2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
Praxis is the shit, period. Keith gives real skiers every option they could possibly imagine. If people want a ski that fits a large generic skier group that’ll work for most folks most of the time, then yeah they’re obviously not for you. If you know what you really like and what really works for you as far as build construction, shape, and a huge amount of custom options, then they are. In my personal opinion you will not find a better built ski anywhere. I fully understand there are some indie companies that make phenomenally built skis with outstanding designs and I have, and still do own some of their skis and have nothing but great things to say about them. Praxis fits what I believe is a huge market space that really doesn’t understand what they can deliver. I truly think that most skiers don’t understand what Praxis can offer and once they do they’ll get it for life. I’ve personally sold (not affiliated in any way) skiers on every level the right skis for them and they are fans for life, you will not find a better built ski anywhere. Not talking shit about any other companies but Keith’s shit is just better built and if you actually know what you want a ski to do, there is no better option in the industry, if you want a ski that works for 90% of skiers than yeah, tons of better options for you. I think it’s a damn shame more skiers don’t support such an amazing company with such an amazing product. Take the time to discuss with him what you want and you’ll most likely be fully sold on what you get. No, I guess it’s not for everyone, but if you have any idea of what you really want a ski to do, Keith has one for you
2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
Lots of stuff to comment on, but Keith’s mentioned a number of times in the past he never set out to make a lot of money. He makes skis because he enjoys it and he enjoys making the best skis he can for himself and his customers. TGR is pretty much his target consumer group, because a lot of us do care about core, flex, graphic, veneer, carbon changes and know enough to choose that + the model that suits them. My Quixote’s in a heavy/carbon/veneer layup are my favorite resort ski. That would not be true in enduro/nylon layup. But for someone else the opposite might be true.
As everyone is well aware Keith has always bent over backwards to try and give his customers exactly what they want, and at pretty insane prices. Full custom skis from other companies costs $1k plus, even partial customs (ie different top sheet graphic ON3P) cost $900+
Most of us have been getting full customs from Keith for ~$500 or less with referrals and discount codes during his sales. Doesn’t surprise me it hasn’t ultimately been sustainable, but I’m pretty thankful I got the custom skis I did at those prices.
The comments about top sheet graphics surprise me, I can’t imagine there isn’t a graphic in the library that could suit pretty much any person’s tastes. I think a lot of them are way better looking than 90% of the skis out there, besides a few (Moment, some ON3P come to mind, though I also really dislike some of those companies topsheet designs currently). Course I also strongly dislike some of Praxis graphics. Veneer obviously are dope. But to each their own.
Unfortunately to keep the doors open I think at anything other than a very small scale you have to tap into the mainstream market to survive. Moment, ON3P, even Icelantic have done so by partnering with big online shops (Backcountry, Evo) and some bigger chain stores. Blister and some of the other review sites like outdoor gear lab also provide a lot of publicity to skiers like the TGR crowd who just don’t happen to be on online forums.
-Personally I think the best way forward would be to focus on a core lineup (2 touring skis, 1-2 park, 2 all mountain, 1 big mountain, 1 or 2 freeride, protests). Only offer them in the layup and flex that makes sense and a crowd pleasing graphic. Maybe with veneer as a brand distinguisher.
I think trying to focus on making some park skis and getting some talented athletes to rep them could be a great idea too. I think that’s helped ON3P a ton- the park market is pretty big and populated by young guys who will bother to look up stuff online rather than just walk into the local shop. Keith’s skis are some of/the most durable I’ve owned and would really have and edge (ha!) over the big brands in that department for park.
-Offer standard lineup skis for sale in local shops, try to partner with online stores and big chains. May take a few seasons.
-Send a bunch of stock skis out for reviews at blister, other online sites. Go to SIA. Some ski magazines would be good but I’m sure big $$$.
-Offer custom ski runs in the off seasons at full price ~$900. That’s what they’re worth IMO. Maybe with limited options. Perhaps offer custom run/experimental skis when a group gets together like we did on the Lhasa’s and 192 protests
My .02 - Regardless I will always support Kieth however he’s making skis. My custom Veneer protests, custom veneer Quixote’s, and veneer Lhasa pow fat collabs, and presumably my new custom veneer piste jibs can only be pried out of my cold dead hands.
I’ve had and enjoyed OG protests, powderboards, gpos, and concepts as well. I regret selling the concepts - ski does not get as much love as it should. Pretty perfect one ski quiver IMO.
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2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
Daaaaaamn, that’s a burl ass build! Don’t know if that makes a lot of since to me but quite the find for sure!
2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
PJ and MVP complement each other nicely. MVP works great for chopped pow imo or untracked up to around 10’’, it’s a great pow ski for its width. I own PJ and MVP.
2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
If your goal on firm days is to bounce down the mountain and play around, PJ or MVP for firm days. If you want a locked in beer league racer, 9d8 or freeride. Pick your waist size. Agree with shu’s comments about the gpo. That’s a great ski for anything 2 days after a storm up to 10”. Protest for anything deeper.
The GPO really is an incredible ski. I feel like it got lost in the luster of the asym quixote, but that’s my favorite praxis design. In a waist size/class where there is steep competition, it still stands out to me.
Edit: grammar and autocorrect
2018-19 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread
Buy Concepts. They’ll handle everything.
But buy Protests too, because Protests.
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