HikenSki
Angel Diva
I played hooky from work today to hit up the demo day not far from my house at Whitetail Resort in PA. We were expecting warmer than normal temps - mid 50s with clouds. Upon arrival the clouds departed, the temp rose from upper 30s straight into the 50s. I was looking to basically try all the brands in their upper 80s/low 90s width in the softer, bumpier snow we were expecting for the day, conditions I struggle with on my too soft and short Thrilluvit 85s. I should have expected ,based on reviews by other folks, that women skis in the upper 160s/low 170s would not be available for my 5'10" height. I was ok trying mens versions so long as construction was similar and they had my size. Of course, most of the mens came in upper 170s/low 180s. URGH! High on my list to try were the Rossi 88, BP88, Sheeva 9, QST 93, and Santa Ana 93. The only one on my list that even came close to my desired lengths was the Rossi 88Ti in mens 173.
Up first was the Aira 84 in a 165. I knew it was going to be too short and it was. Thought it uninspiring. Would be interested in trying the 172 if I was looking for a mid-80s ski.
Then came the Rossi 88Ti - Tried the womens in a 166 and liked it but thought it short, so went to the mens in a 173 and really liked! It cut through the bumps, layed over nicely, and cruised along. It was akin to a Cadillac for me. Comfy and predictable, not exactly fun per se but it was light and the skiing was easy. Went back to try it again as last ski of the day and still felt the same. Could see myself buying these and being content.
No Elan skis in my lengths except for the Ripstick 96 in a 174. Widest ski I have ever been on to date. I had a surprising bit of fun running over the bumps. Turning and getting on edge was easy. Was pretty lightweight too, kinda surfy. Just wider than I am looking for.
2020 Dynastar Legend 88 in a 173. Skied pretty similarly to the Rossi 88 but just didn't wow me. Got the job done but felt lighter and skittish when I pushed it.
Atomic Vantage 90T in 169. Just Meh. It was on the stiffer side and cut through the bumps. I had no problems driving it, but it just lacked that fun factor.
2020 Head Core W93 in 171 - Wow, wow, wow! Just loved this ski. Second run had me yelling out "Wahoo!" as I popped out of the turns, surfed over the bumps, smeared and drove them. They inspired me to really push it and have some fun. Wish I could have played on these all day to see what they can do.
It was a fun yet tiring day of trying out new skis, finding what I like/don't like. Just wish there had been more options for me in the skis I was looking to try. Would be great to try out the Rossi 88 and Core W in colder temps to see how they do. I don't need hard snow carvers, just ones that can handle mixed snow/bumps/spring crud with ease.
Up first was the Aira 84 in a 165. I knew it was going to be too short and it was. Thought it uninspiring. Would be interested in trying the 172 if I was looking for a mid-80s ski.
Then came the Rossi 88Ti - Tried the womens in a 166 and liked it but thought it short, so went to the mens in a 173 and really liked! It cut through the bumps, layed over nicely, and cruised along. It was akin to a Cadillac for me. Comfy and predictable, not exactly fun per se but it was light and the skiing was easy. Went back to try it again as last ski of the day and still felt the same. Could see myself buying these and being content.
No Elan skis in my lengths except for the Ripstick 96 in a 174. Widest ski I have ever been on to date. I had a surprising bit of fun running over the bumps. Turning and getting on edge was easy. Was pretty lightweight too, kinda surfy. Just wider than I am looking for.
2020 Dynastar Legend 88 in a 173. Skied pretty similarly to the Rossi 88 but just didn't wow me. Got the job done but felt lighter and skittish when I pushed it.
Atomic Vantage 90T in 169. Just Meh. It was on the stiffer side and cut through the bumps. I had no problems driving it, but it just lacked that fun factor.
2020 Head Core W93 in 171 - Wow, wow, wow! Just loved this ski. Second run had me yelling out "Wahoo!" as I popped out of the turns, surfed over the bumps, smeared and drove them. They inspired me to really push it and have some fun. Wish I could have played on these all day to see what they can do.
It was a fun yet tiring day of trying out new skis, finding what I like/don't like. Just wish there had been more options for me in the skis I was looking to try. Would be great to try out the Rossi 88 and Core W in colder temps to see how they do. I don't need hard snow carvers, just ones that can handle mixed snow/bumps/spring crud with ease.