After living in CO for 5 years, I'm making the leap to buying instead of renting. I am a solid level 7 skiier (could be an 8 on a good day). I love to go fast, find moguls challenging, but am hoping to improve my technique there. I don't do trees. I'm looking for a high performance ski that I can keep for some time. I'm leaning toward's the K2 Burnin Luv or Lotta Luv but am also considering the Volk Attiva AC3. I am a bit concerned that the Burnin Luv and AC3 may be too stiff for a powdery CO. I know I should ideally have a quiver, but that's not in the budget right now. I am 5'6 and 135 pounds - definitely strong and athletic for a woman. I'm hoping to take advantage of some of the end of season sales, so any advice is appreciated. I have boots (now I just need skis!)
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All Purpose Ski for Colorado
- Thread starter CO_Skiier
- Start date
The problem with looking at these skis is that they were the HOT skis of recent years and many of us have good reviews about the.
BUT,(there's always a but)
There is some phenomenal stuff coming on the horizon that will take you to the next level of ski technology.
I loved the Nordicas I demoed in the middle of the season and I'll be demoing some Elans soon.
Let me get back to you in a week or so on some of the new stuff.
Skis in the new intrigue area for me are:
Nordica Conquer(demoed and liked very much)
Elan Free Spice(ugly graphix but an intriguing ski in dimensions and technology)
Elan Wave Spice (much like the magfire line up and definitely an aggressive womens ski design)
BUT,(there's always a but)
There is some phenomenal stuff coming on the horizon that will take you to the next level of ski technology.
I loved the Nordicas I demoed in the middle of the season and I'll be demoing some Elans soon.
Let me get back to you in a week or so on some of the new stuff.
Skis in the new intrigue area for me are:
Nordica Conquer(demoed and liked very much)
Elan Free Spice(ugly graphix but an intriguing ski in dimensions and technology)
Elan Wave Spice (much like the magfire line up and definitely an aggressive womens ski design)
Thanks for the quick Reply
My only concern with the new technology is how long I'll have to wait to get a screaming deal on it. I'm seeing some end of season sales for the K2's at $300-350 (the 300 was slightly used). The AC3s seem to be harder to find - I found one for $500. Do you really think they'll be a big enough difference to justify the much bigger price tag?
My only concern with the new technology is how long I'll have to wait to get a screaming deal on it. I'm seeing some end of season sales for the K2's at $300-350 (the 300 was slightly used). The AC3s seem to be harder to find - I found one for $500. Do you really think they'll be a big enough difference to justify the much bigger price tag?
lil mountain girl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
CO_Skiier said:
sales are wicked deals . . . just make sure your also buying the ski because you love it, otherwise you won't be happy.
if you like the skis, and it's a rippin' deal, I say go for it! :D
next season may have "improvements in ski technology" but overall price is definatly an important thing to consider (especially for your first pair of skis).
as a friend of mine put it . . . "sure you can spend $1000 plus on one pair of skis, or you can buy 2 pairs -- for different conditions -- for the same price and have 'the perfect' settup . . ."
You gotta love a bargain!
I agree that a bargain on this year/last year gear is a great thing to get into, and I'm not negating that in any way.
The Skis you mentioned are all at the top of the line, but of them, I'd be more inclined to the Volkls or the BL. The laminate construction will hold up to the test of time.
As was mentioned in another thread, look for the type of construction,
(Laminate/torsion box), and also the type of core(foam, wood)
All of these factor into the performance of the ski but also the longevity of the ski.
Laminate/wood, will outlast box/foam over a period of time. However, the laminat/wood type construction may not be the ski performance you like when you demo.
Gotta demo, gotta get what you like, and put that silly grin on your face.
I agree that a bargain on this year/last year gear is a great thing to get into, and I'm not negating that in any way.
The Skis you mentioned are all at the top of the line, but of them, I'd be more inclined to the Volkls or the BL. The laminate construction will hold up to the test of time.
As was mentioned in another thread, look for the type of construction,
(Laminate/torsion box), and also the type of core(foam, wood)
All of these factor into the performance of the ski but also the longevity of the ski.
Laminate/wood, will outlast box/foam over a period of time. However, the laminat/wood type construction may not be the ski performance you like when you demo.
Gotta demo, gotta get what you like, and put that silly grin on your face.
Little Lightning
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
The question is , have you found something you like now?
$350 vs $800-$1100 at the beginning of the season? Hmm, I recommend buying what you like now, if you think you want something different next season at least you have a ski until the new stuff goes on sale at the end of next season.
I've also found that when a ski is new companies tend to "improve" them by a year or 2 later by changing them.
Do you plan to ski mostly groomed or do you aspire to skiing off piste?
I have Volkl Gamma Supersport (early version of the Attiva S5) and the K2 Fat Luv but just bought the Lotta Luv's because I ski more off piste than I did when I bought my Volkl's. I've been taking lessons and most of the time we work on bumps. The Lotta Luv's have really helped me improve in the bumps. I've skied the Lotta Luv's in the spring condtions that we are having now and I've been surprisingly happy with them on the morning corduroy.
My friend skis the Burnin Luv in all Co. conditions but she skis mostly groomed.
I didn't try the AC3's because I thought they would be to much like the Volkl's I already have.
Kathi
$350 vs $800-$1100 at the beginning of the season? Hmm, I recommend buying what you like now, if you think you want something different next season at least you have a ski until the new stuff goes on sale at the end of next season.
I've also found that when a ski is new companies tend to "improve" them by a year or 2 later by changing them.
Do you plan to ski mostly groomed or do you aspire to skiing off piste?
I have Volkl Gamma Supersport (early version of the Attiva S5) and the K2 Fat Luv but just bought the Lotta Luv's because I ski more off piste than I did when I bought my Volkl's. I've been taking lessons and most of the time we work on bumps. The Lotta Luv's have really helped me improve in the bumps. I've skied the Lotta Luv's in the spring condtions that we are having now and I've been surprisingly happy with them on the morning corduroy.
My friend skis the Burnin Luv in all Co. conditions but she skis mostly groomed.
I didn't try the AC3's because I thought they would be to much like the Volkl's I already have.
Kathi
Completely different ski, with a completely different feel.Little Lightning said:
You may be amazed with the difference in the different versions of the same thing or other things in the same line up.
Also the BL changed a lot from 05 to 07.
The side cut is more significant. The buyers are being told to ski it short, which - IMO - is a big mistake. I think women are being sold short on their ski length and can outski most anything a shop will be inclined to put "her" on.
But then I am on a ski forum with some substantial women skiers that are at the top of the game.:D
I have the Volkl AC3s and have had my up and down days with them this season. I'm just under 5' 7", 142 lbs., intermediate to advanced skiier (depending on conditions). I started with the 163s and found them stiff, heavy, and difficult to turn in Montana in powder and soft crud conditions. I switched them down to a 156 length and like them so much more. I had an amazing day ripping down groomers and cutting through soft piles of snow in Vermont last week. Honestly it was the best day of skiing I've ever had and those skis performed SO WELL. I just leaned a little, rolled my ankles, and voila! Speed and stablity. I was also able to do short turns and even managed down a loooong mogel run that I entered accidentally. Yesterday in slushy snow in Vermont the AC3s performed well, although they felt a bit stiff in those soft conditions. I have the Attiva 5 Stars too (the '06 verson of the Attiva S5) and that's a different ski --more of a carver and skinnier. The AC3s have really good width. It's a great ski and worth the $ but on very soft deep powder days, I think a wider, softer ski would perform better. The Aura is too advanced a ski for me with too wide a turning radius. Well, those are my thoughts about the AC3. If you're skiing out west, I think you'd want a second fat, soft powder ski. And forget about bumps with the AC3 -- they're too stiff. Which means . . . a third ski for the quiver! The AC3 is a good investment, however, for a ski that will last for a long time.
Little Lightning
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I love the Lotta Luv's in bumps, that's what I bought them for and had fun with them in 4" of powder. For deeper stuff I ski my Fat Luv's.
As far as length, I ski the same length in all my skis, the 153 range.
With the variable conditions this is a good time to demo.
What skis have you been renting?
Another reason that I chose the Lotta Luv's was because Skiing magazine rated the Lotta Luv's higher for float, off-piste, speed and finesse. I'm more of a technical skier than manhandling the ski. The AC3 was rated higher for carving and power.
As far as length, I ski the same length in all my skis, the 153 range.
With the variable conditions this is a good time to demo.
What skis have you been renting?
Another reason that I chose the Lotta Luv's was because Skiing magazine rated the Lotta Luv's higher for float, off-piste, speed and finesse. I'm more of a technical skier than manhandling the ski. The AC3 was rated higher for carving and power.
I rent whatever I can pick up close and cheap to the slopes, nothing fancy at all. My friend keeps telling me if I had decent skis I wouldn't have such a hard time when she leads me down a double black. I know I can't expect a ski to handle a heavy powder day and I definitely have a fat ski on my horizon for the next purchase. But I am hoping for something that I can fly down the "easy" blacks and tackle some bumps.
Little Lightning
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Your friend is correct, a decent ski will help a lot. My Volkl is a wonderful ski but I couldn't seem to get the "feel" of bumps. I demoed the lotta Luvs during my weekly lesson and I honestly don't think I did anything different but the skis just glided through the bumps like water. Suddenly the bumps made sense, I haven't skied the Volkl's since I bought the Lotta's. I'm saving them for the Jan. hardpack!
Kathi
Kathi
kempokelly
Certified Ski Diva
I also live in Coloarado and am in a similar situation (although you sound like a more advanced skier than me)... I just started 'demoing' the end of this season. It made a BIG difference (performance, confidence)...
Lots of good sales RIGHT now!!! Whaaa, I walked into a store looking for skis...and browsed (bad idea)... and found a ski jacket in my size and color (marked down, marked down again!)... was too good a deal to pass (boohoo)...
I researched a bit online and compared prices for demo skis in the area... Most places have 2 or 3 categories for rentals: Sport, Performance and Demo. With Demo skis being top of the line.
This might be obvious to some of the folks here... but, a whole new world opened up to me, so I thought to share what I learned.
At some places you can save between $3 - $6 by reserving ahead of time and online, rather than walking-in the same day. I found it is cheaper to rent down from the mtn. (i.e. Denver) than on the slopes/at the resorts. However, an advantage to renting on the mtn. is that you can demo as many skis that same day... I'm going to try that route next time.
I used Colorado Ski & Golf in Aurora (which uses www.rentskis.com to reserve) and demo'd a Burnin' Luv for $22/day (+ $5 for damage ins.). I picked it up the day before after 3:30p and returned before noon the day after. That rental can go towards the purchase of skis (I think they said up to $100). They were so helpful at the counter, even let me go behind and look at what they had available to demo.
Good luck and keep us posted on your experiences!
Lots of good sales RIGHT now!!! Whaaa, I walked into a store looking for skis...and browsed (bad idea)... and found a ski jacket in my size and color (marked down, marked down again!)... was too good a deal to pass (boohoo)...
I researched a bit online and compared prices for demo skis in the area... Most places have 2 or 3 categories for rentals: Sport, Performance and Demo. With Demo skis being top of the line.
This might be obvious to some of the folks here... but, a whole new world opened up to me, so I thought to share what I learned.
At some places you can save between $3 - $6 by reserving ahead of time and online, rather than walking-in the same day. I found it is cheaper to rent down from the mtn. (i.e. Denver) than on the slopes/at the resorts. However, an advantage to renting on the mtn. is that you can demo as many skis that same day... I'm going to try that route next time.
I used Colorado Ski & Golf in Aurora (which uses www.rentskis.com to reserve) and demo'd a Burnin' Luv for $22/day (+ $5 for damage ins.). I picked it up the day before after 3:30p and returned before noon the day after. That rental can go towards the purchase of skis (I think they said up to $100). They were so helpful at the counter, even let me go behind and look at what they had available to demo.
Good luck and keep us posted on your experiences!
Gloria
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
One ski quiver
I also am a one ski quiver girl who skis in the Rockies as well. I have a pair of Volkl 724 pros (replaced by the ac4 ) which have been a very good ski for the variable conditions at our ski area. They float decently in powder and they have excellent grip on the hardpack and anhialate crust and crud. They are at their worst in the bumps but fine if you stay over the tops of them. So overall, unless you are going to be skiing bottomless powder for days on end ( i would reccomend something softer and lighter ), or skiing exclusively on moguls you should be fine on either the K2 or the Volkl. Whichever you like best. Although there are alot of skis out there that are more specific to different types of skiing, there is nothing wrong with having one ski that does a few things as long as you are comfortable on the ski you will be able to ski it in anything.
I also am a one ski quiver girl who skis in the Rockies as well. I have a pair of Volkl 724 pros (replaced by the ac4 ) which have been a very good ski for the variable conditions at our ski area. They float decently in powder and they have excellent grip on the hardpack and anhialate crust and crud. They are at their worst in the bumps but fine if you stay over the tops of them. So overall, unless you are going to be skiing bottomless powder for days on end ( i would reccomend something softer and lighter ), or skiing exclusively on moguls you should be fine on either the K2 or the Volkl. Whichever you like best. Although there are alot of skis out there that are more specific to different types of skiing, there is nothing wrong with having one ski that does a few things as long as you are comfortable on the ski you will be able to ski it in anything.
Gloria
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
another thought
One ski that you may also want to try is the Atomic Sweet Mama.
I skied the lotta luv and the sweet daddy at Jackson last year and
the Sweet Daddy performed right between my Volkls and the lotta luvs. They were lighter than the Volkl's and more stable on hardpack and livelier than the lotta luv's. The sweet daddy has a stiff tail similiar to the volkls, but I am assuming that they softened it up in the sweet mama which may make a huge difference to you between the options. It may be a good compromise.
One ski that you may also want to try is the Atomic Sweet Mama.
I skied the lotta luv and the sweet daddy at Jackson last year and
the Sweet Daddy performed right between my Volkls and the lotta luvs. They were lighter than the Volkl's and more stable on hardpack and livelier than the lotta luv's. The sweet daddy has a stiff tail similiar to the volkls, but I am assuming that they softened it up in the sweet mama which may make a huge difference to you between the options. It may be a good compromise.
I haven't read this whole thread, but I just wanted to throw the Head iM77 into the suggestion pile. It's getting replaced by the iM78 next season, so if you can find some left in your length you'd get quite a deal. I just bought a pair and think they're a great one ski quiver:
- 15.2 turn radius (at 163) makes them managable in trees and bumps
- 77mm underfoot is fat enough for some versatility
- just soft enough to not dive in powder
- just stiff enough to bust through crud
Check out this thread at epic and read the bottom of the first post where he summarizes "choose the iM77 if..": https://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=35791
- 15.2 turn radius (at 163) makes them managable in trees and bumps
- 77mm underfoot is fat enough for some versatility
- just soft enough to not dive in powder
- just stiff enough to bust through crud
Check out this thread at epic and read the bottom of the first post where he summarizes "choose the iM77 if..": https://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=35791
