These things are pretty pricey so I would like to get other DCSkiers opinions before investing in maching.
Easy of use?
Work on total body, or just legs?
Improve skiing?
Appropriate age group?
Thanks,
The Colonel age 72

i used one for quite some time about 20 years ago in a gym that used to have one. it is quite good for aerobic conditioning and for making efficient slalom turns. there was a wall with a pattern on it behind the machine and mirrors on the wall in front of me so i could see myself. i would try to make slalom turns without my head and torso moving very much ... if they moved i could see it against the background.

I lucked out and get an old model, Skiers Edge II, for a steal on craigslist last summer. Found it useful because it works muscles relevant to skiing more than other fitness machines normally used for cardio work outs.

The current models come in several variations. I doubt the extra money for a World Cup would be worth it, but the Classic might not be enough. I've never used the fancier footbeds, so no idea about that. Possible to find them on eBay for decent prices, especially if local so no shipping is involved.

My sixth grader has no problem using the SE II. Have seen a video of kids using the LT Carver, which is for juniors or adults under 150 pounds.

Here's the size differences between the LT Carver and T5 models.

LT Carver
Length: 55 Inches
Width: 14.5 inches
Frame Height: 10 inches
Rail Incline: 17 degrees
Powerbands: 2
Resistance Settings: 9 Settings

T5 Classic
Length: 63 Inches
Width: 14.5 inches
Frame Height: 9.3 inches
Rail Incline: 10.5 degrees
Powerbands: 2
Resistance Settings:11 Settings with the option to upgrade to 18 settings

T5 Big Mountain
Length: 63 Inches
Width: 14.5 inches
Frame Height: 11.6 inches
Rail Incline: 17 degrees
Powerbands: 2
Resistance Settings: 11 Settings with the option to upgrade to 18 settings

T5 World Cup Plyometric Power
Length: 63 Inches
Width: 14.5 inches
Frame Height: 13 inches
Rail Incline: 19 degrees
Powerbands: 3
Resistance Settings:18 settings

Easy to learn, hard to master.

Definitely get a cardio workout, not just legs. May or may not improve directly, but certainly good for ski conditioning so has clear indirect benefit. Very useful for knee rehab.

Depending on the model, good for any age adult who has decent balance. Kids who are intermediates or better and over about 75 pounds can probably handle any model.

Although the optional balance bar is good for getting started, most people just use poles. Can get adjustable poles. I sometimes hold the poles lower down so that my arm angle is more appropriate.

I've had one the the original models for about 15 years, and use it before the start of every season -- doing maybe 3000 to 5000 turns.

It does a pretty good job of replicating what a skier is supposed to do (steady upper body, angulation, edging). If nothing else it builds muscle memory, so in my opinion it does improve your (my) skiing. While using my machine, I can close my eyes and really imagine that I'm on snow.

It'll work your quads and core and provide a cardio workout, but IMO it's not a total body experience.

I wouldn't say there's any upper age limit to use the machine. If you ski, you can use the machine.

The machines are pretty pricey, instead of buying a new one, I'd see if I could find a used one on ebay or craigslist.