Question: Demo'ing and buying advice

[wernerslab]

So, I have been on the journey this winter of getting new boots(with a fitter) and working on ski demos to decide what I might like to buy. My 'home' hill is Blue Mountain in PA Poconos with mostly man made snow. I get to VT 2-3 times a winter for long weekends and we go out west one week over my son's spring break. I had 21 days on snow this year(an improvement from last year) and I have been taking group and private lessons over the last 3 years when the resort and timing is right.

So, I have great boots now and trying to decide skis. When I demo'd here in PA, conditions were really soft snow and mashed potato bc we had an unusually warm February day. When in CO, I had a day or two of packed snow runs but also got 3 days of fresh snow of at least 4-in or more deep. I demo'd in VT as well in fresh snow(9") one day and wind scoured the next day(Sugarbush). I ski on piste, blue/black both groomed and ungroomed although I still approach blacks with some trepidation, no trees but I do try bumps if they aren't looking too icy or too big. I am working on improving my bump skiing. Not interested in the trees. I am 5'8ish and 160-170 lb. I am thinking I want to have 2 skis eventually for my typical condition days(mostly solid/firm snow and probably a little icy) and eventually a bit wider ski for deeper snow days. I have a 13yo so limited to school breaks and weekends mostly. Might do a women's ski camp next year though(DH who is a non-skier supports my goals!)

My likely top picks for daily driver (all tried same day in same conditions, same run)
Volkl mantra 84 163 (liked best)
nordica santa ana 87 161
black pearl 84 164

My favs and potential for skiing when fresh snow falls:
rossignol rallybird soul 92 166
nordica santa ana 92 161
black pearl 88 164

When I feel more advanced instead of advancing intermediate:
stockli nela 88 160
(I really liked these but sometimes they took me for a ride rather than the other way)

These were okay but I liked others better
atomic. maven 88. 159
volkl blaze 86 166
parlor sugarbush >=92 164ish ( maybe wider)
elan ripstick 88 160
elan wildcat ti 88 160
stockli laser mx 71 158

These atomics were very chattery at speed (I hate that) and did not manage snow 'piles' well and the stockli just felt squirrely to me (but maybe it was a little short?)
Atomic vantage 75 161 (season renta)
Atomic redster(?) 75 160(season rental)
Stockli montero aw 80 158

I have been looking local and online for the Mantra 84 but they seem difficult to find (and no real deals). They are 2026 so perhaps it isn't the right time? I am a little worried that I tried them in soft spring like conditions and when I get back on firm snow next season, they will feel totally different. The reviews (from ski divas here and commenters on ski talk) seem to match my thoughts on them from the demo but second guessing myself now. Can I trust my assessment from soft snow will be similar to when I am back on firm/hard snow and ice? I am not sure how easy it will be early in season to demo again and I don't want to do any more season rentals either.

Thanks for reading this long winded post and for any advice/thoughts you have!!

 

[Knitjenious]

First, I think that you tried it and liked it is a great reason to go ahead and buy a ski -- sounds like you have some great options!

I do wonder if potentially one size longer in many of these options would be more ideal for your height. (I am a 5'7", 220 lbs intermediate and ski a 172 Elan Ripstick in WNY.) The right length is definitely a personal decision, and it can be hard to find demos in the longer lengths of women's skis, but I think it might be worth trying some longer lengths before committing to a purchase. Or just know that in a couple years you might find yourself ready to go up a length and sell what you buy now!

I believe the 2026 Mantra 84 was the Secret 84 in 2025, and the Yumi before that ... others here might be able to tell you more about whether there were meaningful construction changes across years. I know my local ski shop still has new in wrapper 2024 Yumis on a great deal -- yours might too!

 

[Chuyi]

Buy 2 pairs

 

[scandium]

Some of those skis sound short to me! I am only 5'2" (rounded up ) and about 120lb, and some of those are the lengths I would try (around 160cm). I would be worried you would miss the extra length particularly with fresh snow skis unless you really like bumps and narrow runs.

 

[snowy_owl]

I have the Santa Ana 87 and the Stockli Nela 88. I like the Santa Ana a lot but sometimes if I encounter too much chopped up snow on the groomers I tend to catch an edge. If you look at the sidecut of the Santa Ana vs your favorite ski (Volkl Mantra 84), the Volkl's shovels and tails are a bit wider, adding some more stability. If you prefer the Volkls, I would go with them!

The Stockli Nelas cut like a knife on groomers and are great on bumps. I sometimes have trouble switching between the Nelas and my daily drivers because the Nela's mounting point is set a little farther back. So initially I can feel like the skis are too long in the front and it takes me a while to adjust to the Nelas when I switch to them.

I am 5'7" and my Santa Anas are 161 and my Stocklis are 160. I find them to be plenty stable at speed and they are very nimble and maneuverable.

 

[marzNC]

I am 5'8ish and 160-170 lb. I am thinking I want to have 2 skis eventually for my typical condition days(mostly solid/firm snow and probably a little icy) and eventually a bit wider ski for deeper snow days. I have a 13yo so limited to school breaks and weekends mostly. Might do a women's ski camp next year though(DH who is a non-skier supports my goals!)

My 'home' hill is Blue Mountain in PA Poconos with mostly man made snow. I get to VT 2-3 times a winter for long weekends and we go out west one week over my son's spring break. I had 21 days on snow this year(an improvement from last year) and I have been taking group and private lessons over the last 3 years when the resort and timing is right.

For skiing at Blue in PA, shorter skis are probably fine. The skis I use in the mid-Atlantic are 10cm shorter than what I take out west. Even so, 160-165 seem short for your stats. I'm 8 inches shorter, quite a bit lighter and my all-mountain skis are around 160. As an adventurous intermediate I had skis that were mid-150s and mid 70's underfoot.

Nice to have a supportive DH. Mine (married 30+ years) has gotten used to not seeing me at home much from Dec-Apr in recent years.

 

[wernerslab]

Thanks for advice and suggestions. Luckily I have some months before stepping in again so I think I will take some time to consider a longer length and whether I want to demo some more. Meanwhile I may look for a deal on any of the skis I liked so I can start next season without needing a season rental.