Gift gear...

[SnownyNorth]

My husband bought me some skis for Christmas and the salesperson advised him on the choice. I love the fact that he broke into his own savings for this, but dismayed that I had no choice to even try them. They are 2007 Rossingnol Bandit B2 (W's). I am excited by their reputation, but he bought them in a 148cm length! I am 5'6" and 148lbs. Healthy, intermediate skiier who can keep up on most advanced runs and will try pretty much any terrain.( oh yeah, age 45). I am worried that this length is too short for my height and weight, as well as hinder any progress I can make. Help! I don't want to hurt any feelings, but want to have a pair of skiis that will serve me well for years to come. Thanks for any help.

 

[Jilly]

The Bandits are an all mountain ski. I agree that the length is too short. I'm 5'5 and little heavier than you and ski on the Z5 at 154. Most things I try are 160. Can you return for longer??

 

[bklyn]

Trade them in for a longer length or sell them.
They are way too short.

 

[ski diva]

^^^^ What she said.

He won't mind. He wants you to be happy, doesn't he?

 

[num]

If you haven't used them I'd bet the shop he got them from would let you exchange for a longer size, if nothing else. Are they in shrinkwrap?

 

[Shellski]

Nothing wrong with the skis, but the length is way too short. I would definitely try to exchange them if you can. Unfortunately some shops will try to sell whatever lengths they have left to unwary buyers, so they may not have anything longer. They should not have sold him 148's if he correctly described your size and ability.

 

[num]

Just make sure he knows that you are thrilled that he bought you something that you'd love, and you want to get the length issue straightened out so you can properly enjoy his thoughtful gift.

Oh, and make sure to demo before next Christmas so you can drop names of the skis you like, giving him the proper information to use when spoiling you :D

 

[SnownyNorth]

Tried the Bandits-ouch!

Hi, thanks for the replies. I tried my new skis and I am going to return them soon- after today's nasty fall. I only found control at high speed, and found the choppy stuff unmanageable. They did float nicely if on powdery side trails, but again I felt like I had two left feet. I am still reeling from my spectacular face plant- last run of the day thankfully, and my precious goggles unharmed,as they were ripped off my head! I felt top heavy and too much weight forward on the short length. I am not so worried about hurting my husband's feelings now. He's going to make sure I wake up every couple hours tonight if I have a mild concussion. I was thinking about Volkls- maybe the Bandits are too advanced of a ski for me? (as well as too short). Thanks for the help!

 

[abc]

It's a fine ski. Just too short.

Should be able to exchange for a longer one in most reputable shop. Or they should be ashame to have sold the wrong ski in the first place.