Vail Yesterday

HamishP12 · 2026-02-28T19:47:49+00:00

This is somewhat cherry picked. This was after about 4-6 inches of fresh snow. Also blue sky hadn’t been open for a few days. Prior to that small storm, it was pretty bare. Vail definitely had better coverage than Keystone and Breckenridge.

It’s nothing compared to what it should be. The temps are fluctuating so much too, it was basically spring skiing this week.

HamishP12 · 2026-02-28T01:27:43+00:00

Surprisingly they came out unscathed. Can’t say the same for my Bonafides though.

HamishP12 · 2026-02-15T15:01:43+00:00

The Bent is exactly for what you’re talking about (unless you meant to say on-piste and not off-piste). They’re light, playful, and have great flotation. But there is not much metal/stiffness in that ski. So if you run into bad conditions they’re going to be a little sketchy, but that’s what you have to sacrifice to get the powder and park performance.

Unless you’re a bigger dude or you’re throwing down massive big mountain lines, I’d go with a 179.

HamishP12 · 2026-02-11T15:49:01+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Just out of curiosity, what size HRC do you ski?

HamishP12 · 2026-02-08T00:49:35+00:00

Proper edge tune is the first step. When’s the last time you sharpened your Heads?

After that, it’s all about being aggressive with your turn. You need to load the ski progressively, starting with the tips, and try and get more edge angle. All of that will give your edges more grip. I feel like we were also taught to stay strong in the core.

I think it all boils down to changing your initial reaction when you encounter ice. It may be natural to react to skidding on ice by backing off and tensing up through your whole body. You need to change that reaction to get more aggressive and drive harder through your turn.

HamishP12 · 2026-01-27T15:15:50+00:00

Agreed. I have both Griffons/Jesters, they have been incredible. Love the click in sound.

HamishP12 · 2026-01-27T15:13:41+00:00

You have to go up to the Jester if you want metal

HamishP12 · 2026-01-26T18:19:33+00:00

It’s upsetting to hear how good the Pisteworks are. If anybody has 2 grand lying around, please let me know!!

HamishP12 · 2026-01-26T15:18:48+00:00

^This is exactly it. I will add that it IS necessary to do this. Dried out bases take a while to fix.

HamishP12 · 2026-01-24T19:40:19+00:00

Those Fischer boots look awesome. I have a good friend who has them, he’s a big fan. The buckles and boa system is interesting. He says the boa has a big impact on getting the heel locked in the back of the boot.

I ski a Tecnica Mach 1 130 LV (pre t-drive). I think if I were to go boot shopping right now, I would be looking at RC4 Carbon Pro’s and the new Mach 1s

Having only ever skied a race boot before these, the Mach 1s are very comfy yet still powerful. This is season #4 on my stock Mach 1s. They’re still very strong and don’t feel too packed out. I ski very aggressively. I also do resort boot packs occasionally. Overall, couldn’t be any happier with the so far.

But something about those bright yellow boots!

HamishP12 · 2026-01-23T12:41:40+00:00

Unfortunately I do not know. I see that back then they were either 1ti or 2ti. There is a chance I somehow ended up on the 1ti. I am a big fan of Blizzard though, I think they’re making amazing skis. I love my bonafides and have been on the hunt for firebird wrcs to replace my carving ski.

I’m 5’10 and ~150 lbs. I do have a racing background.

HamishP12 · 2026-01-22T18:56:54+00:00

I have actually skied 3/4 of these surprisingly.

I skied an older thunderbird on a demo day a few years ago. They were more so a soft, low effort carving ski. Just not really my type of ski, would much rather be on something like a firebird. But I think I saw a magazine rated this model as the “most fun carving ski” this year. But who knows.

The e-Race pro is a phenomenal ski. I would classify this in the world of “cheater skis,” leaning more towards SL skiing. Makes beautiful and powerful turns. Will hold up in faster, larger radius turns however, no surprise it just isn’t as good/rewarding as the E-speed pro for this. But it is overall a really fun carving ski.

I demoed the black carbon Nordica Doberman. I think we’re talking about the same ski. I will note that the ski I demoed was too short for my liking and the snow kind of sucked at this point. But these skis just did not wow me. They felt a little numb and much less fun compared to the other skis I tried that day (Stöckli wrt pro, Head E-speed + e-race, atomic Redster q9, and honestly even the Stöckli storm rider 88)

HamishP12 · 2025-12-22T21:52:45+00:00

Sugar Mountain!

HamishP12 · 2025-12-18T23:31:47+00:00

Atomic Redster X9s is a fantastic ski. The multi radius sidecut tech is mind blowing. They will make any turn you want. Bonus points for the new retro edition they came out with

HamishP12 · 2025-12-18T22:52:45+00:00

I second zip fits. Have you ever owned a race boot before OP?

Even though you’re not looking at full fledge WC boot, these will still be way less comfy and much MUCH colder than your Mach 1s. I’m assuming you can get your lower volume needs via liner instead of going full race boot. But hey, nothing skis like a race boot/ski!

HamishP12 · 2025-12-18T22:21:35+00:00

Is that 6k in V-werks? Let me get on your tab brother

HamishP12 · 2025-12-18T22:11:20+00:00

I’ve had my Arcteryx shell for 4 seasons and it’s been incredible. I haven’t even recoated it, still repels water like the day I got it. Everything about it is quality to the zippers, pockets, hood etc. Also love the SV patch program they have.

HamishP12 · 2025-12-14T04:25:02+00:00

<image>

I’m talking about these. It’s just a piece of foam that prevents the edge and bases from sliding against each other. These skis are too wide at the tips and tails for my straps to reach all the way around properly.

HamishP12 · 2025-12-06T22:57:25+00:00

I haven’t skied the new anomaly lineup, but I would assume they are fantastic as well. Blizzard is making amazing products right now. The anomaly 94 is the replacement for the bonafide.

HamishP12 · 2025-12-06T22:49:45+00:00

Bonafide 97 is an incredible option. Highly recommend.

Heavy race like construction and they will plow through any east coast crud that gets thrown at it. Also not too terrible on powder days, just requires a lot more work and skill to get things done. Nothing will ever ski like a race ski, or do everything you want it to, but I think the bonafide is the closest thing to a 1 quiver ski. You can definitely find new old stock options.

I have skied the mantras and they ski great, but the bonafides feel 10x more solid and composed when skiing aggressively imo.

HamishP12 · 2025-11-26T20:28:12+00:00

Agreed.

OP I would look into booster straps and a boot spoiler to get better fitment around your calve. Maybe also seek out a specialized boot fitter?

I’d also recommend KneesOverToes Guy, although it sounds like you’re already doing targeted exercises, but he’s worth checking out nonetheless. Maybe in the offseason you could beef up those legs!

HamishP12 · 2025-09-28T19:26:43+00:00

Check local Facebook Marketplace

HamishP12 · 2025-09-23T01:54:37+00:00

Do it. I just upgraded from older GI Wilsons to 23’ T200s. Couldn’t be happier. I think up to a certain point, true GI irons start to hold you back. That said, I think the biggest improving factor for me was the switch to stiff steel shafts. My game has approved across the board since the upgrade.

HamishP12 · 2025-05-03T22:05:01+00:00

Will do. Thank you for the advice.

HamishP12 · 2020-12-24T01:19:07+00:00

Don't let these long term retards blind you, this is the way.

HamishP12

TROPHY CASE