On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:49:43 CST, Sam Seiber
wrote:



Sam "I ski Loveland, my Beloved Loveland" Seiber

Walt: did I mention how much I love my Volkls? Fine ride. REALLY!


Chestnut had demo days a couple of weekends ago. I tried 4
different skis, and LOVED the Volkls. The pair I tried was
a bit too short, but still stable enough, and sooo quick and
effortless. You could sit on the tails, or anywere for that
matter, and just sort of will them back and forth. They
were the 7 24 PRO 115-77-104. Simply awesome, I can hardly
keep myself from ordering a pair, save for the price.

I know you said Sam, but what ski did you get?

Also I demoed a similar K2 and found it very pleasing, but
not quite as quick or forgiving as the Volkls, but for the
right price I'd be very happy. I have the name written
down, but I think they were wide XPS's. They were 174's and
I thought the length was perfect for me (6' 2" 195)

A Salomon that I demoed was horrible flat, and rubberbandy
- plus the rep was an ass. I told him I wanted a wide quick
all mountain ski for a good skier, and he told me "with all
due respect sir, your not being very specific about what you
want". I think he thought he knew what I want, and that I
didn't know what I wanted, and since no money was being
exchanged he felt he could let me know that his personality
resembles a French bus driver. Anyway, the POS ski he chose
for me maybe good in pow (but I doubt it), but otherwise was
crap imnsho.

The strangest ski that I tried was this 185 Blizzard 8.2 .
The rep was great, and he didn't really have the ski I
wanted to demo, so he told me to try these out just for fun.
These things are nuts. Built to go flat out apparently. I
could hardly get them up to speed with only 475 vertical
feet. When I did get them on edge, they layed down these
huge arcs that were like no turns I have ever felt. These
skis are like bricks they are so heavy, and take a lot of
skier input, plus proper positioning to get to turn (almost
like the old days, but not), but once turned you could take
a nap they are so stable. Anyway, I'd love to have these
for hardpack, high speed cruising somewhere as part of my
quiver, but they would only be good a couple of days a year.
Odd ski, that wrote new pathways in my brain.

One other note. Chestnut has added more snowmakers this
year. They are the large fan blower models (that resemble
high bypass jet engines) that sit up on poles. They must
have 50 of them now, on this fairly modestly size midwest
resort. The amount of snow that they were blowing was
absolutely unreal. Also, there are so many Polish
immigrants skiing at this place, and enjoying refreshments
at the pub after, that I found myself purchasing very few of
my own beers. Those Chicago Poles - they like their skis
and their beer.

Anyway, happy holidays and a merry solstice to everyone.
The days start getting longer on Friday, yet it will keep on
getting cooler for another month in the northern hemisphere.
Longer days, deeper pow, and crisp air, all leading to some
fine powder days ahead for us all.

From somewhere in Iowa....

-Nate