Beginner Skis

[air0rmc]

Hi'I have just started skiing again after 27 years .I recently purchased a pair of solomon x-wing 4's and immediately noticed that they are not as forgiving as the rentals iv'e been skiing on.I am practicing pole plants on blue runs and trying to develop my technics.I gain confidence everytime I ski,but still panic and wedge sometimes on steeps and muscle fatigue sets in fast (3 or 4 hours)These ski's seem to have a mind of ther own sometimes and also feel rather heavy.Are these the wrong ski's for me ? Or will I not know the difference at my level ? Any help and advise will be great thanx for your time.

I posted a question about binding and notices how no one out of many, many views tried to help me, kind of makes me wonder about this site, or the people on it, then I saw your question and saw 433 people viewed it and no one tried to help you, I was appalled, surely someone out of that number must know something usefull for you, well , not knowing the ski I'll do what I can, I (and shame on you those among you who viewed this persons question that has helpful information and did not put the effort to post something) I think thats one of the lower end Salomon wing series, and on the salamon site it said it was an all mountain , forgiving ski. So first of all , what is the length compared to your hight, for beginners , in your barefeet it should probably not come higher than your nose , standing it up. So that may be a factor, Is the snow your on icey or good, (icey is a hell of a lot harder to conrtrol and a lot less forgiving, next , if your having a harder time on steep stuff, my guess is your technique is not advanced enough for steeper stuff, many beginners and intermediates too , can ski great on greens and blues but as soon as it gets steep it all falls apart, that just needs practice and mabey some good lessons. The ski's maybe heavier than your used to . Not knowing if its the ski or you, I'd probably rent some of the skis you think its easier on ski a run with them, then ski the same run on the same day (so you know the conditions are the same) with your x wings
and see if you feel a difference if you do than you know it's your skis, if you don't than I'm afraid it's you.
Good Luck!!

[stewski695]

Salomon X-wing 4 should be a good ski for you at your level, perhaps you just need more time on them to get used to them. Also, a session of intermediate level lessons on those skis might help out.

[air0rmc]

Thanks for your replies.I understand that maybe these posts from beginners or novice's like my self sound so rediculus to the ski gods that when they have free time for these forums there are bigger fish to fry.That being said I just kept skiing sometimes 3 times per week and reading technique articles so through means of self help trial and error I can ski all day confidently on all blues and was safely having fun traversing blacks as long as the snow was favorable and moguls were few and far between.I now have many more questions about my inconsistant technique and my equipment. I am 40 yrs old 155 lbs 164 cm (around 5' 5") skiing on 154 cm.I think the x-wings are ok at slow to moderate speeds but then they get darty at speeds and chatter alot on the crud,they are fun in the woods off trail while skidding.I picked up a pair of 06-07 elan speedwave 8 160cm for a good price (I think/hope).What differences should I expect ?The elans are 115-69-103 and the x-wings are 114-70-102 but 2 1/2 inches shorter.I am also going to try something with a smaller tail and wider waist.What affect will that have and do you have any suggestions ?thanks again for your time

[Dino]

There is no such thing as a ridiculous question...My father is in the same situation as you in regards to skill level. I put him on a set of Volkle AC Unlimited, 165cm....the ski worked well for him because it has great shape to it, however at high speed it handles like K-Car! Personally I think the 154cm you are skiing on may be a little short, which is why it is unstable at higher speeds. I think your Elans will be slightly more stable at higher speeds, but 2/5 inches in my mind is not enough to notice a change.

On a side note, I am new to this site, with only one posting....and no replies.

[air0rmc]

What properties does a ski have to posses to be a ski that is easier to skid while trying to wash off speed ? I assume it is the geometry of the ski's tail that facilitates an easier switch from carving/turning to skidding ?

[yarddog313]

huh, that's a damned good question, often wondered that myself. I know when I went to longer stiffer skis it got a bit harder to wash off speed, but after a few days on the new sticks I got used to what I needed to do inorder to slow down and how to hammer harder tighter lines. dunno if that's any help

[mortabunt]

Shorter than your would normally select if you had not stopped.

[brad1138]

Hi'I have just started skiing again after 27 years .

That is great to hear, I thought I was the old man around here, I am just getting back into skiing after almost 10 years and I am 41. I can't wait for the season to start.

Brad

[mortabunt]

There is everyone here from early teens to really old men in their 70's.