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April, 2023

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Need advice (New to park skiing)

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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
I just wanted some advice as I'm fairly new to park skiing. For reference I'm 6'2-6'3 and 195-200lbs.

I started hitting the park recently and can already do rails and boxes. I landed switch off a rail and caught my edge pretty badly so I think it's time to invest in twin tips, however I'm not sure what size to get. Outside of the park I would consider myself an advance skier, can do blacks with ease. I was told by my friends I should stick to skis on the shorter side (between 165-170cm) but I also read online you should stick to skis for your height.

Any recommendations for skis? What should I be looking for in skis as I'm a beginner (I'd assume flex is the most important, but I'm not sure). I heard Line skis aren't too durable but good for beginners as the flex is very forgiving. I also read that pivot bindings are the best type of bindings and Full tilts are very handy, however I don't want to make such a big investment if it's not needed as I'm just starting out. Any feedback helps!

**This thread was edited on Mar 31st 2021 at 3:43:54pm

**This thread was edited on Mar 31st 2021 at 3:44:24pm
Mar 31 2021 3:41PM
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Jems
Posts: 6376 - Karma: 77,481
if you’re 6’3 i wouldn’t recommend skis that short, i would get some in the higher 170s. The brand doesn’t matter as much since you’re a beginner but choose whatever attracts you the most.
Mar 31 2021 3:47PM
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Butterytips69
Posts: 660 - Karma: 7,305
inb4 your friends get flamed
Mar 31 2021 4:05PM
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Dr_Richard_Hertz
Posts: 66 - Karma: 704
Ok step one is go look at "Stomp it Tutorials" on YouTube. Pretty sure he has a video on how to get the ski size u need, which it isn't perfect, but it'll work well enough. As far as buying skis goes do as much research as you can, but if you don't like the top sheet don't buy it. Look at roofbox reviews (on this site under "Gear") to do some research and just start to poke around at skis that interest u. Eventually after looking at all the specs for skis n' shit you'll settle on a specific pair. If you're looking to save money you have basically two options. One is to find out the annual date of when the brand of ski that you're interested in drops a new line. Buy the previous year's ski around that time because usually that is when u will find it most discounted. The other option is to buy a used ski on either ebay, here, or other various websites. Look into bindings too cuz most likely you'll need to remount the ski cuz there's a pretty high chance you'll have demo bindings or shit bindings if ur buying used. Another kinda important thing to make sure of if ur buying used is to ask where they are mounted because most shops won't remount your skis in a place that is closer than 7mm to another hole. Finally, if your boots are working fine for you, don't change them.
Mar 31 2021 4:14PM
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skierman_jack
Posts: 1621 - Karma: 16,389
There are a lot of choices and a lot of opinions. Instead of telling you the only ski you should buy I’ll give you some baselines. Being that you’re tall, I wouldn’t like below 180cm in length. I’m 5’11 and my 180s feel short sometimes. Aim for 90-100 (even 105) underfoot. You’re going to want a ski that’s soft enough that you can experiment, but supportive enough that you can land awkwardly and be forgiven. You want something that won’t limit your ability to progress but won’t force you into skiing a certain way. A lightweight ski would also be better for learning. For the sake of this thread I will not include skis like Vishnu Wets or ON3P magnus’ that are very niche focused

some solid choices in this category are Armada ARV 96, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Chronic, Armada Edollo, Icelantic Nomad, and Vishnu Wide Plus, Surface Giver/Royale, the list goes on. I have skied all of those and can confirm they are all fun and easy to learn on while still being flexible to different styles

for bindings the best offerings are from Look, Marker, and Tyrolia. Aim in the 13-15 DIN area. If your looking to save a buck but not spare reliability, Tyrolia attacks are great. If you’re looking for no expense spared and the best possible performance, Look Pivots are really nice and come in cool color ways. Markers are good but they’re more expensive than Tyrolias without the added features or reliability of Looks.

just some of my thoughts
Mar 31 2021 4:27PM
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gusbus432
Posts: 128 - Karma: 689
skierman_jackThere are a lot of choices and a lot of opinions. Instead of telling you the only ski you should buy I’ll give you some baselines. Being that you’re tall, I wouldn’t like below 180cm in length. I’m 5’11 and my 180s feel short sometimes. Aim for 90-100 (even 105) underfoot. You’re going to want a ski that’s soft enough that you can experiment, but supportive enough that you can land awkwardly and be forgiven. You want something that won’t limit your ability to progress but won’t force you into skiing a certain way. A lightweight ski would also be better for learning. For the sake of this thread I will not include skis like Vishnu Wets or ON3P magnus’ that are very niche focused

some solid choices in this category are Armada ARV 96, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Chronic, Armada Edollo, Icelantic Nomad, and Vishnu Wide Plus, Surface Giver/Royale, the list goes on. I have skied all of those and can confirm they are all fun and easy to learn on while still being flexible to different styles

for bindings the best offerings are from Look, Marker, and Tyrolia. Aim in the 13-15 DIN area. If your looking to save a buck but not spare reliability, Tyrolia attacks are great. If you’re looking for no expense spared and the best possible performance, Look Pivots are really nice and come in cool color ways. Markers are good but they’re more expensive than Tyrolias without the added features or reliability of Looks.

just some of my thoughts


What he said. I'm 5'10 with 177cm prodigy 2s. I am very beginner at park (I dont hit rails because I suck and I baby my skis) but I consider myself very advanced when it comes to AM straight air sends and high speed sends. long skis are great for this stuff but as a beginner in park its hard because my skis are not center mounted and spinning park jumps scare me. Id much rather spin anywhere other than a park jump. SO, basically, find a balance between long stiff am skis, and short soft park skis. Any brand is good I just got faction because they were half off
Mar 31 2021 4:36PM
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gorbdawggybrent
Posts: 970 - Karma: 8,746
must be nice to do blacks with ease 😪
Mar 31 2021 5:05PM
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Knapzach
Posts: 421 - Karma: 4,427
Long skis, Pivots, and Full Tilts should put you on the map
Mar 31 2021 5:23PM
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Notaskibum
Posts: 848 - Karma: 3,966
Whats your budget?
Mar 31 2021 5:30PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
NotaskibumWhats your budget?


I would like to stay between $700-$900 for skis, boots and bindings but I would like something that will last and is good quality so if I must go a bit over it's not a big deal.
Mar 31 2021 5:39PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
BallZach420Long skis, Pivots, and Full Tilts should put you on the map


Noted thank you. Do you own Full Tilts yourself? How do they fit? I've heard they run a bit smaller true to size, being that I have pretty big feet I'm not sure if I should go down a half size or even a full size.
Mar 31 2021 5:40PM
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Notaskibum
Posts: 848 - Karma: 3,966
Where do you ski?

For boots go see a bootfitter.

For bindings get attack 12s if you want to save a bit but still want a solid binding, you can find piviot 14s for like $250 if you look around if you want to splurge.

For skis, just get something >170cm and cheap.
Mar 31 2021 5:43PM
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gorbdawggybrent
Posts: 970 - Karma: 8,746
steezwithnokneesNoted thank you. Do you own Full Tilts yourself? How do they fit? I've heard they run a bit smaller true to size, being that I have pretty big feet I'm not sure if I should go down a half size or even a full size.

he is joking. Do not buy boots based on brand. go to a good ski shop and try on boots with the boot fitter until you find the correct pair for you and your feet
Mar 31 2021 5:43PM
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Knapzach
Posts: 421 - Karma: 4,427
steezwithnokneesNoted thank you. Do you own Full Tilts yourself? How do they fit? I've heard they run a bit smaller true to size, being that I have pretty big feet I'm not sure if I should go down a half size or even a full size.


I have full tilts and they fit perfectly. Wouldn't worry too much about going down a size, if ya get the chance try some on.
Mar 31 2021 5:45PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
skierman_jackThere are a lot of choices and a lot of opinions. Instead of telling you the only ski you should buy I’ll give you some baselines. Being that you’re tall, I wouldn’t like below 180cm in length. I’m 5’11 and my 180s feel short sometimes. Aim for 90-100 (even 105) underfoot. You’re going to want a ski that’s soft enough that you can experiment, but supportive enough that you can land awkwardly and be forgiven. You want something that won’t limit your ability to progress but won’t force you into skiing a certain way. A lightweight ski would also be better for learning. For the sake of this thread I will not include skis like Vishnu Wets or ON3P magnus’ that are very niche focused

some solid choices in this category are Armada ARV 96, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Chronic, Armada Edollo, Icelantic Nomad, and Vishnu Wide Plus, Surface Giver/Royale, the list goes on. I have skied all of those and can confirm they are all fun and easy to learn on while still being flexible to different styles

for bindings the best offerings are from Look, Marker, and Tyrolia. Aim in the 13-15 DIN area. If your looking to save a buck but not spare reliability, Tyrolia attacks are great. If you’re looking for no expense spared and the best possible performance, Look Pivots are really nice and come in cool color ways. Markers are good but they’re more expensive than Tyrolias without the added features or reliability of Looks.

just some of my thoughts


Thanks for the recommendations I'll make sure to look into it. Have you skied on Line Blends? I was looking at those but apparently they're too soft.
Mar 31 2021 5:50PM
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Canis_lupus
Posts: 486 - Karma: 5,322
Buy full tilts
Mar 31 2021 5:55PM
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skierman_jack
Posts: 1621 - Karma: 16,389
They’re stupid soft. The Reckoner 102 is just a grown up blend. Also don’t get full tilts bc they’re full tilts go to a shop and get fitted
steezwithnokneesThanks for the recommendations I'll make sure to look into it. Have you skied on Line Blends? I was looking at those but apparently they're too soft.
Mar 31 2021 5:58PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1246 - Karma: 3,281
if you're over 6.3 I would definitely recommend something more like a 186-189, anything in the 170s will feel like snowblades. Will be easy to spin and stuff, but you won't ski well on them outside of the park. Ideally your park skis shouldnt' be any shorter than what you would normally ski on groomer... in my humble opinion.
Mar 31 2021 8:53PM
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SlitherySnake
Posts: 1167 - Karma: 8,553
if you're 6'3" you need something at least close or above 180 I'm 5'11" and I'm picking up 183's
Apr 1 2021 1:43AM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
skierman_jackThere are a lot of choices and a lot of opinions. Instead of telling you the only ski you should buy I’ll give you some baselines. Being that you’re tall, I wouldn’t like below 180cm in length. I’m 5’11 and my 180s feel short sometimes. Aim for 90-100 (even 105) underfoot. You’re going to want a ski that’s soft enough that you can experiment, but supportive enough that you can land awkwardly and be forgiven. You want something that won’t limit your ability to progress but won’t force you into skiing a certain way. A lightweight ski would also be better for learning. For the sake of this thread I will not include skis like Vishnu Wets or ON3P magnus’ that are very niche focused

some solid choices in this category are Armada ARV 96, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Chronic, Armada Edollo, Icelantic Nomad, and Vishnu Wide Plus, Surface Giver/Royale, the list goes on. I have skied all of those and can confirm they are all fun and easy to learn on while still being flexible to different styles

for bindings the best offerings are from Look, Marker, and Tyrolia. Aim in the 13-15 DIN area. If your looking to save a buck but not spare reliability, Tyrolia attacks are great. If you’re looking for no expense spared and the best possible performance, Look Pivots are really nice and come in cool color ways. Markers are good but they’re more expensive than Tyrolias without the added features or reliability of Looks.

just some of my thoughts


I did some research on all the skis you mentioned and the Line Chronic looks pretty good. I was very drawn to the surface and Vishnu's but they didn't have any in stock. The sizes they have are 178 or 185. I feel like that's a pretty big difference but you'll lose some length because of the rocker and the fact its center mounted. Like I said before I was also looking into the Line Blends but you did say they're way too soft and they might not hold up on rails. I was also looking into 177 Honey Badgers as they're pretty cheap but they might be a little small for me. I want to experiment with butters so I don't want a stiff ski and I saw the Armada ARV we're on the stiffer side but then again I feel like it's more the person on the skis. For bindings I'm going for the pivots as well they look pretty sick I must say.

**This post was edited on Apr 2nd 2021 at 2:06:40pm
Apr 2 2021 2:03PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
gorbdawggybrentmust be nice to do blacks with ease 😪


When your friends force you to do blacks :( But it payed off what can I say lol
Apr 2 2021 2:13PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
steezwithnokneesI did some research on all the skis you mentioned and the Line Chronic looks pretty good. I was very drawn to the surface and Vishnu's but they didn't have any in stock. The sizes they have are 178 or 185. I feel like that's a pretty big difference but you'll lose some length because of the rocker and the fact its center mounted. Like I said before I was also looking into the Line Blends but you did say they're way too soft and they might not hold up on rails. I was also looking into 177 Honey Badgers as they're pretty cheap but they might be a little small for me. I want to experiment with butters so I don't want a stiff ski and I saw the Armada ARV we're on the stiffer side but then again I feel like it's more the person on the skis. For bindings I'm going for the pivots as well they look pretty sick I must say.

**This post was edited on Apr 2nd 2021 at 2:06:40pm


I just measured myself and I'm 190cm if that helps
Apr 2 2021 2:14PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
SlitherySnakeif you're 6'3" you need something at least close or above 180 I'm 5'11" and I'm picking up 183's


How do they feel on you? I just measured myself and I'm 190cm. I was looking at Line Chronics and they come in 178 or 185, which one would you recommend?
Apr 2 2021 2:18PM
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SlitherySnake
Posts: 1167 - Karma: 8,553
steezwithnokneesHow do they feel on you? I just measured myself and I'm 190cm. I was looking at Line Chronics and they come in 178 or 185, which one would you recommend?

I haven't bought them yet (waiting for the new wides) but I've ridden a pair of my friend's 178 blends and they are so soft and buttery that if they were mine I would've definitely bought the 185 so you can hold onto some more stability all around, but if you're planning on a lot of spinning or want some lighter skis for technical rail tricks, I would lightly consider the 178, but unless you are 100% sure that you want to sacrifice some all around performance and stability, go with the 185

**This post was edited on Apr 2nd 2021 at 2:31:02pm
Apr 2 2021 2:29PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1246 - Karma: 3,281
steezwithnokneesHow do they feel on you? I just measured myself and I'm 190cm. I was looking at Line Chronics and they come in 178 or 185, which one would you recommend?


185s will be a super fun all mountain twin tip perfect for blacks and park

178s i think ONLY if you plan on having a groomer ski as well trashing your edges on boxes/rails (takes about 2 weeks or 3 days hiking) and going HAM spin2win trying to progress through spins on smaller jumps

if you’re only gonna have 1 pair I would definitely go w 185s for when you’re ripping all over and w friends not into park. They might feel long/challenging at first but ultimately it will just make you a stronger skier IMO
Apr 2 2021 2:29PM
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steezwithnoknees
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
SlitherySnakeI haven't bought them yet (waiting for the new wides) but I've ridden a pair of my friend's 178 blends and they are so soft and buttery that if they were mine I would've definitely bought the 185 so you can hold onto some more stability all around, but if you're planning on a lot of spinning or want some lighter skis for technical rail tricks, I would lightly consider the 178, but unless you are 100% sure that you want to sacrifice some all around performance and stability, go with the 185

**This post was edited on Apr 2nd 2021 at 2:31:02pm


I was also looking at blends as I want to experiment with butters but I heard they're so soft to the point where if you ski at high speeds they become a little unstable. Considering I'm a beginner when it comes to park (Just hit my first rail a week ago and can barely do 360s) and want to be able to take them outside the park as well, so I might go for the 185. Would you say I should go for a very soft and forgiving ski or try and get one a little stiffer?
Apr 2 2021 2:42PM
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MoneyMakerMike
Posts: 1254 - Karma: 5,758
You need 155s
Apr 2 2021 2:55PM
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SlitherySnake
Posts: 1167 - Karma: 8,553
steezwithnokneesI was also looking at blends as I want to experiment with butters but I heard they're so soft to the point where if you ski at high speeds they become a little unstable. Considering I'm a beginner when it comes to park (Just hit my first rail a week ago and can barely do 360s) and want to be able to take them outside the park as well, so I might go for the 185. Would you say I should go for a very soft and forgiving ski or try and get one a little stiffer?


it all depends on what type of skiing you want to do. If you want a little more performance oriented park ski I would go with something like the ARV96 or the chronic perhaps, maybe even the TW Pro if you want to be hitting jumps a lot but you'll sacrifice some flex with all of their stability. The Volkl revolt would also be a good option for a stiffer ski. also the faction prodigy series isn't terribly soft.

But if you want a super flexy new-wavy type of ski vishnu's are a good option, if you have a bunch of money laying around you could buy some on3p, blends, you could go the jskis allplay route, there's a lot of options out there.

It all just boils down to what type of skiing you want to do and what type of money you want to spend. Keep in mind I haven't ridden basically any of these skis so I'm just going off of reviews that I've read and the things I've heard about them, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Good Luck!!
Apr 2 2021 2:56PM
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Skiblade420
Posts: 1001 - Karma: 16,435
Ok you gotta listen to me here, I am 6’2 165lbs. It was my first season skiing and I pretty much only did park. Being your height and weight you should seriously get the longest ski you can, you’ll be able to handle it. I got 185 line blends and got comfortable with them so fast, it’s really not much of a learning curve and this is coming from someone who never skied before this season. Longer skis look better, offer more support for us taller guys on landings and also let us throw our weight onto the tips and tails more aggressively.

The faction candide 2.0 in a 188. seems fun for park, and all mountain which it sounds like you spend your time on.

on3p magnus 102s are pricey but come in a 186 and measure true to length. ( most ski companies skis measure about 2 cm shorter than they actually are)

My 185 line blends served me well for learning park but I feel as I’ve outgrown them. Considering you’re heavier than me and that I snapped them last week I wouldn’t really recommend them to you. Might be too soft.

I would recommend the k2 reckoner 102 in a 184 if the line blend sounds appealing to you. It actually measure 1-2 cm longer than the blend, and a bit stiffer yet still being a soft ski, so it sounds like it would fit your size.

vishnu skis are coming on presale soon also and they will be making a 189 wet. A super flexible and light ski if that sounds fun to you. Good rail ski and from what people say extremely easy to butter around.
Apr 2 2021 3:24PM
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Skiblade420
Posts: 1001 - Karma: 16,435
Also full tilts definitely aren’t needed. I ordered ft drop kicks pre season cuz I didn’t know what I was doing. They’ve served me well but had to deal with ripped liners that was a mess to warranty, and I’m sure I could’ve gotten a better fit if I went to a boot fitter.

I would say if you already have boots that feel good then keep using them. Or wait til end of season and go to a boot fitter who might give you a deal on some boots.

As far as bindings go.
Pivots are kind of only safer because you can run your dins lower without actually ejecting as much.

They mount narrower from toe to heel. So you get more flex out of tail.

theyre a bit heavier than attacks.

attacks are easier to click in if your ski comes off in powder

some people say they feel better on wider skis

are really light. And like 100-150 cheaper than pivots.

I’m comparing attack 13s to pivot 12s.
both are good.
Apr 2 2021 3:32PM
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Skiblade420
Posts: 1001 - Karma: 16,435
Almost forgot.
A pricey ski but I think would fit you well is the Icelantic nomad 95 in a 191. Supposedly a playful ski but not too much.
the true measurement is like a 189 or 188.

that’s my vote for you.
Apr 2 2021 3:37PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1381 - Karma: 2,919
steezwithnokneesI would like to stay between $700-$900 for skis, boots and bindings but I would like something that will last and is good quality so if I must go a bit over it's not a big deal.


Get a nice pair of boots first, if you currently have boots use them "park boots" are a sham. Boots are more important than skis so make sure you get a good fitting pair from a good fitter.
I'd recommend getting a used set of skis to start. Why? You save money, you'll beat the shit out of them and they will give you a good idea of what you want your next ski to be. Anyone can make a ski work for them, but put someone in a poor fitting boot and they'll be having a rough go of things.
Apr 2 2021 10:03PM
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