Seeing Quiver Queen's review of her Scarlet reminds me I should also post my first impression of my Dynastar Trouble Maker, also used in the same condition at Stowe during the ESA weekend.
I actually brought two pairs of skis with me for this trip, the K2 One Luv and the Dynastar Trouble Maker. Day one was on the One Luv. But I had some problem with my boots (not new boot but new feet?) so really couldn't focus on the ski.
Sunday, after the big dump, I took out the Trouble Maker. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's 80mm underfoot and over 110 at the tip (sorry forgot the exact number there). I had it on the short side for me: 155 for my 110 lb 5'4" frame.
The snow on Sunday was heavy, as east coast dumps usually are. In these kind of heavy powder, turning is not the easiest thing. But the dense snow floats skis + skier better than the fluffy Rockie powders. So the moderate waisted TM was quite at home in that condition. I pretty much just point it down the hill and just let it rip.
The TM isn't a very stiff ski. It's soft tip needs finessing in such heavy stuff. In the occasions when I tried to turn too much, I could feel it shuddering under the stress. But that wasn't how the powder was suppose to be skied anyway so it's really not the skis fault, just pilot error. As long as I make nice rounded turns, it cut through the heavy soup like butter.
Monday's snow was a bit lighter than on Sunday and the skiing was easier. The TM was quite a delight on the now skier packed surface. I got dragged into the woods and bumps by our more over-achieving divas ;) And the short length of the TM was very easy to snake around the tight path. And the softness of its construction makes it easy to keep on the bumps even with my tired and shaky legs. On the other hand, I can feel the length compromise when it comes to covering grounds on the groomer. I've definitely had more stable skis at speed.
All in all, it performed as I expected, better at un-groomed, tight space than speeding around on the groomer. Though the latter may have more to do with the shorter length I chosed than with the ski construction itself. I wouldn't mind trying out a longer length when I have the opportunity.
I actually brought two pairs of skis with me for this trip, the K2 One Luv and the Dynastar Trouble Maker. Day one was on the One Luv. But I had some problem with my boots (not new boot but new feet?) so really couldn't focus on the ski.
Sunday, after the big dump, I took out the Trouble Maker. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's 80mm underfoot and over 110 at the tip (sorry forgot the exact number there). I had it on the short side for me: 155 for my 110 lb 5'4" frame.
The snow on Sunday was heavy, as east coast dumps usually are. In these kind of heavy powder, turning is not the easiest thing. But the dense snow floats skis + skier better than the fluffy Rockie powders. So the moderate waisted TM was quite at home in that condition. I pretty much just point it down the hill and just let it rip.
The TM isn't a very stiff ski. It's soft tip needs finessing in such heavy stuff. In the occasions when I tried to turn too much, I could feel it shuddering under the stress. But that wasn't how the powder was suppose to be skied anyway so it's really not the skis fault, just pilot error. As long as I make nice rounded turns, it cut through the heavy soup like butter.
Monday's snow was a bit lighter than on Sunday and the skiing was easier. The TM was quite a delight on the now skier packed surface. I got dragged into the woods and bumps by our more over-achieving divas ;) And the short length of the TM was very easy to snake around the tight path. And the softness of its construction makes it easy to keep on the bumps even with my tired and shaky legs. On the other hand, I can feel the length compromise when it comes to covering grounds on the groomer. I've definitely had more stable skis at speed.
All in all, it performed as I expected, better at un-groomed, tight space than speeding around on the groomer. Though the latter may have more to do with the shorter length I chosed than with the ski construction itself. I wouldn't mind trying out a longer length when I have the opportunity.
