I am in desperate need of new skis. Been on 176 Salomon Xscreams since 1998, 100+ days. Never been crazy about them actually, too long/stiff. I've demo'd/rented many skis over the years and have liked Volkls and Nordicas. Not a fan of K2s or Rossies. Never tried Dynastars, Atomics, or Fischers, but would like to. Any recs would help. I am 5'4, 120 pounds, advanced to expert. Love the steeps and short, tight turns. Mostly a New England skier. Want to make the right choice, because I probably won't buy again for a while. ;)
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Best All Mountain Expert Skis???
- Thread starter Nro
- Start date
Welcome to our world. Our mantra here on skis is DEMO. Anything and everything. So some thoughts to make a list:
Salomon - 2008's - Origin or Topaz, 2009's -Origin, Opal or Topaz
Atomic - 2008's - Foxy Mama or Sugar Mama. 2009's Heaven Gate or Seventh Heaven (same skis, new name, new graphics)
Rossi - stay away from the women's stuff. Look at the Z5 or 2009 Z6. Same ski, new number.
As for length 154-160 should be enough. I'm the same height, more weight.
MSL - Dynastars???
Salomon - 2008's - Origin or Topaz, 2009's -Origin, Opal or Topaz
Atomic - 2008's - Foxy Mama or Sugar Mama. 2009's Heaven Gate or Seventh Heaven (same skis, new name, new graphics)
Rossi - stay away from the women's stuff. Look at the Z5 or 2009 Z6. Same ski, new number.
As for length 154-160 should be enough. I'm the same height, more weight.
MSL - Dynastars???
vanhoskier
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
A lot will depend on what waist width you want...how much flotation is necessary? But your turn radius will also factor in big and affect the width.
The Volkl Fuegos have a narrower waist than the Auras...the Auras are made for flotation. That's the big difference. I'll let people who own both skis chime in.
I love my Line Celebrities but they're 90mm waist and you may find that too wide for short little turns you want to make...but they're extremely versatile and very fun (they are twin tips).
I know Ski Diva likes her Fischers, MSL loves Dynastars (I've seen some cool ones online) and several women here love the PE, although that's K2.
The Volkl Fuegos have a narrower waist than the Auras...the Auras are made for flotation. That's the big difference. I'll let people who own both skis chime in.
I love my Line Celebrities but they're 90mm waist and you may find that too wide for short little turns you want to make...but they're extremely versatile and very fun (they are twin tips).
I know Ski Diva likes her Fischers, MSL loves Dynastars (I've seen some cool ones online) and several women here love the PE, although that's K2.
Not sure if this is diva-like lol... but I LOVE my new Volkl AC30s (uni-sex). I've got 40 pds on you, not sure if that makes a difference - but I ski new england exclusively and find these are the best all round. I skied Volkl 5 stars before this - which are great cruisers, especially on hardpack (ie this past Sunday lol). But bumps are my favorite, and they weren't responsive or quick enough. Yet, a bump ski for NE is not a one quiver choice (I'm a one quiver diva). I'm expert and cannot believe how these volkls "stick" to the snow. The AC30s are not as good as the 5 stars for this, but I'm willing to give that up a bit for their quickness. Like you - I get one pair of skis and ski the crap out of them, then get another... so no more for me for a few more years, so it's got to be the right choice.
If you like to go fast, with confidence that the ski will not cause you to wipe out but still like to rip up the bumps - check them out. I've never demo'd the ladies version, so not sure how they compare there, but I love love love mine.
Good luck demo-ing - it's a blast.
ETA: My 5stars were 168, which were great for cruising. But for my new ones I got 163s b/c I wanted to be bit quicker in the bumps. Hmmm...maybe that's why my AC30s aren't as great cruisers as my 5 stars (?)... I'd stick with both those lengths if I were buying again.
If you like to go fast, with confidence that the ski will not cause you to wipe out but still like to rip up the bumps - check them out. I've never demo'd the ladies version, so not sure how they compare there, but I love love love mine.
Good luck demo-ing - it's a blast.
ETA: My 5stars were 168, which were great for cruising. But for my new ones I got 163s b/c I wanted to be bit quicker in the bumps. Hmmm...maybe that's why my AC30s aren't as great cruisers as my 5 stars (?)... I'd stick with both those lengths if I were buying again.
MaineSkiLady
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm a tad hesitant to recommend anything to an advanced/expert. Personal choice is such a huge component of this. Indeed, most of the Dynastar Exclusive line is big on turning - a lot. (possibly Excl Fluid?)
I usually refer people here for starters:
https://www.skipressworld.com:80/Sk...languageId=1§ion=skifinder&type=skifinder
Lots of good info.
Also:
https://www.ski-review.com/content/section/2/30/
And Sierra Snowboard offers up some good reviews as well.
Ultimately, it's a personal choice, for sure.
OP sounds like a Volkl Attiva/K2 Burnin' Luv (why no K2? Much to choose from!) type of skier. Or Nordica Firefox?
Definitely do a demo day somewhere. Fun, and the ones that work for you will truly shine.
I usually refer people here for starters:
https://www.skipressworld.com:80/Sk...languageId=1§ion=skifinder&type=skifinder
Lots of good info.
Also:
https://www.ski-review.com/content/section/2/30/
And Sierra Snowboard offers up some good reviews as well.
Ultimately, it's a personal choice, for sure.
OP sounds like a Volkl Attiva/K2 Burnin' Luv (why no K2? Much to choose from!) type of skier. Or Nordica Firefox?
Definitely do a demo day somewhere. Fun, and the ones that work for you will truly shine.
canski
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Nro,
I am also a New England Skier (NH) - 5'5, 120 - advanced/expert and ski lots of steeps and like a quick turning ski. I recently demo'd and bought Fischer RX8 Fire in 155 - unisex ski - and moved the binding forward (3 settings on binding). Besides the obvious reason - female mounting point, I also have a 22 boot, so forward is good for me. This ski has been amazingly great in the varying conditions the past month - firm groomed, dense 3-5" 'powder', even when clumped they just plow thru, light 6" powder, spring slush. I love how quickly they turn (R11 at 155), but you can back off a bit and long turns are no problem. They can go fast and are solid, but not heavy. What I do like about them is that they don't have a wimpy, light tip that I find many women's skis do have so you do not get thrown around by the clumped up stuff - and absolutely no chatter. Before, I had been on and loved a 158 Fischer Vision 76 for 3 years, probably best replacement is the Vision Vapor, tho I have not demo'd it has similar dimensions to the Vision 76 (wider underfoot than RX8, and R14 or so). Surprisingly, when I compared the 2 last week, they were very similar, except I really appreciate the extra quickness of the RX8. I think I just really like the Fischer feel of no chatter.
Another friend (same size and ability and she goes very fast) loves her 152 Elan Magfire 8's - unisex midfat with small radius . Says they are just fun and can handle everything.
This forum seems to concentrate on women's skis, which have improved drastically, but don't rule out unisex skis - especially the 'lower' level (recreational race, or advanced, not expert) men's models (we don't need 2 sheets of metal at our weight!) if they come short enough (150-155 for us East Coast lightweights - I would go longer if I were a Western skier) and especially if you can have the bindings mounted forward (some make it easier than others - Fischer, one screw and you can adjust it). As a matter of fact, RX8's have identical dimensions to the Fischer Vision 50, which I liked when I demo'd 4 years ago, and a friend with the same size boot has the V50 155's. I stood next to her, and the binding on my RX8 with the forward mounting point is in the exact same place as hers!
And I do not believe that the Aura would be the ski for you (East Coast, short turns).
I'm not bashing women's skis, just offering up some unisex options that have been tried and loved by similar size and ability New England skiers. I also have friends on Nordica Olympia Victory 147 (she is smaller) and Drive 154 (same size - tip may get deflected a bit). I also demo'd the Nordica Conquer and liked it (similar to my Vision 76, but maybe a bit stiffer). And I liked the Volkl Fuego (but felt the tip was wierdly light) and Tierra when I demo'd, just liked the RX8 the best.
Demo, demo, demo, but try both women's and unisex skis since you are advanced/expert, and used to unisex skis - especially if you like to go fast and plow thru stuff.
(by the way, when I demo'd, I did not like Rossi or K2 either ,but did like Nordica and Volkl and Fischer)
I am also a New England Skier (NH) - 5'5, 120 - advanced/expert and ski lots of steeps and like a quick turning ski. I recently demo'd and bought Fischer RX8 Fire in 155 - unisex ski - and moved the binding forward (3 settings on binding). Besides the obvious reason - female mounting point, I also have a 22 boot, so forward is good for me. This ski has been amazingly great in the varying conditions the past month - firm groomed, dense 3-5" 'powder', even when clumped they just plow thru, light 6" powder, spring slush. I love how quickly they turn (R11 at 155), but you can back off a bit and long turns are no problem. They can go fast and are solid, but not heavy. What I do like about them is that they don't have a wimpy, light tip that I find many women's skis do have so you do not get thrown around by the clumped up stuff - and absolutely no chatter. Before, I had been on and loved a 158 Fischer Vision 76 for 3 years, probably best replacement is the Vision Vapor, tho I have not demo'd it has similar dimensions to the Vision 76 (wider underfoot than RX8, and R14 or so). Surprisingly, when I compared the 2 last week, they were very similar, except I really appreciate the extra quickness of the RX8. I think I just really like the Fischer feel of no chatter.
Another friend (same size and ability and she goes very fast) loves her 152 Elan Magfire 8's - unisex midfat with small radius . Says they are just fun and can handle everything.
This forum seems to concentrate on women's skis, which have improved drastically, but don't rule out unisex skis - especially the 'lower' level (recreational race, or advanced, not expert) men's models (we don't need 2 sheets of metal at our weight!) if they come short enough (150-155 for us East Coast lightweights - I would go longer if I were a Western skier) and especially if you can have the bindings mounted forward (some make it easier than others - Fischer, one screw and you can adjust it). As a matter of fact, RX8's have identical dimensions to the Fischer Vision 50, which I liked when I demo'd 4 years ago, and a friend with the same size boot has the V50 155's. I stood next to her, and the binding on my RX8 with the forward mounting point is in the exact same place as hers!
And I do not believe that the Aura would be the ski for you (East Coast, short turns).
I'm not bashing women's skis, just offering up some unisex options that have been tried and loved by similar size and ability New England skiers. I also have friends on Nordica Olympia Victory 147 (she is smaller) and Drive 154 (same size - tip may get deflected a bit). I also demo'd the Nordica Conquer and liked it (similar to my Vision 76, but maybe a bit stiffer). And I liked the Volkl Fuego (but felt the tip was wierdly light) and Tierra when I demo'd, just liked the RX8 the best.
Demo, demo, demo, but try both women's and unisex skis since you are advanced/expert, and used to unisex skis - especially if you like to go fast and plow thru stuff.
(by the way, when I demo'd, I did not like Rossi or K2 either ,but did like Nordica and Volkl and Fischer)
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Probably, except she's mostly a New England skier.$5 says that every single person will recommend the Volkl Auras.
If you also venture out West on a regular basis (or Europe) then definitely look hard at the Aura. It rocks on anything deep, steep, or cruddy, but you'll find that it doesn't perform at its best on really, really hard snow or ice.
If you need that ice performance then the Fuego or Nordica Firefox is a superb choice, but go longer than you'd think if stability at speed is a priority. For a more all-around ride, the Tierra or the up-coming Aurora are also stellar choices.
How about a quiver????
Fuego and Aura, and you've got everything except the deepest pow covered!!! (we're great enablers here )Native Vail Gal
Banned
oragejuice
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
$5 says that every single person will recommend the Volkl Auras.
Not for the East Coast.... haha. I only say that to prove you wrong.
But seriously, question... Volklgirl. What do I need for the "deepest pow" vs. Auras?
Chic pea
Diva in Training
Nro,
I agree with Canski - there are some great "boys" skis out there and they are worth having a go. I have never ever been a Rossignol fan but demoed their Zenith Z11 Mutix skis for 4 days this year and was very impressed. I skied everything from GS courses to knee-deep powder, trees and lots of crud along the way. Overall 9/10...definitely worth a demo.
I agree with Canski - there are some great "boys" skis out there and they are worth having a go. I have never ever been a Rossignol fan but demoed their Zenith Z11 Mutix skis for 4 days this year and was very impressed. I skied everything from GS courses to knee-deep powder, trees and lots of crud along the way. Overall 9/10...definitely worth a demo.
MaineSkiLady
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Another agreement. I've been primarily on a unisex ski this season, and it is by far the most versatile ski I own. Only balks in deep(er) snow - alas, not often an issue in NE.
jaydog
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
The best ski I've found for short quick turns and steeps was the Lotta Luv. Hung on like nobody's business, and danced through moguls with ease. I was also very impressed by the Victory- very maneuverable, and very stable, great crudbuster as well. I'm currently skiing the Fischer Vision 76, and love it- so I'd recommend looking at the Vapor as well. The corresponding Volkl would be the Tierra, which I haven't skied.
I'm 5'5" 130lbs, advanced, and have found that women's skis work best for me.
I'm 5'5" 130lbs, advanced, and have found that women's skis work best for me.
Just got back from an awesome spring skiing day. Demos are slim picking at this time of year, but I was psyched to find a 154 Nordica Firefox. My excitement quickly faded as I pointed them downhill. They were so difficult to maneuver in the heavy/soft snow. Brought them right back and got 155 Fischer Vapors.....LOVE! Seriously had so much fun. I felt like I was floating through the slush all day, awesome turns, so stable. I think we could spend some happy years together, but not ready to commit just yet. Rented 158 Dynastar Exclusive Legends for tomorrow and I'd still like to try Volkls. Since the Fuegos seem comparible to the Firefox, I am thinking maybe I should look for Tierras. I am also intrigued by the unisex suggestions here. Anyway, thanks for all the help ladies. I think this may be my new favorite website.
ZealouslyB
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
HELP: Line Celebrity, Rossi Scratch Girl BC or Volkl Queen????
I am also in the same boat...... 5'6, 170lb advanced/expert skier living in Maine. I consider myself a 'reformed racer' after a life changing trip out to Utah a few years back... no more gates, I want trees!!!
I'm currently on a 164 Fischer Vision 76 and I LOVE them. I ski hard, like the stiffness of my V76's, they carve like a dream whether I'm on them hard or just cruising. They're also great in crud and (sometimes) in the woods. However, I want to add to my quiver a midfat that I can use in the East and also take out West 1-2 times a year and still have fun on.
Out West I skied on the K2 Phat Luv and adored the ski. That made me think about getting the Auras since they were a little skinnier underfoot, but ultimately I decided they weren't right for me since I primarily ski the East, they just don't seem exactly what I want right now.
I also tried the Dynastar Exclusive Legend and honestly I didn't like them at all. I found them tough to maneuver, heavy. So, I'm not going for those.
I just had my 25th birthday this week (yay!), my boyfriend is buying me a pair of skis. So this is where I'm at, what I've narrowed down to:
'08 Celebrity Line in a 165 at $280
'08 Rossi Scratch Girl BC in a 170 at $210
'06 Volkl Queen Attiva in a 172 at $265.
I can't find the Celebrities any longer for my price range.
Any thoughts on what to go for?? Demoing isn't an option right now..... I'm not scared to just go for it and try something new but I would like the opinions of some good women skiers, not the BF who's telling me a 170 is too long......
I'm making the choice this weekend
, any insight is appreciated!!
Thanks ladies!!!!
I am also in the same boat...... 5'6, 170lb advanced/expert skier living in Maine. I consider myself a 'reformed racer' after a life changing trip out to Utah a few years back... no more gates, I want trees!!!
I'm currently on a 164 Fischer Vision 76 and I LOVE them. I ski hard, like the stiffness of my V76's, they carve like a dream whether I'm on them hard or just cruising. They're also great in crud and (sometimes) in the woods. However, I want to add to my quiver a midfat that I can use in the East and also take out West 1-2 times a year and still have fun on.
Out West I skied on the K2 Phat Luv and adored the ski. That made me think about getting the Auras since they were a little skinnier underfoot, but ultimately I decided they weren't right for me since I primarily ski the East, they just don't seem exactly what I want right now.
I also tried the Dynastar Exclusive Legend and honestly I didn't like them at all. I found them tough to maneuver, heavy. So, I'm not going for those.
I just had my 25th birthday this week (yay!), my boyfriend is buying me a pair of skis. So this is where I'm at, what I've narrowed down to:
'08 Celebrity Line in a 165 at $280
'08 Rossi Scratch Girl BC in a 170 at $210
'06 Volkl Queen Attiva in a 172 at $265.
I can't find the Celebrities any longer for my price range.
Any thoughts on what to go for?? Demoing isn't an option right now..... I'm not scared to just go for it and try something new but I would like the opinions of some good women skiers, not the BF who's telling me a 170 is too long......
I'm making the choice this weekend
, any insight is appreciated!!Thanks ladies!!!!
