175 Sumo vs 179 Maden AK ?

[1000-oaks]

Been on the Madens for a season now and really dig 'em (35, 5'9", 160lbs, ex-racer but rather unskilled in deep pow), ski nothing but trees, powder between runs and OB, some cat skiing. Not a hucker, not in good enough shape. Basically I only go when there's pow to be scrounged, and only ski runs when necessary to get to the goods and the lift.

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on the Sumo's (wider underfoot and less sidecut) and demoting the Madens to rock ski status, anyone have any Sumo experiences to relate?

[Samwich]

Sumos = http://www.lion-noodles.co.uk/Images/extra_fine_big.jpg

If you don't like going fast at all, go for it. If you want something fatter and really expensive like the Sumo, wait until next year's lineup comes out. Every company is putting out an enormously fat ski. Like the K2 Pontoon... 160 in the shovel. :yourock:

[Vicious]

Made'ns are noodles too.

[1000-oaks]

I don't mind soft, I'm more interested in snaking through tight trees and brush and never really have opportunities to straightline chutes. Been checking out the Pontoons too, but wonder if maybe the Sumo would be more versatile and just as quick-turning in the trees.

[BSS]

Made'n AK's kick ass. That is all.

[onehotchili]

not sure how many people here have spent much time on the Sumo... but i have put in 7-8 days this season on a pair and they rock for me. very quick in steep powdery chutes and tight trees. i have almost the SAME exact background and size as you (except about 150lbs.) and i like the fact these skis are just easy to toss around and play in the deep powder. in heavier cement snow that has been cut up, there is some deflection, but surprisingly these skis can stand up to it.

btw, i have owned and skiied the Spatulas in the past... and the Sumos kick their ass, especially when you have to take a groomer back to the lift.

[phUnk]

Made'n AK's kick ass. That is all.
Finally some information I can use! [/pnr*]

[Catbert]

My local shop has 2 pairs of sumos, (*edit* 600) apiece. They are longer than a 175. Probably 180ish. I am guessing 175 is running length. Just FYI.

I hear the turn radius is only 25m, and I know they are really soft. I have heard from people who have skied them that they are good in deep pow, less tracks = better. Sounds like your ski though.

[Vicious]

They are longer than a 175. Probably 180ish.


:confused:

[Catbert]

no, they are actually longer. I am not challenging that they are called 175cm, but they are actually 180ish. Like k2 pistols.

[1000-oaks]

Closer to 180 would be a good thing...I was worried about 175 being on the short side.

[Huck_Schmuck]

Buy them.

[Jumper Bones]

Catbert, which shop is your shop?

[1000-oaks]

Thanks for the phone number of the shop Catbert (PhD skis, 406-587-5227), but when I called the guy said "half-price" at $600 per pair. That's hardly half price, but whatever - it's his shop.

Cheapest I've found so far is just over $500.

[Catbert]

thats odd, sorry about that. Maybe because it is out of state. Good luck hunting.

[Vicious]

This might be of interest:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47935087&parent_category_rn=40003563&vcat=searchrefine

[1000-oaks]

Sweeeeeeeeet, placed the order the second I checked your link, now that's a deal! Right awwwwnnnnnn...

[1000-oaks]

Looks like I must have got one of the last pair, no more Sumo's at REI.

[1000-oaks]

Apparently they sold out and didn't update their web site, I got nuthin'....

[Arty50]

Call P3 in Mammoth. I think they had a pair lying around for 5 bills. Might have been 6.

[seanpistol]

Call P3 in Mammoth. I think they had a pair lying around for 5 bills. Might have been 6.

i think they were 6 last time i was in, but i could be wrong.