Need advice on shrinking my quiver... should I sell my Monster 98s?

[crazycanuck]

I am a person who loves his ski gear, and admittedly has an oversized ski quiver for a guy who primarily skis out east! I am now torn as to whether I should sell my Monster 98s for not, and am looking for advice.

Basically I am a 47 year old who is 5'9 and 150 lbs (so not big/heavy) and who spent the last year rehabbing in physio from a herniated L5-S1 disc.

My current quiver is 1) Head iSLRs 66mm that I use when I am really in a carving mood (or want to take on my son who is a S/GS racer, haha), 2) K2 iKonic 84s as my daily east coast frontside resort ski, 3) Rossi Sin 7s (98mm) that I used when I am in a mood to do tight tree runs here in the east and frankly are a ton of fun for doing so, 4) Head Monster 98s (also 98mm) for when I am in a mood to just point the tips downhill and give'r on an a big hill.

When I was rehabbing my back this year, at the start of the ski season I told my physio that she would have to work around the fact that I had full intention of still skiing. She said that was fine, but perhaps I could ski like I was 46 and not 26. I told her I have no idea what she is talking about. LOL However, as the season wore on I have come to the realization that between my wonky back, age, and being only 150 lbs, it just wasn't fun any more to really drive those Monster 98s. They are a phenomenal damp crud busting ski for crashing down a big hill... but not playful at all.

I kind of feel like perhaps, if I am going to keep skiing with this bad disc, I need to focus more on fun and less on blasting down a big hill at full speed. (I cringe even writing that) My last day out this year I used my Monster's and that afternoon I went to the top of the trail they use for their race course, snuck into the race start shack, and sent it down the hill at 118 km/h. Perhaps my swan song on these skis!

Since then I bought a pair of K2 MB 108s, in part to potentially replace the Monster 98s as my "big mountain" ski when I travel. The business in the front and party in the back of the MB 108s seem like they are maybe a better fit to my focus on fun. That then rationalizes why the K2 iKonic 84s, Rossi Sin7 98s, and K2 MB108s will become by dominant 3 ski quiver that is more focused on just having fun, and not sending it down the fall line every time.

BUT... I am sooooo torn and frankly HATE to give up an awesome ski like the Monster 98s!!! Advice? Should I give up on it? Or should I keep it knowing that I may almost never ski it any more?

 

[Philpug]

The Monster 98 was unique ski and it sounds like you liked it's attributes. Why not keep fanning htat flame and find some Kastle MX99s which is a modern and premium incarnation of the ski that you loved. Why not go from a sports sedan to a Mercedes AMG S-Class. Granted you might not ski it much but isn't that what having a quiver allows, having hte perfect skis for the exact conditions and desires it was meant for?

 

[Paul Lutes]

No rush; keep looking for an "upgrade" as Phil suggests, something that fits your new paradigm better than the Monsters, but keep them until you're absolutely positive you've found that replacement you need. Never get rid of old gear that you like until you have a better replacement in hand.

On a related note: if you're only a year out from your back surgery, you still have some rehabbing and strengthening ahead of you i.e. you may discover that the Monsters aren't so inappropriate for your "new" 46 year old style, since 46 isn't really that old

 

[Lauren]

However, as the season wore on I have come to the realization that between my wonky back, age, and being only 150 lbs, it just wasn't fun any more to really drive those Monster 98s.

This statement stands out to me. Be honest with yourself...Do you like how they ski? Or do you like how you used to ski them? When you take them out do you get that feeling "I should have brought out XYZ ski instead"? Or do you honestly have a good time on them still?

I think after answering these questions, you'll find your answer.

Then, even if you don't get that same enjoyment you used to, but you simply have a nostalgic love for these skis. Plus, if you don't need the money, don't need the storage space, and your significant other's not going to leave you for having too many skis...keep them regardless of how you answer those questions.

 

[Bill Talbot]

I can not assist in a quiver reduction of any type what so ever!

 

[crazycanuck]

Thanks for the advice!

My getting the MB108s was in part intended to be replacement... not one-for-one replacement of the Monster98s, but instead something sitting in between the Sin7s (fun for trees but floppy at speed) and the Monsters (damp as hell but also a lot of tiring work to ski). Everything I had read about the MB108s is that they kind of split the difference, and are a fun playful ski in the tail like a Sin7 but can be pushed much harder if you get forward on them but just not in a slayer of mountains way like the Monsters. I am hoping that the MBs can be my replacement for when I would have used the Monsters, but without feeling like I need to charge quite so hard all the time!

The Monsters certainly are a unique ski, as you say, and hence why I am reticent to sell them, but equally once I have the MB108 and Sin7 combo for differing soft snow days I am pretty sure I won't use the Monsters much.

To clarify as well... so far I have avoided surgery. A spine surgeon colleague told me to hold off as long as I can, and that if I can manage with physio strengthening of my core and some occasional NSAIDS on big days them he thinks I should do that instead. Interestingly I find that skiing isn't what ends up bugging my back, it's sitting in the car heading to and from a hill! When I ski I have my core engaged and am in a good hip hinge position, so it is all good. I can ski for a week at a resort and feel totally fine. But sitting with a tired back on the way home from the hill is where I find I really need lumbar support or I will be in pain the next day (it just crushes the herniation against the S1 nerve root!). I had initially promised my wife that I would "stay on the snow" this year, so I got quite the look from her when my 7 year old (who is an awesome little ski racer) said to her that he was dropping some "cliffs" when he and I went to Marble Mountain and then threw me under the bus and said "well dad did it too!". haha!

 

[crazycanuck]

you may discover that the Monsters aren't so inappropriate for your "new" 46 year old style, since 46 isn't really that old

True! And certainly I resist being told that I need to not ski like I am still young. However occasionally my back likes to make me feel old sometimes! haha

 

[crazycanuck]

Then, even if you don't get that same enjoyment you used to, but you simply have a nostalgic love for these skis. Plus, if you don't need the money, don't need the storage space, and your significant other's not going to leave you for having too many skis...keep them regardless of how you answer those questions.

Yes I think it is partly that I know they probably aren't a ski that suits how I ski any more, or at least that couldn't be handled by the MB108s, whereas I have a nostalgic attachment to the skis and the fact that they were a pretty unique ski. I defused my wife's recent comment of "where the hell are we going to put 10 pairs of skis?" by spending some COVID enforced downtime on building a new wall mount in the basement for our skis. The guy who will complain about the size of my quiver is my 7 year old! He is a skiing addict as much as I am, and doesn't accept my argument that he needs to be a bit older before he can really build a quiver (although he is realistically only a couple of years away from needing some GS skis in addition to his S race skis, and his park skis, etc.

 

[cantunamunch]

Interestingly I find that skiing isn't what ends up bugging my back, it's sitting in the car heading to and from a hill! When I ski I have my core engaged and am in a good hip hinge position, so it is all good. I can ski for a week at a resort and feel totally fine. But sitting with a tired back on the way home from the hill is where I find I really need lumbar support or I will be in pain the next day (it just crushes the herniation against the S1 nerve root!).

I can completely empathise with that.

Maybe tell her that your knees are a FAR better suspension than the car seat? And the proof is every boat skipper who prefers a back bolster standing instead of a seat at the wheel

10 pairs, bah.

 

[crazycanuck]

10 pairs, bah.

haha. I have 5 pairs, wife as 2, 7 year old son has 3.

 

[cantunamunch]

haha. I have 5 pairs, wife as 2, 7 year old son has 3.

I perceive the problem. Buy her more skis.

 

[Lauren]

I perceive the problem. Buy her more skis.

Best advice I've ever seen on this forum.

 

[tch]

My getting the MB108s was in part intended to be replacement... not one-for-one replacement of the Monster98s, but instead something sitting in between the Sin7s (fun for trees but floppy at speed) and the Monsters (damp as hell but also a lot of tiring work to ski). Everything I had read about the MB108s is that they kind of split the difference, and are a fun playful ski in the tail like a Sin7 but can be pushed much harder if you get forward on them but just not in a slayer of mountains way like the Monsters. I am hoping that the MBs can be my replacement for when I would have used the Monsters, but without feeling like I need to charge quite so hard all the time!

So I read this as you saying you haven't actually skied the MB108's yet. As someone above noted, don't get rid of skis until you KNOW you are not going to miss them (for whatever reason). I'd wait, ski the 108's when you might have skied the Monster98's and then decide if your thinking was correct. No need to sell now; prices of new/almost skis are very low at the moment and may even go lower depending on the travel/virus situation, so it's not like you're going to make a lot of discretionary spending money by trying to sell them now.

 

[crazycanuck]

So I read this as you saying you haven't actually skied the MB108's yet. As someone above noted, don't get rid of skis until you KNOW you are not going to miss them (for whatever reason). I'd wait, ski the 108's when you might have skied the Monster98's and then decide if your thinking was correct. No need to sell now; prices of new/almost skis are very low at the moment and may even go lower depending on the travel/virus situation, so it's not like you're going to make a lot of discretionary spending money by trying to sell them now.

fair points on the no need to rush, especially until I’ve tried the MBs. My wife will just have to live with me keeping five skis. Lol. I’ll just tell her pugski democracy has spoken!!

 

[François Pugh]

No.

 

[Quandary]

No man should be limited to a quiver of 3 skis! Keep 'em all. The small amount of $ you get from selling isn't worth the regret you'll feel when they are gone.

By the way I picked up a pair of MB108s. Great ski, does well on groomers at speed, pretty stable in variable conditions and has great float for a 108 ski. It makes for a very good travel ski, if you can only take 1, because of its versatility (assuming anything other than a Cat or Heli trip).

 

[GregK]

Curious what length the Monsters are, if they are mounted on the line and if they have ever been stone ground as all will make a huge difference. Spent lots of time on the 98s and 108s and both are great but way easier to initiate turns and easier to pivot with the mount moved up a bit(1-2cm). Like most skis from the factory, the bases might not be flat which would make them more work to ski so check for flatness.

I’d have them tuned and maybe move up the mount and you’d have a fantastic ski that can charge better than anything else you own but isn’t as much work as it currently is.

I’d be swapping out the Sin7 for something with more backbone WAY before selling the Monsters. 108 Ti are fantastic skis that are super playful. My favourite Mindbender/K2 ski.

 

[crazycanuck]

Curious what length the Monsters are, if they are mounted on the line and if they have ever been stone ground as all will make a huge difference. Spent lots of time on the 98s and 108s and both are great but way easier to initiate turns and easier to pivot with the mount moved up a bit(1-2cm). Like most skis from the factory, the bases might not be flat which would make them more work to ski so check for flatness.

I’d have them tuned and maybe move up the mount and you’d have a fantastic ski that can charge better than anything else you own but isn’t as much work as it currently is.

I’d be swapping out the Sin7 for something with more backbone WAY before selling the Monsters. 108 Ti are fantastic skis that are super playful. My favourite Mindbender/K2 ski.

The Monsters are 177cm I believe. Mounted on the line, and interesting idea to try moving them forward a bit. I might try that next year. Thanks! Bases/edges seem in good shape when I checked them, but I likely will take my skis in for a tune next fall... I actually bought a gift card this month to help out my favourite local ski shop with cash flow during COVID, so now I have "free" money to spend there on things like getting tune ups!

Not a fan of swapping out the Sin7s though, just because they do serve a purpose for me. Specifically, I love them for when I actually don't want to charge the hill, and on some days just want a light soft ski to have fun on in the tight east coast trees. They are great for that. If I want to charge, then I am on a different ski. Really glad to hear that you enjoy the MB108s. I am stoked to try them next year. I really see them as my wide ski that will sit between the soft/light Sin7 and the damp/hardcharging Monster98. Everything I have read for reviews says that it is a ski that is happy skiing surfy turns if you sit neutral or driving if you get forward, and I am looking forward to the combo of fun but versatile!

 

[GregK]

That’s perfect that you already have a Fall tune coming as small differences in base flatness can make a huge difference.

Demo the Rossignol Black Ops Escaper next Fall. The same light, playful ski you’re used to in the Sky 7 but with more backbone and way better performance on firmer snow or at speed. Wished they redid the Black Ops 98/Holyshred with the same tip design as it would be another great ski if they did.

 

[martyg]

Selling skis is a no win proposition.

Since you had structural issues the first thing that I would do is seek out a PT who works with altheres on a national team level. Drill all summer long to increase strength and range of motion. That PT who says that they are an expert skier.... probably not - not without real credentials from the sport.

Once you get on snow seek out an instructor with a real deal understanding of the sport. PSIA has a Senior Specialist certification. Their charge is less about seniors, and more about mobility issues. An instructor with that certification may be worth looking into.

I had stem cell injections in SI joint and back in Jan. Starting in the previous October I started prefab with an exceptional PhD level PT. We still do monthly check-ins and evals on what is working / what is not.

Good luck with recovery.