Looking for new ski suggestions

[SnowflakeADK]

Hi Divas! New to the forum, but have been absorbing all the great info for some time. I'm looking to purchase new skis fairly soon and could use some suggestions as to what you think may suit me. Just need a nudge in the proper direction as I'm hoping to find a ski I can advance a bit more on and not outgrow anytime soon.

About me:
37 yo, 5'3, 175 lbs (probably on a good day)

Live and ski in the northeast...adirondacks.

I would say a Level 6/7 skiier generally (does anyone ever fit in a catagory EVERY day they ski?) Recently took a couple of lessons to improve/tweak technique. Instructor felt I was "advanced intermediate"

I would say I'm a "moderate" skier. No speed demon, but I do become much more agressive when I'm feeling comfortable. If uncomfortable about conditions I hit my YIKES zone and everything seems to fall apart. (I'm working on this) I enjoy all types of turns. Long, med, short. Probably use medium most often.

I ski greens with alot of confidence and higher speeds. Blues very confidently w/ slightly less speed. And have now ventured onto groomed Blacks cautiously.

My current skis are 150 cm Atomic Balanze 5:3.
https://https://www.untracked.com/p1474c14b43-07_atomic_balanze_b53_women_skis_w_atomic_4tix_binding.html
A very foofy looking ski. (Not my style..lol) These were good 2 seasons ago when I was at a lower level, less aggresive place. Now I'm very unhappy on them. First, I think they are way too flexible for my size (read Weight). They feel sort of "noodley". When I'm skiing steeper and more agressive I loose my edges in the turns and tails wash out. Puts me in a "OH CRAP" moment. Big loss of confidence....leading to more cautious skiing because I've reverted to "YIKES zone". BTW...when I'm feeling confident and dialed in...for the life of me I can't keep up w/ the people I taught to ski last year. How embarrassing. Also, I feel no stability at any speed. Tips are all over the place....chattery...etc. I find it impossible to ski these in fresh snow, heavy skied up snow, crud, hardpack (ice!). I'm frustrated this year as I progressed so far and now almost feel like I'm reverting. This shouldn't be the case as I ski 2-3 times per week.

Yesterday I demoed Volkl Fuegos. 161cm was the only size they had for demo. OMG!! All the issues I stated above....gone. They felt rock solid! It took me a run or two to adjust to the longer length. Tip of nose vs. eyebrow. After that I felt fairly unstoppable. I tried them on harder groomed morning runs. Beautiful. Rock solid edge hold on some skied off steeper areas. Never felt that before. Plowed through skiied up heavier stuff during the afternoon without throwing me all over the place. These skies inspired so much confidence in me that I tackled a black run I had never been on BY MYSELF!! And I actually SKIIED it!! I noticed that they respond much better the more aggressive you are w/ them. And I truely felt that "pop" some of you describe. The only downfall I could see was the weight...they are HEAVY!! I was one tired girl at the end of the day. I also believe the length became an issue as I was starting to tire. I think the 154s would be a better fit.

All in all I think I'm mostly sold on these, but am looking for recommendations on skies w/ similar qualities that a girl my size and ability might enjoy and progress on. Either within the Volkl line or other lines. For me I think stability=confidence. I must have looked like a lunatic giggling all by myself.

Sorry about the long post. Any suggestions you can throw my way would be appreciated.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Welcome SnowflakeADK! :cheer:

Everyone here has a favorite ski or brand. For me, it's the K2 line...and I especially LOVE my One Luv skis!

Good luck!

You'll get lots more great advice here!

 

[MaryLou]

We share similar builds (although I'm about 5'4" when not slouching lol). I've been skiing my whole life, but lately I've become a volkl fan. I ski the unisex skis, but what you state about volkls is so true - the solidness, they do not chatter, ever, ever, ever. I think it's important for any skier to have 100% confidence that their skis will perform, and with my volkls I have that - I am "one with the ski". Especially since you are trying to advance your skills, it's hard to have faith you can if you feel your skis will fail you.

You've tried them, you loved them, they help you advance in one day...why not buy them?! Go for it. The weight of the ski - I guess it's an issue - but for me not in the actual skiing, but lugging them around. Maybe you muscles will get stronger to make it easier to push them around? But that weight is probably what helps stop the chatter, which is key for me...

Length...I just moved from a 168 to 163 (but in the olden days of straight ski it was 185, so I still feel like I'm on stubs lol). But I have the muscle and skills to handle them...definately don't go down lower than mid-150s though (IMO). If you buy these volkls, you could use them for years, and don't want to outgrow the length.

 

[jaydog]

The Nordica Olympia line is similar to the Volkls in that they are stiff and tough and you can ski them shorter. But they are lighter! The ski closest to the Fuego is the Firefox. Never skied it myself but its gotten rave reviews. You might check out the Victory as well. I demoed the Victory earlier this season and absolutely loved it. For compare, I'm 5'5" 130 lbs, advanced, and liked the Victory in 154. I also demoed the 161 Fuego and found it to be too long.

 

[SnowflakeADK]

OMG! I'm starting to get a list going here...which is wonderful! There are soooo many choices and I wish I had been able to make it to some of the demo days earlier in the season.

I'm trying hard not to just "jump" into a new ski, but after skiing something better suited to me yesterday I realize how much I'm missing out on w/ my current skis.

I'm wondering if one of the other Volkl models will give me the same experience yet be bit lighter? Like the Luna?

I'm going to call some of the local ski shops that rent/demo and check into the Nordica, K2, and someone also suggested the Fischer Breeze (which I've seen rave reviews for here).

How about Atomics? Sugar momma? Metron? Royal Minx? I haven't seen a whole lot of discussion about any of these.

BTW...the Divas ROCK!!

 

[ski now work later]

I'm wondering if one of the other Volkl models will give me the same experience yet be bit lighter? Like the Luna?

I've only been skiing for a few seasons and started this season as an intermediate. I owned a pair of Volkl 5 stars last season which is the Fuego from 2 seasons ago. While I loved them, I felt they skied me vs. me skiing them, so I sold them and bought a pair of Attiva AC2s (now called the Luna). This is a great ski, very easy to ski, will ski all types of turns, great on ice and bumps. Also is good in softer conditions with the 72 width. Only drawback is that it's not a super fast ski, but that isn't what I needed this season as I was focusing on good skiing and learning how to really carve. I think you would like this ski and that a 156 size would work well for you. In a few seasons if you want something zippier, you can upgrade and keep the Luna in your quiver for more mellow days and icy conditions. You should be able to get a good price on them this late in the season. Here's a link to them from a good seller (I've purchased from them before with great success), mounted and shipped for $499. They are not as heavy as the Fuegos.

Good luck and welcome!