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Where would you take your skis to get a ripped out heelpiece heli-coiled back in (can't do it myself, don't have the parts/tools to do it quickly)? Anyone specific to ask for? I need to get 4 holes on one ski done, and probably should do the other at the same time while I'm up there this weekend, hopefully, for a decent price.
Footloose, Kittredge, and Ski Surgeon have the best reps in town. Might want to ask in the Mammoth forum as well. Might be able to get something off with a coupon book or an ad from the Mammoth Times, or The Sheet. .
My own preference these days, especially for bindings, is for Kittredge. They are super friendly and approachable. I was discussing where to mount a pair and the guy called me to clarify and ask if I wanted to be there. They will let you almost supervise or watch the work or even maybe lend you the tools. This past week they offered to let me use a jig. Not likely on a heli-coil, but still very friendly. I think they are also probably cheaper than Footloose.
Footloose is a good shop, but the place is brimming with attitude. Not all guys, but there are a lot of dudes who think they know it all, but really don't. I got in an argument last year with a dude who has been there a long time about the availability of fat brakes for Look P14 bindings. In the end I give him credit because he apologized a week later when he was found to be wrong. I'm a big fan of theirs for boot work (Kevin and Corty) and the techs have always done a good job on my skis the once or twice I have taken them there, its just the attitude by some guys that has really turned me off of Footloose. Its also more of an assembly line. Drop them off, pray they do it right, and pick them up. They are a busy shop so nothing wrong with that, its just reality. I prefer to be invited into the shop if its something interesting like where to remount bindings etc. and that would never happen at Footloose.
I once had some shoddy work done by ski surgeon but this was a bunch of years ago so my opinion really shouldn't hold much weight as I'm sure all the techs are different these days and it wasn't a big deal.
A bunch of guys have had some solid work done by the guys in Hut 2 as well. Don't know about heli-coils, but good tunes.
The guy at Kittridge is super cool and cut me some good deals last spring when I had work performed on multiple skis. I forgot his name. He did excellent work and, for the cost of a high-end six pack, you can on his good side and be guaranteed that your skis will be ready on time.
There's one old timer at Footloose who I really like, but some of the kiddies there can come off as a$$ holes.
Another vote for Kittridge. The head tech there (middle-aged guy with glasses and 'stache, can't remember his name) is dry as hell but a great guy who does a great job.
Kittridge it is, thanks guys!
Second Kittridge, and the mostly positive review of Footloose.
I would steer clear of Ski Surgeon. I had a very bad experience with an over-aggressive stone grind there.
I had good luck with Kitteridge as well. Just had my Barons mounted there and they did not fall off.
Took 'em to Kittridge, dude named John did a great job and gave me a great deal. That's where I'll go from now on up there, highly recommend that place.