Do I really need a carbon?

CALM55

I'm retiring my 25 yr old Kidder Redline and am knee deep in ski research. I'm 43 and do 99.9% of my skiing in fairly rough open water, but do have access to a course that I attempt from time to time. I think I've settled on an Omni or Senate Alloy, depending on which one I can find the best deal on. Most posts I've read on here has said to go with the Carbon Omni over the regular, but with the current deals on a 2021 Omni I can get one for $200 cheaper than a Carbon. For maybe only getting out on the water ~20 times a season, is the Carbon really worth how I plan to use it?

savaiusini

@CALM55 Both our Carbon Omni and Omni share the same polyurethane core and come from the same mold. The addition of the Carbon makes the ski a bit more reactive and lively which is nice if you are skiing at higher speeds (32-34mph) and making aggressive turns. Carbon Omni also has an adjustable fin which helps you fine tune the ski for your technique. Omni comes with a fixed fin, but you could upgrade it to the adjustable fin at a later time if you wanted to experiment. You really can't go wrong with either one!

Hope this helps!

Horton

no one ever said they were happier with a lower spec ski. if it's in your budget always opt for the better materials

CALM55

Thanks for feedback. I do typically ski in the 34 mph range.

Bunger

Love this post! I’m literally in the same position - retiring my beloved 25 year old Kidder Redline. Would love to have gone down the D3 route, but… $$$$. For what it’s worth, I’m going with the Senate Alloy….

KRoundy

The Redline is an old ski, but it was top of the line in its day so why are now looking to buy low-end ski builds? If you can swing it I suggest you try a few different skis before buying, and try the newer/better/more-expensive skis and materials. I grew up skiing on a Redline and loved it. I currently ski a Senate Lithium and have tried a Senate Pro at a demo day and will definitely buy a Pro next time. The materials make a difference.