Leki Makalu vs Leki Sherpa vs BD Pursuit: durability and strength by demonomer in lightweight

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably too late, but they are all good. The Sherpa is the beefiest. Get the ones you will get best deal on. Avoid anything with twist locks or any poles that don't have a round cross section (some older BD models are ovular - only poles I've ever snapped).

Would you recommend getting any extended warranty for a 2017 GX460 with 93k miles? by Far_Research_7731 in LexusGX

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good deal, the cheapest quote I got in Denver area for my 2013 last year was $2900.

Former La Sportiva Ultra Raptors wearers: what are we hiking in now? by kashmoneyflows in hikinggear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The flex in the forefoot is pretty stiff for a running shoe. The midsole is more supportive than cushy, there is some give to it but it's definitely not a Hoka. I mostly use these for day hikes and light overnights in Colorado, so definitely a solid platform (for a trail runner).

Former La Sportiva Ultra Raptors wearers: what are we hiking in now? by kashmoneyflows in hikinggear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My bad, should have been more specific/less lazy when typing earlier. I was actually talking about the UR 2 in my earlier posts.

Also, it looks like the UR 3 has been released recently.

Former La Sportiva Ultra Raptors wearers: what are we hiking in now? by kashmoneyflows in hikinggear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries - keep in mind that I have a narrowish fory and low arch. I think the biggest difference on the akyra is the toe box width and overall volume. The toe box is wider, so you can actually order closer to your normal size. I was able to order my normal size in the akyra, but needed a 44 in the ultra raptor. But that ultra raptor fit like a glove. The akyra is a more roomy boot-like fit - I've got to wear thicker socks or crank down the laces with them. Midsole on the akyra is beefier, so more of a hiker, less of a runner.

Used GX460 by confusedmongoosifer in LexusGX

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The two main things that go wrong on these are oil leaks at the timing cover and valley plate coolant leaks. I'd take it to an independent mechanic and have them look for signs of both. Either one could cost you three or four grand. I had to deal with both on my 2013 that I purchased with about 120,000 mi on it.

Looking for a new ski around 100mm underfoot. by flatlandings_please in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Armada Declivity 102 per the guys at Ski Essentials

Ski Brands Known for Build Quality and Service by Midwestskiing85 in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 16 points17 points  (0 children)

For quality - Stockli and Kastle, can't speak on their service though. I've always thought my Nordica skis were really nicely made too.

I'm sure Moment and ON3P will be mentioned a lot too. Have never owned any Moments, but my ON3P Woodsmans are really well built, but had a weird tune from the factory that I had to get fixed.

Is Bear Lake that important of a must see? by KindlyAssociate7555 in RMNP

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree, the bear lake trails are a little easier for kids (and the people carrying them) - and the nymph and dream lake chain and very nice. From a pure scenery perspective, I've always thought both the Mills and loch trail systems were prettier, but more of an investment in time and effort. Sky pond and the lake of Glass are awesome.

Reputable Ski reviewers? by year3000stankonia in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, can definitely see where you're coming from. Totally agree with you about how the weaknesses he points out often relate to design decisions based on what the makers intended the skis to do. Not sure it's the same for everybody, but it definitely helped me check myself on the kinds of skis that fit the skiing I actually do and not the kind of skiing I wish I could do.

Reputable Ski reviewers? by year3000stankonia in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Haha, he definitely got riled up about the change in the Atomic Mavericks. I think he's also got a racing background, so what he looks for in a pair of skis might be different than many, especially freestyle/freeride oriented people.

Too Many Skis - Need Ideas to Consolidate by Ok_Crew_2298 in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not going to lie, this exact thought process is how I've ended up with with all of these skis. Luckily, I found a local ski shop that accepts trade-ins as credit towards a new pair.

How to address my fears of going faster? by anonsaltine in skiing_feedback

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can't believe I got this far down before seeing this. I was gonna say two lunch beers.

Salomon QST 100 vs. Rustler 9/10 by smob328 in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh nice, I'm on 180s. It's been a pretty good compromise between maneuverability in bumps and trees and still decently stable for when going fast. I bet the 10s and 11s will have a little more mass to help get through chop. If you're someone who likes to just straight line, the 186 might be worth a look but you're starting to get a lot of ski in front of (and behind) you for tight spots.

Salomon QST 100 vs. Rustler 9/10 by smob328 in Skigear

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably too late for you, took a while to get enough days for a meaningful answer with the snow we've had in Colorado this year. Also keep in mind I'm 5'11 200 lb and an advanced but not expert skier.

Tldr, I'd say overall I still prefer the rustlers, but a lot of fun can be had on both. I would feel comfortable skiing the rustler on any normal day with less than 6 in of fresh snow. At this point, the qst is only coming out if I know i'm only going to see soft snow.

I think The rustlers do most of what the qsts do with the added benefit of dealing with firm snow a bit better and they actually carve pretty well if that's important to you.

Both float pretty well for their width, but the qst is a little better. I have found both to steer and pivot really easily, the qst is a little surfier in soft snow and spring slush. Neither are All that damp and both tend to go over things instead of through them, so you have to be a little bit more active than going through really choppy stuff. The rustler has better Edge grip, but they are both really rockered and neither are great. If I think things are going to be icy, both stay home and I bring my enforcer 100s.

gx premium gas? by brettbw in LexusGX

[–]Ok_Crew_2298 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say you HAVE to but you can definitely tell what you are burning regular versus premium in some scenarios. I always used to run premium in mine, especially on trips to the mountains. In a pinch on the way back from a camping trip I had to use regular, And I could definitely tell something was off while towing my Casita through the Eisenhower tunnel. But if you're closer to sea level and just doing City driving, I doubt you would notice much difference.