Just did a demo and still confused!!!

[ru1two]

I am trying to find the correct ski to purchase since I haven't owned my own skis since my Olan Mark IV's 160 (yep dates me). I started skiing back in 3rd grade (60's) but after high school I only skied on average every couple of years. Basically due to living down south. I am now back East and will be skiing more often. PA/MD/VA areas

I am 45, 5'5" 175 lbs. I mainly will be skiing in PA so I'd guess 80% groomed. I ski blue and some black runs but very tense on the black runs..

Not much left to demo but here is what I tried today at Whitetail. Condition = Slushy

K2 Tru Luv 153 - did not like at all, did not seem to grip well at all. Very sloppy when turning. Front tips all over the place.
Rossi Z5W 154 - much better but still didn't feel right. Better grip but still not great. Turns OK..
Fisher AMC 75 (mens) 158 - I liked better but felt like they were too long. Turns good.

Sooo my question is.. do I just need to get use to women's ski's since I have been skiing rentals and men's skis for so long or do I need a stiffer women's ski?

This weekend I can demo Passion 146, Rossi B2 154, Attraction 154
K2 One Luv 154. These are my only choices..

I am doing a 24 ski marathon March 10-11 and wanted my own skis for it. I really wanted to get some skis at the end of year prices but maybe I should wait till next year?

I just purchased boots.. Salomon Irony 7.5 GREAT Boot.. very comfortable..

Thanks for any suggestions.. happy skiing..

 

[volklgirl]

It sounds like you just haven't found 'your ski' yet. When you do, you'll absolutely know because it will light your fire and you'll want to buy it right now.

Personally, I've not been impressed with any of the normal K2s I've tried and the only Rossi I've ever liked was the Z9. If you're finding you like the stiffer skis, look for Volkl, Atomic, Head, Fischer, and maybe Elan. Or maybe try the men's versions instead. I tried the Volkl Attiva AC2 and found it zippy and stable, even in a way-too-short length for me.

 

[Lori_K]

You may want to look at a longer length ski, as well--all the skis shown so far are about the same length. You could be overdriving the shorter women's skis.

I second the Volkl's for edge grip. And yes, when you find your ski, you'll know it. I can't demo skis anymore, at least not Volkl skis. I seem to want every one I try!

 

[volklgirl]

I can't demo skis anymore, at least not Volkl skis. I seem to want every one I try!

You mean I'm not the only one with this disease???? :D

 

[RachelV]

I haven't owned my own skis since my Olan Mark IV's...

My Dad has Mark IV's, and he still skis with them!

 

[Jilly]

If you didn't like the Z5W, don't waste your time on the Passion or Attraxions. They won't cut it at all. Try the unisex Z5. It's not as stiff as the Z9 that volklgirl tried. The Bandits are all mountain skis and have a wider waist than the Z's. See if you can try some other brands like we've suggested. Elan - Black Perla, Salomon Rush 10, Salomon Siam 10, Atomic SX 9 (not a women's ski).