I know, not another one... :P need help!

[lovequus]

I posted a while back wanting to get some feedback on the Rossi Saphir ski, and decided to take the advice I got here, which was that i'd probably outgrow them too quickly, so thanks!!

I thought I'd give some stats and let you guys make some suggestions for ski and size for me, would be much appreciated!

I'm 5'6", avg. weight, and increasingly competent on blues. I ski northeast, groomed terrain. I'm not interested in pursuing great speeds, occasionally timid, but would eventually like to nail good technique at an advanced level. I've been hunting down the K2 One Luvs but no luck yet...The Fischer Vision Vapor keeps popping up for some reason, though I see it listed as an advanced-expert ski and while I plan to ski a lot this season, I don't know if its the right fit. Unfortunately, demo opportunities are few and far between :( I've been told to go for 153-156cm...does this sound correct? Thanks!!

 

[Severine]

What kind of price range are you looking at? I bought a pair of Roxy Joyrider skis last year at end of season sales and am VERY pleased with them. Great northeast ski. Transitions beautifully from hardpack to packed powder to crud (which is all I've had a chance to try them on so far). Turn nicely. I was going to sell mine at one point because I needed money and that was all I had that was worth anything, but there's no way I'd part with them now! I'm hooked!!

I'm at the start of my 3rd season skiing and ski groomed blues mainly, to give you some insight on my ability level and where I'm coming from with my recommendation. I am 5'5" and above average weight and skiing 162cm Joyriders. Don't sell yourself short on length; too short skis can be a huge deterrent in advancing your skills. I learned on 140cm Saphir Snows, moved up to 154cm skis briefly, and have been on 165cm twin tips (which ski a bit short) and the 162cm Joyriders ever since; I couldn't imagine skiing shorter.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[toughgirl]

I was able to demo the K2 (as well as a few others) at Windham in NY (https://www.windhammountain.com/equipment/demo/). You say you are Northeast, but where???

 

[amanda]

You might want to go a little longer than a 156. I'm 5'3" about 115 lbs. and I just ordered a pair of 156s. The longer ski might be a little harder to handle at first but you may quickly outgrow the short ski. this happended to me with my first pair of skis. I was drawn to the shorter lengths because they were easier to handle and regretted it a season or two down the road.

 

[jaydog]

I'd also recommend going longer than 156. I'm 5'5" 135lbs (tho probably 125 back then) and my second pair of skis (intermediate-advanced) were 158cm. I outgrew those quickly.

The next ski down from the Vapor is the Breeze, I believe- you might check that out. I have a pair of Fischers and love them.

 

[Kano]

I dunno ladies...

When I've asked the folks in the ski shops, who all keep suggesting that 153-156 range for me, what would be the difference if I went a bit longer (like, have you tried to find a Lotta Luv in a 153? They disappear FAST!) they tell me the difference is going to be speed. Like, if I went with the 160, I'd go faster.

I go PLENTY fast on my 153 Tru Luvs. I went PLENTY fast on the Lottas and Tough Luvs that I demoed in that same length. I went way too fast on the Nordicas that were the same size.

Lovequus says she doesn't want to go fast.


So maybe you will be happier with the shorter ski.

And maybe, like happened to me, you'll find that the short ski that I found helpful for developing skills will also let you go faster when you find the confidence to try it! (after years of NEVER keeping up with DH, last year he was tagging along behind me! granted, he's come to the realization that his body doesn't necessarily enjoy the crazy breakneck speed his mind does!)

I've just purchased my second pair of skis, and I stuck with the shorter length. (well, third pair if you count the ski school rental skis I used the first couple of years and still have stashed in the garage!) I suppose I didn't really need new skis -- but yeah, I did: my Tru Luvs aren't quite right for the powder and deep snow in the trees...

Karen in Boise

 

[Severine]

FWIW, I don't like speed either. But I like stable skis. I found shorter to be too chattery even for my slow skiing.

 

[MaryLou]

Have to agree with the go longer group. If you're trying to improve, I think it may be better to go a little out of your comfort zone and try to work up to them. I also agree that if a longer ski is more stable, in the long run your confidence skiing them will improve and you may push yourself more. And chattery skis are scary (to me) and make me seem that I'm going faster than I am. If you feel solid and 'stuck' to the snow, going fast won't seem as scary/challenging.

I would find a ski you want and demo both lengths. Your muscles and skills will grow the more you ski them. I understand the thought you should be 100% comfortable on what you have while you are learning. But if that's the case, after a few days, wouldn't you be 105%, and then 110% and then your skills would have outgrown them? Also seems more frugal to try for a ski that will last you a few years, rather than just one (or however long it takes for your skills to outgrow them).

 

[amanda]

I have to agree with Severine and MaryLou. The biggest difference I noticed going from 148 to 156 is increased stability, not speed. I also found that the slightly longer ski handled crud and choppy snow much better than the 148.

 

[lovequus]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks again for all of your help...i'm pretty sure i'll give the 160cm a try and test the stability vs. speed debate As for which ski, i'm still undecided...Well actually, I know I want the One Luv, as it sounds like the right ski for me, but am having a hard time financing that decision. Oh, and thanks for the Windham demo reply-i'll check into that!