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Midwest Skis - Beg/Int

MNskier

Diva in Training
Greetings! My “first” pair of (used) skis had the bindings crack yesterday, so I’m officially in the market for my next pair earlier then expected (bindings are plate/track system and not worth replacing.) I ski only in the Midwest on groomers. I would consider myself advanced beginner or early intermediate, but I don’t like going fast (and I’m often skiing with kids). My last pair was a pair of 2014 Elan Snow QTs. At 158, they always felt a little long. I’m 5’6” - would it set my future progress back to go shorter? I’m having difficulty knowing if I should stick with true “beginner” models like I had (Head Easy Joy, Nordica Wild Belle 74, etc.) or if I’m ready for skis marketed to intermediate. Thanks for the help and would love reqs on both models to look at and the length question.
 

scandium

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I don't know that I would go much shorter than 158 for you unless you are particularly light. I say that to offer a different perspective on fear of going fast - it can be scarier because your skis are too short and don't behave well at speed, so conversely you think you need "easier" and "shorter" skis when what you need is a more stable ski, which will also behave well at slower speeds and with slow short turns.

I would also ask the question about boots - have they been fitted? Are they too big?
 

MNskier

Diva in Training
I don't know that I would go much shorter than 158 for you unless you are particularly light. I say that to offer a different perspective on fear of going fast - it can be scarier because your skis are too short and don't behave well at speed, so conversely you think you need "easier" and "shorter" skis when what you need is a more stable ski, which will also behave well at slower speeds and with slow short turns.

I would also ask the question about boots - have they been fitted? Are they too big?
Great question on boots. Yes, I traded in my first pair of used boots for new boots that were fitted at a shop and are much slimmer and a smaller size. Amazing how much more control the right boots gave me than before.

Great input on ski length. When you say more stable at speed, does that indicate you suggest I look to more intermediate models vs the very beginner models?
 

Jilly

Moderator
Staff member
I think it's time to move away from beginner. Look for something under 85, maybe even 75 and at least 158 if not 162 long.
 

scandium

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Great question on boots. Yes, I traded in my first pair of used boots for new boots that were fitted at a shop and are much slimmer and a smaller size. Amazing how much more control the right boots gave me than before.

Great input on ski length. When you say more stable at speed, does that indicate you suggest I look to more intermediate models vs the very beginner models?
Absolutely yes. And aim to demo if possible - I would even say to spend the money on demo/premium rentals this season if that's a possibility, as it can take a couple of days to settle in to skiing longer lengths and it may help you make an end of season purchase decision with a big discount!

Since you are on piste all the time, I'm thinking the intermediate piste-biased skis might help build confidence more - e.g. looking at Volkl Flair MT in 161cm (intermediate ski), or the K2 Disruption SC in 160cm, Atomic Cloud 9, etc. Every major ski brand has a similar flagship piste line so it is up to you based on availability what to choose.
 

MNskier

Diva in Training
Anyone have experience with the Head Joy line? I found an amazing deal on last season Pure Joy, but wondering if they are too “beginner.”
 

racetiger

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Where in MN do you ski?
If you can get to Trollhaugen (my home hill) they do a free demo weekend around the first weekend in March!
I don't know anything about the skis discussed because I'm a freestyle focused skier, but sounds like you're ready to "graduate" and move to intermediate skis.
 

MNskier

Diva in Training
Where in MN do you ski?
If you can get to Trollhaugen (my home hill) they do a free demo weekend around the first weekend in March!
I don't know anything about the skis discussed because I'm a freestyle focused skier, but sounds like you're ready to "graduate" and move to intermediate skis.
Thanks! I had heard about it and was so hopeful I would make it to that Demo day, but the weekend doesn’t work (it’s the second weekend in March this year). Unfortunately I haven’t found any others in the area :(
 

marzNC

Angel Diva
Anyone have experience with the Head Joy line? I found an amazing deal on last season Pure Joy, but wondering if they are too “beginner.”
Also think those are "too beginner."

What type of terrain are your kids doing? Meaning how much longer do you think you'll be sticking with the kids before they go off and leave you behind? :wink:

As I remember, the best "deals" are for beginner skis that rarely last more than a season or two for anyone who skis more than a few days a season.

My last pair was a pair of 2014 Elan Snow QTs. At 158, they always felt a little long. I’m 5’6” - would it set my future progress back to go shorter?
For context, when I was an adventurous intermediate mostly skiing with daughter as she learned to ski (ages 4-7) in the southeast, my skis were mid-150s and I'm petite. Had skied as a teen for a couple seasons so was never a beginner on current design skis that make turning easier.

Had I known what I know now, I would've taken a few lessons at my home hill when my daughter was in full day ski school starting about twenty years ago. Since I didn't, she was an advanced skier by age 11 and probably better than I was by age 10. By then she'd had a few days of ski school at Alta during spring break trips.
 

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