Praxis Skis Needs Your Support

[Power_Sauce]

you won’t regret buying a protest.

100% - can’t wait to get back out on mine!


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[singlesline]

Why is there so much hype about Heritage Lab Skis and hardly and buzz about Praxis Skis? Beside this thread the brand it appears to be non existent. New Models? Any new tests?
Over the years many good product companies folded due to a lack of sales numbers (as well as for other reasons). A new website would probably help. The website and the topsheets look pretty retro 80s style (not in a good way). The Skis are supposed to be very good, but I am not buying. To much other „hot shit“ out there.

Okay, tell we why I am wrong here?

I've said it before, but I don't think you're wrong about the topsheets. Topsheets sell a lot of skis (or conversely, convince people NOT to buy a ski) and I think the stock Praxis topsheets drive a pretty niche audience. HL has some HOT and vibrant topsheets.

A lot of people aren't gonna buy a ski with a skull getting fucked by an octopus...especially the people with the money to buy boutique skis at full price. I'm not saying there aren't people who LOVE the graphics, but they can be a tough sell to people who might otherwise be prime customers (like middle aged bay area professionals with a ski lease in Tahoe).

And its not like they don't have other options on the shelf. I've never had more people comment on a ski than my custom topsheet MVP 108s.

That said...looks like they've changed things up this year? Going to all-veneer doesn't allow for bold colors/contrasts, but the current stock graphics have been changed up a lot. I like the veneer fade on the protest and while the GPO top doesn't excite me, it also doesn't turn me off.

[waxoff]

You're all our heroes.

Nothing against the big-box brands. But there's just something about the craft guys who take niche approaches to their designs that has us all hoping they stick around. We're just all rooting for all of you over here from our armchairs.

The fortunate ones on this board actually buy all of those niche skis, and not because they need new skis. I wish I were one of them.

^^This. Just this. Well put Gaijin.

It's very close to where I'm at. I don't have the means to buy them all, and I sure "don't need" all that I buy. But the ones I do buy, yeah, that's pretty much why!

Villhöver!

[meter-man]

I love supporting the smaller brands. I need a ON3P and should probably add a Praxis back in. The MVP, the BC and the Protest all look sexy this year. I really only need to fill the BC slot, but I hear that I need to own Prorests. Decisions...

Touring on Protests is the best!

There's a pair of 190 BCs in the Praxis discount section...

[Muggydude]

I think Praxis would do well with a more simplified lineup and maybe a more focused brand image. The veneer skis are works of art and look stunning with many of the top sheets, and there’s nothing out on the market like them. I do know the veneer itself is quite expensive though unfortunately. But if he could sell these at ~$800/pop with the veneer top sheets, that’s pretty inline with most other brands these days. Maybe there are some wood veneers that are a little more cost effective but still look great with some good graphics. I’m a big fan of more geometric/line type art like the sets I have below.

Getting local demo days going in Tahoe in the parking lots, and social media marketing would go a long ways. People can’t buy skis they don’t know about. I always thought a spot in a warren Miller or TGR movie would be really helpful for Praxis, there’s a lot people that would be drawn to the brand if they knew about the company (Made in Tahoe, skier centric design, bomber construction quality and materials, chill owner and crew who just love to ski, great shop dog, etc).

[muted reborn]

Regardless of that phone conversation-- people unwilling to "ever touch one" coming out of China are clinging to a seriously out-dated philosophy.

I would touch one for sure and demo one and buy them used - but if it's going to be a boutique brand I buy new from I'd rather support a company like Praxis than a Chinese manufacturer.

Thanks to this thread I just purchased my first Praxis skis tonight. I've been waiting over a year for the new Rustler 11's go on sale in my size and I've never seen it happen. So I might as well give my money to Praxis instead and have a beauty pair of skis I can mount on a wall when they are done.

[singlesline]

Yeah, the right kind of branding/marketing push could do a lot.

But that takes money and takes away time and brain from designing and building skis.

I tried to push someone who drives up to palisades every weekend to buy in. Plenty of money for praxis and they should be right up his alley. But no, I think he ended up with some fricking icelantics because they had a demo day, pretty graphics, and they are selling that boutique vibe even though they are anything but.

You see that Icelantic has a partnership with Wrangler now? WTF.

[mloomis99]

Almost every day I'm on my MVPs with the "Neighborhood Watch" topsheet I get a comment on how good they look, Mammoth too.

[gaijin]

Oh man, I don't mean it in a "smack talking finger pointing perspective", but rather its a bummer there isn't a fit. He isn't setup as an OEM producer.

Nah... I didn't take it as such. I was just iterating that I didn't want to back-thread to point fingers as per classic TRG outcomes. All good vibes, bro!

Anyway, Ogasaka is a classic JP brand of Demo and Race skis. They're also kind of relying on local, classic loyalty more than modern updates to remain relevant. They even grow their own forests for their own cores and I'm willing to bet that 99% of readers of this thread had no idea that was occurring... and has been for 100+ years. Ogasaka goes way the fuck back and how many people here own one?

Meaning... you can create your own niche and live in the shadows of an entire industry. Praxis might be doing just this. If they need help to modernize and stay afloat... lots of good advice above.

But, also, there are a lot of ways to survive. They might not need to be any percentage of on-paper sales.

[tang]

Maybe cheaper non-veneer versions?
My "custom" graphic GPOs are sick, and get so many call outs! The topsheets are definitely prone to chipping but whatever, the bases and edges are bomber.
People always asking about them - and then are pretty psyched to hear that made in Tahoe.
And another plug for the GPO which is so versatile for a 116 under foot ski. I could live with just these + a lightweight AT ski.

[singlesline]

Yeah, that topsheet is sick--and the groms love it, so if you can get dad to buy one, maybe you can get dad to pick up a second smaller pair.

I like this one they added recently:


If there had been a custom sale this year, I think my wife might be getting that topsheet on a pair with toned down flex for christmas...and maybe a bit of carbon in the core because she likes 'em light on her feet.

[Island Bay]

Praxis changed the way I ski, and how I look at skis. So ridiculously well made.

Getting my Protests in 2012 shifted the paradigm of skiing for me, and I'll forever be grateful to Keith for making those.

I wish him and Praxis all the best.

[Shu Shu]

Praxis changed the way I ski, and how I look at skis.

100%. It started with the Concept for me, and then down the rabbit whole. Q is still my favorite of the bunch. In terms of quality, I mean they just don't die. I haven't babied a single one.

Compare to 1 season on my Corvus same amount of abuse, = core shot, edge delam and top sheet delam. In case this pic inspires any more purchases. Love Praxis.

[googledidoo]

Damn he makes beautiful skis. That's it. I'm going to buy a pair. Hope this thread inspires others to do the same.

[pfluffenmeister]

Damn he makes beautiful skis. That's it. I'm going to buy a pair. Hope this thread inspires others to do the same.

Jedi Mind Sticks have what might be the best topsheet evar!

[byates1]

Praxis is def rad af. I got the first run of 400$ pow boards

On topic, I checked out igneous. 2500$ starting point. Jesus. I remember when they were expensive af at a grand.

Who is buying Iggy's? 10 pair a yr?

[halliday]

Yeah, the right kind of branding/marketing push could do a lot.

But that takes money and takes away time and brain from designing and building skis.

I tried to push someone who drives up to palisades every weekend to buy in. Plenty of money for praxis and they should be right up his alley. But no, I think he ended up with some fricking icelantics because they had a demo day, pretty graphics, and they are selling that boutique vibe even though they are anything but.

You see that Icelantic has a partnership with Wrangler now? WTF.

To Icelantic's credit they were started by a guy who just wanted to start a ski company with his own vision and Never Summer is local and knows how to build decks and skis. I really like my Nomad 115 (in 181 and 186). The Wrangler thing confuses me.

[N1CK.]

you won’t regret buying a protest.

truth.

[tuco]

To Icelantic's credit they were started by a guy who just wanted to start a ski company with his own vision and Never Summer is local and knows how to build decks and skis. I really like my Nomad 115 (in 181 and 186). The Wrangler thing confuses me.

As a dude that owns models from both Praxis and Icelantic, I'm gonna say fit, finish and durability are not even in the same dimension! Not to mention glide. My Icelantics have, perhaps, the slowest bases I've ever encountered(1st gen Gypsy).

[Wes Mantooth]

After a couple seasons on them I think the MVP 108 is the best do it all ski I've ever been on. There's never been a day I wished I'd brought out a different ski and I end up using them 90% of days. If anyone is on the fence about Praxis try out a pair of those. For me it's essentially the perfect ski.

Protests are legendary, but mine don't get very many days out here in CO. I actually don't adore them as much as everyone else seems to, but they're still fucking awesome in the right conditions. If you want bang for your buck and to celebrate this awesome company most days out on the hill, go MVP 108

I've been trying to spread the word mainly since I'm so hyped on my MVPs all the time and the graphics get lots of comments/questions. I think the barrier I've seen with buddies is just brand recognition and availability on sale. Unfortunately bigger companies can afford to blow out skis at the end of the season or there're more pairs circulating on the used market, but I think there's a little bit of a barrier to entry for your average skier. Praxis is unbeatable for people like TGR guys who are looking to have a direct conversation with Keith, nerd out over specs, and feel part of something special (which it truly is), but how do we get the average person who doesn't care as much to pull the trigger on a pair

[halliday]

As a dude that owns models from both Praxis and Icelantic, I'm gonna say fit, finish and durability are not even in the same dimension! Not to mention glide. My Icelantics have, perhaps, the slowest bases I've ever encountered(1st gen Gypsy).

I agree 100% about fit, finish, and durability. Praxis is a unique thing. However, I like the way my Gonad 115s ski. And my Jedi Mind Tricks.

[skis_the_trees]

After a couple seasons on them I think the MVP 108 is the best do it all ski I've ever been on. There's never been a day I wished I'd brought out a different ski and I end up using them 90% of days. If anyone is on the fence about Praxis try out a pair of those. For me it's essentially the perfect ski.
…If you want bang for your buck and to celebrate this awesome company most days out on the hill, go MVP 108

That pretty much sums up my feelings on the GPO. Since I only ski inbounds if there is some semblance of fresh snow the GPO is just always super good, by far the best ski I’ve ever owned. But the average resort skier or weekend warrior wants the newest shiniest thing each year…


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[tuco]

I agree 100% about fit, finish, and durability. Praxis is a unique thing. However, I like the way my Gonad 115s ski. And my Jedi Mind Tricks.

True! Can't say the Gypsy's aren't FaF!
I'll pay full price for my Praxis, ON3P or Moment. I won't pay near full retail for a ski from any major manufacturer that I can think of.

[halliday]

That pretty much sums up my feelings on the GPO. Since I only ski inbounds if there is some semblance of fresh snow the GPO is just always super good, by far the best ski I’ve ever owned. But the average resort skier or weekend warrior wants the newest shiniest thing each year…


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And they buy their shit in October and November when the prices are high as a Georgia pine.

[muted reborn]

Praxis is unbeatable for people like TGR guys who are looking to have a direct conversation with Keith, nerd out over specs, and feel part of something special (which it truly is), but how do we get the average person who doesn't care as much to pull the trigger on a pair

That's me, that's me! I don't want to chat or nerd out with anyone, but this thread (and a glowing Blister review) got these mailed to me today.


Dorky proof of purchase


Hope to be around here again many time with the new skis this season.