If you never demo you also never have the opportunity to be blown away by something you might not think would be your jam either. I usually have a good idea of what I'll like and dislike in a ski at this point too.. but a ski that wows me and wasn't on my radar or that I hated a past iteration of and love this time around?? Those are the really cool ones to find, it feels like opening a gift you didn't know you wanted really badly on Christmas morning.
Yess I definently noticed that and am not in love with them because of that lol. Thinking of giving them to or at least letting my little sister use them primarily since she doesn’t have anyI’ll have to try out the kenjas sometime. The mindbender 85’s would be perfect if they had a little more edge or turned a little easier (may just be me needing to progress)…at least for the cost I got them at $180 without bindings they feel great. But still desiring more between having just those and the prodigy’s
Yes I def want to demo skis when I get the chance, it’s tough living in Ohio primarily where the only ski place sucks so I don’t feel like even if I demo’d their limited selection (which demo day got booked up anyways) it wouldn’t be the terrain I hope to ski more on in future. But yes def would love to try a bunch. Funny you mentioned the stokli’s… I’m at Tahoe now and was in the shop and the Mx lasers caught my eye and made me reallyyy want to buy them…. They look so fun but my bank account would be hurting after this 2 wk trip plus those skis I also don’t know if I could fully appreciate them as a beginner/intermediate skier but the desire to try them is overwhelming. Especially since I get anxious trying to make short turns skiing on trail around a lot of people in my current skis. They seem great for that
I’m craving some narrow skies. My knees get tired trying to turn my 85’s all day which isn’t even that wide
How do you like the Unleashed? I also have the 2017 Yumis and I do still love them. Unsuccessfully looking for the perfect replacement. Haven’t seen too many comments on Unleashed but it’s supposed to basically be a softer enforcer?
Do you think they ski a little shorter with all that rocker? I’m your same weight. But 5’11”. I know that length is probably ok for me but haven’t skied anything longer than 173 (at least since my skinny skis from 1992 haha).
I'm w/you @Rachel614. This is why I just bought the Liberty V76 w (used). I also have the Stockli Laser MX in 167, but we didn't have the conditions this year to use it much. I sprang for the Vertis Birdie (85) for next season to go along w/my Volkl Blaze 86's which will be in their 5th season in 24/25. My knees don't like anything over 86 -- I love to turn, turn, turn and that gets wearing, especially in our eastern ice. I just skied a lot of western "ice" last week (on the Blazes) and my knees are still barking at me.
Have you taken the Liberty's out? I also bought them this year and skied them in Austria for a week and was happy on them, but find if I am swapping them out with my Nela 88's I tend to like them less. Not sure if I don't get as forward on them or if I should have purchased one length longer.....
I love the Unleashed. They did great when I went to Steamboat on most every condition. There was snow every day and one 12" heavy snow powder day and they did a great job staying composed in chop. They also were very maneuverable in trees and bumps. I was very impressed. They are absolutely perfect for my ski style. I like to ski advanced terrain, but I don't ski super fast.
