Hubby needs new skis... Help please

[Xymenah]

Hi, I hope you don't mind this post here. I know we have had at least one other post here that was similar. My hubby who is an advanced skiier and has been skiing since he was 4 needs new skis. He is currently skiing on straight skis which he loves but I have finally convinced him to get some shaped skis. He wants them to offset his straight skis in use as he wants to keep the straight ones. He is 6'1". He would like something that would handle some moguls he doesn't as well as ungroomed areas and some powder however they should be able to be used on groomed terrain too as I doubt he will be switching up his skis in the middle of the day depending on what he decides to do. Any suggestions of particular skis I could send his way to make sure he looks at or tries at the beginning of next season would be great. He is one who thinks that you can go and buy any ski and it will work... I have told him (I have only skiied 4 times and now know a ton more about everything thanks to all of you divas) that there are different skis for different things and to not do anything until I have done some research for him. Thank you all for your help it is much appreciated.

 

[persee]

Well you haven't mentioned where you and your husband ski. However I would think perhaps with wanting something wider that will give him more float, etc but also carve that perhaps Volkl Mantras would be a good match? You'll see that lots of the divas love Auras (the women's equivalent). My DH is looking at some Mantras for next year too! Otherwise perhaps the new Volkl Unlimitted AC50? or if he wants a bit more on the carving side (and less float in powder) of all-mountain the AC30?

 

[Xymenah]

Hehe oops I knew I was missing something. We live in the lower mainland BC, Canada. Our local mountains are Cypress, Grouse Mountain and Seymour, We live about 2 hrs from whistler and just got back from a trip up there on the weekend and we might be going up to Big White in the interior next year. I appreciate all recommendations. Thank you.

 

[Jilly]

Rossi Z9's
Salomon X-wings - Toronado is top of the line, may want to look down the line for less stiff. The 10 in similar to the ladies Opal.
Atomic Crimson or Blackeye - similar to the Sugar Mama's
Also maybe on sale - Atomic Metron's Last year for these babies
Elan - Magfire
Your looking for an all mountain ski that can carve, so not a powder ski, just fat waist.
Good luck hunting!!

 

[Xymenah]

Ok awesome! Thank you. Nice to know what I am looking for now The list is much appreciated.

 

[volklgirl]

Please assure him that he won't be switching up skis mid day for his straight skis. Instead, he'll throw them away the first time he tries to ski them after skiing shaped skis a few times. Yes, he can buy anything and it will work, but why settle for "it will work" when he can demo and find "true love" instead???? He WILL notice a difference between skis.

Does he prefer to do long turns or short? If he loves long turns, look for something with a moderate sidecut. Either way, look for something in the 80-95mm waist category if he's planning on only one do-it-all ski. Even the new twin tips (like the Karma) are superbly adaptable as an all-mountain ski. I'll also second the recommndation for the Mantra. I skied it the same day I demoed the Aura and loved its stability, love of speed, ability to float and plow through gunk, and its stunning short turns. It's an incredibly versatile ski (unless he's a light-weight, then the Aura may be a better match).

 

[Xymenah]

Yeah I keep trying to tell him that the anything will work wont really cut it. I do a lot of other activities including showjumping horses there is no way I would just buy any saddle for that, because while it is possible to jump in a dressage saddle it wont work very well and wouldnt be comfy. He is a computer person and I told him he doesnt just go buy any computer or computer part. He prefers longer turns on groomed runs and likes to go faster however he likes to sometimes play around on the moguls which are shorter turns we as shorter turns on more difficult or steep runs. He definatly wants something that will do well off groomed runs but needs to be able to use it on groomed runs as well. He weighs about 160lbs and is 6'1" tall. I will make sure he tries the Mantra if we can find it around here to demo. I will also mention that a twin tip could be used as well, I am not sure what he will think of that I know he will most likely never touch a terrain park. Thank you for this info I really appreciate it. I know he will fall in love with new shaped skis once he gets use to them but I doubt I will be able to convince him of that before he gets them.

 

[Kano]

I know it's no help, but my first thought was well of COURSE he needs new skis -- he's SURELY grown more than a little bit if he's been skiing since he was 4!

(and considering mine, it wouldn't surprise ME to read about a guy who actually IS skiing on skis he got at four!)

Kano

 

[Jilly]

From that description definately get him to try the Z9's from Rossi, next year Z10. Also check out skipress. They have a neat "ski finder" and the test are done at St. Anne and Whistler!!

 

[Xymenah]

Also what length for someone of his height would you suggest? I know he was mumbling something about wanting to go shorter with the shaped ski. His current skis he thinks are 185cm.

 

[Jilly]

171 I think.

 

[Jilly]

Maybe shorter, because I don't think any of the skis I listed come that long. Have to check website tonight for you.

 

[persee]

If he's 6'1, but a light weight I'd suggest 170cm in the Volkls I mentioned.

 

[SkiNurse]

I am deifnitely not a men's ski expert...I only know what I like.

That being said, why not post over @ epicski and see what they have to say over there???

 

[pinto]

If he's still on straights, I'm not sure I'd go as fat as a Mantra yet. He'll probably want to get used to the shape and shorter length first. And Mantra wouldn't be my choice for moguls.

My first thought is K2 Apache Recons in a 174.

 

[w.ski]

How about Head Monsters im 82 or im 88?

 

[Solincia]

If he's still on straights, I'm not sure I'd go as fat as a Mantra yet. He'll probably want to get used to the shape and shorter length first. And Mantra wouldn't be my choice for moguls.

My first thought is K2 Apache Recons in a 174.

Good thought... or, there's the 08 Crossfire, RAVE reviews...Not the 06/07, but the 08...

Sidewall construction and 70 waist

 

[Xymenah]

Ooohhh awesome suggestions. I am loving this list. Yeah I know he has tried shaped skis before but a long long time ago, for some reason he loves his straights and i guess he had no money for awhile so couldnt afford to ski and only just got back into it this year when I showed interest in learning. I will definitely keep all this in mind and will be making up a list and important info about each and hope that we can find places to try these so he can see what he thinks. I did take a quick peek at K2's website when I did my search earlier so the apache recons were noted. I will make note of the 08 crossfire as well however. Thanx, you are all awesome. I know this is a female forum but I figured you were all so knowledgeable that you might be able to at least point me in the right direction to help him out. It seems I was correct.

 

[Shellski]

My husband has just gotten Dynastar Legend 8000's, he loves them. They are a good choice for an all-mountain ski that isn't too wide.

 

[Jilly]

Rossi comes that long. I was trying to think of the length that some male freinds that are tall are on. I'm sure Dave and Bill are on 168-172's. Neither are experts, but fight hard. So in that area should be good. If you can get him to demo, maybe a gift certificate for a demo for birthday, christmas, anniversery or just because may help.