Trick Skis

[Skier15]

What Trick Ski should a Skier start out with. About to buy one just confused about what brand or model. Please help me. Thanks!

[Chuck_Dickey]

D3 had been the gold standard but lots of good talk about the new Radar trick ski. Use the D3 length/weight chart and lean to the bigger size if you're in the middle.

[Brewski]

Quantum seems to be a good one also. Many many skiers love them. Lots like the Reflex also but I have not got my hands on one to check it out so I can't say one way or another.

[MattP]

Just got my hands on a Radar and I have skied on D3s in the past. I have to say the Radar is a nice ski. I had a conversation with a high level tricker this weekend about it and he said Reflex and Quanton are fast/stiff skis so that makes it hard to learn on.

[Bruce_Butterfield]

If you are just starting out with tricks, the ski is much less important than the binding. Pick the right size for your weight and any used trick from the major brands will work fine. However, you will get a significant benefit from a hardshell binding. Probably 90% of the trickers use the Reflex system.

 

Have someone help you get started. Use a boom for the first few basic tricks and you will save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

 

There are several very good threads on starting tricks. You can start with these:

 

http://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/9488/it-is-time-to-get-a-trick-ski

http://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/8497/junior-trick-skis

[epyscs]

I just had a relatively new skier (just learnt 180's and 360's) demo a bunch of skis including a Quantum, D3 and a couple of Reflex skis. They ended up buying the Reflex.

 

Not saying the Reflex 'the one to buy', but give a few skis a try and take your pick from there. Note that certain skis are extremely similar.

[eleeski]

D3 43" or bigger with a Reflex binding is the standard. Quantum or Goode are almost the same in feel but not as widespread. FM is as good as Reflex boots and almost as widely used - but they are pretty much interchangeable.

 

When you advance a bit there are even more choices. (Goodman, Reflex, Radar or Leeski (are you related?))

 

It's not the ski, it's the skier!

 

Eric

[Chef23]

I have a D3 XT trick and I think this would be a great ski to learn on. Pair it with a hardshell and you are good to go for a long time. My son has been on a D3 CX for years and it has been good for him to learn also. Make sure you don't go too small unless you are flipping of doing ski line tricks I don't think there is a downside to being on a bit bigger ski.

[MAD11]

I have not seen a single person who tried the new Jobe trick ski and not stay on it over the others mentioned. My exposure is limited, but that is about 9 or 10 skiers that just I have been around. Jimmy Siemers can get them, but they sell as fast as he gets them in his hands. Just wanted to mention as it didn't come up above. It's been somewhat surprising to see so many in our area get on it.

[tfriess]

I was in your shoes a few months ago. I end up picking up the Radar Graviton with a Reflex. All I can say is the few sets I have on it, I did not want to stop skiing. Now during the winter months I soothe the addiction by wearing my reflex around this house. This should tell you just how comfortable they truely are.

[Sethro]

Along these same lines, do you think an intermediate (at best) tricker like myself would notice a big difference going to a new ski? I currently have a late 90's 44" Obrien trick ski. I'm 6'5" and around 250lbs so the bigger the better I would imagine.

[eleeski]

@Sethro Seriously, get a new ski and binding. I don't know if you will automatically get better but you will have fun with it. Take your new ski to ski school and you will get better for sure.

 

@MAD11 Another ski to try! Cool!

 

Eric

[Chef23]

@Sethro you can get a 45" D3 XT I have one that I bought new a couple of years ago. I can only trick about 1300 points but it has been great for me. I weighed 240 when I got it and it had plenty of support for me.

[andjules]

@MAD11 - interesting, looks like the Jobe ski only comes in 42"?

http://www.jobesports.com/products/trick-ski/revert-trick-ski/

so I'd better be 125-165lbs?

[gsm_peter]

Don't one start on TWO trick skis?

I am not sure I wouls wven get up on one!!!

[eleeski]

Two skis are fun but nowadays I start people on one ski. Actually, first timers I start on a wakeboard with no fins. Nasty splits, bashed ankles and tweaked knees go along with double tricks. Stick with one - either a wakeboard or a single trick.

 

Eric

[drew]

@andjules--that tip profile is reminding you of the RS 720 you and Morgan used to ride at Jim Bush's... as a former EP Wingtip owner, I now seek a Quantum 46". Russell won't listen to me.

[Sethro]

Ok then, @Chef23 it's settled. I'll buy your ski, and you can upgrade! I've never bought any new ski equipment except leftover or closeout stuff. I'm trying to remember the name, but I think my ski came from Dave Robbins up in the New England area. I would be in that same trick score range if I nailed them all in a row.

 

And my son started tricking last summer, so he can have mine. Oh wait, I've got a 42" Connelly HC in the rafters of the boathouse for him. I suppose I could give the 42" to my younger boy when he finally starts tricking.

[Chef23]

@Sethro I am not ready to upgrade yet. I know Dave Robbins and he is a big guy that is a good tricker. At your size I think a 6'5" and 250 I think you would need the bigger ski. I looked for a long time for a used 45" ski but they don't seem to exist. I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and get a new one. It is worth it though.

[ral]

As @eleeski states, all kids down here sre starting in just 1 ski. I sticked a homemade fin to my 6 year old daugther's D3.CX for her first days, when she was already proficient getting up and crossing the wake (in 1 week...), we took it off. She got up on the first try and adapted/got back to the previous level in 2 sets, and then started with side slides.

[andjules]

@drew - you're right, Jobe can put wakeboard graphics on it, but with that round tip it looks like a 70s ski. Remember how Jim Bush would make us learn with no rear toe strap, just grip tape? I think I read that @eleeski was from the no-rear-toe school back in the day.

 

p.s. I think Neilly could wakesurf a 46" Quantum

[MAD11]

@andjules. Wake board graphics or not, people changing brands and wins don't lie.

[andjules]

@MAD11 oh, absolutely agree, and sounds like a great ski. Besides, I like wakeboard style graphics! Would love to try one if I ever get the chance; but at 175lbs on a good day, I hope they make more than just a 42"!