Help choosing skis

[Melissa77]

This is really long..sorry.

I learned how to ski about 6 yrs ago in Germany and continued to ski in Italy for 2 more seasons. In that time I never left the beginner hills since I was too scared. When I was finally ready to move up I found out that I was pregnant so my season was over. We moved back to CT, went skiing early last year and I got the bug back. We did spend a week in March at Smuggler's Notch and we are going back this Feb. I would like to go to Okemo with my hubby during the season (he was there on Sundays last year). I was unable to fit into my old ski clothes last year and swore I would be able to this year. I committed to weight loss and am now much smaller (over 50lbs smaller). My treat to myself since it was skiing that prompted my weight loss was to buy a pair of skis. The funny thing is that I am now too small for my old ski clothes but that is another topic!

I am currently 5'1" and weigh 130 lbs. I may lose more but that is where I am at now. Last year I did mainly blue hills but found that the rentals that I used I had a difficult time controlling. I lack confidence most of all. I did take some lessons and plan to again this year. My husband says that I am better than I think I am. It was the lack of control that made me timid on the slopes. Since we live in CT we will be skiing mostly at Okemo and Smuggler's Notch (for one week). We may be moving to Washington state next year so I would like a ski that I can use on both coasts.

So...(sorry this is so long). I was looking at K2 Tru Luvs but I think I read somewhere to get the K2 One Luv. I know that doing a ski demo is best but if I can find a good deal on a good ski I may just buy it. Can you give me other suggestions on good skis to buy or demo if you think that is best. Also, what size should I get? I was looking at 153 but I am not sure.

Thank you,
Melissa

 

[altagirl]

Do you have your own boots and do they fit snugly?

When I hear that you're having a hard time controlling your skis, that is the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, the skis will make some difference, but you can have the perfect skis and boots that are too big and it will never feel right. Plus, it's what most beginner/intermediates do - you buy (or choose rental boots) that are comfy. Most of us have some bones or bunions sticking out somewhere and we just keep upsizing the boots until those bits feel good. And then the whole boot is too big and you can't control the ski. So make sure you go to a GOOD bootfitter, find the smallest boots you can get your feet into without your toes being smushed against the front, and then have them blow out the problem spots to make room as necessary. You may have miraculously "normal" feet that fit into a boot off the shelf, but most of us don't!

Ideally I'd say to go boot shopping now and then demo some skis once the snow falls. (And I know, boots aren't the sexy thing to shop for - you want new SKIS, but I'm telling you, when I've shelled out for really good custom fitted boots - it's much better money spent than on any new skis!)

 

[SnowHot]

Altagirl said it first and best.
Boots are the primary thing you want to invest in at this point. Then go to a ski shop and get some demos.
If you're going to Okemo, you should consider getting a lesson from our very own SkiDiva, Tcarey. She would be sure to help you get your bearings and find a good ski for you.

The True luv is a popular ski among beginner/intermediate women, and I'm sure it wouldn't disappoint you but there are many great options that you may find better for you.

Boots First!

 

[Melissa77]

I was planning on getting boots when I get new ski clothes. I will do that soon then try some demos. Thanks.

Melissa

 

[tcarey]

Excellent advice on getting a proper fitting boot!! Another tip is buy your boots closest to the mountain you ski at.This way you can get them worked on and go ski them again.I have seen alot of people buy their boots out of town only to suffer miserably and pay a hefty price to get them fitted.Usually if you buy a boot the shop will do the work for free or for a nominal fee! So here is my plug-go see Shon at Northern in Ludlow Vt(seeing that you ski Okemo)

When ski season ever gets here I may have access to some skis for you to demo. PM me if you are interested!

Oh and at 5"1 I think a 153 would be fine,but I would not go much longer than that!

Good luck,
Terry

 

[abc]

I was planning on getting boots when I get new ski clothes. I will do that soon then try some demos. Thanks.

Melissa

Get best fitting boots first, then you have a easier time choosing the pants/Jacket to match.

You don't want to buy purple jackets only to find the best fitting boot happen to be blue/yellow!

 

[sibhusky]

I'd like to say WHO CARES if things match, but I have to admit after I bought my replacement helmet (which is an out of style Giro Streif, has racing stripes on it and is a full helmet) which was blue and silver, that the pond scum green jacket was not something I thought would go and I went for a red jacket instead. Fortunately, the boots are grey and the pants are black. However, I do still plan to wear my PURPLE neckwarmer, which is huge and I can use it as a face mask most days. I've had it since neons were in style. I used to also have a Lands End fanny pack which was purple with neon yellow. It finally disintegrated two years back and I've yet to find anything up to its functionality.

 

[Pequenita]

I'd like to say WHO CARES if things match

I actually feel invincible when I match.

 

[abc]

Looking at the sales going on left and right, I'd say go boot shopping NOW! The boot fitter is not busy and will give you a good attention. And you may score some end of season stuff for cheap. But if not, the new season stuff would surely have something to fit you.

Make that your treat to yourself!

p.s.

Re-reading you post, the One Luv is quite narrow (68mm waist, I know because I have one). If you want to use it out west, you won't like it. The True Luv is more versatile.

 

[lbatch]

Help choosing skis--5'5" advanced/intermediate

I'm glad I found this site! I' hoping I can get some advice. I'm looking to buy some USED skis. From what I've learned, I should ski about a 160 cm, and don't want to spend a lot....so a pair that are one, two, even three years old are fine. I've been skiing since I was 8, and feel very comfortable cruising down blue runs, easy blacks, and do some small moguls to break things up. I tore my knee ligament years ago, and have no intention of doing double blacks and big moguls. I prefer a softer ski, rather than stiff (I rented a few pairs last year). And, to be honest, up until last year I was still skiing my straight K2 5500s, which I loved.

Any suggestions? I was thinking of the True Luv or One Love, but was told they tend to be stiffer, as do Volkls. Most recently I was pointed to Rossignol--the one that some of you have said doesn't do well on groomed. I ski mostly in Colorado--never on East Coast ice (since growing ukp there).

Thanks!

Lori

 

[Jilly]

I'm one of the few Rossi lovers on this forum. What ski were you thinking about? I might ski Rossi, but their women's stuff is the pits, except for the new Attraxion 9 which will be absolutely ridulously priced. If its a unisex ski the Z5 or Z9 are a good choice or the Bandits. I found that the bandits didn't hold ice, but you're out west and the definition of ice is different. If its blue and you can see the grass through it, its ice! White ice is just eastern powder.

 

[abc]

Ibatch, the K2 One Luv is as soft as they come at the intermediate/advance level. But it's quite narrow (68mm waist). Though truth be told, it resemble the old fashioned straight ski the most (DO ask me how I know ) The True Luv is a bit wider and maybe even a tad softer. So, if you're looking at K2, both should do fine. BTW, neither are too "curvy", which you probably like more than the more "side-cut" choices, given your background.

At this time of year, you might be able to pick up brand new 07 skis for a song, at prices better than used! Look into backcountry.com, overstock.com, evogear.com and other outlets.

 

[Lori_K]

I'm looking to buy some USED skis. From what I've learned, I should ski about a 160 cm, and don't want to spend a lot....so a pair that are one, two, even three years old are fine.

Hello to another Lori, and welcome!

I have a pair of 2003 Atomic R:10 skis in 160cm that I want to sell. I probably have put about 50 days on these skis since I bought them new. A good all-mountain ski, great for intermediate to advanced skiers. No longer made by Atomic, but found this link over on Epic with a few reviews. (Including my review, which I completely forgot about!)
https://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=2021

 

[lbatch]

Thanks for recommendations

I was thinking of the Rossignol B2 (that's the one recommended). Sounds like the Atomic R10 would work great though...how do I find out more from you Lori K?

Lori