Power Kite Forum - Ski shops think I'm crazy!

Ski shops think I'm crazy!

Cheddarhead - 10-1-2014 at 01:49 PM

Anyone get weird looks when you bring in unconventional ski or snowboard equipment to the local shop and the employees look at you like your nuts? I don't do my own maintenance on my skis so I patronize the local ma/pa ski shop to do it for me. First time I brought my 210cm DH skis to "zellers" they immediately looked at me like I was crazy and that any ski resort in the state would kick you out for using those. Then I explain how and why I use them and the curiosity then turns into interest and then the questions start and it all ends up in good conversation. Same with my snowboard, recently brought it in for a wax and they immediately asked, "you don't use that around here do you? Just wondering because that's more of a powder board, not something you would use in the icy slopes of the midwest". Then I proceed to explain once again what I do and how I use it and then the eyebrows go back down and it's all good again. I'm just amused when it happens and can't help but giggle a little when I leave the shop. I should start doing my own maintenance that way I don't have to always answer so many questions. Anybody else get weird looks or questions?

Kober - 10-1-2014 at 02:21 PM

You should see face of the guy who was taking in my snowboard for waxing and sharpening . You could see how confused he was when he looks at Switchblade installed on my heel edge. At first he just look at it for few secs... then he look at me with big question mark in his eyes ..... lol

indigo_wolf - 10-1-2014 at 02:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kober

You should see face of the guy who was taking in my snowboard for waxing and sharpening . You could see how confused he was when he looks at Switchblade installed on my hill edge.

That's the first thing I thought of when I read the original post.

ATB,
Sam

Cheddarhead - 10-1-2014 at 04:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kober

You should see face of the guy who was taking in my snowboard for waxing and sharpening . You could see how confused he was when he looks at Switchblade installed on my heel edge. At first he just look at it for few secs... then he look at me with big question mark in his eyes ..... lol

Yep, same look today when they see swivel binding system mounted on snowboard.

slopecat - 10-1-2014 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Kober

Ha ha! I would have liked to been there for that! I haven't ridden a board with one but the folks in my area who have them really love them.

B-Roc - 10-1-2014 at 05:04 PM

What's a switchblade?

You are lucky your shop will tune your old ski gear. Several around here won't touch gear if it is beyond a certain age.

slopecat - 10-1-2014 at 05:04 PM

What is it about your snowboard that makes them give you funny looks? It is just really large? What sets it apart from what they are used to seeing?

When I started boarding a couple of winters ago I didn't know if I would like it or not after one lesson so I looked to buy something used and cheap. I went to a used sporting good store and came back with a board/bindings ready to ride. I didn't know what I needed for sure, just that I wanted a twin and not something directional.

I rode that board for a couple of winters before I bought another used package for the slopes that was a little smaller. It was advertised to be a lot smaller but I only moved from a 163cm to a 160cm. After riding the new board for a couple of months I tried the old one for comparison. It seemed so stiff I couldn't turn it at all without skidding. I really hated it but figure it might be fine on the kite.

Switchblade

slopecat - 10-1-2014 at 05:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

What's a switchblade?

I guess you would describe it as kind of being like a blade for an ice skate that you permanently mount to the edge of your board.

See http://www.mnkiteboy.com/

Check out the photos and videos. There are more recent photos on their Facebook site that are pretty good too.

B-Roc - 10-1-2014 at 06:36 PM

Switchblade looks cool if you have solid ice.

BeamerBob - 10-1-2014 at 06:48 PM

That's really awesome.

erratic winds - 10-1-2014 at 08:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Cheddarhead

Yep, same look today when they see swivel binding system mounted on snowboard.

beat me to it! I absolutely BLOW MINDS when I tell them about the snowkite pivot system....

TEDWESLEY - 11-1-2014 at 07:23 AM

That's why I wear the Groucho glasses when I go in for a tune...

rectifier - 11-1-2014 at 01:57 PM

My mind is blowing right now looking at the pivot bindings! Never seen them before!

I can see the utility in increasing comfort for sure, but how is the control? More of a freestyle thing or can you still edge hard and rip on them?

Cheddarhead - 11-1-2014 at 02:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by slopecat

What is it about your snowboard that makes them give you funny looks? It is just really large? What sets it apart from what they are used to seeing?

I have one board that is kite specific I picked up from Windzup. 179cm long, 24cm waist with little sidecut and is very stiff, ski shop just smiled and said "you would be in the parking lot before you got two turns in on that board" meaning if I were using it at a regular ski hill it would be comparable to long radius race skis. My other board is 161cm but has a 26cm waist, much more flexible and widens out at the tips, got this one for deep snow days. Other shop wondered why I needed something so wide if I carve groomed midwestern slopes? Again I had to explain that I don't ride groomers, but kite lakes and sometimes it gets deep. I guess it's just human nature to get curious when they see something that is out of the ordinary.

erratic winds - 11-1-2014 at 07:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rectifier

My mind is blowing right now looking at the pivot bindings! Never seen them before!

I can see the utility in increasing comfort for sure, but how is the control? More of a freestyle thing or can you still edge hard and rip on them?

You can edge like a mofo with these, in either direction. Duck stance hurts my knees after a bit, and with these I can ride alpine-carve style with both feet pointed in whatever direction I am going.

HIGHLY recommended. Absolutely love mine.

homebrew - 12-1-2014 at 12:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by slopecat

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

What's a switchblade?

Great link with some great videos, really thought the one going from ice to water back to ice was crazy.

shaggs2riches - 13-1-2014 at 06:16 PM

I'm a little late to this, I guess. Just wondering how you like the Aboards Reverse? I have a libtech skate banana, and thought it would be the same, till I saw its shape and specs. Must be easier to hold a line with such little sidecut. I've wanted the pivot system for a while, just hasn't made priority list. Maybe next winter I can justify a dedicated snowkite board setup.

Cheddarhead - 13-1-2014 at 11:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shaggs2riches

I'm a little late to this, I guess. Just wondering how you like the Aboards Reverse? I have a libtech skate banana, and thought it would be the same, till I saw its shape and specs. Must be easier to hold a line with such little sidecut. I've wanted the pivot system for a while, just hasn't made priority list. Maybe next winter I can justify a dedicated snowkite board setup.

Shaggs, sorry to say that I just received this board a week ago and haven't put it to the test yet. Still a little new to the snowboard world but gonna let it rip this week. I'll let ya know how my testing goes. I'm pretty psyched! Six more inches of snow expected tomorrow so wed is looking good for it's maiden voyage. I'll keep you informed :smilegrin:

Kober - 14-1-2014 at 09:31 PM

I would love to fear about Reverse too .... I was planning to get it this year but decided to keep saving for new buggy ... pivot system is on my list too .... but list is long and full of high priced items ... lol