Volkl Aura 2012

[carrieme]

2012 Auras... to add or not to add another ski to my quiver?!

 

[MissySki]

2012 Auras... to add or not to add another ski to my quiver?!

I must say, they are very deserving of the spot they've claimed in my quiver this season

 

[volklgirl]

2012 Auras... to add or not to add another ski to my quiver?!

Add, of course! What a silly question!!!!!

 

[kasuncion6]

Hi Guys,

I am considering buying a pair of older Auras. On eBay, I see a pair of 2011 (163) with bindings for $125. I also have the opportunity to buy a pair of 2012 (163) with bindings at a slightly higher price.

For those of you with an Aura "history" - can you remember the difference if any between these two models? I've read a lot on these forums on how longer is better. I am 5'7", 150lbs-ish, but I'm also an intermediate. So I don't think it would be "bad" to get 163s, since I'm still progressing.

I tried the 2012 Auras in heavy spring slush in Tahoe and really liked the solid and stable feel they had mowing through all the crud. I also just want a very cheap alternative to my Head Super Joys, which are not solid tanks in slush, as I learned the hard way.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

k

 

[RuthB]

Not totally sure of 'years' since our seasons are different. But the 2012, the silver ones with the pink and green hummingbird topsheet is the first model to have tip rocker. The previous model, black with geisha topsheet? has no rocker.

 

[snow addict]

The older model has no rocker - it was first added to 2012 model with hummingbird topsheet. You may find rockered model a bit more user-friendly than a full-cambered version. I think that even at 163 with rocker there is still enough ski and as an intermediate it will be more manageable. It's a popular length - at least over here there are always some 170s and lot of 156s left for end-of-season sales, but hardly any 163 - so you shouldn't have problems re-selling it if you end up wanting longer skis.

 

[Skisailor]

The older model has no rocker - it was first added to 2012 model with hummingbird topsheet. You may find rockered model a bit more user-friendly than a full-cambered version. I think that even at 163 with rocker there is still enough ski and as an intermediate it will be more manageable. It's a popular length - at least over here there are always some 170s and lot of 156s left for end-of-season sales, but hardly any 163 - so you shouldn't have problems re-selling it if you end up wanting longer skis.

For what it's worth, the old non rockered model has remarkably little camber. It's a very flat ski. I think that's one of the attributes that gives it that Cadillac, stable, never squirrelly, never unpredictable ride. On the other hand, if you're a skier who loves "pop" out of your shorter radius turns, that lack of camber means this probably isn't the ski for you.

 

[kasuncion6]

Thanks for the input guys. Still thinking on it....Do you think $250 for the 2012 (163s) with bindings is a good deal? I intend to invest in a new pair of skis maybe in the next year or 2 once I have improved significantly. So is 250 okay for an "interim/rock ski"?

I will also happen to be in Tahoe during the Start Haus consignment sale, so I am a bit hesitant to purchase these skis now, in case I see another crazy deal there...

 

[surfsnowgirl]

Mount Snow in West Dover, VT "had" a pair of 2014-2015 Aura's for $229. They were from the demo sale and were still available. Rockered in the tip and at quick glance they looked to be in decent shape. I didn't look at them that closely and its been a month so they may not even still be there but its worth a phone call if you were interested.

 

[volklgirl]

It depends somewhat on the bindings, but I'd say $250 is a great price for this ski unless its totally trashed. If you hate it, you should be able to sell it for what you have into it.

 

[kasuncion6]

I bargained a little bit and got the price down to $200.00 and pulled the trigger on the 2012 Auras (163) with Marker Squire Demo Bindings....From my research, I think this would be considered a good deal?

In any case, I'm excited to have more than one pair of skiis now....Looking forward to crud-busting with confidence!

 

[snow addict]

I wish I could find a deal like that! Congratulations!

 

[VickiK]

@kasuncion6 , congrats! They might not be interim at all.

 

[surfsnowgirl]

Great deal. Congratulations!

 

[volklgirl]

Nice job!!

 

[mustski]

You will love those skis! I still love mine and I paid premium the first season they came out.

 

[kasuncion6]

Woohoo. Now I'm really hoping El Nino comes through and dumps on Tahoe/Mammoth in December so I can test these guys out. My other skis Head Super Joy are 75 in waist and will prob be my learning-proper-technique skis.