SkiQT
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I have been skiing for 12 years and presently ski 2011/2012 Fischer Koa 78 in 154cm which I have loved well. My husband recently upgraded from 2011/2012 Fischer Motive 80 to Nordica Santa Ana 88 and noticed a huge difference and thinks I would benefit from new skis since I have gained a good deal of weight (particularly in the past 2-3 years ). I am looking at all the options and am getting overwhelmed since the technology has evolved greatly.
A little about me:
5'1" and 230 lbs in my late 40s. I ski mostly eastern PA and Berkshires (western MA) but have gone to Vermont when I can get more than a weekend off. I tend to like green and blue slopes but will venture to easier black slopes as the season progresses; I don't tend to like to go too fast. When I bought my current skis, I had also demoed a Dynastar ski that was similar but noticed they were heavier and hurt my knees while riding the lift; therefore, I am concerned about the weight since I do not want to expedite the development of osteoarthritis in my knees . I am looking for a ski that can handle the variety of east coast conditions: hardpack, ice, and crud since I rarely have the opportunity to get out on fresh snow due to not yet being able to retire . Given my weight, my thought is I should go wider and possibly longer to better distribute the weight on the snow.
I went to a local shop and the guy immediately pointed me to the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 in a 159. I asked why that ski over the others along the wall and his answer was because it was the most popular women's ski. I then didn't feel too comfortable with his recommendation so I started trying to do my own research. Some of the other skis I have researched include Nordica Santa Ana 84, Nordica Wild Belle DC 84, Volkl Yumi 84--I thought mid 80's might be more appropriate over the upper 80's.
Would love to hear thoughts/suggestions....
A little about me:
5'1" and 230 lbs in my late 40s. I ski mostly eastern PA and Berkshires (western MA) but have gone to Vermont when I can get more than a weekend off. I tend to like green and blue slopes but will venture to easier black slopes as the season progresses; I don't tend to like to go too fast. When I bought my current skis, I had also demoed a Dynastar ski that was similar but noticed they were heavier and hurt my knees while riding the lift; therefore, I am concerned about the weight since I do not want to expedite the development of osteoarthritis in my knees . I am looking for a ski that can handle the variety of east coast conditions: hardpack, ice, and crud since I rarely have the opportunity to get out on fresh snow due to not yet being able to retire . Given my weight, my thought is I should go wider and possibly longer to better distribute the weight on the snow.
I went to a local shop and the guy immediately pointed me to the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 in a 159. I asked why that ski over the others along the wall and his answer was because it was the most popular women's ski. I then didn't feel too comfortable with his recommendation so I started trying to do my own research. Some of the other skis I have researched include Nordica Santa Ana 84, Nordica Wild Belle DC 84, Volkl Yumi 84--I thought mid 80's might be more appropriate over the upper 80's.
Would love to hear thoughts/suggestions....