I'm not sure which is my ski

[ThreeS]

Hello All,

I've been reading up on almost every threads related to Volkl Attiva skis which were very helpful, thanks guys. However, I'm not sure if I'm readly for Attiva S4????

I'm 5'2, 110lbs and just learned how to ski last year at Telluride and this year, went to Park City. I’m hooked... I love this sport.

I was told I'm a fast learner or have the athletic ability to progress fast. To say the least, I went from bunny hills last year to groomed blacks this year, and I love to push myself to go on the steep groomed runs & go fast. (blue runs are looking easy for me... any my hubby is amazed I can keep up with him :D )

So here is my question, do you think Attiva S4 is too much ski for my level, which I'm not sure exactly what to call myself?

As far as my technical skills go, I can carve on blues with no problem but on blacks, I'm having little trouble with my weight forward and tend to skid a little. (still working on short turn in steep)

Btw, I had an awesome instructor at Telluride who taught me well, he was an old school skier.

Thanks for your input.

 

[persee]

I'd say the Attiva S4 is definitely not too much ski for you based on your description. So if you like it I'd go for it. However you could also consider the Attiva AC2 - it's an all mountain, as opposed to the S4 that is a carving ski. Essentially the AC2 will carve just fine in almost all conditions, and it will handle some of the other conditions - crud, mashed potatoes, etc - a bit better than the S4. However based on what you tell us neither of these skis is "too much" for you. They could potentially challenge you, depending on what you have been skiing but I think you're more than up to it.

Also make sure you have some good boots! Good boots that fit well can only make things better if you haven't already gotten some.

 

[ThreeS]

Thank you for your reply. I have bought a new 2004 Salomon Xwave 8 ski boots, which I've heard good things about.

I've purchased a K2 True Luv 146 cm on sale with bindings for $299.00 but I think I'll out grow them fast. Therefore, I wanted to return the skis I've just purchased and get an advanced skis that I can grow into sort-of -speak. You've recommended AC2... aren't they in the same category as K2 True Luv or am I way off???

In Telluride, I've probably rented beginner's skis which I don't remember which brand, and I've tried Salomon X-wing 5 145cm at Park City which was fine. ( At the time, I didn't know there were skis for women... Just found out after doing some research to buy my own skis... I'm a newbie)

I know I should demo before I purchase them but just hard to pass up great deals. I've seen new AC2 with binding for $360 and S4 for $400.

What are your thoughts on size? Should I go up or stay with 146 cm???

 

[smpayne]

The X-Wave 8 aren't bad, I had them for a few years and liked them, but they were the wrong size, so they HAD to be replaced. You will NOT be sorry to have these boots custom fit by a good bootfitter. It is really amazing how much bettery you can ski when your boots fit well and don't hurt. The fitting process does take some patience and a number of visits to the bootfitter, but very worth it.

I think the AC2 are actually a step above the True Luv. It sounds like you ski CO & UT quite a bit, you might find that an all mountain ski like the AC2 (or even the AC3) would take to the soft snow better than the carving skis, especially on powder days. Although, a set of each is always nice.

It is likely that none of the women's skis would be too much for you, but you may find yourself out skiing the 146cm very fast. The larger size will give you much more stability.

 

[Lori_K]

I would agree with Persee-- either the S4 or the AC2 would be a great ski for you. The S4 and AC2 are essentially for the same level of skier, just slightly different conditions. The S4 will carve better on groomed slopes, the AC2 will carve, but also be a bit better in light powder and bumps. Pick the one that fits the conditions you ski the most. The nice thing about the Attiva skis is that they are forgiving, while still giving you great control, so there shouldn't be an issue with "too much" ski.

The 146 is probably about the right size. If you want to go longer, try to demo first.

 

[ThreeS]

Thank you all for your responds, you guys are awsome. :p

I haven't rec'd my boots yet but will look into bootfitter. Also, I meant 149 cm vs. 146 cm for size. Wow, I can't wait until the next season, and that will make it my third trip out to the big mountains. :D

 

[persee]

The reason I didn't recommend the AC3 is that at your small size you may find it very difficult to flex. I probably shouldn't talk since I just bought a set of Attiva AC3s - I'm 5'3 125ish - but just my thoughts. Also as for the True Luvs they're great skis. I have a pair and I don't feel like I will out grow them soon but I got the AC3s for days when I want something different - these can both do higher speeds and have a bit more float, but for lazy days I'll probably still use the True Luvs. The AC2s are just a bit higher than the True Luvs (they would be comparable to the One Luv).

 

[ThreeS]

Thank you all again.

Hummm, maybe I'll keep my True Luv and buy S4??? My hubby already thinks I'm a nut...

Persee - I love the design/look of True Luv and has an awesome review in skinet.com. And I believe they were picked for gold medal awards. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here, I've recently learned how to ski and we are seasonal skier, 4 to 6 days a year max. Although with my new skis. we'll make an effort to go out to the mountain more... My hubby laughed when I've told him I'll need a new skis to ski the back-country. (l'm ambitious) Thanks for your input.

 

[abc]

Actually, the True Luv is also an all mountain ski for "aspiring experts"! It's more or less in the same league as the AC2, if I remember correctly. (persee, I think the True Luv has a wider waist than the One Luv)

Except I think you might have gotten them too short.

 

[persee]

Well the difference in the model I bought (05-06 True Luv) and the One Luv was mainly that the One Luv was a bit stiffer than the True, and had a 68mm waist as oppsed to 69mm. This year they made the True Luv fatter - 72mm waist but did not change the stiffness. The AC2 is still a stiffer ski than the True Luv. The stiffness of the AC2 is more in line with the One Luv.