Please help a neophyte Vermont XC skier select the right gear
Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 10:38 am
Greetings.
I am trying to learn the ways of XCD and have decided to invest in some gear.
I live in Vermont and have access to some amazing trails and wilderness to play in. I have intermediate alpine skills, and enjoy running (got my first Spartan in this fall at Killington). That being said, I have a stocky large build (5'8", 235#) and am having a hard time matching my body with skis that match my desired skiing.
My main goal right now is to acquire a single set of gear that allows me to ski on groomed trails without it becoming a chore (<5 miles) yet still allow me throw my skis on and explore the land trust with rolling hills, fields, and forest behind my house (<5 miles). I will not be doing heavy downhill, but I do want the ability to turn a bit and go off trail and have control on that type of terrain. I would also like the ability to grow into these skis as my skill level and confidence grow.
I am ok with losing speed on the flats and groomers if it means I can have better control on the dips and downs and offtrack. I recognize that my needs are probably best served with acquiring a few different sets of gear for these conditions, but I would like to try to keep it to one. I don't mind compromising a bit for greater flexibility overall.
My research has led me to believe the best set up for this would be something along the lines of an Eon or Fischer T78 with nnn bc magnum bindings. My concern with the Eon is that it may be a bit soft for me, especially given my weight.
I also like the idea of being able to add skins easily to the Fischer skis.
Not really sure about boots and how to best match them with my goals.
Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome.
I am trying to learn the ways of XCD and have decided to invest in some gear.
I live in Vermont and have access to some amazing trails and wilderness to play in. I have intermediate alpine skills, and enjoy running (got my first Spartan in this fall at Killington). That being said, I have a stocky large build (5'8", 235#) and am having a hard time matching my body with skis that match my desired skiing.
My main goal right now is to acquire a single set of gear that allows me to ski on groomed trails without it becoming a chore (<5 miles) yet still allow me throw my skis on and explore the land trust with rolling hills, fields, and forest behind my house (<5 miles). I will not be doing heavy downhill, but I do want the ability to turn a bit and go off trail and have control on that type of terrain. I would also like the ability to grow into these skis as my skill level and confidence grow.
I am ok with losing speed on the flats and groomers if it means I can have better control on the dips and downs and offtrack. I recognize that my needs are probably best served with acquiring a few different sets of gear for these conditions, but I would like to try to keep it to one. I don't mind compromising a bit for greater flexibility overall.
My research has led me to believe the best set up for this would be something along the lines of an Eon or Fischer T78 with nnn bc magnum bindings. My concern with the Eon is that it may be a bit soft for me, especially given my weight.
I also like the idea of being able to add skins easily to the Fischer skis.
Not really sure about boots and how to best match them with my goals.
Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome.