lack of speed: is it me or the ski?

[Sierra]

My skis are Atomic B:7, 145. I am a 5'4, 137 lbs low intermediate skier. I love these skis: they turn beautifully and I am pretty comfortable with them.

Nevertheless, I have observed that I have difficulty keeping up with folks at more or less the same skill level than mine. I am not hugely competitive, but it is mildly annoying to always be at the back of the group. And even when I try to ski more aggressively and go faster, something is holding me back.
Maybe it is in my head, or I am turning too quickly --or the skis like it that way. But I have tried to do longer turns (the "let's do this trail in 5 turns or less approach") and still I seem to be at the slow end of the pack.

Is it me or the skis? Is there any ski you would recommend I could demo/experiment with? Or do you any tips for a cautious skier to develop (some) speed?

Thanks

 

[abc]

Your ski is quite short for your weight and height. That might be a big part of why you're slower.

 

[volklgirl]

Without seeing you ski, it's really hard to tell. I suspect that it's a combination of both.

You: Typically, beginners and intermediates use turns to slow down and ski on a mostly flat ski, whereas advanced skiers use carved turns utilizing turn shape and variations in terrain to control speed. It really is a totally different mind and skill set. A couple of lessons in clean carving and "skiing the slow line fast" are probably in order (or spend a bunch of time in the Nastar course with some coaching by fellow racers). Another thought: are your ski buddies heavier? Weight IS a speed advantage in skiing .

The Skis: That ski tends toward heavy and steady, which often equates to slow and ponderous. Also, 149 is pretty darn short. Are you finding that your skis tend to flap, wiggle, or squirm when you try to go faster? If so, do some ski demoing, if you can. If not, it may be mostly technique.

 

[oragejuice]

The longer the skis, the faster you will go. Race skis are typically very long. My brother, while slightly more agressive, is just about the same weight as I am. But he's 6'2". He skis 186ish, I have 150s (way too short for me, I got new ones) and even in a full tuck, pointed straight downhill, he beats me, due to the longer ski.

I would reccomend a longer ski for sure. I stepped it up and bought 163s this year, and even those are a bit short, atleast in the opinion of some Divas. Your skiing ability will grow with longer skis as well. You'll learn to carve better, because the skis dont turn as easy. Does that make sense?

 

[pinto]

When did you wax them last?

 

[Robyn]

When did you wax them last?

Pinto reads minds.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

When did you wax them last?

That and edge filing/sharpening, skis possibly in need of a stone-grinding.
Would suggest a demo for easiest, fastest comparison, and agree with all above to go longer. Over-weighted skis aren't going to perform well, either.

 

[SkiGAP]

Pinto reads minds.

First thing that came to my mind too. I took an impromtu ski day last week to try the Dobies, and the Auras, though AWESOME, felt slow and almost didn't want to ski switch. I am convinced they were/are dry and will be well waxed before I hit the slopes again.

That said, I'm no expert - I'm still learning too, so I defer.

 

[altagirl]

I agree - there could be a waxing or maintenance issue with the skis... but I'd say the biggest thing is that those are some REALLY short skis. And short skis tend to go slower. The other factor is your weight - the bigger the person, the faster gravity is going to pull them downhill, all else being equal.

So I'd bet you're "racing" people who are bigger than you who are also on longer skis, and therefore it's easy for them to go faster. The only thing you can change is the skis - so if you want to go faster, try something longer and keep them tuned up.

 

[Sierra]

I am slow even when the skis are nicely tuned and waxed. I wish I had that excuse :p

Volkgirl: the skis flap quite a bit when I speed up. That's when I think I am losing control and pull back, so maybe I should demo something... but what would be appropriate? Is the rattling due to the length or to some other aspect of the ski?

what could I try that is a bit more advanced but still forgiving? I am starting to carve my turns and the last changes to my boot have made a difference in this regard, but I am definitely not in the clean carving category. I am taking some lessons this winter, which I hope will help.

Weight is a speed advantage???? Pass the chips!

 

[volklgirl]

When did you wax them last?

I thought that too, but forgot to add it.

 

[MaryLou]

Agree about the ski length and weight. My DD1 is a awesome skier. We were the same height last winter (my 12yo has eclipsed me already), but I had a good 70 pounds on her. She was also on 140-ish length skis. There is no way she could even keep up with me when we tucked. She'd try and try...but no go. Don't think it's just ability if you're going straight down in a tuck.

I also have skis that have an incredible 'sweet spot', if there is such a thing. When I'm there, I put a tiny bit more power into my thighs and vroom...you can feel them rocket. My DH has tried them and agreed (that sweet spot was much better on my volkl 5 stars than my new AC30s, but similar).

 

[Pequenita]

Weight is a speed advantage???? Pass the chips!

lol. When I raced, I was trying everything to increase weight. It was ludicrous.

But, while there may be technique issues going on, I'm in the "those skis are WAY too short for you" camp.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I
Is the rattling due to the length or to some other aspect of the ski?
Should I try something that it is a bit more advanced but not that hard to turn? I am starting to carve my turns and the last changes to my boot have made a difference in this regard, but I am definitely not in the clean carving category.

Weight is a speed advantage???? Pass the chips!

Skis chattering at speed: probably means what you're currently using is a bit soft (in addition to being too short) for the kind of skiing you're now doing. When you feel this, you may well be "braking out" to scrub speed. This explains what you perceive as overall "slowness." Definitely get onto something more advanced. Don't be afraid of it. No one's going to recommend that you get on some huge, long racing ski. Just a good advancing ski with a nice tune. Might well be at first turn! Or when you're waiting for THEM at the bottom!! RED LETTER DAY!

If/when you do this, please bump the thread and let us know your impressions.

 

[MaryLou]

I am slow even when the skis are nicely tuned and waxed. I wish I had that excuse :p

Volkgirl: the skis flap quite a bit when I speed up. That's when I think I am losing control and pull back, so maybe I should demo something... but what would be appropriate? Is the rattling due to the length or to some other aspect of the ski?

You definately need to demo new skis. As soon as I feel that chatter, I turn the ski in. Don't accept it. I don't know enough about brands to say, but my volkls (unisex) do not chatter, ever, under any circumstances. I demo'd a similar dynaster last year, omg...chattered all over the place. Some skis are just not designed for fast cruising on the hardpack you find in New England. So if you want a chatter free ride on a fast cruiser, demo first and see what works. Not sure if the volkl women's line is like the unisex, but that's what has sold me on the volkls. There is no way you can push yourself if you don't feel firm on the snow.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I have 4 pairs of Dynastars. They do not chatter.

 

[MaryLou]

I have 4 pairs of Dynastars. They do not chatter.

Exactly why one needs to demo! I am a very heavy person for my height, so what may chatter for me may not for you. My last stick skiis are dynastars, loved them...regretfully went to shaped skis, and they were the first brand I demo'ed. But I couldn't take the chatter.

 

[oragejuice]

I have 4 pairs of Dynastars. They do not chatter.

Could chatter be a product of skiing style and weight as well? I found the opposite to be true, for me, on the Dynastar EL.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Had a brief discussion with DH Engineer, who was once quite interested in ski design/function. (He'd rather just go skiing now!) According to him: Every ski has a natural resonance which can be reached via varying degrees of pressure control (omg, what does this mean?). I'm guessing pressure control can come in a variety of forms: either from outright body mass when edging, or when edging/turning hard at a particular degree and speed. (this is all WAYYY too much math for me....) If there is some kind of formula for this, I'll have him type in a word document and will try to copy/paste it.

I can make the Dynastar EL chatter if I ski it in a very particular way. In my case, that way involves overturning, but I'm kind of a lightweight, so it might not take such force with someone who weighs more and therefore exerts more pressure onto the ski. I do try NOT to overturn, as it defeats the ski's sidecut .

Apparently, this factor is unrelated to whether a ski feels "damp" or "lively."

So much depends on the ski's sidecut/turning radius, etc. And any way you look at it, what works for one person doesn't work for another.

Overall, good thing we've got so much to choose from, eh?

 

[oragejuice]

Alright. So.... since I ski 160ish, and I weigh 180.... that makes sense.