Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

My K2 Schi Devils with Bombshell bindings are truly and utterly beyond worn out. I have a coupon expiring 8/15 at a local store where my front runners are below (in no particular order). Please help me choose.

Volkl Kenja 88
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Rossignol Experience 84 Ai. (I found the great review of these.)
Elan Ripstick 88W
Dynastar Legend W88

I'm a Colorado skier, 5'6", 135 lbs, stuck at the lower end of advanced, maybe because of the worn out old skis. I'm happy for other recommendations but am starting my shopping with the coupon. I'm planning to move to NTN bindings on the new skis. Thanks!

Howdy. Since you weigh less then a tooth pic I’d go with something with softer tips and tails. They will be easier to turn as well. Not entirely sure from that lineup what is the softest flex but I’m sure your local shop can let you know. If you were deciding on Voile skis I would say the V6

My wife loves her Black Pearls and I've heard several loving the rilpsticks, good luck with your search.

10fish wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 10, 2020 5:19 pm

Please help me choose.

Volkl Kenja 88
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Rossignol Experience 84 Ai. (I found the great review of these.)
Elan Ripstick 88W
Dynastar Legend W88

I'm a Colorado skier, 5'6", 135 lbs, stuck at the lower end of advanced, maybe because of the worn out old skis. I'm happy for other recommendations but am starting my shopping with the coupon. I'm planning to move to NTN bindings on the new skis. Thanks!

Depends on what you do and what you want. As a Colorado skier, I am surprised that all your choices are under 90-mm at the waist. Your list sounds perfect for someone skiing New England mountains. If carving groomers are your thing, the mid 90-mm's still have it, and they'll allow your more time focusing on enjoying your turns rather than keeping your ski tips above snow.

Also, if you haven't used new skis in a while, the double rocker design (found on a lot of modern skis) means the effective running edge is shorter than the overall/chord length of the ski. If you are advanced, and not too heavy of a person, you could probably run a ski very comfortably that is a a little overhead, with lightened tips and tails.

NTN bindings means you're going to get a lot of lateral control out of the boots. This should not be a limiting factor in choosing your ski. Limiting factors would then move upwards...meaning, the boot stiffness, then the skier's ability.

I don't have any extra insight on the performance of the skis on your list. I like the idea of asymmetry for the Elan Ripstick, but wouldn't purchase prior to demo. For me: I would only purchase new when the stars are in alignment...really fantastic sale, proper size, etc. I get a dopamine rush from a bargain. If not, then I get a dopamine rush from exercising patience and discipline. Good luck!

just buy it.
I also buy a new one yesterday.

teledance wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 11, 2020 8:46 am

My wife loves her Black Pearls and I've heard several loving the rilpsticks, good luck with your search.

. Are your wife and friends all telemarkers? My alpine friends love their Black Pearls, but I'm short on tele friends!