How Fat is tooo Fat for someone on the lighter side.......

After reading all the reviews of the new breed of super fat, reverse sidecut/camber skis like the Lotus 138/120s and Praxis, it got me thinking......

I'm only 5'8" 155 pounds and mostly ski on my Gotamas.......to me the 105mm waist is plenty fat even for the deep days but since i'm a total gear nerd like most on this board i have been saving up for some new super fatties next year. Would i be crazy to even consider some Lotus 138s or Praxis whatevers? I feel like i would need 3 feet of fresh to float those things?

I have never tried a reverse sidecut/camber ski but am intrigued by all the praise they have been receiving - but with my 155 pound frame i don't think i need or should even go that big?

So what do you guys think - at what point, if any would a ski be too fat for me....?

the only limiting factors are your ability and aggressiveness levels.

That said a few things:
the funshape type skis like you're talking about are not noted for their difficulty to ride, quite the opposite in fact
the beauty of them is that you don't need a ton of snow to float them, quite the opposite in fact

a am just a bit higher (180 cm) and 78 kg (not that far from you), and deeply in love with the 138

Ok thanks - i will add that i am a former racer, very aggressive, like to huck when i can etc....

So i guess my apprehension with the new shapes might be my style as well......since i grew up a racer, i am not much of a turn smearer, more of a big GS type charger but i guess its all about adapting to the skis....


And my point too was that if they are so easy to float on with so little snow, then what about face shots eh? If i can float so easily, will i ever get a face shot again?

I am leaning toward Katanas, Praxis or 120s........

Raps, get the Praxis... Basicly a bargain at 399, and a "fun" shape for ya.

Katana (and 120's) are more of an traditional ski...

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Originally Posted by Raps

......since i grew up a racer, i am not much of a turn smearer, more of a big GS type charger but i guess its all about adapting to the skis....

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Originally Posted by hemas

Katana (and 120's) are more of an traditional ski...

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You might like the more traditional shape. For serious. I may not be as strong of a skier as you but I prefer the feel of my slightly bent Pow+ to the Spatula any day. Again I like big turns with the *ability* to slide a slarve. The spatula pretty much forces you to do that all of the time. It is cool but not for everyone. The fact that you used to race makes me think the chances of you not being into them are greater.

edit: I metnioned the Spatulas but everyone seems to suggest that the Praxis are very similar but lighter.

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Originally Posted by Dromond

You might like the more traditional shape. For serious. I may not be as strong of a skier as you but I prefer the feel of my slightly bent Pow+ to the Spatula any day. Again I like big turns with the *ability* to slide a slarve. The spatula pretty much forces you to do that all of the time. It is cool but not for everyone. The fact that you used to race makes me think the chances of you not being into them are greater.

edit: I metnioned the Spatulas but everyone seems to suggest that the Praxis are very similar but lighter.

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True, but atleast the Katana is "just" a big fat Mantra... So it's rather slow edge to edge and can be a PITA in tight places. Something like a Praxis/Spatula/Bent-job a'la EHP will work better on tighter places. Also according to rumors, Spatulas and such are nicer to land big airs...

But WTF do I know, never ridden a spatula or similar (Sanouks is the closest thing, zero camber but still trad shape):p.

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Originally Posted by hemas

Raps, get the Praxis... Basicly a bargain at 399, and a "fun" shape for ya.

Katana (and 120's) are more of an traditional ski...

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I guess this is a good point - worst case i don't like em and will sell to the mags for 350 after a few test days.......

Do they only come in 185? I guess i could swing it even if i'm 5'8" - i gotta start sacking up and ski a longer ski (my gots are 176 - i know i know)


But Dromond good points too....hmmmm

get some praxis. that sort of shape simply turns so much easier... you will be totally fine @ 185.

My Pow+, while only 180s, are bent in a way somewhat similar to the EHPs. They share some similarities with the Spatula, like being able to skis sidways in powder and soft stuff (weeeeee) but the overall feel of the ski is very different. the fore/aft balance and easy of turning can't really be compared.

I would put the EHP/Sanouk/DP120 and the Spatula/Praxis/ARG/DP138 in two very different camps.

disclaimer: I may be talking out of my ass.

Standing in at 5'7" 160.......I just had my first day on 180 Pow Pluses a couple of weeks ago in fresh pow among some of the tighter trees at Mammoth. I was blown away by how easy they are to ski. 115 in the waist is not as difficult to throw around as I thought, and I am definitely not as strong a skier as you (i.e., out of shape, no racing background). I haven't spatulized them at all. I've never been on a reverse camber/reverse sidecut ski for comparison, but something like the EHP or the Lotus 120 seems like it might be the ticket.

Edit: Aren't they coming out with a slightly shorter EHP next season?

5'10" 160 (gasp, I'm a fat fuck these days, time to get on that Maggot challenge)

189 Pontoons are stupid easy to ski. Get the biggest fattest thing you can find and quit being such a pussy. You want a face shot? Throw those things sideways at any speed in any depth of snow and you'll be blinded. :)

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Originally Posted by Raps

I guess this is a good point - worst case i don't like em and will sell to the mags for 350 after a few test days.......

Do they only come in 185? I guess i could swing it even if i'm 5'8" - i gotta start sacking up and ski a longer ski (my gots are 176 - i know i know)


But Dromond good points too....hmmmm

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Don't worry about the length. You're a much better skier than I am and I have no problems on my occasional 188 bro day.

Just got an email back from Keith at Praxis, i think i may have to try those things out for $399..........
I need new boots next season too so i may as well put the rest i would normally spend on new boards towards boots........


Thanks for the input fellas and if anyone has some reverse sidecut/ camber skis in CO and will be skiing the front range next week, maybe we can meet up and i can take a spin on some......:D

Are the praxis available at $400 right now?

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Originally Posted by corn dog

Are the praxis available at $400 right now?

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Yeah - check the website for details but its a pretty killer deal.....

I'm 6'1", 155, and ride 189 Maden's (108mm) and 185 Blowers (109mm) just fine.

Don't forget the Moment Commies. Zippy's not exactly the biggest dude, but he appears to have an insane amount of fun on those monsters.

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Originally Posted by Raps

Thanks for the input fellas and if anyone has some reverse sidecut/ camber skis in CO and will be skiing the front range next week, maybe we can meet up and i can take a spin on some......:D

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Shoot me a pm with your schedule. I'm in summit county through monday and crested butte monday night through wednesday night. If we can work it out you can try my lotus 138s for a few.