Lotta Luv sizing

[LouWho]

Hello All!!!!!

I just found this forum while searching for ski reviews. What a great place to come!!!! I think I have settled on getting the Lotta Luv's but am a little stuck on picking the right size. After reading the various ski length posts, I think the 160's would be good for me. But, also after reading how all ski lengths are not the same, I thought it would be good to get a little adivce. (I'm not much of a gear head, but am learning quick)

I know the going rule is to DEMO, DEMO, DEMO, but I have some limitations on that front. I live in Juneau, no roads in or out, one small (yet wonderful) ski area with a limited rental shop. I have read some wonderful reviews of the Lotta Luvs here, and they sound like exactly what I am looking for.

My story: I am 30yo, 5'6", 140lbs, advanced skier. I claim to be advanced because I will follow the boys anywhere on the mountain, but my style isn't so great and I'm pretty slow. Partly due to the glorified 2x4's I ski on! So, I am looking for a more advanced ski that will force me to learn how to ski better. Someday, I would like to be at the bottom waiting for my hubby, not the other way around!

The bottom line is that I am partially torn between the 160's and 167's.

One more dumb question (again forgive me for being gear-dumb): I've noticed that alot of the Lotta's on sale come with bindings (Marker M1)and my experience from SCUBA gear is that "great package deals" usually mean that at least one of the pieces is crap. Should I avoid the package? I have decent/average bindings already.

Thanks a million snowflakes!!!!!

Cindy

 

[Jilly]

I'm not much help on the length issue, longer can mean faster. See volklgirls review on two different lenght skis. But as for bindings, ski manufacturers are using rail system on alot of skis and therefore you need to buy the matching binding. Also if you buy the recommended binding, quite often the warranty is extended on the skis. Sometimes there is a choice like I had on my Rossi. I didn't want the tube rear binding and was able to get a different rear that would work with the rail system.

 

[Little Lightning]

If you already have bindings you can get the Lotta Luvs flat. I understand the railed bindings are good but they add more weight.

Can't help you with length, I'm 105 lbs and ski 154's.

I love my Lotta Luvs in trees, bumps, crud. Don't let the recent assessment discourage you. I do find they are forgiving but reward good technique.

 

[SkiNurse]

For those of you who have heard me say this before, bear with me. FYI K2s and I think Voikls, measure the skiable surface area NOT tip to tip. So, for example, a 153cm in K2s would be a 160cm in another ski.

I am 5'2", 125#. I'm an assertive (not agressive!), all mountain skier. I prefer powder, bowls, "natural" un-groomed terrain. I can do bumps, but don't search out bump runs.

That being said. My Burnin' Luvs are a 160cm. I have skied on them for the last 5 seasons and was head over heels in love with them. I bought the Lotta Luvs this year (I know, broke the Burnin's heart!) and went with the 153s. I went shorter due to the fact that the Lottas are a more aggressive ski and I didn't want the ski to out ski me.

I couldn't be happier with the length. They are so responsive in the bumps, powder, crud & trees. Definitely not as stiff as the Burnin', but the flex and spring is perfect for me and what I wanted.

 

[SnowHot]

I know the going rule is to DEMO, DEMO, DEMO, but ............

My story: I am 30yo, 5'6", 140lbs, advanced skier. I claim to be advanced because I will follow the boys anywhere on the mountain, but my style isn't so great and I'm pretty slow. Partly due to the glorified 2x4's I ski on! So, I am looking for a more advanced ski that will force me to learn how to ski better. Someday, I would like to be at the bottom waiting for my hubby, not the other way around!

The bottom line is that I am partially torn between the 160's and 167's.

One more dumb question (again forgive me for being gear-dumb): I've noticed that alot of the Lotta's on sale come with bindings (Marker M1)and my experience from SCUBA gear is that "great package deals" usually mean that at least one of the pieces is crap. Should I avoid the package? I have decent/average bindings already.

Thanks a million snowflakes!!!!!

Cindy

Wow, a lot of information about the lotta!!!
Welcome to The SkiDiva!
You have found your skiing forum home!

If you're set on the Lotta luvs, I'll be happy to lend a hand in the size dept. However, if you're open to suggestions, I can expose you to some confusion and a great ski gear addiction.
About me and my stats:
5'6" 120 lbs (was 130-135 ish last season) Advanced skier.
With your stats and ski desire,(similar to mine) I would definitely go with the 167. I would also consider getting the flat mount ski as you can have the flexibility of putting the binding on it that you want. The only reason to go with a system binding is if you get a good deal, and you want the flexibility of being able to change the boot size for the binding easily.

If you give me the green light to confuse you..........I'd be happy to pass my addiction on to you.

 

[LouWho]

Thanks for all the great feedback!!!

SnowHot: Please......confuse me! I was drawn to the Lotta's because of the great reviews and I was able to find some last year's models for a decent price (although they are hard to find without the bindings). I'm not totally stuck on them. I was going to wait until the end of the season, but if I do that, we'll be switching over to fishing season and I'll have to buy boat toys instead of ski toys! Thank goodness someone in the house has a real job!

Thanks