Looking to get first pair of park skis

Check out the prodigy 2.0 by faction they just dropped. Great overall ski before I’m sure it’s just as tight these days

Since you've been skiing for quite some time outside of the park I think you have the right idea for a more traditional feel in a park ski. Something with a mostly camber profile and medium flex pattern would likely be right at home with you. If you have access to Line skis I would personally look into the Line Chronic given your size though.... the Tigersnake only comes in a 178 for a maximum size while the Chronic comes in a 185. A near center mount in a 185 wouldn't ski that long & would be plenty nimble enough to throw around. Just my 2 cents.

Get some sir Francis bacons

NunnyaCheck out the prodigy 2.0 by faction they just dropped. Great overall ski before I’m sure it’s just as tight these days

They look good! The problem seems to be price, which I should have specified...I'm kinda limited to a 400€ budget at most (bindings included).

Obie.Since you've been skiing for quite some time outside of the park I think you have the right idea for a more traditional feel in a park ski. Something with a mostly camber profile and medium flex pattern would likely be right at home with you. If you have access to Line skis I would personally look into the Line Chronic given your size though.... the Tigersnake only comes in a 178 for a maximum size while the Chronic comes in a 185. A near center mount in a 185 wouldn't ski that long & would be plenty nimble enough to throw around. Just my 2 cents.

Yeah I was told about the Chronic too! I'm not 100% sure about sizing either - is 164/171 definitely too small for me? I also had to keep looking at the budget, which is about 400€~ at most with bindings...

CadeRGet some sir Francis bacons

They seem to be pretty big though, aren't they?

zheddyYeah I was told about the Chronic too! I'm not 100% sure about sizing either - is 164/171 definitely too small for me? I also had to keep looking at the budget, which is about 400€~ at most with bindings

Oh yeah 164/171 would be glorified snow blades @ your height & weight. To get the best performance & ride out of your first park skis they should be the appropriate height. The skis should come up to your forehead ish w/ out ski boots on at least in my opinion. Honestly if the 178 tiger snakes are the only skis that fall into your price range that’s not a terrible option. Just give em a progressive forward mount & let er rip. They’ll be super light being a nimble ski & wicked easy to throw around.

Obie.Oh yeah 164/171 would be glorified snow blades @ your height & weight. To get the best performance & ride out of your first park skis they should be the appropriate height. The skis should come up to your forehead ish w/ out ski boots on at least in my opinion. Honestly if the 178 tiger snakes are the only skis that fall into your price range that’s not a terrible option. Just give em a progressive forward mount & let er rip. They’ll be super light being a nimble ski & wicked easy to throw around.

Thanks! Well the only reason I keep looking at them is the price tag tbh, since it seems like theyre quite small to go through powder with? I mean I could get them for 330€ with squire 11 bindings it seems, the other options that have been mentioned look like at least 500€+...

Also, do you think 178 is definitely a better pick than 171? I guess 171 is around my lip/nose at best, but others keep telling me to get small skis for park skiing lol. But how bad is it tonspin with taller skis, comparing 184 with 171? Besides that I ski very aggressively, do you thnk theyre good? Seems like theyre not too good on higher speeds..I'm also worried that they might hold me back in case I just wanna do powder days, so maybe a ski with 95-110 waist seems more reasonable?

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 1:34:45pm

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 5:04:10pm

The line sfb is probably the most versitile ski u can get if your going 30/30/30 , I'd get this year's or the last 2 years in a 184 if I were you

CadeRThe line sfb is probably the most versitile ski u can get if your going 30/30/30 , I'd get this year's or the last 2 years in a 184 if I were you

Yeah it looks really dope! Especially since I dont wanma focus on one thing I guess. It just seems I cant find the ski in a set below 600€, which seems out of my price class...

You can find them for under that easy, u just have to look and not skim

Any of the Armada ARV's are super nice

CadeRYou can find them for under that easy, u just have to look and not skim

Been looking beyond already, prices currently are crazy and not that many resellers of line skis around here :(

sethoscope60Any of the Armada ARV's are super nice

Ans special recommendations?

What's your price range?

Can’t go wrong with Line Tigersnakes with some marker squires of griffons.

Get the ARV 96's. Perfect balance of park and pow and super lightweight.

CadeRWhat's your price range?

Since I just got some mad christmas cash, I'd say 500-550€ for ski + bindings. Depends on if I can fetch a deal somehow

SaucerboyshaneCan’t go wrong with Line Tigersnakes with some marker squires of griffons.

Thanks! Any sizing recommends? Not sure how well Tigersnakes do in big size and then outaide the park.

sethoscope60Get the ARV 96's. Perfect balance of park and pow and super lightweight.

They look really good! I like the balance a lot. Is 184 too big?

I think thats a good size

sethoscope60I think thats a good size

Thanks! I guess I'll see if I do the ARV or the Line Chronics, as it seems I need a ski with lots of versatility...

I'd try to find blends if you want versitality

zheddyAlso, do you think 178 is definitely a better pick than 171? I guess 171 is around my lip/nose at best, but others keep telling me to get small skis for park skiing lol. But how bad is it tonspin with taller skis, comparing 184 with 171? Besides that I ski very aggressively, do you thnk theyre good? Seems like theyre not too good on higher speeds..I'm also worried that they might hold me back in case I just wanna do powder days, so maybe a ski with 95-110 waist seems more reasonable?

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 1:34:45pm

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 5:04:10pm

Yes. I'm telling you a 171 is too short, it won't be as stable as you'd like and definitely wouldn't be as good in powder. a 178 will be just fine, I ski 178-183 cm for park skis and I'm 5'11'', 180 lbs. I ski very aggressive & I feel anything under a 178 is too short for me w/ a center mount. Don't listen to those who tell you to get glorified snow blades for your first park ski. Frankly they're wrong

CadeRI'd try to find blends if you want versitality

They seem pretty big tho, aren't they?

Obie.Yes. I'm telling you a 171 is too short, it won't be as stable as you'd like and definitely wouldn't be as good in powder. a 178 will be just fine, I ski 178-183 cm for park skis and I'm 5'11'', 180 lbs. I ski very aggressive & I feel anything under a 178 is too short for me w/ a center mount. Don't listen to those who tell you to get glorified snow blades for your first park ski. Frankly they're wrong

Yeah I've tried 171 and they feel unstable when I try to go quick :( I guess I'll either get the Tigersnakes in 178, chronic/arv 96 in 185 then... Do bindings actually matter or can I just take the cheapest markers?

What do u mean by big? Do u mean waist wise? Have u seen a line tc episode?

CadeRWhat do u mean by big? Do u mean waist wise? Have u seen a line tc episode?

Yeah, waist wise. Or does it not matter that much? Nope, I haven't.

Lots of good advice on here and agree you have lots of great options in your price range. Keep in mind that all of the recommended skis are twin tips with rocker so they ski and feel much shorter than a traditional ski and are lighter in weight than an on piste carving ski is. Also an "all Mountain/Park" binding mounting point on any of these skis is way closer to the center of the ski than a traditional ski making it pivot easier and feel shorter. I'm about the same size as you and my twin tips run from 181cm to 191cm in size and they are perfect.

Most of the skis mentioned have been around for at least a couple of years without changes except topsheets so huge deals can be had on last years ski that is the exact same construction inside. Check online around your area as there are many people selling brand new skis for deals privately too.
The Squires 11 are not a great binding honestly for larger riders with the Griffon being a much better model but for the same price as the Squires, you could get last years model of the Attack 13 Binding which is a fantastic binding! This years version of the Attack 13 has the ability to fit WTR boot soles but if you are not changes your ski boots anytime soon, get last years model at a deal. $100 US range for Last years Attacks brand new.

The Line Tigersnake is a soft, playful park ski that you could use outside the park but is more a beginner, soft snow park ski and even at 178cm you would find it limiting for you size and ability outside the park. The Line Chronic is a stiffer, wider ski that would be a better choice in the 185cm length for your size with better performance in harder snow and all over the mountain. The Line Blend in the 185cm goes wider still but is very soft and playful and the width would help off piste but it's light weight would still be fun in the park.

Others skis in that range would be the Nordica Soul Rider 97(a slightly stiffer Line Blend), Armada ARV96 (stiffer and more stable than the Blend or Soul Rider 97 and one of the best values in this range. $500 US), Volkl Revolt 95 ($400 US and a great all mountain twin). All of these skis I'd recommend in the 185cm/184cm/181cm sizes as that size will be more stable in/outside of the park while still being tossable inside the park due to their light swing weight and near center mounts.

Good luck on the search!

Greg_KLots of good advice on here and agree you have lots of great options in your price range. Keep in mind that all of the recommended skis are twin tips with rocker so they ski and feel much shorter than a traditional ski and are lighter in weight than an on piste carving ski is. Also an "all Mountain/Park" binding mounting point on any of these skis is way closer to the center of the ski than a traditional ski making it pivot easier and feel shorter. I'm about the same size as you and my twin tips run from 181cm to 191cm in size and they are perfect.

Most of the skis mentioned have been around for at least a couple of years without changes except topsheets so huge deals can be had on last years ski that is the exact same construction inside. Check online around your area as there are many people selling brand new skis for deals privately too.
The Squires 11 are not a great binding honestly for larger riders with the Griffon being a much better model but for the same price as the Squires, you could get last years model of the Attack 13 Binding which is a fantastic binding! This years version of the Attack 13 has the ability to fit WTR boot soles but if you are not changes your ski boots anytime soon, get last years model at a deal. $100 US range for Last years Attacks brand new.

The Line Tigersnake is a soft, playful park ski that you could use outside the park but is more a beginner, soft snow park ski and even at 178cm you would find it limiting for you size and ability outside the park. The Line Chronic is a stiffer, wider ski that would be a better choice in the 185cm length for your size with better performance in harder snow and all over the mountain. The Line Blend in the 185cm goes wider still but is very soft and playful and the width would help off piste but it's light weight would still be fun in the park.

Others skis in that range would be the Nordica Soul Rider 97(a slightly stiffer Line Blend), Armada ARV96 (stiffer and more stable than the Blend or Soul Rider 97 and one of the best values in this range. $500 US), Volkl Revolt 95 ($400 US and a great all mountain twin). All of these skis I'd recommend in the 185cm/184cm/181cm sizes as that size will be more stable in/outside of the park while still being tossable inside the park due to their light swing weight and near center mounts.

Good luck on the search!

Thanks for the detailed response! A couple of questions I've got....

1) Do you think I should mount the bindings factory recommendation or go closer to true center? I was thinking to do factory +1/2cm, so getting closer to true center but in between.

2) I'd actually go for the Griffons then, since it only adds up like 20€. Is there anything else I need to worry about? I might need to buy new boots in the next 1-2 months...

3) I guess I'll go for this years editions, its really hard/not possible to find the last year versions in my area anymore and it seems like I could get these skis and bindings only seperately. If I'd go for this years I could get it in a set, which is only like 30-50€ more altogether. (And I really wanted to get the ARV96s, but they are just not available in the right sizing anymore w/ seperate buying compared to the Blend or the Chronics...so I guess either of them it is.)

**This post was edited on Dec 25th 2017 at 10:40:04am

Blends are gonna be the better all mountain ski, the chronics will be a better park ski, and I'd highley recommend either fks/pivots or attacks over Griffin's any day. And go watch every line traveling circus episode right now!

Since you are using these skis in the park, on piste and off piste equally you will be fairly close the recommended mounting points for Line Blends or Chronics which are about -3cm from Center I believe. This mounting point area will give a good mix of park and all mountain performance. If you were doing more park, I'd go closer to center but -3cm will be more stable outside the park especially at speed. Armada has their "all mountain" mount at -5cm from and their park/all mountain mount at -2.5cm, so a similar spot to Line's skis.

So you mean you are getting "package prices" with the bindings only costing a bit more than the skis by themselves I guess? Most online retailers will ship for free if over $100, so can't imagine you not being able to find lots of deals online outside of your area too on Line or any other skis. If the package deals on Line end up being the best deal, then go with the Griffons for a bit more money for sure. Much better binding.

Traditional alpine boots will work with any current bindings but there are newer, more rounded soles coming on some back country boots that make walking in them easier but may only work on the latest bindings. The 2018 Griffons ID would take these WTR(Walk To Ride) boots or traditional boots as well so you are good if you go with them. Last years Attacks would work with only traditional boots which is fine if you end up with them or get the 2018 Attack 13 at more money if you want to use any boot like the 2018 Griffon ID. Just thought I'd mention you could get deals on last years if budget was an issue.

Agree with CadeR with the Line ski descriptions above and how the Attack 13 is a better binding than the Griffon. You could get the latest 2018 Attack 2 13 for less money than the 2018 Griffons I bet.

CadeRBlends are gonna be the better all mountain ski, the chronics will be a better park ski, and I'd highley recommend either fks/pivots or attacks over Griffin's any day. And go watch every line traveling circus episode right now!

This seems like something I can work with! Thanks! And will watch! :)

Greg_KSince you are using these skis in the park, on piste and off piste equally you will be fairly close the recommended mounting points for Line Blends or Chronics which are about -3cm from Center I believe. This mounting point area will give a good mix of park and all mountain performance. If you were doing more park, I'd go closer to center but -3cm will be more stable outside the park especially at speed. Armada has their "all mountain" mount at -5cm from and their park/all mountain mount at -2.5cm, so a similar spot to Line's skis.

So you mean you are getting "package prices" with the bindings only costing a bit more than the skis by themselves I guess? Most online retailers will ship for free if over $100, so can't imagine you not being able to find lots of deals online outside of your area too on Line or any other skis. If the package deals on Line end up being the best deal, then go with the Griffons for a bit more money for sure. Much better binding.

Traditional alpine boots will work with any current bindings but there are newer, more rounded soles coming on some back country boots that make walking in them easier but may only work on the latest bindings. The 2018 Griffons ID would take these WTR(Walk To Ride) boots or traditional boots as well so you are good if you go with them. Last years Attacks would work with only traditional boots which is fine if you end up with them or get the 2018 Attack 13 at more money if you want to use any boot like the 2018 Griffon ID. Just thought I'd mention you could get deals on last years if budget was an issue.

Greg_KAgree with CadeR with the Line ski descriptions above and how the Attack 13 is a better binding than the Griffon. You could get the latest 2018 Attack 2 13 for less money than the 2018 Griffons I bet.

Thanks for the lengthy advice!

I tried looking, but it seems really hard to find last years models, even on ebay. It just seems like Line/Armada hardly have much reselling over here in Germany....Or atleast they are quickly sold out and older models are being removed.

For the package deals it seems like I wanted to go for the Line Blend + Attack 13 for 549€, while I could do the Chronic for 498€ w/ Attacks. (Armada ARV96 seems entirely out of the picture, it's atleast +100€ more than the Blends from what I could find) I actually guess the Blends will be a better fit since I'm not sure how much skiing in the park I can do in the end / I know that I can use them around the mountain anyways, so I guess I'll go for those :)!

Greg_KVolkl Revolt 95 ($400 US and a great all mountain twin

I keep looking at these and they seem like a great deal, especially in my area - I just wonder, as they are advertised as rather beginner skis, wouldn't they limit me if I got them and kept progressing? Even considering my current ability?

Edit: well, it seems like I just can't spend over 400€ altogether anymore. Which is why I'm stuck, are there even any non-beginner/intermediate ski at this price range, given what I'm looking for? It seems the Revolt and Tigersnakes are the only ones that fall into that category, but they seem to be not that great outside of the park...The Revolt seem to be really wide though at higher size, the k2 poacher from 16/17 seem like another option that is a perfect middleground?

**This post was edited on Dec 26th 2017 at 10:17:11am

**This post was edited on Dec 26th 2017 at 1:55:59pm

Revolt 95 are definitely not a beginner ski, as it could be used by anyone from Intermediate to Expert. The Revolt 85 is Volkl's beginner park ski(their Line Tigersnake), Revolt 87 is their stiff, no rocker/pure camber expert park ski(used to be called the Volkl Wall) and the Revolt 95 is their wider, advanced park ski that is more playful than the Revolt 87 and better versatility outside of the park. The Revolt 87 is a stiffer, non Rockered Line Chronic type of ski and the Revolt is a more playful but still solid underfoot Line Blend type of ski.

Lots of great reviews online of the Revolt 95 and many people using it as an all mountain ski and not even using it the park. SkiEssentials has a review of them and even mentions how Volkl could easily charge $100-200 more a pair and it would still be a good buy. You want the 181cm size for you btw.
If you can find them in the 181cm size it definitely would be highly recommended for you and the 95mm width give more off piste and all mountain flexibility than the Tigersnake would.

Cheers mate! I've just ordered a pair in 181 and stoked to see how it does :) Thanks a lot!

Great! Mount them about 2cm back of the recommended mounting line as that line is the "park only" mark and since you're using it all mountain and off piste, the 2cm back of the center/park mark will be more stable outside the park. Enjoy.

Greg_KGreat! Mount them about 2cm back of the recommended mounting line as that line is the "park only" mark and since you're using it all mountain and off piste, the 2cm back of the center/park mark will be more stable outside the park. Enjoy.

Haha too late, I mounted them 1cm ahead of recommendation, which is like 2 from true Center. Well, I will see I guess!

Perfect! They said on a few web sites that the new Revolt 95 mounting point was “true center” so I wanted you to be a couple cm back of center which it sounds like you are. Are they the 2017/2018 version just so I know for future reference for the mounting spot.

I always measure skis manually with a tape measure then mark a mounting point back from center in case factory marks are off ski to ski.