Demo question

[SnowGlider]

Divas, would you ever buy a ski without being able to demo the exact model and length that you're contemplating buying?

It's the end of the season so it's hard to find exactly the right demo. They don't want to put a demo binding on a new ski at this point in the season.

I'm thinking of buying the Fischer Vision 70. At 5'5" and 175 pounds, unaggressive high-intermediate skier, I would like to demo the 152 and 158 lengths. All I can find to demo is the 152, plus a 158 in the Vision 73, which I'm pretty sure is too stiff for me. Opinions on the length I need are divided. Some say shorter for better turning and because I'm short; others say longer because I'm heavier.

I currently ski on 153s, on a ski that may be a little stiff for me.

 

[ski diva]

Demoing is by far the ideal. But if it's a really good deal, you could always buy them and sell them if they don't work out.

For your size and ability, I think you'd be fine with the 158s, but the most important thing is to get what feels right to you. I'm an advanced skier who's 5'-1-1/2" and 110 lbs. This past week I demoed the Vision 73's in a 153 and thought they were good for me.

 

[persee]

YES! (I've thusfar bought all 3 sets of my skis without demoing)

The first two I've been incredibly happy with and the third I'm pretty sure I'll love too once I get them out! However your results may vary. I've learned a lot about what I like in skis and have luckily been able to translate it to written accounts without having to have them stapped to my boots. Once I get my Attiva AC3s out I'll post a review of them (pray for some eastern snow this week or next, please? I'm even willing to play hookey!)

So I mentioned 2 pairs, here they are:

K2 T9 MysteryLuvs (04-05 model): bought these immediately after my first 3 lessons to have my own skis. They brought me up to level 5 much quicker than I think I could've acheived on rentals. Skiied them until I started overflexing them last year.

K2 T9 True Luvs (05-06 model): bought these to upgrade from my Mystery Luvs. I considered the One Luv, but feared it might be slightly too stiff. Also considered the Attiva AC2 but finally found a deal I couldnt' refuse on the True Luvs. These skis have thus far helped me advance my skiing incredibly fast. They make me confident on any condition, even new conditions and experiences - powder, bumps, taking small jumps, and getting big speed. They always make me feel good and while not being completely forgiving they'll let me get away with the ocasional "oh sh*t", or momentary bump into the backseat.

I'm 5'3 120-125lbs. My Mystery Luvs and TrueLuvs are 153cm, whereas the Attiva AC3s I just bought are 156cm. Seeing your stats I'd say dont' get the 152s. You'll be more stable and definitely happier long term on something a little longer.

 

[SnowGlider]

SkiDiva, How did you like the Vision 73?

]

Can you say more about the Vision 73? How did it compare to your Head Lightning? I'm wondering what it will take for you to replace those.

 

[ski diva]

You can see my gear review here:

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1016

As to how they compared, let me count the ways:

1) They were lighter, so they were easier to carry and handle;

2) They had great stability; I get a little chatter on my Heads in the rough stuff;

3) They held an edge really well;

4) They had a nice snap coming out of the turns.

This isn't to say I haven't liked my Heads. But I've had them for 4 years and it's time for a change. I just want to demo some other skis before I make my ultimate decision. And I really need new boots first (which I'll be shopping for soon, so stay tuned!).

 

[Pequenita]

I'd be less inclined to buy without a test drive, but I have fiscally conservative personality and don't know how on earth I would realistically ship skis that I sold to someone outside the DC area.

What ski are you on right now that you think is too stiff for you? Maybe knowing that will help others with an opinion as to which of the two Fischer skis would be appropriate for you.

 

[SnowGlider]

Head Lightning i.M., identical to men's i.M. 70. 153 cm. Ca. 2004 or 2005 model. They aren't BAD, in fact it's a great ski. I'm just hoping for something lighter that makes nice small turns.

 

[RachelV]

I'm having the same problem. Went to demo on Saturday with a big list of skis to try, and they had *nothing* available. Some brands they didn't have at all, some they didn't have in my lengths. I just tried to demo skis that were similar to what I was looking for. After trying a range of skis in the general category I'm looking in and reading tons of reviews comparing them all on epic, I feel like I can buy something I haven't demo'ed and have a reasonable idea of what I'm getting.

To address your question very generally, I've found that length is way less important than sidecut when you want to make nice small turns. Get the length that feels like it's the right stiffness, and if the ski has a decent sidecut you can make small turns no problem.

 

[persee]

So I figured I'd put in a bit of additional information about my ski buying. I've not demoed because I've found it near impossible to demo, plus the cost very prohibitive (at least $50/day assuming they have anything suitable). Perhaps next year I'll find myself at a demo day and try out some other skis, but I guess I've just done well at figuring out what I like and translating it to what I read.

The only "demo" I've ever been on what last year at Tahoe when I skiied the Lotta Luvs - which I really did love. This was only because I'd paid to rent "performance skis" but when I got down there they didn't have anything shorter than 160cm+ to rent me. These were also not skis I'd consider "performance". So after I finally got it through to them that there was no way I was going out on 165ish rentals they gave in and gave me the Lottas since they figured no one would want to demo them.

 

[marta]

I too found demoing the right size and model next to impossible. Bought my K2 Burnin Luv's w/o demoing, as well as my last pair. I've been very happy with my selections. With enough research and asking enough questions you can probably find what you're looking for and be happy with the choice. There are many good skis out there.