beginner ski that I can learn on and will last me 1-2 seasons. Also, advice on bindings would be really helpful as well, as I was hoping to keep the cost low.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
how much are you willing to spend?
14 years ago
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kvan
Posts: 3086 - Karma: 1,232
Thank you! Way too many threads about this so lets try to all keep it in one thread.
14 years ago
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iSteeze
Posts: 37 - Karma: 10
Well I'd like to keep it in the $300-400 range, some suggestions on solid beginner twin tips that won't cost me a ton would be awesome.
14 years ago
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,886
Sadly, there's about 3 of these somewhere in this forum....problem is the die...and people just generally don't care and just make their own thread anyways.


iSteeze - Any price point ski (usually between $150-$300 for current seasons) would make a good beginner park ski. Most skis will last the first season or two of park. Here's some decent price point skis out there:

Armada El Rey - Stiffer, No Rocker, lightweight good cruiser and park ski (been called the best price point ski on the market)
K2 Press - Soft, Rockered, decent beginner ski, a bit heavy though
Line Mastermind - Soft, No rocker, lightweight, decent beginner park ski
Surface No Time - Mid-soft, Rocker, lightweight, good all-level park ski, previous versions have had some durability issues though
Rossignol Sprayer (also previously called the S1) - stiff, lightweight, good beginner/intermediate park ski, awesome carver too.

I'd personally go for the Armada or the Rossi price point skis if you can afford them, they're really fun and will be able to shred the park and the groomers both really well.

Don't be afraid of previous years gear too, you can save a few bucks and they're pretty much the same thing usually just different graphics.


14 years ago
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bbishop93
Posts: 95 - Karma: 21
Hi, I am a beginner in park/pipe. I have been skiing for quite sometime now and as far as mountains go i can do like all blacks and ive even been out to Colorado, breck and copper, and i can handle the blues and some easy blacks. But ive been doing mountain for so long im bored and im really into freestyle now. My skis atm are just carving racing skis, and im trying to do park/pipe with them and as u can imagine it sucks. There only 75mm wide and. Anyway i can kind of ride switch on them but its difficult them not being completely twins and i can also do small/medium jumps and boxes. I am 6'0 and weight about 195 lbs. Ive been doing a lot of research and this is what i have narrowed it down to. I basically want a good all mountain ski, like 60-70% park 40-30% mountain, that i can get some good years out of for a reasonable price. My options atm are the k2 press, scott punisher jib 2011, and the 2010 line blends. Something that i can get skis and bindings for around 500$ or less.
14 years ago
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bpsurface
Posts: 103 - Karma: 33
I've got 2009 surface watch life's right now, theyre awesome and I love them. But the edge is coming out of the ski on the tips and tails and its probably time to get new skis...I'm pretty good at park and my only problem with the surface's were they couldn't carve very well. I can find deals on skis so price probably isn't much of a problem. But i want a lightweight park ski that is going to carev and spin like crazy. I'm 6' so probably aroun like 170-175's Thanks.

Also, anyone heard anything about RMU skis? my friend is sponsored by them so i feel like ive gotten the biased opinion
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
well i dont really know anything about the k2 press, but if your going to be spending most of your time in the park i would probably go with the punisher jibs before blends
14 years ago
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heFF
Posts: 5786 - Karma: 4,457
not going to suggest a specific ski because everyone will have different preferences...but from what i've seen over the years...start out with a buttery playful ski and as you become a more aggresive skier work into a stiffer ski..especially as you build up confidense and the will to hit bigger jumps
14 years ago
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jdubbs.
Posts: 728 - Karma: 119
Try the Majesty Rock and Rolla. My friend has them and loves them. They are sick and my code, JW2012 can get you 25% off them, hopefully making them more affordable.
http://www.majestyskisusa.com/rocknrolla/
14 years ago
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bbishop93
Posts: 95 - Karma: 21
what do u think of the el reys?
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
i hear they're a pretty solid starter ski, but ive never riden them myself so someone else would have to answer that for you
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
yeah, most often this is the case
14 years ago
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remster
Posts: 898 - Karma: 261
yeah quoting for emphasis
14 years ago
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iSteeze
Posts: 37 - Karma: 10
I think I have it narrowed down to Armada AR7s or Atomic Punx. If price wasn't an issue I'd get the AR7s but I can get the Punx for like $100-200 cheaper. Any suggestions/advice on which to gett?
14 years ago
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jdubbs.
Posts: 728 - Karma: 119
Get the AR7's. They are really nice and worth it. My friend has them and loves them. He got them new this year.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
definitely pay the extra money and get the AR7's. I've heard nothing but good things about them
14 years ago
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Banane.
Posts: 3102 - Karma: 414
Good idea ! I will contribute to this thread

So I need some new powder ski because im moving to Whistler next season. I've been to Utah 2 years ago and I was on some 175cm Armada JJ's. They were to small for me.

Im 5'10'' and 160 lbs or so. Im a advanced skier, I just suck in the park but that's not important for this type of ski.

I narrowed my choice between, Salomon Rocker2 184cm (maybe 192cm), Line Opus 185cm, Caylor 191cm ? Mounted whit sth 16 driver.

I want a ski for deep day's, tight trees, cliff and what not, I won't ski park whit them ( I have some 2012's for that) I want a playfull ski but that still hold for some big lines and big cliff.



14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
I know people your size on 192 Rocker2s and they absolutely love them. Ski them everyday day (ski at Kicking Horse). Bomb everything. All the reviews I have heard from them are positive.

Same goes with the Caylor, go with the 191. Personally, I'd say the Caylor.

STH 16 Driver is a bomb proof binding as well. Good choice on that.
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
I'm also going to reflect off of this statement.

I have no problem with people posting in this thread.
It will never take off though. There is too much clutter for one thread. Please don't go around posting in peoples threads and telling people to post in "The official" thread. You serve no help to anyone. The thread is made, you can't do anything about it now.

This is the gear talk forum, people come here to discuss which skis would suit them best. It is a lot easier when someone can make thier own thread and focus just on their specific needs. I've seen "This ski vs. that skis" threads go into multipages, and they are full of great discussion.
Personal Example
https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/493589/page/1/


The problem isn't the amount of "what ski" threads, it's the lack of research
14 years ago
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
This is a SKIING website.  What do you think the gear forum should have in it?
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
did you like the JJ's? I'm thinking of getting some for myself in 185cm and I'm 6'1 170 lbs
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
185 will be too short man. Get a 190 length or whatever is their longest one after the 185
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I went on their website and 185 is the longest they come in... I have chronics right now though and they're 183, so wouldn't 185 be perfect? or are pow skis supposed to be longer than your regular skis?
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
cause I know the length helps with floating in the snow, but doings spins and carving would be a lot harder
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
You'll want something long. More stability. I'm skiing in a 194 and Im your size. I have no problems what do ever. Plus a 185 JJ will ride shorter since it's rockered. You want something at least 188 rockered. I'd hate to be on top of a line on a pair of 185 JJs.
14 years ago
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Banane.
Posts: 3102 - Karma: 414
I like them, they are on the softer side tought. They make the ak JJ's are 195cm , wider and stiffer. Im leaning toward the rocker2 because i can have them for 400$ new. But the Opus look sick too.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
yea good point I forgot about the ak JJ's. Anyone ever tried the ARG's? Cause its probably between those and the JJ's. But still not sure what size to get either...
14 years ago
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Banane.
Posts: 3102 - Karma: 414
Don't buy the ARG'S except if you plan riding deep pow every day, you want something fatter then the JJ'S ? Maybe the bubba which are next year stick
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
I've heard tons of reviews saying if you're over 5'11", the ARGs suck. Why not look into different companies? I'd suggest something like a 191 ON3P Caylor, or a 192 Atomic Benchetler
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
yea I guess ARG's are just for super deep pow. What other companies would you guys recommend? I'm gunna check out ON3P, Armada, Line, Atomic, K2, and Moment... any other suggestions?
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
I personally ski in a 194 Surface New Life, I wrote a review you can check out in my profile. Next year, Line is coming out with a 192 Opus which is worth checking out. Also 190 Bibbys, 192 Atomic Benchetlers, 188 4FRNT YLE or CRJ, and finally, 191 Surface Live Life
14 years ago
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SKIINGISEASY
Posts: 1552 - Karma: 2,200
k2 domain in 159 or 169? im 5'5 110. 85% rails 15% jumps
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
169 for sure.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
this. they'll also last you a lot longer
14 years ago
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715.
Posts: 609 - Karma: 389
I am 6'0 and 140 pounds. This is my first year skiing and i rent skis, but all i can do is boxes and some small jumps. Different friends are telling me different things. Some say between 155-160 cm, and others say 160 -170 cm. I personally like shorter skis. Is it better to have skis when hitting rails and things? What size do you guys think i should buy? What kind of skis would you recommend? The most i would pay is $300. One last thing, when is the best time to buy skis? When do they have the best discounts?
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
End of season. You want at least a 178 though. Even though you're learning, you'll be much better off on a pair of skis closer to your height.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
if your 6 feet tall I'd recommend either a 178cm or 181/183. Best time to buy skis would either be in the summer time or just to buy last years skis right now. Try going on the evo outlet and check some of the stuff there
14 years ago
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jdubbs.
Posts: 728 - Karma: 119
I would hit up a 175 or so. And as for your skis it depends on your preference. If you check out www.majestyskisusa.com I can get you 25% off of anything from there with my public code, JW2012
14 years ago
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jdubbs.
Posts: 728 - Karma: 119
On top of the fact that their skis are on sale right now. I would get the Rock n rollas if i were you. my friend has them and they are his favorite skis he has ever ridden.
14 years ago
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SamwiseTheGamgee
Posts: 686 - Karma: 817
check out the 2011 k2 revivals. They're a medium/soft flex that shred the park and the groomers fairly well, and the jib rocker also helps with powder a bit too. AFAICT, they hold up pretty well too, so far I've been shredding park 95% of the time with them and I have had no edge cracks or considerable top sheet damage. they're about $400 with bindings
14 years ago
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TimSkis
Posts: 10 - Karma: 12
Just a quick one, 5'10 riding 178 line anthems. These are a little longer than what I'm used to so keep with them or go shorter next season or so, forgot to mention and can't go back on my iPhone but also weigh 170ish
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
I'd stay on them. How long have you been riding them? Once you break them in, you'll love them.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I'd definitely keep them
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
does anybody know how how flex affects pow riding? I saw some K2 hellbents in comor the other day and they were pretty flexy, but I thought that you would probably want a stiffer ski when riding in pow...or am I wrong?
14 years ago
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jdubbs.
Posts: 728 - Karma: 119
keep em'
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
It all depends on the style of skiing you do. Soft are generally fun in deep fluff and make it easy to jib and stuff. Stiff skis are great for charging steeps and stuff like that.
14 years ago
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skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I guess, but what is most common for pow skis?
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11337 - Karma: 4,659
It all depends on your style of skiing. I'm not a soft ski fan when it comes to bigger skis, so I went with Surface New Lifes. They're a nice, stiff, fat ski that are stable for when I'm charging big mountain. Rocker2 is pretty popular, same with Mr. Pollards Opus, The Benchetler, JJs. And the Hellbents
14 years ago
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Jib_High
Posts: 189 - Karma: 224
I want to get skis that I can ride the park in the morning but ski the powder once the sun comes out I'm thinking about the sfb or the salomon twenty twelve any suggestions? oh and im about 5"8'
14 years ago
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