by zuschauer » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:16 pm
High Angles, this is not a "battle" and I don' t seek an adversarial relationship with anyone. I was just objecting to a statement which I perceived as negative and without any suggestion as to which ski would be a better choice for DocMArtin than the MX88. While there are many very good skis on the market, some special ones really stand out.
I have many days on the ski in question and do not ski it for vanities sake but because it does exactly what I ask of it. I can think of only a few skis that are it's "equal" in performance/versatility. Old Head IM 78 through 88, Movement Jam, Elan Amphibio, Couple of Blizzards( unsure of the nomenclature for the Blizzards). But, all of those and others I've tried have lacked some component (carving prowess, stability, etc) that the MX88's have for me. That said, they are not for everyone.
If you were to say: hey Doc martin, i have demoed the new Elan Amphibio 88 and it does everything you are looking for for hundreds of dollars less, at least you are doing more than dismissing one brand due to your negative perception of it. I sell Kastles but I keep an open mind to all brands and models. We also have Dynastar, Goode, Hart and the occasional Elan. If someone will be better served by something else, so be it. I will even send them to another shop if I don't have what works for them.
I certainly cannot agree with your assessment of the Kastle line, my only complaint quality wise is that the top sheets scratch too easily and that I prefer other bindings than Marker generally. So next year we have Tyrolia binders but same old top sheets.
As far as the skis go: excellent build quality, and skis that much more often than not leave their owners with a better ski experience than they were having previously. My customer satisfaction feedback and referrals for these skis are just excellent.
Is there some "snob factor" in premium skis? Example: We sell Goodes and while I don't like them nearly as much as their Kastle equivalents, my customers do and buy quite a few of them. They perceive the carbon fiber to be "better" and certainly more modern and exclusive. I think the Kastles have more inherent value and performance, but to each his own.
You are of course welcome to your opinion but your perceptions vary widely from mine and my customers.
Richard