demo day and question about head power thang

[greekpeakskier]

The weather could not have been an worse for this demo day. Pouring rain (so bad that the élan tent collapsed a corner at one point and poured gallons of water down my neck). The reps described the snow as boilerplate with crud on top. Visibility was near zero at the top of the lift. But I’d been waiting all winter to demo. So it was me, another woman, the ski patrol, and a few shop owners. And there might have been a few other guys around during the day. The skis were next year’s models (2009), but I only asked about the difference between the 2008 and 2009 in the fuego, the head, and the goode. Reps of all three said they were the same.

I’m a 51 year old 5’7” 146 pounds. Skiing seriously (50 plus days) for two seasons. Instructor described me last week as level 7. But I bet I’m really level 6.

A number of skis I wanted to try were not there (opel, firefox). But I didn’t really care that much, I wanted to try to figure out the difference between a variety of skis. And I learned a ton.

I started the day with the 154cmAttiva Fuego that everyone loves. And to start the day, it was… great. But I didn’t know what to compare it to. So I tried a bunch of other skis and came back to it (and will talk about it at the end).

I moved to a Elan Speed Magic in a 152. And hated it. Could not wait to get off of it. Of course it’s not for this sort of snow, but it was so light and … jumpy. I wondered if all race skis would move like that I should just stick to my mid-fats. But..

I fell in love with the next ski – the Head “One Power” which is simply the “power thang” with new graphics and a new name. I know that people on this list prefer the Fischer Breeze, and I would have loved to have skied the Elan back to back with the head and the fischer because I was ready to walk about a buy this year’s “power thang,” which is the same thing. Even in the crud, it flew and turned with an ease I’m not used to. I kept it for a while because of its ease, even in the crud. It felt like flying but with a stability the Elan lacked.


Then I tried the Goode 68 in a 152. It was a sweet little ski, that, once I learned to handle the light weight, felt consistent and easy. I didn’t feel like it had a personality except to invisibly do my bidding in nice, round turns. But I miss the personality of the other skis. For east coast skiing, I just can’t see it.

Finally, I went back to the Fuego. And it did rock. Far outperformed on the crud, would just mow through it as if it were not there. By far the most confidence building ski of the day. And my favorite.

I would not, however, buy it. I expected either the Fuego (or the Firefox) to convince me to flip my Nordica Victory’s and jump up. However, although the Fuego (121 -73 - 105) skis better than my Victory’s (119-74-104), it skis similarly, and I have to admit that a higher end ski will not improve my skiing much at this point. As much as I’d like to believe that equipment is the magic bullet, skiing comparing the Fuegos with my Victory’s convinced me that it is not.

However, since equipment is not going to solve my skiing problems, I might as well buy a ski for fun, and am going after either the Head Power Thang 2008 (111 67 97) or the Fischer Breeze (118 74 104). I might do the Fischer based on the recommendations of the forum alone – it seems others consistently had the experience I had when comparing the Elan and the Head and THEN preferred the Fischer.

There doesn’t seem to be a soul here who prefers the Head over the Fischer (the only women’s ski the Fischer rep had was the Vapor, and I wasn’t going to ski that). It’s hard to get over the great feeling of the Head I did ski and not buy it. So, anyone love the Heads?

 

[Jilly]

I demo'd the Power Thang 2008 last year at NSIA for the Ski Diva. Looking up in my notes, I tried a 160cm. I thought that it didn't like the ice or speed. Loved the groomed stuff and short to medium turns. Like you with the elans' I couldn't wait to get rid of it. On the test sheet I gave it a 3/5 overall. Liked the Breeze better. Both are a different ski than your Victory's. My 2 cents. I'm sure there is someone else that's tried these.
As for the Elans, those ski have to be on edge all the time. Otherwise they are jumpy!!

 

[Kano]

. . . And I learned a ton.

. . . since equipment is not going to solve my skiing problems, . .

Isn't it the pits when this is the lesson we learn?

I've had a similar lesson this winter when it comes to my K2 True Luvs. Turned out I haven't "outgrown" them: they're happily skiing too much of what I ask them to do! I'm skiing very differently this winter -- particularly since the off-piste lesson I took in January -- and while I thought that they just weren't cutting it in the early season, I'm finding that the stronger my skills are, the better these buggers perform for me! (darn it!) The good news, though, is that they MUCH prefer neatly groomed snow over just about anything else, and I'm learning to really like the anything else. I really AM going to need to have a quiver -- something that I can bring out for the more interesting snow. Different equipment WILL help me there -- even though it won't necessarily help with my groomer skiing.

I think you shouldn't worry about that we don't see much enthusiasm for the Head ski -- YOU loved it, and you should enjoy it for as long as you do!

What length are you looking for? Look what's on Ebay:

(the link doesn't work on my computer, so here's the long form:
https://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Head-POWE...ZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem )

Kano

 

[SnowHot]

I like the way you describe the skis. The personalities of skis need to match the personality of the skier, in so many ways.

I had never skied on a Head Ski until Stowe 07, and was pleasantly surprised. Really nice ski line up.

You may want to connect with the new Diva who posted this thread in Swap. She may have just the deal for you.

 

[canski]

Hello everyone,
This is my first post.
Me: 55, 5'5". 118 lbs, level 8, skiing for 43 years (can that be!), (including one January at Greek Peak in 1974). I ski about 40 - 50 days/year. Current skis Fischer Vision 76 - 158 -for past 3 years, which I fell in love with at a demo. Last Friday I did a demo day at Cannon and was on both the Head Power One (156), Fischer Breeze (160), Volkl Fuego (154 and 161)and Aurora (163), Atomic Seventh Heaven (158ish??), Nordica FireFox (154?), Salomon Origins (162).
Basically, I like a damp ski that will let me go fast, no chatter, and can handle lots of different conditions and turn shapes. Conditions were groomed flat (after rain a few days earlier, so firm underneath). No chance to try bumps or variable conditions.
The only ski I did not like was the Firefox - something about the turn shape - or maybe the tune, made me take it back after the 1st run. But everything else was very skiable.
But in response to this thread, here are my impressions:

Fischer Breeze - 160. I started with Fischer, since I love my V76's. I really wanted to try the Vapor, but they only had it in a 150, which was too short (I try to stick to the right size for me 155-160 ish on demo days unless there isn't anything else), so went with the Breeze. I was expecting it to not be 'enough' ski for me, but that did not seem to be the case - it had more than I had hoped for - very easy, 'breezy', ski - no chatter and fine at decent speed, but it was early on a groomed day when everything feels good, so no real chance to check out 'variable' conditions. It seemed a bit lighter and easier than my V76's, but similar otherwise. Since it was my 1st ski of the day, I wanted to get back on it when conditions weren't as perfect, but they were closing up shop.

Volkl Fuego - 154 - I know everyone raves about these, and I did like them when I skied them, but I initially hated the feel of them on my feet and on the beginner terrain to get to the lift - These and the Origins - I guess I can't get used to the very light tips they put on some women's skis these days. But, once I got over that, I did like the way they skied - great edge hold and confidence. I later tried the 161's and liked them better, although in bumped up conditions, it may have been the other way around.

Head Power One - 156 - This was my 3rd ski of the day - I loved it! Looking down at such a 'skinny' ski I was not sure what to expect - but it was smooth and powerful, like confidence on my feet at speed. Just really easy for anything I did, but race ski like without feeling heavy. Because conditions were flat and fast, it was perfect. but I really would have liked to try it out in bumps, crud, multiple type conditions. I don't recall any 'kick' out of the ski (which I do like), but I also know I was able to ski it faster and straighter than my V76's on the steep without thinking. I wanted to get back on these, as well, but they did not come back while I was there.

Other skis - I hated to look of the Atomic, it skied OK.
Salomon Origins - that horrible light tip thing, but skied well, but felt a bit long (confirmed by a friend).
Volkl Aurora - just too big & heavy, and I imagine too stiff for any bumps, but skied well - it definitely stayed on the snow! I have a larger friend who fell in love.

Overall impressions. With women's skis, I find that they are making many of them too light - hey, we are already light ourselves, and if the ski is light, then it will bounce all over the place and make us feel out of control. Men, who are much heavier, get much heavier skis - is it any wonder they can go faster?!
I would definitely consider getting the Head Power One for those flat, icy days because they are better than my V76's for those conditions. I would like to try all of them again in variable conditions, what I ski in a lot, and would also like to try the Vapor in my size, the Nordica Olympia Drive (2 friends have it and like it - and I had several of my friends demo it - one has already ordered it - but it was not there when I was looking for it) and Victory.
I thought the Head and Fischer and Volkl all felt different, but I think I could ski any of them and be happy, but on that day the Head was the winner (which surprised me - but i like good surprises!)
So pick the one you liked best, or see if you can get a demo/rental of it and ski it for a whole day (since they are all the same as this year's models).

 

[greekpeakskier]

i found this assessment really helpful. so, the breeze is much lighter than the head power? and you too really liked the head? the rep told me there was no difference between the 2008 and 2009.

thanks, this was exactly the sort of comparison i was looking for.

 

[canski]

Greek Peak skier,
I felt that the Breeze was a bit lighter (but not skittishy) than my current ski - Fischer Vision 76, which was top of the line at the time and probably more like the Vapor, which I did not get to demo. The Breeze is probably an easier ski than the Head Power One - it felt more supple and less powerful/fast (but not slow, just not quite as ready to fly down the hill)than the Head as the Head is narrower, more race/ice oriented ski. But I really liked them both - I wish I had been able to spend more time with each of them and in variable conditions. I also started searching for info on the Head review-wise after skiing it and liking it so much (and found your post) since it is not one of the more commonly discussed models out there.
I haven't skied the Victory yet, but since you feel it is similar to the Fuego, and the Breeze is also a similar shape, maybe it is the different shape of the Head that you are looking for. I felt that the Fuego had a bit more obvious edge/oomph than the Breeze. The Breeze did not have that funky light tip feel that I felt on the Fuego.
Another place to check out is techsupportforskiers.com (or realskiers.com if you are a subscriber - it is a great resource and worth the subscription if you like checking out reviews) - they loved both skis - the Head Power Thang (this year's name) was their ski of the year for speed carving and the Fischer Breeze was their ski of the year for groomer cruising. So they are both great skis.
Good luck!

 

[greekpeakskier]

hey. thanks for the posts. yeah, today i demoed a dynastar contact 8. it just didn't have the power of the head. my ski guy was looking for something in his shop with dimensions as narrow as the head. it made me realize that the read power thang might be a ski that -- just makes me grin. and i'll have to keep my eyes open for a deal.

thanks, folks. as always.

 

[canski]

greekpeakskier,
I may be demoing the Head for a day this weekend - if so I will post Monday and let you know my full day impression. When I called to check availability and asked about other folks reactions, he said everyone loves it - great on ice and in some variable with good rebound, but easy to ski. I tracked down a friend who has it and loves it for everything but deepish Eastern powder (which we have had a lot of this year, but that is certainly not always the case!) - (I am technically a better and more aggressive skier, but she has been on it all year (she skis a lot), having fallen in love with it on a Demo Day last year, and still loves it). It may just be one of those sleeper skis.........
Have a good weekend, and stay tuned!

 

[canski]

greekpeakskier,
As promissed - I did demo this weekend, however, the conditions were not exactly ideal - I had the Power Thang (156) Saturday, which turned out to be an inch or 2 of snow turning to semislush on top of edgeable, soft, ice. The 'snow' got piled up quickly, so variable, spring conditions - not great. I was looking to see how this ski would handle more variable conditions (but perhaps not THAT variable), and I found it somewhat lacking for me - a bit too light and got thrown around more than I liked, which surprised me based on how much I initially liked it on the groomed. However, it sounds like these were exactly the conditions you demoed in and loved them. Perhaps because my Vision 76's , being a wider, heavier, damper ski, (and the 1st women's ski I found stable enough to buy) I am just used to that - I went back to my skis mid morning and had a bit of an adjustment, because the lightness of the Heads made them much easier to turn, but for those conditions, I do like a heavier ski (once I put a bit more oomph into my turns). After things to skied out and flattened out a bit more, I went back to the Heads and liked them as an easier to turn ski, but do not think I will be buying them - at least not yet. When I returned them, the shop said it was not a great day for that narrow a ski (which I knew, but whatcha gonna do!). They then let me take out the Fuego (161) for Sunday - of course the snow firmed up overnight, so I really should have had the Heads (oh well), but it was a good comparison to my other time on the Fuego's. Again, not a great day to love a ski, but it was OK, still seems a bit light for me, but turned easily as a result. (By the way, the 161 Fuego's are about a cm shorter than my 158 Vision 76's).
Overall, since I have skied unisex skis for 40 years, I may just be used to a heavier, damper ski than what the women's skis seem to be. I appreciate the lightness during the turn, but need something more for everything else. I was trying to find something I loved while things were on sale at the end of the year, but I think I will just have to wait till next year and demo a few unisex skis to compare. I have a friend who loves her Elan Magfire 8's (152) - she is my size and skis very fast - says they are just fun - we demoed things a week ago, and she thought the women's skis were too light, as well. So my search continues. I did not think the Power Thang was a bad ski, it turned very easily and I loved it on the groomed day (but it was a day to love most everything) - but I was looking for something with a bit more versatility for me - a bit heavier and wider I think (which I already have, and are still OK with only a few weeks left in the season).

 

[MaineSkiLady]

canski - just carefully read your review (which was great, BTW!), and I surmise from your description of what you like in a ski that you should put the K2 Lotta Luv on your demo list. Sounds like it will fill the gap(s) in what your other demo'd skis didn't provide. Seriously. It rocked. Wish I could afford them :(

 

[canski]

MaineSkiLady,
Thanks for the input, but I did demo that ski a few years ago - has it changed? I had trouble with getting a good edge (could have been the tune) but I did think it was fun. I recommended it to a friend who demoed and bought it and is still enjoying it. I just preferred my Fischer Vision 76 on that day - which seems to be the heaviest, dampest, most stable woman's ski I have been on - I hate chatter or light feeling skis - I guess I like feeling that the ski will stay on the snow so I can go fast. But since my V76's are 3 years old, it is time to find my next ski (or skis) and I love to demo! I want to fall in love with a pair before pulling the trigger, and this past weekend the conditions were not great for making a love connection (I didn't love my own skis, either, but the lightness of the others was what I did not like, that's why I may be trying some 'unisex' models - although with the advent of women's skis, demo vans tend to not carry the 155-160 lengths of mens skis anymore). So many skis, so little time......

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Not sure if it's changed. What I did surmise was that the Lotta really needed the speed to perform - once moving, it got in gear and edged. Could have been the tune on your demo. I so needed to check this ski out that I kept it longer than any of the other 5 I demo'd, just to make sure I had its "feel." Very damp, very stable. If I had less groomer and more "real" snow to enjoy out here in Boilerplate Land, it would be my top choice. Hard to justify the expense right now, though, sadly. Good luck, it is quite the process. Glad your Visions are doing the job for you, though. Have heard many good things.

 

[greekpeakskier]

greekpeakskier,

I found it somewhat lacking for me - a bit too light and got thrown around more than I liked, which surprised me based on how much I initially liked it on the groomed.


However, it sounds like these were exactly the conditions you demoed in and loved them.

well... yes, i loved them enough that i am keeping my eyes open for a pair. BUT, it will be my second pair of skis. there was NO comparison between the head power and the fuego - the fuego charged through the muck, the head was clearly lighter and jumpier. however, i'm looking for a dedicated carver to go with my workhorse nordica victory's -- a ski which is somewhat heavy, predictable and skis like a less well pedigreed fuego -- will work with anything. it is not, however, very fast (though some people on this list found it fast, i haven't -- maybe it's a wax problem) and doesn't love short turns. even though the conditions were miserable, there was a quickness to the heads that i found addictive. i liked the thin waist and would like to have them to ski when the slopes are beautifully groomed or i'm skiing ice.

however, there are GREAT deals out there right now on skis with similiar dimensions -- levelninesports.com is selling their various head xrcs at under 200 and they'll put bindings on. and i am tempted by nordica dobermann or speedmachine series, would really like to demo those.

i'm going to utah for a week in april and wonder what good demo opportunities there might be there.


Overall, since I have skied unisex skis for 40 years, I may just be used to a heavier, damper ski than what the women's skis seem to be. I appreciate the lightness during the turn, but need something more for everything else. I was trying to find something I loved while things were on sale at the end of the year, but I think I will just have to wait till next year and demo a few unisex skis to compare. I have a friend who loves her Elan Magfire 8's (152) - she is my size and skis very fast - says they are just fun - we demoed things a week ago, and she thought the women's skis were too light, as well.


have you skied the elans?

 

[canski]

greekpeakskier,
First of all, I'm jealous that you are going to Utah! (but you will probably not find many 'ice' skis to demo) Have a great time.
Second, I demoed and bought a pair of 'ice' skis yesterday - 155 Fischer RX8 Fires (I guess I am a Fischer girl, and a unisex girl - at least for ice). The beauty of Fischer binding setups is that you can move the binding forward (or back) from the central location by about 5/8", so that effectively you can achieve the forward mounting point of a woman's ski (in case you are looking at any Fischer unisex skis). I skied them for about 6 runs in the center setting, and loved them, but felt the tips not engaging unless I put a fair amount of pressure in to them (more than I really want to at times when I am being lazy- then moved them forward (all you need is a screwdriver - just one screw) and Shazam! Right where I wanted to be. The skis are 116/65/98 and more solid than either the Power Thang or Fuego - I was ripping! It was a groomed day, but I could tell the difference - they were just more solid for me - found a few patches of ice, but no problem, and a few piles of sugar and spring snow and blasted right thru. Super quick turns (R11) and nice long ones too with gobs of rebound when loaded up. But I really like to be able to ski groomers fast and furious (and pretend that I used to race) if it isn't crowded (weekday - not a problem!) and conditions are good. The were also fine at slow speeds! I am a bit concerned for bumps (might be too stiff), but there were none to be found - and the price was right (bought the barely used demo skis - even had retail bindings opposed to demo bindings). Like you, I am keeping my other skis for those 'more variable days', which we had a lot of this year. These skis just seemed to be the 'ones' out of the ones I have tried so far. And I was really on a mission to get something that I really liked while the deals were happening, and I was running out of time and options! Also, my DH has had 2 pair of RX8's over the past 4 years (I had never been able to find a demo pair short enough) and adores them - even in some of the cruddier conditions and bumps, so even though he has about 60 lbs on me, I'm hoping that the difference in length (20 cm) will translate for me. That all remains to be seen, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed - can't wait to get them out there again this weekend and on my home mountain!
No I haven't tried the Elan's yet - I think they are probably similar to my V76's, but if I can find them to demo, will do - alway looking for the next pair.........
As for you, get what feel good for you!

 

[greekpeakskier]

so now you've got me thinking about the rx 8s. -- not that i can demo them around here. hmmm.

how heavy are they? it's clear you loved them, it's a very compelling review.

 

[canski]

greekpeakskier,
I did not feel that they were a heavy ski, just powerful underfoot when putting the pedal to the metal. Some of the reviews (men's) call them light - and too forgiving for the heavier men - so maybe perfect for us?!?!? FYI, was an instructor (weekends) back in the 70's, so am technically good and like to ski aggressively when possible - and these skis made me feel like superman - but not all skis make me want to ski like that. For comparison I got on an old pair of RX6's that I have as 'backup skis' that I haven't been on in 2 years because I preferred my V76's so much more and I felt that the RX6's (160 and binding mounted forward 111/67/96 R13 - very similar to the Power Thang) had a speed limit. When I bought the V76's I was planning on only using them for crud/powder, and the RX6 for ice, but the dampness and lack of speed limit (relatively speaking) of the V76's led them to be my everyday ski for the last 3 years(probably similar to your Victory's). Upon demoing the Power Thang I liked the easy quickness of the narrower ski, so started searching for that feel. Anyway, Tuesday I thought it would be good to compare the RX6, RX8 (having found the demo) and what I could remember about the Power Thang. I will say that the RX6 suffered a bit in the tune department, they were freshly tuned, but 2 years ago, and a bit grabby in spots. I couldn't wait to put the RX8's back on (or my V76's if I had them with me)! All of a sudden the RX6's seemed long, light, and made me somewhat tentative. Could have been the tune, or the length, but that sealed my decision. The RX8 seems like a quicker version of my V76's, and that is what I really was looking for. (Goldilock's moment) They made me a better skier (who doesn't love that!), especially in the quick turns - made me want to ski fast and agressively - I kept saying just one more run......The caveat here being that it was a gorgeous, sunny day, midweek, empty slopes, flat, groomed terrain. It was a mtn I had never skied, But I was very confident on the steeps - kept trying to find the toughest stuff (there is not a lot). This weekend I will be skiing them on my home mountain, where I will definitely get a better read on things. Weather has been funky since I demoed - snow, rain,wind - so conditions should me more variable - I am really hoping to still love them. Compared to the Power Thangs, for me they are a more versatile ski - ski more powerfully with a heavier, yet more snappy feel (they are not heavy, but they are a bit heavier than the Head's, or probably most women's skis, and have lots of rebound, if you like that). They will plow thru the more variable conditions, which I know crop up frequently at our mountain. As long as they are not too stiff for some minor bumps.......I spent most of the day really skiing aggressively because I could, but they do not require that, but oh boy, when you do you reap the benefits! If you can find them to demo, give them a shot (but have them move the binding forward) - particulary if you like to or want to ski aggressively. But from what I can tell they are 'more' ski than the Power Thang, which was an easier ski, and maybe you are not ready for that. Again, I'll report back after the weekend! Also, look for a local shop that will offer an option to return a ski for something else if you don't like it (after skiing a few days) - good shops will do that. (It would be great if you found a shop that carried both!) Inventory is low, and the season is getting shorter, but that means good deals.
Happy Easter!

 

[greekpeakskier]

woo hoo woo hoo. it's a baby quiver

and a bargain!

as any of you (who are so bored that you read all posts in the middle of the night) know, i demoed a pair of head power thangs that were an unbelievably great time. better than... well, you know. they took my breath away (now, granted, I have not skied all skies and i have not skied all the skies many of you have). but, when lined up against other skis i skied, these were breath-take away fun: fast, easy turning. my only complaint was that they made the mountain much, much shorter. i kept getting to the bottom so quickly that i'd wonder if the resort had just retired the middle section of the hill.

i called shops, i checked out demo sales, i watched ebay. and yessirree bob, i watched a few expensive around that were more than i could afford.... until 1:00 AM last night when i put in the top bid on a pair still in plastic -- proceeds going to support a ski team.


and they are mine! maybe it's time to utilize one of those gizmo smilies:

now... bindings. what is a girl to do? i might just get the head gold thang bindings recommended for them. can anyone see a reason NOT to do that?

and how can i prolong this new york snow until they arrive?

 

[canski]

Awesome - Way to shop! With that kind of deal, go for the bindings! Hope you do get a chance to get on them this year and have fun in Utah (but probably take the Noridcas or just rent the appropriate ski for the conditions)

 

[perma-grin]

You go girl!!!! I'm meeting Griff up at the Highlands Sunday to demo the Power one,( they've dumped the whole "Thang" thing from the names.) He's helping with with the same highschool team training camp. Lol! I'm so stoke for you Julie!!!! As for Utah, I would take which ever pair makes you feel invincible! You know I'm big on learning to ski what's under your feet, skis and conditions. As we've disscussed before, your not going to go in and change skis just because you ran into a bump run or a stash of hidden pow. Ski em like a "Rock Star!" Have fun! P.S we are so alike lurky on ebay at 1:00 AM, only I'm looking for a new dressage saddle! Lol! Very difficult to choose.