I have the Yumis and absolutely LOVE them. They are great in fresh snow, groomers. But struggle on very hardpack/crusty/icy conditions because they are flexible. This is where I got the Volkl Flair GS Carbon UVO (71 underfoot-very rigid and narrow), for those days and it takes it on wonderfully. That UVO puck really seems to quiet the ski.
I would have to defer to those with more experience on this, but I would think the Kenjas (90 under foot) or the Secret (92 under foot) might be better than the Yumi for those deeper snow days but be more rigid (the kenja has more titanium). The Yumi is 84 under foot, so great on groomed runs and in some fresh snow, not too deep. But very flexible so I would say more playful than damp.
I wish I can demo but I live in singapore and ski only in Japan and there’s no such thing as demo-ing skis here. I can only rent to test out whatever the rental shop has ( The price is around 6000 yen / 60 usd per day not including tax) which is quite expensive. So far the shops at the ski resort I am at have very few all mountain skis ( only 4 or 5 all mountain skis) and even more limited for women. Only thing ski they have in 80-90 mm range for women is Head Great Joy for rent in a single shop. Other shops only carry ski length for men in this waist width range. So I have to buy based on online reviews and I find that on this forum the reviews are way more honest and comparative as they come from real users. After testing out head great joy yesterday, I think I am still leaning towards volkl although I liked great joy’s performance in soft snow and there was at least 6 inches of snow even on piste. I don’t know how to ski powder Hahahah... so. I only ski on pistes but it’s quite common in Japan for pistes to be completely covered in multiple inches of snow or be completely shaved down. So I think a 80-90 waist skis with good hard pack grip should have me covered most of the time.You should definitely test a number of skis in the width that interests you.
Thanks for all the great info. From all the feedback from divas on this forum, Yumi seems more versatile but less grip than Secret. I am quite smitten with that damp, stable feel I got from volkl flair sc but worried I don’t have the skill to handle Secret. It’s a tough choice. I do tend to take about 1 week to get my ski legs once I start skiing in early winter so definitely Yumi is a safer choice but I have a feeling I will like Secret more.I do find them versatile as well, I have only skied in up to 6"-12" of fresh snow. It's a fun ski that can handle a wide range of snow conditions well.
Thanks for all the great info. From all the feedback from divas on this forum, Yumi seems more versatile but less grip than Secret. I am quite smitten with that damp, stable feel I got from volkl flair sc but worried I don’t have the skill to handle Secret. It’s a tough choice. I do tend to take about 1 week to get my ski legs once I start skiing in early winter so definitely Yumi is a safer choice but I have a feeling I will like Secret more.
I wish I can demo but I live in singapore and ski only in Japan and there’s no such thing as demo-ing skis here. I can only rent to test out whatever the rental shop has ( The price is around 6000 yen / 60 usd per day not including tax) which is quite expensive. So far the shops at the ski resort I am at have very few all mountain skis ( only 4 or 5 all mountain skis) and even more limited for women. Only thing ski they have in 80-90 mm range for women is Head Great Joy for rent in a single shop. Other shops only carry ski length for men in this waist width range. So I have to buy based on online reviews and I find that on this forum the reviews are way more honest and comparative as they come from real users. After testing out head great joy yesterday, I think I am still leaning towards volkl although I liked great joy’s performance in soft snow and there was at least 6 inches of snow even on piste. I don’t know how to ski powder Hahahah... so. I only ski on pistes but it’s quite common in Japan for pistes to be completely covered in multiple inches of snow or be completely shaved down. So I think a 80-90 waist skis with good hard pack grip should have me covered most of the time.
"Hooked, in love with the Kenja 88. Needless to say this has me needing a pair NOW "
This is so interesting. I demoed the Kenja a few years ago and really hated how wide they were. I felt like I had planks on my feet. Haha
Congrats! Did you go for the Kenja 156 or the 163?I found and ordered a pair within 24 hours...they will be here this afternoon, at which point I will be running to the nearest slope to get them out LOL
Oh, and yes, I tried the 2020 Kenja. That said I weigh 140 and was on the 170 which is my preferred length for my height. Still feels like too much work to me. I can ski them I just don’t want to.Curious, for those that tried and weren't a fan of the Kenja, did you try this years model (the 2020 Kenja 88)?