wave_spice
Certified Ski Diva
Hi All,
So, I am in need of some advice. My specs: 32, 5'5-6, 150lbs, aggressive skier, love speed (but willing to sacrifice...), love skiing woods, used to love skiing everywhere. I took a 15 year hiatus from skiing. Used to be a ski-bum, worked at a ski shop, tuned skis, demoed skis for vendors etc, etc, and happily skied wherever I wanted (at least I did this in the West). Before I left the industry, shapes were just coming into the market and no one took them very seriously. NOW, well, now, urgh, I've been humbled by all the different specs and specialties out there....and I live in NE ("powder" just isn't the same).
OK, logistics out of the way. Last season my DH dragged me back into skiing and I started off demoing skis. K2-Lotta Luv seemed soft, Volkl Fuego seemed stiff but I demoed these in rental boots (yeah, I know, not very smart) After I purchased some happy ski boots (Technica forgot model #, fairly stiff, very happy with them) I demoed the Dynastar (didn't like, but they were more for the groomers...forgot the model) and Elan Wave spice.
Jay Peak was selling demos off at the end of last season. I demoed the Wave spice at 152 and 158. I fell in LOVE with the 152...then after talking with the guys in the shop they convinced me to try the 158 for a half day. I did. They were fast and fun...and out of confusion and a good deal, I rationalized that I would "out ski" the 152 so I bought the 158. I'm very unhappy with the 158. I've taken a couple of lessons but I still don't have the same comfort and confidence like I did on the 152's. I find the 158's heavy and hard to maneuver-especially in a tight line in the bumps. Hindsight, being 20/20 I should have stuck with the 152's and used the knowledge from demoing. I've been out about 10 times this season, I start off with some drill work/runs but I'm not feeling this ski, so I'm in the market for another pair (I'm think length of ~155 would be ideal).
Any suggestions? I'm leaning toward the Vokl Tierra/Fuego but will also demo the Dynastar Exclusive Legend and Fischer Vision Vapor (if I can find these) due to the recommendations here. Has anyone skied both the wave spice and the Volkl Tierra's? If so, any thoughts. My goal, is to be able to ski off piste and moguls with confidence.
Maybe, just maybe, my form really stinks, this is all in my head and I need to take more lessons? Ok, maybe that came off sarcastically, but seriously, is it perhaps just me? I know I'm not in the same shape I was 15 years ago, but I am still active...that's an option here too....all candor/advice is very appreciated. Thanks!
So, I am in need of some advice. My specs: 32, 5'5-6, 150lbs, aggressive skier, love speed (but willing to sacrifice...), love skiing woods, used to love skiing everywhere. I took a 15 year hiatus from skiing. Used to be a ski-bum, worked at a ski shop, tuned skis, demoed skis for vendors etc, etc, and happily skied wherever I wanted (at least I did this in the West). Before I left the industry, shapes were just coming into the market and no one took them very seriously. NOW, well, now, urgh, I've been humbled by all the different specs and specialties out there....and I live in NE ("powder" just isn't the same).
OK, logistics out of the way. Last season my DH dragged me back into skiing and I started off demoing skis. K2-Lotta Luv seemed soft, Volkl Fuego seemed stiff but I demoed these in rental boots (yeah, I know, not very smart) After I purchased some happy ski boots (Technica forgot model #, fairly stiff, very happy with them) I demoed the Dynastar (didn't like, but they were more for the groomers...forgot the model) and Elan Wave spice.
Jay Peak was selling demos off at the end of last season. I demoed the Wave spice at 152 and 158. I fell in LOVE with the 152...then after talking with the guys in the shop they convinced me to try the 158 for a half day. I did. They were fast and fun...and out of confusion and a good deal, I rationalized that I would "out ski" the 152 so I bought the 158. I'm very unhappy with the 158. I've taken a couple of lessons but I still don't have the same comfort and confidence like I did on the 152's. I find the 158's heavy and hard to maneuver-especially in a tight line in the bumps. Hindsight, being 20/20 I should have stuck with the 152's and used the knowledge from demoing. I've been out about 10 times this season, I start off with some drill work/runs but I'm not feeling this ski, so I'm in the market for another pair (I'm think length of ~155 would be ideal).
Any suggestions? I'm leaning toward the Vokl Tierra/Fuego but will also demo the Dynastar Exclusive Legend and Fischer Vision Vapor (if I can find these) due to the recommendations here. Has anyone skied both the wave spice and the Volkl Tierra's? If so, any thoughts. My goal, is to be able to ski off piste and moguls with confidence.
Maybe, just maybe, my form really stinks, this is all in my head and I need to take more lessons? Ok, maybe that came off sarcastically, but seriously, is it perhaps just me? I know I'm not in the same shape I was 15 years ago, but I am still active...that's an option here too....all candor/advice is very appreciated. Thanks!