1st time women's fat skis

[improving skier]

i have been skiing for quite a few years now and ski whatever looks best that day. but it's time to switch to a fatter ski for some pow days. i def want to stick to a women specific ski as well as one that will work as an all mountain if needed. Anyone have any advice on what to demo first?
Currently I am skiing on a tru luv and love them. But they are holding me back a bit. I though about sticking with the k2 series and going to the lotta luv or phat luv. what do you all think about the volkl aura or queen?
Next factor is length....I am 5'6 130. Most likely a 160 range will work but that all can be figured out in the demo process. just want to be prepared.

 

[dloveski]

I just got a screaming deal on Head Sweet Fat Thangs to use as an all mountain/powder ski. My daughter loves hers and has two pair, one rigged for hiking and one for resorts.

 

[volklgirl]

The Volkls are going to have a veeeerrry different feel from your K2s, but you may love them.

Don't rule out the Rossi Z3/Z5/Z9 series (or whatever it is this year), or the more powerful Nordica Olmpia skis.

 

[Jilly]

I wouldn't put the Z5's in that category at all. Rossi's fat skis are the Bandits. As for the Nordica's - Snowhot likes her Firefox. And I loved the Victory (but again not a fat ski, more of a carver)

 

[improving skier]

"veeeerrrrryyy" meaning stiffer? Might be worth it. I ski out west so it may be best to go in that direction.
any thoughts on either k2's?
the heads were a great suggestion...i looked at those earlier too.
thanks for any advice you can give! i hear the first time on fat skis is interesting. gotta start somewhere right?

 

[hucksno]

I guess you'll also have to specify whether you want a moderately fat ski (85-ish) or a pretty good fat pow ski (90-ish to 100-something).
It all depends on whether they're going to be your all mtn everday ski that you want to be able to use in pow OR if they'll be the ski you use predominately for pow (and you'll use your tru luvs for everwhere else).

I believe the lotta luvs are 78mm underfoot? So i'm not sure those would be wide enough if you want a specific pow ski. Phat luvs are great, lots of women swear by them.

Here are a couple more pow specifics:
Dynastar She's Trouble BC (92mm- woo i'm getting these hot skis!)
Line Celebrity (90mm- is a softer, but fun ski for a lighter weight woman)
Dynastar Exclusive Legend Powder (85-ish mm underfoot, so good for everywhere as well)
Rossi B3s or B4s if you really want em wide
Salomon Scarlet (94-ish mm at waist..a wider twin tip)

 

[SnowHot]

Currently I am skiing on a tru luv and love them. But they are holding me back a bit. I though about sticking with the k2 series and going to the lotta luv or phat luv. what do you all think about the volkl aura or queen?
Next factor is length....I am 5'6 130. Most likely a 160 range will work but that all can be figured out in the demo process. just want to be prepared.

If you like the feel of the K2, you may want to stick with them. If you're thinking Volkl, then definitely demo. You'll get more edge grip and energy out of a volkl, its just the tendency they have. Personally, I prefer the feel of volkl over k2.

If you're looking at Nordica, then the Conquor is a nice ski on the low end of the midfat range.(78w)
Another great midfat is the Elan Free Spice(88w) I was disappointed when I couldn't get one of those this year.

After doing some excessive research................
My mid fat pick of the year is the one I bought, the Blizzard Titan EOS.(also 88 in the waist) The binding system on this ski is sweeeeeet!
The binding interface will accept a Marker Duke, Blizzard IQ alpine binding and a tele binding. So, you can easily switch bindings to tele, alpine, or AT. What more could a diva want?
I have the standard Blizzard binding on it now but am toying with some of the other options.
pictured here with the Bluehouse (94w)

Close up of binding: To change binding, you take the center screw out and slide it out of the groove/rail.

 

[sitronella]

Hi,
I just got a pair of K2 Nancy. I haven't had the chance to try them in powder yet (not much powder in sweden in november) but so far I love them. They are better on piste than I expected them to be.

They make me feel like a hero, so I can't wait to try them off piste. They're soft, smooth and forgiving and make me feel like I can do anything. Quite a confidence booster. My first pair of fatties and I'm in love.

I chose between them and the Phat Luv and thought the Nancy would be a bit more versatile up here in Scandinavia.

Cheerio!

 

[skigrl27]

if you like K2's - I agree w/ stironella. I just got the Nancy's myself. They are getting their new bindings mounted today - so I haven't yet tried them. I went with them over the Phat Luvs because the Nancy's sidecut offers a bit more grip when you're NOT in huge Pow - thus making it a more versatile ski. And it's a twin tip...so god-willing, if I ever learn to fly thru the air or ride park, then I'm all set.

I have Burnin' Luvs too - I just like K2.

 

[SV Gal]

length of K2 Burnin Luv

I am buying the K2 burning Luv ski.

I am 5'4 and weigh 155. I have been told by my ski shop and instructor friends that I should go to the 153 cm from 172 K-2 T-9's. I love my T-9's but have had them 4 years. I ski in Sun Valley ID.

Do you all have an opinion about the length. I am nervous that the skis will be too short for me and I should get the 160's.

I ski well for not having any racing training.

I have the K2 Launchers for powder so I am set there.
thanks, Sandy

 

[Gloria]

How about the tough luv? I am curious about this one. Anyone know anything?

 

[skigrl27]

The Burnin' Luv is a stiffer ski and it's very fast. I consider these skis my "short" pair. I'm 5'8" and ride the 164's. I have a pair of 169's that are fatter & longer for powder.

What sizes do they offer? I'd say 1 size down from the 164's would be good for you.

 

[SV Gal]

Ski Length on Burning Luv's

They offer 160's or 153's. They just offered to trade out the 153's if I hate them, so I guess I will be OK. I have been going to Mt Pilchuck Ski Shop for 35 years so I guess between my older T-9's at 172 and the newer skis at 153, i will have quite a choice!

We will see what happens this weekend.

 

[SnowHot]

You may not like my opinion.
I think that we are being sold short on skis.
I'd go with the 160. No doubt!!!

 

[Gloria]

K2's are measured running length not tip-tail though. Keep that in mind. The 160 Phat is actually more like a 167ish when measured t to t. I went from a 172?8? Volkl to a 156 a year ago for my everyday ski, and overall, I am pretty happy. My powder skis are a 167 though....So I think it depends on the purpose also. I think carvers and powder skis go longer, mid-fat all mounts a little shorter not so bad.

 

[hucksno]

How about the tough luv? I am curious about this one. Anyone know anything?

All I know about the Tough Luv (88mm) is that it is a beefed up Lotta Luv (78mm- although the cores are the same). The burnin, lotta, and tough all have metal laminates so you'll be more stable at higher speeds. That's about the extent of my knowledge.

 

[Shellski]

Go the 160's for the Burnin's, I am about your size and that's what I have, and they are perfect.

 

[Pequenita]

I am buying the K2 burning Luv ski.

I am 5'4 and weigh 155. I have been told by my ski shop and instructor friends that I should go to the 153 cm from 172 K-2 T-9's. I love my T-9's but have had them 4 years. I ski in Sun Valley ID.

Do you all have an opinion about the length. I am nervous that the skis will be too short for me and I should get the 160's.

I also think you'll get the most out of these skis if you get the 160s. I say this because I had demo people setting me -- 60 pounds lighter than you -- up on the 153s (which were a little unwieldy).

 

[SV Gal]

Ski Length k2 Burning Luv

We are going to the airport at 2pm to move to Sun Valley for the winter. I will go get the 160's. Thank you all for reinforcing my doubts about the 153's!

I will get back to you after the weekend of skiing. Sandy

 

[SnowHot]

You may be moving for the winter but you're never far from SkiDiva!

Have fun on the new sticks!