Help- K2 True Luv, K2 First Luv, Head Lite Thang

CAdreaming · Apr 21, 2008

Hi,

I need your help in selecting a right skis. :smile:

I am a beginner skier who was just learning how to ski during this past season. I took 3 lessons so far and I was practicing on the green circle runs.
When the season ended, I was learning to parallel skiing and was in the process of converting from wedge turning to parallel. But I am not there yet.

For this coming season, my objective is to ski confidently on all green runs and be able to do the easy blue runs.

I already have a good ski boots (Salomon Irony4) and I want to purchase a beginner skis that can do blues in SLOW speed and that can help me with the parallel turning.

I don't want to rent those unisex heavy rental skis anymore.

So, my plan is to get low cost skis that I can use for one season or so while I am still learning.

Cost of buying any of the following skis will be actually more cost effective than renting skis for one season (10 - 15 days of skiing)

My choices are:
1. K2 True Luv with Salomon Z 12ti demo bindings
2. K2 First Luv with Marker M900 bindings
3. Head Lite Thang with Head Tyrolia RFL 9 W RailFlex bindings

My ski instructor told me the size that I need to get for my size and for my skill level.(140-146)
So, I am OK with the sizing. I just need to get a right ski that will help me while I am still learning.

I ski in Tahoe area. We have many ski resorts to choose from.

I am not into speed.
I want to be able to cruise and just relax while skiing down the mountain in slow to moderate speed.

Any inputs will be greatly appreciated.

num · Apr 21, 2008

Glad you got boots that fit you well first!

As a general statement, if demoing is an option for you, do it. Sometimes we try a ski that's rated as being over or under our ability level and it turns out to be the perfect fit for us. Also, the same ski can feel great to one skier and uninspiring to another skier of the same height, weight and ability level. It's always good to try before you buy and go with whatever makes you grin the most.

With that being said, it sounds like you're a good candidate for the True Luvs. They should work well for you now, and grow with you as your skills progress. Several divas have or have had these skis, so hopefully they'll chime in soon.

Good luck!

MaineSkiLady · Apr 21, 2008

Another vote for the True. Will just take you a lot farther. First is a beginner ski, and it won't serve you as well after you progress beyond its capabilities. You could well have the True's for quite a few seasons and be totally happy. It will just "do" more. They are VERY nice skis, very versatile.

CAdreaming · Apr 21, 2008

Thanks Num!

I wish the ski shops carry some beginner skis for demo.
I have noticed that the demo skis are mostly for unisex and for intermediate or advance skis.
I also noticed that the demo skis are usually mid size range and/or longer size range.
However, since the beginner skiers do not know the difference between various skis while trying to learn to stay vertical, I can understand why the shops have those demo selections.

Well, I just have to take a chance with my first skis.
I take a chance everytime when I am renting those rental skis so it can not be worth than rentings.

CAdreaming · Apr 21, 2008

Thanks MaineSkiLady!

Ok, I am going to get those True Luv!

Gina23 · Apr 21, 2008

yeah, i'm a second year skiier this year and the true luv's will be perfect for you. they are a good intermediate all mountain ski. you'll go places on them you never though possible without outgrowing them too fast. they are a little soft if you get going real fast :eyebrows:

but that's for good reason. mine tend to throw me forward in slush too, but the answer to that is just don't ski in that junk :becky:

Kano · Apr 23, 2008

True Luvs were great for me as a new skier who described what I wanted in MUCH the same terms you do here. I'm finding that a few years later, as my skills have progressed, the only reason I'm interested in different skis is because I am exploring the ungroomed parts of the mountain now!

Kano

CAdreaming · Apr 25, 2008

HI Divas!

Thanks for your advices.

OK, so I decided on True Luv and decided to get this from our local ski shop. (the infamous Sierra Snowboard and Ski is my local ski shop. https://www.sierrasnowboard.com - Yes, all of you know this shop through their online and I am lucky to live nearby this shop)

Anyway, they had my size and the store 50% discount was same as their on-line discounts.

However, as I explaining to the sales person about my skill level (beginner) and why I was getting the True Luv, he suggested Nordica Olympia Drive as the better choice for me. This was actually few dollars cheaper. Since I never heard of Nordica Olympia Drive and never consider this skis as one of my options, I decided to check it out first before I purchase it.

According to the sales person, K2 is longer and heavier so turns are going to be longer turns.
He also said that the Nordica Drive will last me longer and I can ski on them for next 7 seasons since I am planning to ski only 10 to 15 days every season.

I read some excellent reviews about this skis on this forum so I know that this skis is a very good ski.
However, I am wondering if these skis are little too much of skis for me at this stage.

I will be getting the 146 and I noticed that it is shorter than K2's 146.

What do you think?
Should I get this skis as my first skis?

IntheClouds · Apr 25, 2008

oooh, I was just going to congratulate you on the True Luv but read your last post. Tough choice. I have skied my True Luv's for 2 years now. They are perfect for where you are at & will be going for a few years. I have not skied that Nordica, but have skied the Victory which is a bit more serious than the one you are looking at. I suspect the Nordica will ski faster than the True Luv. Also I don't know that I would quite believe the turns to be longer on the K2 for the reasons the salesman said-Unless you were speaking w/Jim. The side cuts on those ski's are real close. The turn radius on each should be very close. Tough choice if you haven't skied both. I hope someone can chime in hear about the Nordica. I know that my True luvs have done well & gone everywhere I've asked them to. But I don't ski fast & probably never will. I'll go steep, chopped, etc., just not fast.

So reading your last post again, you are concerned the Nordicas may be too much for you. The True Luv's will not be. And as much as you ski, they should be good for many years. I have at least 70 ski days on mine. They have taken me from green groomers to black diamonds & even double black off-piste. The better I get, the more I get from them.

gr8outdoors · Apr 25, 2008

I also have not tried that particular Nordica ski, but have the K2 first luvs. I used my First Luv's for almost 3 full seasons and when I bought them was just starting to ski the intermediate terrain. My First Luv's are a 146 and I have used them on advanced terrain. At the end of this season, I purchased new skis. I haven't tried the True Luv, but was very happy with my K2 skis and think you would be too!

bklyn · Apr 25, 2008

K2 measures their ski by the "running length" ie: the part that is flat to the ground. Everyone else measures the entire length of the ski including upturned tips (and sometimes tails) of the ski.

This is why K2s of the same marketed length are always longer than other mfg.

I haven't been in your situation in a long time, and have not skied either of those skis. So sorry, no specific advice on which one to choose.

I do tell all my friends to purchase a ski a step or two above their current level. Just my opinion on this, but most beginner equipment is c-r-a-p! Get something for an intermediate that will be stable, predictable and confidence inspiring.

volklgirl · Apr 26, 2008

A friend of mine is very similar in ability and bought the Drive this year. She's supposed to be writing a review but hasn't yet. PM her (ttribe)- I'm sure she'll be happy to tell you about them. She can also compare them to the others that she demoed.

Native Vail Gal · Apr 26, 2008

Personally, if it were me, I'd get the k2's! For oh so many reasons!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer:

volklgirl · Apr 26, 2008

Native Vail Gal said:
Personally, if it were me, I'd get the k2's! For oh so many reasons!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer:

Wellllll....there's no accounting for some people's taste in skis. :wink:

Native Vail Gal · Apr 26, 2008

volklgirl said:
Wellllll....there's no accounting for some people's taste in skis.

Yup!

volklgirl · Apr 26, 2008

PowDiva85 · Apr 27, 2008

In my experience I feel the Nordica's ski damper (stiffer, faster, less pop) although I have not skied the Drives I have been on the Conquerers and they remind me of Volkls. I would go with the K2s. They sound perfect for your level and aspirations. The K2 will be a bit softer and so more forgiving if you decide to do some mogul runs. The Z10tis are also great bindings so you would be set up with an excellent package.

CAdreaming · May 1, 2008

Thanks Divas!

I just purchased my first skis.
And the winner is K2 True Luv!
I can not wait to try my new skis when the next ski season comes around!!!!

Thanks again for all your advices!!