Need Advice on Skis + Ski Demo Report

[Captain]

Hi!
I’m new to this forum and am glad I found it. Referred by Phil from Barking Bear forum (thanks!). Please forgive the long message: I think it’s easier for you all to help me find skis if you have more info about me plus I have some reviews of several skis I know of that may be useful to others.

I’m looking for new skis – I probably can only afford one pair this year, so it should suit my skiing preferences (below). After reading through this forum, the Barking Bear forum (not all), reading ski mags and their gear guides, websites, talking to about a dozen or so different expert skiers or those knowledgeable about gear – (from friends to those at ski shops) and demoing some skis, I am more knowledgeable and yet, in some ways, more confused! The one thing missing in my research is talking to expert lady skiers who know the skies from a “lighter” perspective. So I hope you all can help me out! BTW, will still continue research on the Barking Bear - good source of info!

Here are my stats:
5’7”, 140 lbs., train (and live) to ski. I ski out west/Europe about 20 days a year and ski moguls, powder and trees and use the groomers (and local slopes) just to warm up, practice technique and to get to the other terrain/off piste. I ski aggressively and can “keep up with the guys” (although we girls all know that it’s the other way around ;) ). But I’m no expert and have a lot to learn! I am looking for a ski that can handle all three of these situations (moguls, trees and powder).

I’m leaning towards: at least 78mm waist up to about 85mm and am strongly considering park skis; length around 160. I don’t spend time in the park, but have heard that many work well as an all mountain ski: have the girth for powder, the quick turns for tree skiing and the softness in the shovel for moguls. Sounds all mountain to me… But I’m totally open, thought to other ideas.

Here is a Demo Report of those I’ve skied for those interested.

Head Monsters i.70 (163) (I own these) – Have skied all conditions for the past four years – powder, trees, moguls, hard pack and ice. Pretty good all mountain ski, but excels at carving on groomers. It was a lot of work through the moguls, but very doable. These are fast skies, no chatter at speed, very stable, holds an edge in ice and hard pack and makes really nice turns. I usually am the first down a groomer (and I do make turns)– it’s either the skis or me, but I say skis.

Rossignol Mary Jane (special ski made for MJ’s 3th anniversary) (160cm) – pure mogul ski. What a difference btwn these and my skis! Forgiving and easy. If I was going to ski bumps all day, I’d buy this ski today. Compared to me going through with my Head Monsters, I felt like a Rock Star! What fun! But it was very skittish on groomers. Definitely only likes MJ bumps.

Solomon Flint and Hot? (160?) – heavy, lots of work and not much fun. Even though it responded, my ankles felt every turn. It was stable on the groomers and at speed, though. Good bounce/rebound in moguls, though. Probably good for someone heavier/bigger.

K2 Lotta Luvs (167) I liked them a lot! Handled well in all conditions (wasn’t able to try deep powder), responsive, stable, quick turns, nice through moguls. Fun ski and I felt at home on all terrain. However I felt they were bit long and I’d have been more nimble w/ shorter skis.

K2 Recons (167cm) – nice on groomers, at speed, made tight turns. Easy to get on edge. No opportunity to try them in moguls. Length was fine on groomers, but could be shorter for me for trees, moguls.

Blizzard Titan Eight (169). I wasn’t able to put it to the test (skiing locally and we only have hills nearby), but I did get it through some ice and a steep, but very short, run. I found the Blizzard surprisingly nimble (tight turns), easy to put on edge, and pretty stable. Did what I asked of it. Again – shorter length would have been more comfortable for tight situations, but fine on the groomers.

Rossignol B2W and B2 – hated both. (approx 160) They seemed very skittish. The B2W was awful (for me) through the crude and the hard moguls. The B2 was not very stable on groomers. Wasn’t able to ski the B2 in moguls. I know hate is strong, but I’ve tried the Bandits since 2002 and they never fit my style. It’s odd b/c I always hear good things about them.

K2 Miss Demeanors (159) – pretty good through the moguls (only got one run in), surprisingly held an edge in icy and hard pack cond., easy to turn/maneuver! Liked it a lot, but didn’t get to put it through the terrain I like to ski to really know its limits. So still need more intel on this one.

Would really like to try and learn about:
Dynastar Legend 8000; ladies Exclusive Legend Powder
Volkl Mantra & Karma
Rossie Ten Eighty Foil, The Dumot
K2 Miss Demeanor, Public Enemy
Any others you know of and could recommend (as good or bad for what I want).
Don't know much about Stokli and Elan, so let me know what you do.

Ok – lots of info and congrats if you got this far. I would love your thoughts and insight on finding the right ski! And let me know if any of you have questions about the skis I’ve demo’d.

Thanks!

 

[ski diva]

Just wanted to hi-jack this thread for a minute to say welcome, Captain! Nice to have you join us. And good to meet someone else who skis Head Monster i.M 70's. That's the same ski I have, and I agree completely with your assessment. Don't see them too often.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program......

 

[Captain]

Hi and thanks!

I know - I have only seen them on the slopes once in four years. Someone wrote a note about them in the forum - was it you? I was psyched to see someone else with them. Just loved them so much until I and started skiing moguls and demo'd another pair. I found that the demo skis were easier on me though moguls. That's when I decided to find new skis. Fortunately, I found them a good home. My good friend LOVES them and now she's already enjoyed them in Park City. After reading that message, I thought "maybe I shouldn't have sold them"!

Anyway, I'm so glad I found this form - Philpug from Barking Bear referred me.

Cheers!

 

[Little Lightning]

Hi Captain,

I'm in a similiar situation as you, I'm looking for a ski that I can do moguls and trees with. I mostly ski at Copper and love the bumps and trees.

I can demo K2 skis on Weds. as part of my Ski clinic, it's sponsored by K2. This week I'm planning on demoing the Lotta Luv. My class is working on improving our skiing in bumps and trees so I figure its a perfect time to demo. Outdoor Divas in Denver has the Lotta Luvs on sale and they are holding a pair for me. If I don't like them they recommended the Dynastar Legend. If the shop has the K2 Nancy in my size I could demo them next week for you.

I plan to stop in Tues. apres ski to check out what they have available. I'll let you know what I found out Tues or Wed.

Kathi

 

[Captain]

Awesome! Thanks! Dynastar Legend 8000 is on my "to demo" list. My buddy (guy) who skis at my level just bought it (he demo'd it and a bunch of others). @ 95mm, I thought the Nancy might be too wide for what I/we want to do. But sometimes the wide widths do well all mountain and I'm sure you have a better sense than I do about this. (Was looking at the Miss Demeanor since it was 80mm.) I'll be anxious to hear what you think about whatever you try and have tried.

BTW, REI had the Lotta Luv on sale for $649.

Have a great time at the clinic!
Eileen

 

[SnowHot]

Welcome!
Wow you are thorough!

I have some input on the karma(169), gotta say love it! Its not a carver by any means but it will carve.
Its got great float in the powder, manuvers okay in the trees, and will do bumps, although bumps are not my strong point, I feel somewhat confident in the bumps on these.

I have heard great things about the Titan 8, and think it would perform pretty much the same way.

You may look at the ad in the Dod area. Pinto has a Queen Attiva for sale that may be a good option.

I have more on this but I have to watch the crash in the Daytona 500 right now.
:D

 

[Little Lightning]

Awesome! Thanks! Dynastar Legend 8000 is on my "to demo" list. My buddy (guy) who skis at my level just bought it (he demo'd it and a bunch of others). @ 95mm, I thought the Nancy might be too wide for what I/we want to do. But sometimes the wide widths do well all mountain and I'm sure you have a better sense than I do about this. (Was looking at the Miss Demeanor since it was 80mm.) I'll be anxious to hear what you think about whatever you try and have tried.

BTW, REI had the Lotta Luv on sale for $649.

Have a great time at the clinic!
Eileen

My Fat Luvs have a 90mm waist and while they are a blast in powder they are a little to wide for the trees and bumps, unless its a powder day.

I know REI has the Lotta Luvs on sale but they don't have my size. Outdoor Divas has them, flat, in my size for $454.

Ski Press says that you either like the Legend or hate it, there's no in between but it gives it a medal of excellence in its category, whereas, it gives the Lotta Luv an honorable mention.

Kathi

 

[SnowHot]

Sorry, I am watching these "Suthun Boys" turnin left on TV.

With your size and aggressiveness you should open your search to unisex skis in the 165-170 range. it is an in between size, too big for most woman and too small for most men. There are some great deals to be had in this range.

You have a great list started so far...The I hear Titan Eight skis like buttah. The Atomic Sweet Daddy is just that, sweet. The K2 Recon is an old stand by. The Dynastar Legend Exclusive is an option. Volkl AC 4 is a beefcake. The Nordica Supercharger is another choice for a twin tip.

So many choices..what is a girl to do?

 

[Pequenita]

Another minor threadjack - I am so glad that someone else found the B2s to be unstable on the groomers. It was the fattest ski I'd ever tried, so I thought it was just me not accustomed to fatter skis!

 

[Captain]

Thanks, Ladies! Just went online and checked out the skis you recommended, SnowHot. Will try to get my boots in them - especially interested in the Karma. Less girth than the Mantra. Both Mantra and Supercharger widths scare me - I don't think I'll be able to handle that in the moguls and on groomers. I'm not that good!

Kathi - didn't know you could get the Lotta Luvs w/out bindings. That's a great price from what I've seen.

Pequenita - the wider skies shouldn't chatter any more or less than the more narrow ones - at least in my experience... It's the ski itself. Tried the Bandits when they were a lot narrower (four or five yeasrs ago) and felt the same way - unstable. Maybe we ski the same.

This is awesome to get such great feedback from everyone! Thank you! If y'all are still inspired, please continue!

 

[SnowHot]

Another minor threadjack - I am so glad that someone else found the B2s to be unstable on the groomers. It was the fattest ski I'd ever tried, so I thought it was just me not accustomed to fatter skis!

I demo'd the B2 and not only didn't find it to be stable, but though it was the deadest thing I'd had under me. If I had to pick a ski I couldn't wait to give back to the demo guy, this was it.


I think you'll like the Karma. Don't go any less than 169 length, and remember they ski short.

Then report back! Gotta love a diva report.

If you look in the Review section, you'll see a sticky with a demo report card you can print out and use when you try skis.
Thanks to volklgirl. She's another woman who has some great input on skis.

 

[Quiver Queen]

Sounds like you ski fast, so friends that have the 1080 Foil wouldn't recommend it. Instead, recommend the 1080 Gun (if you're real strong), and the 1080 Thruster (which also has a women's version with just different graphics, but can't remember the name), both of which will hold well @ speed. The Thruster, which is similar to the Pocket Rockets but a little narrower, is very close to the original 1080's, which I have and found it to be a my most favorite ski ever & is a terrific all mountain ski without a speed limit, just not for ice. Ignore all the park & pipe chatter--these skis leave p & p in the dust!

 

[Captain]

Thanks! Checked out the Gun. It looks a little beefy for me - not sure I could handle the girth of those skis. The Thruster and Foil look more manageable. Am I too caught up in the waist width numbers?
I spend most of my time in the moguls but also enjoy the trees.
Are your Pocket Rockets forgiving if you make mistakes in the moguls? I love to ski 'em, but am still learning.
Any word on the Salomon Minx?

 

[SnowHot]

Something in the high 80's at the waist is about the widest you'd want to go if you're going to do the moguls and trees. I skied trees a bunch over the weekend on my Karmas, but I'm not sure I'd want to go any wider.

 

[Little Lightning]

Captain,

Today I demoed the Lotta Luv's in a 154. Copper had 7" of snow yesterday so we had powder/pp. We skied bumps, trees and some leftover, choppy powder. We went into Copper Bowl which was a little crusty.

I really liked these skis in these conditions. It didn't matter what they went though they handled them well. I really liked them in the bumps and on long turns. We didn't do much cruising but I found them nice and stable on the couple of cruisers we did.

They don't have the quick turning ability of my Volkl Supersports but that didn't bother me that much, they were perfect for my intended use.

We had a couple of sunbaked, windswept icy spots at the top of the mtn and they held a really nice grip across them.

Last year I demoed the Burnin Luv's and liked my preferred my Volkl's. I thought the Lotta Luv's are much nicer off piste.

The kid in the shop raved about the Miss Demeanor but they didn't have it to demo. He suggested the unisex version but then decided that with my light weight (105 lbs) and tiny foot (size 4) that it would be too much ski for me.

Last year my friend demoed the Lotta Luv and thought it was to much ski for her but I thought it was a very easy turning, go anywhere ski.

Anyway, I liked the ski well enough that I'm buying it. Will pick it up this weekend.

Kathi

 

[Captain]

Kathi,
Congratulations on your new skis! I really liked them when I demo'd them, but as I said, didn't get to try them in powder and they seemed long. The Lotta Luvs are always getting rav reviews. That's awesome you got to test them out in all types of terrain - ice, hard pack, pow, trees, moguls.

When you say they don't turn like your Volkl's, do you mean the radius is not as tight?

Thanks for the thorough demo report!

Eileen

 

[Little Lightning]

My volkls have 67mm waist and a 12.3 turn radius. The Lotta Luvs have a 78 mm waist, don't know the turn radius. The Volkls get on edge very quickly and really like to turn. I didn't find the Lotta Luv getting on edge so quickly. Surprisingly, on long turns I felt more comfortable on the Lotta Luv's than I do on the Volkl. The Volkl is a stiffer ski.

I didn't get the chatter from the Lotta Luv's that I got when I demoed the Burnin Luvs last year. The bindings were Salomon, don't remember the model, but they had 1/4" lift on them. My boots also have a 1/4" lift, maybe that's why they didn't chatter.

My instructor took us though a short but tight tree run and they zipped right down it.

In spite of all the bumps we did today, 90% of the day, I don't feel like I had a hard day.

Kathi

 

[eng_ch]

If you can lay your hands on them on your side of the pond, it sounds like the Scott Rosa would be worth a try. They're the women's version of the Scott Mission and I wrote a few lines on them here:

https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=837

(which promptly went off topic :D)

The shortest they come in is a 168 - but that has a turn radius of 13 m! We haven't exactly had much powder in Europe this year so far, but it is clear they would handle that really well, and as they turn so easily they coped with the bumps we were doing perfectly happily IMO

 

[altagirl]

Thanks! Checked out the Gun. It looks a little beefy for me - not sure I could handle the girth of those skis. The Thruster and Foil look more manageable. Am I too caught up in the waist width numbers?
I spend most of my time in the moguls but also enjoy the trees.
Are your Pocket Rockets forgiving if you make mistakes in the moguls? I love to ski 'em, but am still learning.
Any word on the Salomon Minx?

If you haven't tried skis with a wider waist, I wouldn't discount them all. Some are a little more difficult, but, for example, I find the Mantra (Aura would be the same dimensions, but I haven't been able to try it) and the Head im88 to be pretty darn nimble - I'm skiing bumps and trees better on the im88s than ever before. And I've spent plenty of time in trees and while it's not my preference, skied plenty of bumps on my Gotamas, which are 105 underfoot. I actually haven't tried Pocket Rockets (they look too much like the Motherships and Atomic Stomps, and other center mounted, park-type skis that I've tried and, well, hated.) My husband LOVES that type of ski though, so who knows. Try 'em and see!

Anyway - I'd suggest you try the Mantra (or Aura), and one of the Head i.M series (82, 88).

 

[dloveski]

I LOVE my Pocket Rockets. So fun in powder, they float right on top, but they are also a blast in the bumps and chop---as long as it's soft snow. They do not do hard hard icy pack well, so in those conditions, I slow way down or I swap to Head Intelligence or Atomic Divas. The Divas ski like a Pocket Rocket with edges, but am still seeking the perfect all-round all-mountain ski.