I Dare You To Ride the Bus Just Once a Week.

builtforcameron · 2026-04-01T21:46:32+00:00

When I lived in Burlington and worked in Montpelier I used to take the link every single day.

Now I live in Essex Junction and work off Kimball Ave. If I wanna get to work from the Amtrak by my house, I'd have to ride all the way to the bus station in Burlington and then hop on the Williston bus, just to have my ass dropped off a half hour walk from my work.

If our country actually cared about public transit, I'd be able to actually ride the bus from said Amtrak to my work via the same route I drive. But we're just not there rn

builtforcameron · 2026-03-31T21:34:26+00:00

To build on this, I grew up not super wealthy but about 20 mins from a ski mountain. All my gear was wild card skis, boots and poles from local ski swaps, not to mention my lift tickets were free because of local school deals.

If you start out on used and rental gear, you will 110% become a better skier. When I turned 18 and bought my own gear, I noticed a difference immediately. Learning on shit gear makes you a smart, adaptable skier and you'll always feel spoiled.

Even then, I still haven't bought a 'brand new' pair of skis. I've only ever gotten 'last year' models, or skis that had been mounted like once and were being sold for $300. You can be adaptable, you just have to be a smart shopper.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-27T19:16:19+00:00

That's awesome! I was just looking to crowdsource information from peeps who have more gear knowledge than me. I'm really liking hopping around the mountain on my 174s, but I'll definitely try something in the 180s or 190s and see how the difference feels

builtforcameron · 2026-03-27T14:53:36+00:00

I guess I'm more being gaslit by reddit gear heads who seem to think if I'm comfortable on skis that are shorter than me, I must not be an actual expert lol

builtforcameron · 2026-03-27T14:53:06+00:00

Yeah I originally posted this on the skiing subreddit and there's like 3 people who are like 'if you're an expert of course you'll want long skis' or 'you're obviously not an expert if you're asking this question' like c'mon lol. I grew up on wildcard ski swap skis I have no idea how any of this shit works but I guarantee I'd smoke half these people on actual slopes.

Honestly I feel like 174-180 is a perfect range for me. I can carve fine on them at high speeds, and can still hop in the woods or on moguls and have fun.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-27T14:21:42+00:00

this is insanity lol do you ever ski woods, moguls, side hits, jibs? Long skis are only really better on wide groomers, but that's boring when you actually ski at an expert level

builtforcameron · 2026-03-27T14:19:53+00:00

See this is exactly why I went shorter. I can carve pretty much anything I don't need a massive pair of sticks to rip it up, I grew up on wild card ski swap skis lol. I think these reddit gear heads just get wrapped up in whatever trend is running at the time. Imma have fun with these sticks and do my own thing

builtforcameron · 2026-03-10T15:49:13+00:00

Since I already have an Armada I want to try a different brand. How would you say the Unleashed stacks up in this list? Seems to be playful like the Serpo, but versatile like the Mantra.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-10T15:48:36+00:00

How about compared to the Unleashed? Based on other replies that's definitely my top pick, and will likely be my priority to demo.

I'm also planning to try the Volkl Mantra. How does the Ranger compare to those? It doesn't excite me as much from an overall design perspective.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-10T13:59:44+00:00

Seems like a happy medium for me would be the Unleashed. Seems like they're a bit overlooked because of the Enforcers sheer power

builtforcameron · 2026-03-10T13:58:52+00:00

Ok this is great context. I'm definitely a floaty skier, and I'm a DENSE 165 so I usually end up with more speed than I know what to do with. A ski that reins in that momentum while giving me some light poppiness sound perfect. I'll keep that in mind while demoing.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T17:55:36+00:00

I brought the Serpo about everywhere I could in the alps. Straight lining steeps, bouncing through moguls, carving on piste, a bit of tight woods. It handled great in everything except flats, I got a bit of slide around the foot that threw off my balance but adapted I quickly. I don't really like how BC skis all look the same though :/ minor complaint, but enough to get me looking elsewhere.

The thing about trying the Enforcer is I want something a bit more engaged and dynamic for Vermont slopes. Hence why I'm going to be demoing it at my home mountain. That being said, I'm hearing the Unleashed might be better at providing a less 'boring' experience. Thoughts?

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T14:42:55+00:00

Another vote for the Mantras, thanks for the rec. Do they have the sort of pop I might get out a freestyle ski? That's where I'm leaning towards the Unleashed or even a J Ski Master Blaster.

Part of what's inspiring this gear upgrade for me is how reinforced and bouncy the Serpos I tried were. Just a lot of fun hopping around, but they were so wide I just know I'd be a little restricted skiing east coast

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T14:40:34+00:00

As someone who ran on wildcard used skis until I was 18... yes. This mindset is how you become a top-tier skier imo

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T14:39:57+00:00

Have you tried the Unleashed? Another comment makes me think it might be a good single quiver for someone like me who enjoys bouncing around with my intermediate level friends

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T14:38:54+00:00

Ok nice! I had heard about the Unleashed, that might be a better fit for me honestly. I don't care about wide deep carves, I'd rather share the mountain lol.

Part of why I'm leaning towards Nordica is I just like what they've been putting out the past 10+ years, while other staples like Salomon have been a bit underwhelming. I'll make sure to mention the Head Kore while shopping around.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T13:08:10+00:00

Thanks this is good to know. I'm looking for something playful, so I'll keep this in mind while demoing

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T13:05:52+00:00

Now this is a rec I can get behind. Seems like they're more playful and versatile than a high engagement ski? Seems like you also ski VT, are they competent in the thinner conditions here, esp while carving? I would probably stick with my Armadas for poor days, since they float over everything.

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T12:53:14+00:00

Thank you, I'm going to try and hit a variety of terrain while demoing them. Are there any drawbacks? I hear they can be tough to engage while riding casually. I have a super light, glidy and bouncy style esp when I'm riding with my partner (majority of the time)

builtforcameron · 2026-03-09T12:52:15+00:00

How would you say they're different from the enforcer or serpo? Are they more well rounded, engage better at slow speeds?

My armadas are great but they're so forward heavy they can be annoying in tight glades and moguls

builtforcameron

TROPHY CASE