Ski season 2016/2017

skiingkaty

Great - thank you!

cormee

The new GoPro drone looks great, comes with a gimbal that you can detach and attach to your pole
https://youtu.be/CjNjcrQZtd8

Fattes

I am hoping we will see the GImbal as a stand alone product too. No interest in the drone but they GImble looks very practical.

CardinalJ

10 Booked to Mayerhofen. Can now stop avoiding this forum due to jealousy. Giddy up!

cormee

Fattes wrote: »

I am hoping we will see the GImbal as a stand alone product too. No interest in the drone but they GImble looks very practical.

You can pick them up on AliExpress for a fair price, not sure about the quality. Ryan Knapton uses a Zhiyun Z1 Evolution gimbal, and the difference is pretty amazing.
I'd like a drone, not just for snowboarding, but I'm not sure if the price would warrant it. If they are any good at following you, as the video claims, you could get some pretty stunning shots skiing/snowboarding, but then you'd be lugging around that backpack all day for 30 mins, or so, flight time. It would be great if you could rent them out for the day at resorts.

Dero

cormee wrote: »

You can pick them up on AliExpress for a fair price, not sure about the quality. Ryan Knapton uses a Zhiyun Z1 Evolution gimbal, and the difference is pretty amazing.
I'd like a drone, not just for snowboarding, but I'm not sure if the price would warrant it. If they are any good at following you, as the video claims, you could get some pretty stunning shots skiing/snowboarding, but then you'd be lugging around that backpack all day for 30 mins, or so, flight time. It would be great if you could rent them out for the day at resorts.

Not to derail the thread too much, but the GoPro drone can't follow you; the video just makes it look that way.

There are drones that can do it, but I've no idea how effective it is, especially on a busy ski slope. All puny humans probably look the same to the drone overlords.

cormee

Dero wrote: »

Not to derail the thread too much, but the GoPro drone can't follow you; the video just makes it look that way.

There are drones that can do it, but I've no idea how effective it is, especially on a busy ski slope. All puny humans probably look the same to the drone overlords.

That's ridiculous - they'll sell one if they're lucky. How could they launch it without follow-me capabilities. :mad:
I *think* on the other drones, that do follow, you can pair it to a wearable, or phone, or the likes - so a busy slope shouldn't matter. I could be wrong though.

CardinalJ

cormee wrote:

That's ridiculous - they'll sell one if they're lucky. How could they launch it without follow-me capabilities. I *think* on the other drones, that do follow, you can pair it to a wearable, or phone, or the likes - so a busy slope shouldn't matter. I could be wrong though.

I just cant see resorts allowing drones on slopes. Over head chair lifts with people on them, general powerlines etc, trees. Too many ways for it all to go wrong.

cormee

CardinalJ wrote: »

I just cant see resorts allowing drones on slopes. Over head chair lifts with people on them, general powerlines etc, trees. Too many ways for it all to go wrong.

Some of them (claim to be able to) avoid obstacles in their path. Besides the issues with policing a ban on drones, would they, when they allow those crazy metal snow bike thingys on the slopes? A skiier or snowboarder with a helmet probably wouldn't be even aware if one (drone) hit them, they're so light. Anyway, early days for them being used with extreme sports - I'd love to get some non-selfie pole footage. These new VR cameras look promising too.

AlternateID

I had a hexo plus but never flew it on the snow. Austria is my go to place for the white stuff and they implemented a load of laws to cover drones. To fly a line of sight drone you're required you to either have a pilots license or pass an examination in air law at Austro Control. There's also laws for none line of sight, weight and over what areas it will fly. I.e over residential, commercial, over country etc. Far to completated so I sold mine to a guy in France.

The GoPro Karma looks a lot like the prototypes of the hexo. Battery kife is reported to be 20mins but I'd expect that to be ideal conditions as opposed to up a mountain in the cold.

Karma grip is reported to be 249.99. I don't know how that stacks up against other gimbals.

I do like the hero5. Water proof, one touch control or voice. Battery will be a problem like the session as you can't swap it. Would require having a battery pack to charge it during the day. I read it'll last 2 hours. Presumably that's with continuous use. The session 4 I have does OK as it powers off with a single touch too. It still doesn't last a day with many runs though. Price is the same as a hero4 black so expect to see good savings on the 4. Very good picture on the 3+ and 4. Far better than the 3. I was waiting for the 5 to get a 4 but now I'm leaning toward the 5.

Rew

AlternateID wrote: »

The GoPro Karma looks a lot like the prototypes of the hexo. Battery kife is reported to be 20mins but I'd expect that to be ideal conditions as opposed to up a mountain in the cold.

My guess is they are averaging so may be better or worse depending but yeah cold will be intresting to see.

Karma grip is reported to be 249.99. I don't know how that stacks up against other gimbals.

€329 in the EU shop

I do like the hero5. Water proof, one touch control or voice. Battery will be a problem like the session as you can't swap it. Would require having a battery pack to charge it during the day. I read it'll last 2 hours. Presumably that's with continuous use. The session 4 I have does OK as it powers off with a single touch too. It still doesn't last a day with many runs though. Price is the same as a hero4 black so expect to see good savings on the 4. Very good picture on the 3+ and 4. Far better than the 3. I was waiting for the 5 to get a 4 but now I'm leaning toward the 5.

Hero 5 battery is removable similar but not the same as the 4 battery. Built in stabilisation is going to be the big diff between the 4 and 5. Cant wait to see real world what that looks like. It has a few other nice bells and whistles (1080p at 120fps) but haven't seen the tech specs to see what else they have crammed in (better aperture/lowlight?)

Rew

masseyno9

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/snow-banff-mountains-lake-louise-1.3770687

It's started!!

This will melt by the weekend, I'm sure. Mid-teens temperatures predicted for Banff on Saturday, but it's still exciting! I know most on here are European-focused, but every now and then something gets posted about Canada.
Also, the 'farmer's almanac' which is a semi-trusted weather forecasting source around here has called for a cold winter with lots of snow. Should be better than last year anyway!

I've already put in for days off work for some weekday riding when the hill is empty! Now to decide where to go...Fernie and Kicking Horse need a visit I think. I like going to Lake Louise on World Cup weekend because the racers just stroll around at the base like they're regular folk, which is pretty cool. Also might take a trip down to Montana for good snow and cheap beer!

If anyone is looking at a Canadian trip, give me a shout and I'll try help out with some local knowledge.

cormee

masseyno9 wrote: »

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/snow-banff-mountains-lake-louise-1.3770687

It's started!!

This will melt by the weekend, I'm sure. Mid-teens temperatures predicted for Banff on Saturday, but it's still exciting! I know most on here are European-focused, but every now and then something gets posted about Canada.
Also, the 'farmer's almanac' which is a semi-trusted weather forecasting source around here has called for a cold winter with lots of snow. Should be better than last year anyway!

I've already put in for days off work for some weekday riding when the hill is empty! Now to decide where to go...Fernie and Kicking Horse need a visit I think. I like going to Lake Louise on World Cup weekend because the racers just stroll around at the base like they're regular folk, which is pretty cool. Also might take a trip down to Montana for good snow and cheap beer!

If anyone is looking at a Canadian trip, give me a shout and I'll try help out with some local knowledge.

Snow Forecast tweeted a picture of Lake Louise under a few inches of snow, three or four days ago.

Here in Europe, Val Thorens in the 3 Valleys got some snow two days ago, and according to Snow Forecast the Pitzal glacier in Austria opened for the season last week. Happy days

CardinalJ

Have my phone set up with a webcam and weather for Mayrhofen... 13 degrees and green.

cormee

CardinalJ wrote: »

Have my phone set up with a webcam and weather for Mayrhofen... 13 degrees and green.

I hope you're using this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.addtheday.android&hl=en

I must set mine up too.

CardinalJ

cormee wrote:

I hope you're using this app

Have something similar but dont have it set up yet. Haha

olaola

Just booked Söll! W00P! Thanks for FannyMcGee for all the tips

Fattes

If anyone is interested, the annual Irish championship races are on this weekend at the Ski Club of Ireland Kilternan. All day Sat 09:30 AM - 16:30 APPROX and Sunday, 09:30 am - 15:30 approx. Sunday afternoon is a dual team Slalom event. the rest is Slalom.

Rew

Good vid on what to expect from the Karma Grip, if anything its too smooth

Rew

DJI just left the Karma for dead!

http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/27/13058722/dji-mavic-pro-drone-foldable-4k-gesture-control

cormee

Rew wrote: »

DJI just left the Karma for dead!

http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/27/13058722/dji-mavic-pro-drone-foldable-4k-gesture-control

Definitely a much more attractive offering than the Karma, size, and function wise. But you're not getting the gimbal with the with the DJI, are you?

AlternateID

cormee wrote: »

Definitely a much more attractive offering than the Karma, size, and function wise. But you're not getting the gimbal with the with the DJI, are you?

Built in gimbal and seriously expensive.

cormee

AlternateID wrote: »

Built in gimbal and seriously expensive.

The DJI?
Yeah, I think an advantage of the GoPro would be the detachable gimbal, you are getting two products in one, really.
Also, I hope DJI have some plans for controlling who is able to activate the gesture control, if not it is leaving it open to some serious abuse potential

Rew

The DJI isn't seriously expensive. $750 if you fly it with your phone and $999 with the dedicated controller the Karma is $799 with no camera, $1100 with a cam and doesn't have anywhere near the features of the DJI. Advantage of the Karma is the gimbal but you can buy that separately.

The Kama is 1kg the Mavic is 750g. 750g puts it under the weight restrictions that some countries have on drones.

AlternateID

cormee wrote: »

The DJI?
Yeah, I think an advantage of the GoPro would be the detachable gimbal, you are getting two products in one, really.
Also, I hope DJI have some plans for controlling who is able to activate the gesture control, if not it is leaving it open to some serious abuse potential

What about the voice control on the GoPros? I'm looking forward to hearing people all over the place shouting at other peoples cameras. I've decided I'll get one but will change the language so something entertaining. Mongolian or something.

AlternateID

Rew wrote: »

The DJI isn't seriously expensive. $750 if you fly it with your phone and $999 with the dedicated controller the Karma is $799 with no camera, $1100 with a cam and doesn't have anywhere near the features of the DJI. Advantage of the Karma is the gimbal but you can buy that separately.

The Kama is 1kg the Mavic is 750g. 750g puts it under the weight restrictions that some countries have on drones.

All I see on Dji.com is €1199. Am I missing something? I see they also sell a gimbal stick for €650

cormee

I see the DJI has follow-me capabilities too, in the video it looks pretty good. I've decided ... I will be spending my imaginary €1k on the DJI

Rew

AlternateID wrote: »

All I see on Dji.com is €1199. Am I missing something? I see they also sell a gimbal stick for €650

I just went with the dollar prices to keep everything consistent. In Euros a Karma with a Hero 5 Black is currently 1,299. If the do a bundle discount at best it will be €1199 but likely be a little bit higher.

There are def pros and cons to both setups but drone for drone the DJI is a way, way better deal. When you take into account that your going to want a gopro as well then its much harder, with the Karma kit you have huge flexibility but you have to fly the drone your self always. The DJi is far more a sophisticated drone with much better options, physically smaller, lighter and better battery.

They don't seem to list the cheaper DJI option in € so far.

Kinda comes down to budget. Ideal is Hero 5, Karma Grip and a DJI Mavic, budget option is Hero 5 and Karma kit.

a148pro

Rew wrote: »

Good vid on what to expect from the Karma Grip, if anything its too smooth

I agree, much prefer the gritty footage which is much more like skiing. The other one is more candide special effects feel. Don't like but obv would have professional uses.

AlternateID

a148pro wrote: »

I agree, much prefer the gritty footage which is much more like skiing. The other one is more candide special effects feel. Don't like but obv would have professional uses.

I like both. I find when using a pole it's stable for the most part anyway. Not 3 axis gimbal stable but balanced.

This is a review of the Mavic I watched yesterday. Looks good and all but I have one issue with DJI kit that many will probably disagree with. I don't like the video quality. Yep I said it. When flying nice and slow the footage recorded is very good but when a little speed is added there's a motion blur that I think GoPro have a much better handle on and always have. I'm curious to see what GoPros reaction will be to the Mavic.

Rew

They both have their place and the Hero 5 has stabilisation built in so will be smoother then previous models regardless.

a148pro

I'm a little disappointed with my GoPro (Hero 4 Silver) and thought they might be just trading on their reputation. But in fairness the video footage from it is very very good.

My problems are the sound (I bought it to record the kids swimming / cycling etc as I can't do anything on skis worth watching), its tinny and the vibration of the pole is very annoying. Any tips for avoiding this?

It also crashes an awful lot and I have to take out the battery. Still photos from it are poor too.

But the video is stunning, at least on my phone (my laptop too old to play it so I've never seen it anywhere else). My TV prob doesn't do it justice.

Am I right in thinking that 1080 at the high frame rate (60) is the best quality? I tried the 2.7 and 4k but frame rate was so reduced it didn't look half as good. Also, the 1440 or whatever seems to in effect be wide screen only?

I was also surprised at the screen grabs, used to get round the poor photo capability, don't seem to improve in quality at the higher resolutions? Like if you zoom in on a 1080 shot and a 4k shot the quality dis-improves at the same rate. Am I missing something here? I presumed higher resolution would mean you could zoom in more. Using a screen grab from a standard android phone as the the screen grabs from the actual GoPro app are, bizarrely, poorer quality.

cormee

Let the obsessing begin!

hawkwind23

Cormee , is that your app?
Im using it , its very good h

cormee

hawkwind23 wrote: »

Cormee , is that your app?
Im using it , its very good h

Sure is! Thanks for the compliment are you using it with a webcam image?

hawkwind23

cormee wrote: »

Sure is! Thanks for the compliment are you using it with a webcam image?

Yeah , it only updates once a day or every couple of days but i think thats the webcams fault!
Also the weather can be a bit temperamental updating but again that could be my sync settings.
Best one ive used from the PlayStore
cant wait till theres snow on them hills!

cormee

hawkwind23 wrote: »

Yeah , it only updates once a day or every couple of days but i think thats the webcams fault!
Also the weather can be a bit temperamental updating but again that could be my sync settings.
Best one ive used from the PlayStore
cant wait till theres snow on them hills!

Sometimes it can go a bit wonky (not refreshing the image, weather disappearing), when it does I sither delete the widget and re-add it, or I edit the event and save it. I haven't updated the app in almost a year - I hope to get back on it soon.

/sorry for the off-topic

Now that sterling has collapsed (again), and the end is nigh, it's probably a great time to buy gear in the UK. Can anyone suggest a fairly stiff pair of snowboard boots, with ideally a small footprint?

I'm looking at http://www.theboardbasement.com/snowboard-and-ski-products-snowboard-boots-mens/

hawkwind23

Yeah i just click the app and it updates sometimes.
Its the best on the playstore , the rest either hog battery or simply dont work or are too complicated.
Mines showing a bit of snow later in the week

lawred2

hawkwind23 wrote: »

Yeah i just click the app and it updates sometimes.
Its the best on the playstore , the rest either hog battery or simply dont work or are too complicated.
Mines showing a bit of snow later in the week

link?

hawkwind23

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.addtheday.android&hl=en_GB

lawred2

hawkwind23 wrote: »

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.addtheday.android&hl=en_GB

nice

you seeing any revenue from it?

cormee

lawred2 wrote: »

nice

you seeing any revenue from it?

Thanks.

Initially I was, but I haven't updated, or promoted, it in almost a year, so it has slipped way down the search results pages.

CardinalJ

cormee wrote:

Initially I was, but I haven't updated, or promoted, it in almost a year, so it has slipped way down the search results pages.

Ill download it and give it a rattle.

stecleary

hawkwind23 wrote: »

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.addtheday.android&hl=en_GB

Installed, Very nice

AlternateID

cormee wrote: »

Sometimes it can go a bit wonky (not refreshing the image, weather disappearing), when it does I sither delete the widget and re-add it, or I edit the event and save it. I haven't updated the app in almost a year - I hope to get back on it soon.

/sorry for the off-topic

Now that sterling has collapsed (again), and the end is nigh, it's probably a great time to buy gear in the UK. Can anyone suggest a fairly stiff pair of snowboard boots, with ideally a small footprint?

I'm looking at http://www.theboardbasement.com/snowboard-and-ski-products-snowboard-boots-mens/

I went back to stupid apple and have no widgets anymore. Might get a winter android for fun.

Burton have what's they call shrinkage tech but I sure other manufacturers do similar. My burton ambush have done 13 weeks on the hill now, I think, with another 4 coming up next year and no problems. Flex is a 5 out of 10 so you'll problem be looking for stiffer.

CardinalJ

AlternateID wrote:

I went back to stupid apple and have no widgets anymore. Might get a winter android for fun.

I contemplated going back and then found theres no widgets. Made decision for me.

lawred2

AlternateID wrote: »

I went back to stupid apple and have no widgets anymore. Might get a winter android for fun.

Burton have what's they call shrinkage tech but I sure other manufacturers do similar. My burton ambush have done 13 weeks on the hill now, I think, with another 4 coming up next year and no problems. Flex is a 5 out of 10 so you'll problem be looking for stiffer.

How often do you get out to ski?

lawred2

Does anyone go over to Scotland out of interest? Anyone know what it's like for say a weekend ski trip?

cormee

AlternateID wrote: »

I went back to stupid apple and have no widgets anymore. Might get a winter android for fun.

Burton have what's they call shrinkage tech but I sure other manufacturers do similar. My burton ambush have done 13 weeks on the hill now, I think, with another 4 coming up next year and no problems. Flex is a 5 out of 10 so you'll problem be looking for stiffer.

I wouldn't be able to survive without widgets! Besides adding a bit of visual activity to your homescreens, a lot are very useful. I've no idea how Apple has managed to avoid them for so long.

Yeah, I currently have a pair of ancient, cheapo, Burton Moto boots, I like them a lot, but I'm not sure they suit the sort of snowboarding I do now. I think now would be a good time to try something a little stiffer.
I have a Flow NX2 bindings, so I would have a preference for Flow boots. I wonder if I even need shrink tech, as my current boots are so old, anything newer would naturally be a lot smaller, due to advancements in the technology and design.