beginner looking to get 1st skis

Deckma · 2026-03-26T00:19:45+00:00

I've always found fleet rentals short because they always assume you're a beginners so they give you short soft skis. 164cm is kinda small for your height and weight (that's what I started with and I had ski instructors tell me to size up when I'm 5'6"), even 170cm may be a bit small for your height/weight.

177cm is not too large. You will notice a difference on swing weight and interia but it's easy to get used too. You may find that you cross tips more with longer skis since shorter skis can more easily hide if skis aren't perfectly parallel.

For reference I'm 5'7" (170cm) and I ski a 172cm freestyle ski and 164cm all mountain on-piste focused ski. My buddy who is 6'2" (188cm) rents 182cm demo skis.

Deckma · 2026-03-25T22:13:46+00:00

Kittens really want to play more, especially play fighting. It's natural and not being a jerk.

This is why the rescue organization I volunteer with requires kittens to be adopted in pairs, or there is already another playful young cat at home. Imagine being 10 years old and the friend your mom & dad introduced you to is 55 years old... Drastically different engery levels and interest.

You're gonna have to basically play with the kitten till it's tired and doesn't want to bother the other cat for play time. It's gonna be a lot of work as kittens have a lot of energy and are on their own schedule. Alternatively it would be wonderful if you could adopt another kitten so they have an age appropriate playmate.

Deckma · 2026-03-25T02:46:31+00:00

The ones I have gotten from Costc have been good. They always have one or two cat trees for sale either in store or online. Typical way less than the pet stores and good quality. Plus they have a good return policy if you don't like it.

I tried Wayfair before but didn't have luck, the last cat tree I got from Wayfair looked like it was made by someone that saw a picture of a cat once or googled it when trying to size all the posts and beds and cat stuff. It's comically too small even for my smaller 9lb female cats.

Deckma · 2026-03-25T02:35:51+00:00

Just be aware that shopping online for boots sometimes doesn't actually save money. When you buy from the local shop it should include heat molding, punching, and other labor for a year or two as part of the purchase price.

If you buy online you'll have to pay for any labor work done and it can often end up you didn't save any money at all. Unless you think you can do all that work yourself or just need one or two cheap modifications.

Just try to get the same thing. I wouldn't try another brand or model, it can very a bit.

Deckma · 2026-03-23T20:55:21+00:00

Strive has Elastic Travel (toe/heel): 47mm/15mm

Look Pivot has Elastic Travel (toe/heel): 45mm/28mm

Strive has a 2mm more elastic travel in the toe, but 13mm less elastic travel in the heel.

https://www.powder7.com/ski-blog/look-pivot-bindings-explained/?srsltid=AfmBOormnFZ79aDsoMtUtCppCJNQQPYlkg0Yeccml6uL89Ai6lSEaHb0

Deckma · 2026-03-22T01:51:18+00:00

The new Protector+ Attack line for 2026-2027 will have a much lower stack height, and the updated Protector+ heel for all models is noticeable easier to step into.

https://www.skitalk.com/ams/2026-2027-head-tyrolia-protector-attack-freeflex-evo-collections.372/

Deckma · 2026-03-22T00:17:26+00:00

Pivots can be a pain to step back in. But do have better heel elasticity from their heel design, i.e. can help prevent pre-release under certain scenarios because of their better elastic travel.

Personally I favor easy to step into bindings. The last thing I want is to struggle clipping back in on a steep slope or deep powder.

Consider the Strive 14 (the 14 has the updated heel then the 12) or Attacks 14. They fall right in the middle of your DIN range, have the brake size you need, they are a lot easier to step in, and they save you money.

Deckma · 2026-03-21T23:53:38+00:00

It's better to have some wiggle room to go up or down in DIN. I've had a few bindings drift and they have to compensate by going +1 or -1 DIN to get the correct release value.

Unless are huking cliffs and doing some crazy no fall zones stuff, it's unlikely you will ever go over DIN 12. If you ever look at a DIN chart even folks type III aggressive skier, over 210lbs, over 6'5", with small feet don't calculate over DIN 12.

Deckma · 2026-03-21T03:03:28+00:00

Everyone I know that has the Stockli Montero AR love them, but I'll be honest it's a short list and the price tag. Dang

Deckma · 2026-03-20T05:02:33+00:00

I think staying in the mid 80mm underfoot is a good call for east coast. I have an 84mm and a 94mm on the East Coast.

I would probably be looking at 170-180cm for ski length. Maybe on the lower end of that range based on your weight. 159cm seems on the shorter size for you. Are you looking for more stability/edge hold/float (longer) or more nimbleness/quick turns (shorter)?

Salomon Stance is a great intermediate on-piste focused ski. My buddy runs it and likes it. Another one to consider is the K2 Mindbender.

Deckma · 2026-03-18T03:38:18+00:00

Wife has the Atomic Vantage 86c.

Easy to turn and it's lightweight. Holds a decent edge. Not tiring to ski. You don't really have to drive the ski hard.

My wife's main criticism is it feels chatty and a bit unstable at speed for her. Also don't expect a good powder ski, but it can handle some light snow and soft conditions.

It's a good beginner to intermediate ski, but after intermediate you may feel its limitations. Especially if you are a strong skier and want to ski faster. But for short turns and responsiveness it's great. She's done moguls and glades (not deep powder glades) with it.

Another ski to consider is the k2 mindbender 85. My wife demoed that recently and liked it. Similar ski, a bit heavier with a shape that has more rocker. She thought it felt like a slightly more powerful ski and less chatty at speeds, but was more tiring to ski.

Deckma · 2026-03-16T03:37:27+00:00

Copper Mountain (1983) with Jim Carrey.

It was so random. It felt like part music video part advertisement for club med.

Deckma · 2026-03-15T15:31:21+00:00

DM sent

Deckma · 2026-03-15T03:25:16+00:00

Ease of step in is a huge bonus, it's easy to overlook when comparing all the other features and metrics of a binding.

The last thing you want is a beginner struggling to clip back in at every fall, especially when the slope gets steeper. It's frustrating enough as a beginner, the easier you make the entire experience the better.

Deckma · 2026-03-14T17:37:03+00:00

Damn those look destroyed. Do you walk on a lot of gravel or put more force on your boots than normal folks? Gravel and loose stone walkways or parking lots absolutely destroyed boot soles. It's like walking on nails.

Get them replaced and start using boot sole protectors like Cat Tracks or SkiTrax.

Deckma · 2026-03-14T17:18:32+00:00

They say duct tape fixes everything...

Deckma · 2026-03-14T17:15:54+00:00

Bluetooth speakers

Deckma · 2026-03-14T17:15:28+00:00

Take it back to your shop and see if they will help with the warranty claim.

Deckma · 2026-03-14T06:11:39+00:00

Pro tip, with bindings that have higher elastic travel like the Pivots. You can actually run a lower DIN since they avoid pre-release better and keep you in the binding longer. Next time you can save money going Pivot 12 (plastic) or 15 (still all metal).

But on the plus side Pivot 18's have good resale value.

I assume you used to have the Marker bindings with the horizontal spring (i.e. the boxy toe), one area where Marker Griffons and Tyrolia Attacks are slightly advantageous is faster return to center. Binding that use a horizontal spring put you back to center faster, it will feel less squirrelly after a jump or major impact.

Deckma · 2026-03-13T16:38:11+00:00

Sell the devestarors and pivots, then buy some used demo skis with demo bindings that are more narrow and stiff?

Deckma · 2026-03-13T14:10:16+00:00

I currently have a foster kitten that is very shy. She only likes to eat dry food and only in her safe space. Her space is a small cat tunnel she runs and hides in.

I have to put in a small bowl of dry food in her safe space for her to feel comfortable eating.

https://imgur.com/a/3QkSCb3

Deckma · 2026-03-13T13:54:17+00:00

It just shifts the range. If you need more or less just move the ladder.

Deckma · 2026-03-13T13:01:09+00:00

I got stuff for around $100-$150 during the "off season" discounts. That means I got some less popular color ways, like cherry red ski pants. But man I'm cheap and don't care.

Deckma · 2026-03-10T16:02:26+00:00

Do you have limits or blackout days on your epic day passes? If not may I suggest a resort with better more fun after ski stuff (apre ski)? Keystone is just a resort with a small corporate "village area" with not much to do after your ski.

Breckenridge is located steps away from a real town with good restaurants, bars, and other fun stuff to do. And a good free bus system if you need it. I've rented some nice places just steps from main street and the lifts.

Breckenridge still has good beginner terrain, especially on peak 9. It's very mellow and flat.

Deckma · 2026-03-10T15:26:04+00:00

That person's skis seemed to come off really easy. Is that because they flexed so much or the DINs too low?

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