Do you have women's skis?

[ski diva]

It's amazing how this field has absolutely exploded in recent years. About time ski manufacturers woke up to the fact that men and women are physically different (what world do they live in, anyway?).

Do you have women's skis? Which one and how do you like them?

 

[teachski]

No, I've found that most women's skis I have tried are not aggressive enough. Right now I am on Volkl 6 stars and Rossi Bandit X's.

 

[tcarey]

No I ski on a Dynastar 63 Slalom ski. I find most women's ski to soft.

 

[ski diva]

I don't know -- I think women's skis have changed a lot. Before manufacturers seemed to make them more for the casual skier, but it seems like they've begun making more of an effort to meet the needs of skiers who are more advanced. I know for me, it might make sense to look at something that isn't built for a 180-lb man. When the time comes, I'd definitely like to give the women's K2s and Volkls a try.

All the same, there's no reason why a woman couldn't get a unisex ski in a shorter length and duplicate the more forward mount of a women's ski -- provided it felt right to her.

 

[tcarey]

I agree that women's skis have change for the better. I am so used to the reboud of my slalom ski and I just have not got that from any womens specific ski that I have been on.I really haven't demoed that many women's skis.I had a pair of Dynastar Exclusive Legends that I liked in the bumps and powder but I did not care for them on the hardpack. I had a bunch of women try these at the Womens Alpine Adventure and they seemed to like them.As far as the forward mount goes I am flexed to far forward anyway and this might make me feel like I am toppling over the tips. As an insrtuctor though I would like to try some more female skis.Just my thougts!

Terry

 

[SnowHot]

Do I own womens skis?
Yes! For the first time ever. I own a pair of K2 Burnin luvs.
A friend got me a great deal on a pair of 05's with bindings.
(I know there is another set waiting for a skiDiva to snatch them up)
I've never demoed them, but am excited to give them a chance. I have it on good authority that they are a substantial ski, that even a man could enjoy

I have demoed women's skis in the past and have only found one that wasn't too soft Atomic Balanze 11.
I believe the industry has changed drastically in that department, I just haven't given the WS line another shot until now. I'll be sure to fill you all in when I get a chance to hit the hills.
As you ladies get to know me, you will find that I am a bit of a gear junkie. I won't bore you all with those details just yet.;)

 

[ski diva]

As you ladies get to know me, you will find that I am a bit of a gear junkie. I won't bore you all with those details just yet.;)

You, a gear junkie??? Noooooooooo! :D

 

[mollmeister]

I was HORRIFIED with myself when I gave in to *chick skis.* Horrified. Yet I bought them anyway.

I have skied forever with the same group of (lifelong) ex-racer/ex-patroller types (who kick my butt), and none of the women would be caught dead on a girl-specific ski. Atomics all the way, for the most part, having cut their teeth on the ice between gates on east coast mountains. For a long time, I tried to keep up with them, on their kind of skis. Atomic racing skis. Rossi racing skis. All too long and too stiff. . . but tough!

I tried the *old* womens' skis a few times, and they skied like spaghetti. . . and were delightfully fashioned to coordinate with pastel ski suits and white, rear-entry boots. I am not a flower-power type. . . and egads, the graphics!

Finally this past winter I demoed some of the K2s, however, and was more than pleasantly surprised. . . surprised enough to have bought some shockingly short Lotta Luvs and coveted some Phat Luvs (although now the Nancy is on my radar for a little testdrive, too).

I am small (5'2" and about 110lbs when not pregnant. . . will not share current weight!) and I have to say that the float and performance I get out of these skis is spectacular. I never thought I would be on the flower skis, but I skied better than I ever have this past winter.

When I get the *horrified* looks from my racer-type friends, I just tell them I go looking for powder. When the snow's deep enough, all skis look the same. No flowers to be seen anywhere under all that sugar, especially when you're skiing really, really well on the boards, chick-specific though they may be!

 

[tcarey]

good story there Mollmiester!! Having to fight a ski all the time is a drag. Being a lightweight helps with the women's specific ski. At 5'5 and 145 I might break that ski. It good to see that the ski company's are starting to realize that we are good skiers and deserve part of the market.Hey as long as you can tip and turn more flowers to ya!!

Terry

 

[liquidfeet]

I ski on Volkl SuperSports that are two years old, specific for women skiers (they have PINK stars, just to be clear here). When I bought them I was told they were stiff, and I really should know what I was doing to ski them (which I didn't). I ski them just fine now, after two years of work.

But I don't really know how they measure up to other skis because I've never skied on any others. I don't weigh much (125) so that's why I got them.

Anyone else ever had any experience with these skis? I'd really appreciate someone's experienced evaluation of how they measure up to skis like Atomic SL11's, or Fischer RXs or whatever the popular race skis are that all the guys are always raving about. I'm worried that those skis require more pounds to bend them.

 

[SnowHot]

I ski on Volkl SuperSports that are two years old, specific for women skiers (they have PINK stars, just to be clear here). When I bought them I was told they were stiff, and I really should know what I was doing to ski them (which I didn't). I ski them just fine now, after two years of work.

But I don't really know how they measure up to other skis because I've never skied on any others. I don't weigh much (125) so that's why I got them.

Anyone else ever had any experience with these skis? I'd really appreciate someone's experienced evaluation of how they measure up to skis like Atomic SL11's, or Fischer RXs or whatever the popular race skis are that all the guys are always raving about. I'm worried that those skis require more pounds to bend them.

Yes, My baby sister has those! She is a pretty good skier and LOVES those! I've skied on them and had a ton of fun, as they are a pretty advanced ski! They'll do most anything you want them to do, and I could be happy with a set of those in my quiver.

Here comes the "but", I could not ski on them when I ski with the guys I usually ski with because don't allow me to be quite as aggressive as I need to be to stick with the 'boyz'.

 

[liquidfeet]

Thanks for the comments. I guess that reassures me that my Volkls are worthy skis.

However, here's a related question. If I were to buy a more aggressive ski to race on (I do club skiing in which the gates are set farther apart than slalom but closer than GS) what should I buy? And how do I know whether it assumes a heavier skier on it than me? I will have to learn how to bend the things, so just demoing them won't tell me. It will take me some time to get used to them.

Remember, I am asking from ignorance, but I'm desperately motivated to advance as a skier and as a racer, so if my question is poorly framed because of misunderstandings please correct me.

By the way, this forum is rich. Thanks, SkiDiva, for making it happen.

 

[SnowHot]

However, here's a related question. If I were to buy a more aggressive ski to race on (I do club skiing in which the gates are set farther apart than slalom but closer than GS) what should I buy? And how do I know whether it assumes a heavier skier on it than me? I will have to learn how to bend the things, so just demoing them won't tell me. It will take me some time to get used to them.

Remember, I am asking from ignorance, but I'm desperately motivated to advance as a skier and as a racer, so if my question is poorly framed because of misunderstandings please correct me.

By the way, this forum is rich. Thanks, SkiDiva, for making it happen.

If you want to stay in a ski that is still in the "all around" category, you may want to consider trying the 5* or the New S5. They are a bit stiffer and a little more aggressive than the gamma/attiva version.
But, if I were you I'd shop for a used P50, or P60. I have two P50's and get a lot out of them, (platinum and SC). The P60 is(IMO) a bit better but also a bit less forgiving. If you're not ready to stay on top of a ski consistently, the P50 would be a better choice.
You can usually pick up a P50 in really good condition for "cheap" on ebay.
BTW, I have more experience on Volkl's than anything else, although I have a couple atomics and a K2 in my quiver.

 

[liquidfeet]

I'm so ignorant. Who makes these skis? Are they Atomics, or Volkls, or Fischers, or what? Are they "racing" skis, or all mountain skis? And, thanks for the advice on where to buy them. I'm all for not spending too much.

 

[SnowHot]

Volkl
Sorry I am a bit of a gear junkie, and I forget that I'm not normal.:o

Here is the link to the Volkl web site from 2004-05. It includes the P60 series. Which is before Volkl switched to the Race Tigers.
I have the P50 SC in a 156, which is great for short tight courses. You may want to go with something in a GS model if you run courses that are more open.

Something like this may be a good way to get into it cheap.

If it works out as well as I think it will, you could step up and get something set up for serious racing, with a race plate.
This is all assuming you want to stick with the same brand. There are some great options out there in other brands, but volkl makes a great ski!
Hope this helps.

 

[Lola]

Yes! I have women's skis: Volkl AC2 Attiva's in 156 length. They are my 4th pair of women's skis. Before I has Voltant Vertex 68, Volant Epic 68, Volant Power Carve 73. I've also had Dynastar X8, Rossignol 7SK, Pre M4 - all of which were not women's skis.

I think I like women's skis. But all in all, I think that each skier should find a pair of skis she feels comfortable on and that she feels she could stretch her limits safely.

That's why I am a big, big fan of demo days. I advocate going to the mountain when you know there will be alot of skis to try. And then I like to ski a moderately aggressive trail over and over again with every pair of skis I try. That way I get a feel for how the ski responds when I am "pushing the envelope".

When you find a pair you like, stick with it! but I must say, the K2 One Luvs really caught my eye, and so did teh Dynastar Exclusive Legends (thanks Terry for the demo!!!). But all in all, it is up to you.

 

[SnowHot]

That's why I am a big, big fan of demo days. I advocate going to the mountain when you know there will be alot of skis to try. And then I like to ski a moderately aggressive trail over and over again with every pair of skis I try. That way I get a feel for how the ski responds when I am "pushing the envelope".

Isn't it amazing how you can demo a set of skis and LOVE and then demo a few more pair and find something that puts a bigger grin on your face than the set before?

It's a bit tricky to find a ski that is forgiving enough to make you comfy and edgy enough to take you to the next level of your ability(past the edge of the envelope)
Ski technology is changing so fast, the ski you LOVE today, may show you to be a bit fickle tomorrow.:o

Women's skis are beginning to take the passionate skier seriously!

 

[Lisamarie]

Yes! I have women's skis: Volkl AC2 Attiva's in 156 length. They are my 4th pair of women's skis. Before I has Voltant Vertex 68, Volant Epic 68, Volant Power Carve 73. I've also had Dynastar X8, Rossignol 7SK, Pre M4 - all of which were not women's skis.

I think I like women's skis. But all in all, I think that each skier should find a pair of skis she feels comfortable on and that she feels she could stretch her limits safely.

That's why I am a big, big fan of demo days. I advocate going to the mountain when you know there will be alot of skis to try. And then I like to ski a moderately aggressive trail over and over again with every pair of skis I try. That way I get a feel for how the ski responds when I am "pushing the envelope".

When you find a pair you like, stick with it! but I must say, the K2 One Luvs really caught my eye, and so did teh Dynastar Exclusive Legends (thanks Terry for the demo!!!). But all in all, it is up to you.

LOL!!! I remember a few years ago on Epic, when Lola got her Volkls, Phil posted a thread callled "My wife is leaving me!" We were all pretty concerned... at first. ;)

I started with the Volkl Carver Exscape, then went to Volant Vertex. Last year, my husband got me the Dynastar Exclusive Legend, which is a great all-round ski. However, I have always had this secret burning passion for the Burnin' Luvs. They are not that great in powder or bumps, probably because I am not a great pwoder or bump skier, but on hardpack, boy do they fly! I am often scared of speed, but not with the Burnin'Luvs attached to my ski boots.

If I were to make the comaparison, The Legends are a like a husband, dependable in most situations. The Luvs are like a lover. You use them when you need a bit of excitement!

Wow! I wouldn't say that on Epic!;)

 

[ski diva]

If I were to make the comaparison, The Legends are a like a husband, dependable in most situations. The Luvs are like a lover. You use them when you need a bit of excitement!

Wow! I wouldn't say that on Epic!;)

That's why we're here! :D

 

[Jilly]

Hi ladies, I'm new to this forum, and this looks really interesting. Now about ladies skis. I've a friend who owns a ski shop and asked me to demo skis last Feburary. I did only the ladies skis. I really liked the new Salomon RUSH 10 and SIAM 10's. I did not like the Rossi "Attraxtions". (I'll stick with my Z5's.) I also found the Elan's "lite". The other ski that I got to try was the Nordica Olympia speed and victory. They were great carverss There was a statement earlier about the Atomic B-11. Those babies are too heavy to lift. The Izor's were better. Volkl wasn't at the demo day and I didn't get near the Dynastar or K2 tents. We only had 2 days and was only to try stuff the store sells. Maybe this year I'll get to try the rest.