Advice on skis

Well the main difference between the 2008 Tornado and the 2009 is stiffness. There was a bitter of clatter on on the 2008s and Salomon have got rid of this with the new model - they have put a titanium layer in and its now very very smooth. I would still be happy with the 2008 version but preference is 2009 if your budget can take it. Boots? I,ve got some Atomic Hawx 90s and the combination is perfect for me - you could go to Hawx 110 if you want less flex. Bindings Z12s are fine but the Z14s are better.

Hope this helps.

Epsilon wrote:Well the main difference between the 2008 Tornado and the 2009 is stiffness. There was a bitter of clatter on on the 2008s and Salomon have got rid of this with the new model - they have put a titanium layer in and its now very very smooth. I would still be happy with the 2008 version but preference is 2009 if your budget can take it. Boots? I,ve got some Atomic Hawx 90s and the combination is perfect for me - you could go to Hawx 110 if you want less flex. Bindings Z12s are fine but the Z14s are better.

Hope this helps.

Thats great info, keep it coming you two its much appreciated and more than anything I've gotten in stores. My existing boots are extremely stiff and need to be replaced. I'm looking for more of the comfort Cadillac boot, instead of the Porche hard to get into ultra stiff boot.

Epsilon wrote:oots? I,ve got some Atomic Hawx 90s and the combination is perfect for me - you could go to Hawx 110 if you want less flex. Bindings Z12s are fine but the Z14s are better.

Hope this helps.

Boots should be properly fitted.. don't know if there is anyone up in Jasper but Ultimate Ski and Ride in Banff (just beside the cinema) will sort out suitable boots. They will fit according to your requirements and can even soften up the flex of boots to suit you. You shouldn't just 'pick' boots off the rack, you are asking for it then. Also the Hawx 110 is stiffer than the 90(I think I misunderstood what you wrote?!). Why are the Z14s better?

As for Salomon their reputation has taken a hit in recent years IMO with good reason.

Frost, the Stormrider would be a pretty good fit, great for long cruisy turns on piste and can handle the powder as well. (Banff Mountain Wear in Banff stock them but I am sure you would get them cheaper online!) I am pretty sure Bandit/Ise has them so maybe they can come in here and give you the low down.

The boots I've been looking at are the Tecnica Dragon 110's, the Nordica SportMachine 14, as well as a Rossi Bandit boot i can't remember which model.

I have Salomon boots and I have to agree with Ross F, I'm not confident in them anymore.

Keep the info coming boyz, it's greatly appreciated.

Can't under estimate how important it is to have boots properly fitted. If they are fitted right you could potentially have them for a looong time! See a boot fitter!!!!!!!

I will get my boots professionaly fitted as those are the most important part of all the ski equipment.

Frost Get the boots sorted 1st. Then test loads of skis, until you find the pair that make you smile :D

As for Stockli Stormrider XL's. They are a go anywhere ski for a strong, technical skier. I believe that this is the last year of production (they have 2 year production runs), so there may be some bargains March/April onwards.
I have the Stormrider AT, which is a foam core version, much less likely to bite my bum, but from the 1st run on them, I knew they were quite special.
There is a full range of Stormriders here.....

http://en.stoeckli.ch/main/skis/

If the Stormriders don't float your boat, then have a look at the Rotor 76, altho they may be a bit short for you.

What is the 'side cut' that I see so much about? Depending on the ski is would seem the side cut is important. As for the under waist thickness, should I be looking for something around 80mm?