Have to make a decision without a demo

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Hi all,

Sorry I've been MIA, but I took a new job recently and I've been swamped. The good news is I now have access to pro deals, so I guess I can pretty much kiss my paycheck goodbye while I support my gearhead ways. :D

We were talking yesterday about the upcoming season and how ski manufacturers may react given the onslaught of bad economic news so far this year. It was our general feeling it's likely they may cut back on production, so if you want a new pair of skis via a pro deal you better order them preseason, or you might be SOL.

Not sure if the others on this board in the industry agree or disagree with this, but it's got me thinking I'd better order the powder skis I want before too long. Problem is, I can't demo right now (unless I go to SA...sounds like fun, but unlikely because of work), so I'd like your advice on what I might like.

I currently ski Fischer Vision 70s as well as K2 Lotta Luvs. I like both skis for different conditions. Any thoughts on what might suit me? I'm an intermediate skier...about 5''7" and weigh in the 110 lb. range.

I know there have been a lot of threads on powder skis, but I'm still unsure....

TIA

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Hey, TSB, if you're really happy with your Fischers and K2's, why not consider powder skis within those brands? K2's Phat Luv is supposed to be nice, I know someone who has it (fellow diva) and she was having fun. Not sure what the Fischer models are for pow, but this site always has some great info (despite it now being last year's models):
https://https://www.skipressworld.com/SkiFinder_Intro_W.php_regionId$1~languageId$1~section$skifinder~type$skifinder

Good luck, feeling your pain. Just did the same blind buy and hoping for the best! :D

eta: Fischer: Watea 84, 94?

 

[ski now work later]

I have to put a good word in for the Volkl Auras. They are pricey, but for would be a good addition to your quiver especially out there in Southern CO.

How's your shoulder? And welcome back!

 

[Shannon D]

I am a huge K2 fan and am always looking for my next pair. I have skied on the Phat Luvs for 4 years and have been very happy with them. If you are looking for a true powder ski though, the Phat Luv may not be wide enough underfoot for the really deep pow. The new women specific powder ski for this year is the MissBehaved and it looks really sweet. The closest to men's quality performance in a female specific ski. You'll see me on these in 08.

Good luck in your search.

 

[volklgirl]

The be-all and end-all:

Auras

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Why did I know you guys would steer me towards the Phat Luvs and the Auras? Do I know my Divas or what?!

I think those are the two skis I'm leaning towards. How does the stiffer Aura feel on powder vs. the softer Phat? Not having skied an appropriate ski in those kinds of conditions before, I'm not sure what to expect.

snwl...thanks for asking. My shoulder is doing great. I've got most of my ROM back, and my scar is healing awesome. It's nice to be active again...I can't wait for ski season!

 

[LilaBear]

I test drove VG's auras at ABasin, they ski like a dream. I didn't know they were stiff, they were a lot easier than the Blizard EOS. I was able to turn the Auras in short neat arcs, or speedier larger arcs without much conscious effort - and they were 15 cm longer than my normal ski. They put you in the moment and let you feel your way.

I would have bought those Auras in a heart beat - except the Hart beat them on price. Hart were there with demos at unmissable prices that skied at 95% of the performance level of the Auras. The price tag was the decider.