Outdoor Retailer 2019: Reports From the Floor and Copper On-Snow

[Andy Mink]

Heat. Lots and lots of heated options.
Kjus, Therm-ic, Descente, ....
Base layers with better wicking ability.

How about good shells that don't cost $4-500?

 

[Tom K.]

Heat. Lots and lots of heated options.

I know, Hotronic, etc., but I would kill to pay a bit more for a true 130 boot with built-in heaters.

My wife has the women's Salomon heated boot (not recalling flex at the moment) and she says they are the second best present I ever gave her.

First place, of course, being our first lab puppy!

 

[Andy Mink]

First place, of course, being our first lab puppy!

That'll keep your feet warm. Hard to fit in the boots though.

 

[Scotty I.]

Really hoping for 2-4” for testing. So many skis that really need some fresh to evaluate.

Looks like you're going to miss it by one day. I wish that nature would learn to do things according to our timeline.

 

[tball]

The more significant storm is coming tomorrow, but Copper had two inches overnight. That's infinitely better than zero!

And, the sun is out. Should be a fantastic day for our friends out there testing skis for us. Thanks!

https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/webcams/mountain

 

[neonorchid]

View attachment 64714 Julia Mancuso

@Philpug, you're the Man, and plays by the rules too, half your age + 7

 

[Analisa]

How about good shells that don't cost $4-500?

Fabric lamination is a super expensive step in the manufacturing process, especially for standard 3 layer shells where the protective inner layer gets bonded as well. Hence why even going with proprietary membranes over Gore or going with cheaper fabric construction like knits over wovens or polyester over nylon only puts $50-100 of a dent in the price compared to the top tier stuff.

 

[Ken_R]

How about good shells that don't cost $4-500?

Got a new 3L GoreTex Ski Shell (Marmot) for $260 at STP, but yeh, retails for $550+

 

[Andy Mink]

Got a new 3L GoreTex Ski Shell (Marmot) for $260 at STP, but yeh, retails for $550+

I keep an eye on STP but unfortunately I'm not CS nor xxl+.

 

[Ken_R]

I keep an eye on STP but unfortunately I'm not CS nor xxl+.

Size Large

 

[James]

Goretex ski jackets are cheaper in March/April. When it's a bad snow year they might even have your size.

 

[Ken_R]

Goretex ski jackets are cheaper in March/April. When it's a bad snow year they might even have your size.

I struck gold then, I got mine in early December

 

[Coach13]

AX is 78 underfoot, the AR is 83. I think it will be a winner. Expect a AR/MX84 Cage Match this fall.

I hope you throw the 86GT in the cage too, David (price wise) vs. two Goliaths.[/QUOTE]

I’m betting the Fischer ski holds up pretty well by comparison!

 

[Philpug]

The AR is not jsut a

I hope you throw the 86GT in the cage too, David (price wise) vs. two Goliaths.

I’m betting the Fischer ski holds up pretty well by comparison![/QUOTE]
The AR is not just a wide AX, it feels like a different ski.

 

[UGASkiDawg]

The more significant storm is coming tomorrow, but Copper had two inches overnight. That's infinitely better than zero!

View attachment 64747

And, the sun is out. Should be a fantastic day for our friends out there testing skis for us. Thanks!

View attachment 64746

https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/webcams/mountain

Union peak was wind buff heaven the last two days but today was

 

[Analisa]

+1 to checking softlines at the end of the season (a few retailers have started moving select colors to clearance even as early as now), particularly in March. Generally softgoods don't have MAP and will drop a little earlier than hardgoods. If you know what fabrication you're looking for and what brands fit you well (or how to take your measurements & use their size charts), it's easy to pop them into Google Shopping or Amazon (with their 3P/FBA program that sources from a lot of smaller shops) to find the best price. I've had particularly good luck with Euro brands that have tried to launch in the US where forecasting's pretty challenging for retailers (like Haglofs, Salewa, Houdini, and Millet).

I'd also look at some of the alpine clubs like AAC or Mountaineers - depending on how much/what you're shopping for, an $80 membership can save a lot of money in the long run - AAC's gear discount page is pretty representative of the brands that play and the common discounts. Stock can be a little spotty if the discounts run through Experticity and brands come and go (especially if the offer seems to good to be true), so if you see Black Crows Atrises going for $350, buy them before the discount gets pulled two days later.

 

[Jwrags]

The AR is not jsut a


I’m betting the Fischer ski holds up pretty well by comparison!

The AR is not just a wide AX, it feels like a different ski.[/QUOTE]
How does it feel different? A cross between the AX and a SR88 or something entirely unique. Inquiring minds want to know and I’m thinking about buying a pair of AX this week.

 

[Philpug]

The AR is not just a wide AX, it feels like a different ski.

How does it feel different? A cross between the AX and a SR88 or something entirely unique. Inquiring minds want to know and I’m thinking about buying a pair of AX this week.[/QUOTE]
It has a heavier feel....heavier not is a bad way just damper. I would say it is a cross between a AX and SR88.

 

[Paul Lutes]

How does it feel different? A cross between the AX and a SR88 or something entirely unique. Inquiring minds want to know and I’m thinking about buying a pair of AX this week.

It has a heavier feel....heavier not is a bad way just damper. I would say it is a cross between a AX and SR88.[/QUOTE]


How would you compare the AR to the MX 84?

I know, I know ...... wait for the cage match.

 

[Jtlange]

Anybody get on the rustler 10s? Heard they tweaked it just a little and wanted to know if it was noticeable.