I may need a new ski

[fatoots]

Here's my gear story. I started skiing again after a loooong hiatus 4 years ago. My first set of skis were the K2 First Luvs. I did really well with them but last year I realized I had outgrown them, and wanted more advanced skis. I digested just about every gear guide around, and since the first K2 T9 series served me well, I decided to go with the Burnin' Luvs. While there were an expert ski, I decided to skip the intermediate step since I planned on seriously improving my abilities.

At the time I demo'd the K2's, the Volkl AC3's, and an Atomic series I don't remember now. I liked the Volkls, but they were so freaking heavy, and I thought the Burnin' Luvs held an edge better.

As much as I love my skis, this season I seem to be losing confidence on the hill and don't feel I am skiing well. The skis rattle/chatter with speed, aren't holding onto the good ol' New England hard pack as well as I thought. I am worried I bought above my ability now. I've gotten a few good tips from friends and my hubby, and plan on even taking a clinic or two one of these days but after two miserable days in some powder and chunk this year I decided to rent some skis that were wider in the middle (I can't believe I just read they made the Burnin Luvs wider this year! grrr) to see how I felt on soft snow with them. The only ones I could get my hands on were the Atomic Sugar Mamas.

I really, really liked them. What was different was they were much lighter. They definitely floated like a dream over the soft powder we got Saturday night, and then in the afternoon, when I usually hate the skiing because the snow is all pushed around in piles in between patches of ice, it was a piece of cake. They held an edge better than the K2s. They only advantage I have to give my Burnin' Luvs is carving. I even did a glade with my little one. Hubby said, "well maybe you didn't try enough skis last year." If he's giving tacit approval for a second pair of skis, I have to jump on that one!

Of course I can't just now go out and buy the Atomics just because I really liked them this past weekend. I've done some more research and I would also be interested in trying:

Dynastar Exclusive Legend --- 114-75-102

or the

Fischer Vapor 118-76-102

The Sugar Mamas have a 79 waist and are a smidge bigger in the head and tail. They really seemed more stable.

I'm petite at 5' 3", and weight about 120 lbs. I would say I'm a high blue skier, and I want to get better. (There are about three black trails at Sunday River I really like and handle well, Airglow, T2, and Obsession if you know the mountain.)

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Legend was my ski of choice for a few years - I've now moved on to a unisex. Lovely ski, probably would be a good middle-ground for your needs. Have you tried Jack Frost? I believe they offer it as a demo (or used to). As for the Fischers and Atomics, hunt around on the board here - we have some major equipment gurus - give them a chance to catch up on their reading and reply. You'll get a ton of feedback and info (hopefully!).

 

[smpayne]

How sharp are the edges, do they have the proper angle for the conditions you are skiing in? I have noticed that I have to sharpen my edges quite frequently when I'm skiing in hardpack or icy conditions. The Burnin Luvs should perform well in icy conditions.

I noticed that the right boot also makes a difference. If your boots are too big, too stiff or too soft, it will make a difference in how your skis perform. Test a few things with your boots, crank them tight, loosen them up and just see what happens. I would even take your boots into a bootfitter and have him/her give you thier opinion about the size and flex (unless you are absolutely sure your boots are perfect).

My first guess would be that they are chattering, because they may be too short for your skiing ability.

The wider waisted skis may handle the crud a bit better. It is never a bad idea to demo new and different skis. Our perfect ski 2 years ago may not be so perfect anymore, at least not for every condition. Besides a girl can never have too many skis.