New Slalom Ski

[AbunDiga909]

I'm looking at new slalom skis now with my family and not sure which would be best, I hope you guys can help me out...

I started slalom skiing when I was 8 and am 14 now. I have a 62" 1997 HO VTX and I'm pretty sure I've grown out of it. I can do all six of the inside bouys on the course properly at around 30 MPH at 15' off. I like my curren't ski and I like how I skied on it. I'm not a pro or anything so I ask you guys, what do you think the best ski would be for me?

I've so far looked at the HO Truth, which seems a little above me, even though I think its the newer version of my ski. And I've also looked at the lime colored one called Vengence I think. That's pretty much all I've done so far. Thanks in advance!

[M3Fan]

Well, I demo'ed the Vengance and the Truth. The truth is an awesome ski, and is fine for intermediate to professional. I've heard of a couple ski schools reccomending them for skiiers who aren't at pro level yet. I'm an intermediate slalomer and just got a new truth after demoing it. Can't wait to try it this spring. The vengance was impossible for me to ski on- it is a bit wider and is still an edge to edge concave on basically a bigger ski, so I got a ton of uncontrollable edge hunting on the vengance. I'd demo both if I were you.

[Hollywood]

I have a CDX (old Truth if you will) and it sure is a quick ski. If you aren't cutting, you might not like the ride for just cruising around. Do they still make the ASX, or has that turned into the Vengence? If so, I'd suggest the Vengence, but of course try to demo both before buying if you can!

[h2oskeefreek]

ok, those posts don't condtradict one another......I think the answer is find someone who will let you demo them.

[AbunDiga909]

Thanks guys, but I don't wan't to make it seem as if those two skis are my only options. If you think any other ski would be good... speak up! :lol: Again, thanks, I guess I'll have to see what our store has to demo...

[MarkP]

The KD 7000 is a great ski I would say It's between the
vengence and the Truth! I ended up buying the Truth
though.

[AbunDiga909]

Just got back from the guy at our shop and he has a 66" Mapple from last year, or the year where it was green, and he has a new 67" (that model comes in only odd inches) Vengence. Just got back from the lake also and water and air temp is 45, coldest I've skied in! So I'm gonna wait a little while til I warm up and the temp. does also, then I will be demoing both those skis, and then try them with double bindings. I think the price of the truth makes it out of the question. And in reality, I'm not at the level where the difference between the Vengence and Truth matters so much to me.

Skinautique, didn't you have a Mapple and sell it to NautiqueJeff? What do you guys think of it?

[skinautique]

I have a 66" Mapple for $300 w/o boots or $375 w/ some boots. For me, the Mapple wasn't very consistent. I also ski into 35 off at 36 mph so it is a different story for me. The Mapple is a lot stiffer than most skis so it isn't near as forgiving. There are people that ride it well and others that don't. Your best bet is to demo the ski. If you like the Mapple, let me know and you can buy mine for a great price. If not, demo something else. Yes I did sell a 2000 year model to NautiqueJeff so that I could get the 2003 model. I wouldn't worry about getting an HO truth. I would try out a KD 7000. It is a very easy ski to ride and very predictable. The green O'Brien that you mentioned probably won't ski that well for you. You are going to notice a huge difference between your current ski and the newer carbon composite skis. They are a lot lighter and quicker so it will be like day and night.

[AbunDiga909]

Correction

Skinautique... the Mapple that I was talking about is an 03 and it was yellow, not green. Does that change any of your oppinions on it?

I really want to buy from my local pro shop if I'm not buying a used ski. Sorry, but we just have one of those relationship things with them....

[skinautique]

My ski is slightly used (still in great shape). Again the ski is good for some people and not good for others. The only way to tell is to demo it. More than likely, you won't like the Mapple do to its design. It is a very stiff ski that requires more input to turn it. It is a lot stiffer than the ski that Jeff has. Nothing wrong with supporting your shop though. I was just offering a good deal for a young kid!

[AbunDiga909]

skinautique, Again, thanks for the deal. Like you said, a good deal for a young kid, which is what both yours and the shop's deals are. To put it into perspective on how nice this guy is at this shop, he sells MasterCrafts, and we get our biggest discounts from him! If he only sold CC... :roll: The earlier I get to know him the better!

If you say it is "inconsistant," why do you seem to like it? Were you just talking about your 2000? B/C it looks like your current one and the one I'm considering are the same.

[skinautique]

I ride a Goode now. That is why the Mapple is for sale.

[AbunDiga909]

I see... I will have to talk about it, as if it would make a difference next to a new Nautique and tow vehicile.... :lol: