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Need Help With Fischer Vision Decision

retromaven

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
First I'd like to say "hi" to all you ski Divas. It's great that there is FINALLY an all women's ski resource, which has been so long overdue. Many THANX to the original "SkiDiva" for developing this.

I am hoping you ladies, who seem to have quite a bit of experience with the Fischer Visions, will help me decide which of the two Fischer models would be right for me. Here's a little info on me/my skiing ability so you can best guide me:

I'm going to be 44 next month and have been on a long hiatus from skiing (9 years) due to health (lupus), having kids and no one to ski with, as hubby doesn't (gasp!) ski and I have not met one women in my area who does! Well anyway, I finally want to get back to the sport I love, despite the obstacles. My 9 year old daughter wants to learn to ski and I signed up for a weekly mid-week women's ski group/clinic that meets at a local mountain to get my feet wet again, and have decided if I don't make a few friends in the group looking to ski other places/times, I will ski alone or with my daughter as she progresses as she is a quick study, as has been good on skates and gymnastics as I had been as a young girl.

When I unceremoniously stopped skiing I was =much= (50lbs) lighter (LOL), and have been skiing since I've been about 13. I would put myself at a solid 7/8 (mostly carver) and when I took lessons would be put in advanced/expert category for group/private, although I am not particularly aggressive and need to be pushed a bit, or ski with better skiers to feel challenged. I usually skied with "the boys" for that push, but now that I am older, heavier (5'2" 155lb, but very muscular, especially in the legs) and have more stiffness due to the lupus (but am still in good physical condition), I am looking to ski with my daughter as she progresses in lessons, and then mainly stay on the blue runs with forays into black diamond and a mogul field or two occasionally when feeling up for it. I'm not looking to do "high speed" steeps or be a "Bump Queen" and at this point "built for comfort, not for speed, controled skier" best describes me :wink: !! Skiing in the East, especially where I am, I will be on a lot of hard pack and ice and I understand this ski holds an edge well in those conditions, right?

Anyway, I say all this now, but who knows? If it's a good season, and I get out a lot, I can be fickle, so might want something with a bit more "growing room" in there. I am hoping it will be like riding a bike and after a few rusty go's, I'll be not to far off from my former skill level, and maybe even improve, especially with the new advances in skis.

That's where my indecision lies. I think I've narrowed down my choice (I grew up on Fischers and always liked the way they skied) to the Vision 70 and the Vision 73. The Vision 70 seems good for what I am looking to do now, but I wonder if I feel better skiing than I anticipate or meet some more aggressive women skiers in my group and feel like I'm up for the challenge, will I regret not having the Vision 73. My gut tells me to go with the 73, my target skiing tells me Vision 70. I considered other skis from Volkl, Atomic and Dynastar, but I think the Fischers seem best suited for what I am looking for out of a ski.

Then there is the length issue. Obviously, not being on new skis in almost a decade, lengths are shorter. I've always skied 165/170 skis in the past, even though I was significantly lighter. I'm thinking about either ski in a 158 length or based on weight the 164, but seeing what others are skiing on here in the Vision, I'm thinking 164 might be too long?

What boots are you guys in skiing the Visions? I'll be in a Solly Rush, and if anyone uses them, let me know how you like them. They were a great fit inside, albeit a bit tight around my very muscular calves. They were still one of the best I tried, to cope with that issue, other than Dalbellos, which were more forgiving in the calf, but that I personally wasn't wowed by, seemed too soft of a boot in the price range I could afford. Anyway, I may or may not need them tweaked depending how they pack out. Have most of you had your boots tweaked at a specialty boot fitter? I see there are a few Jersey/NYC gals here, so any recommendations for boot fitters (I know there is a good one in Hunter, NY, but if there was one closer to Metro NY/NJ that would be stellar!) or more individualized ski shops would be welcome too.

I know I'm asking a lot. I appreciate in advance your replies - THANX! :ski2:

"JJ"
 

MaineSkiLady

Angel Diva
retromaven, welcome to Ski Divas! :smile: This is a great group! Our "guru" is Wendy, by the way. I'm sure she will welcome you personally with a post. First of all, kudos for getting back to the sport, especially given the condition you're dealing with, not an easy one. Your attitude speaks volumes :ski2: !! I hope you find some fellow "divas" to ski with soon!! How old are your kids?

While I can't comment on the Fischers, due to my personal unfamilarity with the brand, I certainly can comment on which direction your choice should go: AIM HIGH! Go for the longer ski and the higher performance model!!! From what you've stated, your skill level is such that you will no doubt very quickly return to that level of expertise in a very short period of time. What a waste of $ to be "outskiing" a relatively brand new ski, either by virtue of its flex characteristics or length.

I personally just bought a pair of skis that, regrettably, fit this very error category, on both counts. I totally outskied them, and I missed the 7 cm that my usual skis have. They will get sold.

Hopefully, some of the other members will have greater familiarity with Fischers to comment more on these specific models, but I just wanted to say "welcome" and add my .02 with regard to going longer or higher level. GO FOR IT!
 

ski diva

Administrator
Staff member
Welcome to the forum, retromaven! Congrats for getting back into skiing! Sounds like you're off to a good (re)start. Don't worry -- soon you'll be as addicted as the rest of us.

I actually have Fischer Vision 73's. I demoed them last year and had to have them. You can see my review here. There are some other posts about both them and the 70s in the Gear Review section. A quick search will find them for you. Anyway, although I can't speak about the 70's, from your description it sounds like you'll be back to your former level in no time. Don't sell yourself short -- go for the 73s. I have them in a 153, but I'm 5'1", 110 lbs. I think you have to go longer. I'm not sure what lengths they come in, but I don't think 164 would be out of the question. Can you demo both 158 and 164 to find out what works for you?

As for boots, definitely go to a good boot fitter. It's worth the effort and money. Everyone's feet are different, so I can't speak as to what boots would be best for you. Since you asked, however, I have Nordica Speed Machine 10's with custom footbeds -- but that doesn't mean they'd be right for you. You might want to read Volklgirl's post about boot construction as background before you go.

Again, welcome to the forum! Glad you found us! And keep us posted, whatever you decide.
 

Bravosarah

Ski Diva Extraordinaire

dloveski

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Retromaven:

Welcome (back) to the sport of skiing. I too, took a hiatus for a couple of years (and I LIVE 10 MILES FROM A SKI RESORT). Was it that I took it for granted because it's so close? yes. Was it life? Yes, even more. Blame it on the three kidlets and their insatiable appetite for new skis/boards/boots/passes ($$), plus going back to get my MBA, plus my full-time state job when I was a political appointee, yada yada yada).

Now, I still pretend to have a career, but really am an aspiring ski bum, with the latter being a lot more fun. It's never too late to get addicted to skiing---go for it.

I second (and third) Ski Diva's recommendation to go to a good boot fitter. Please, make this a priority, and the rest of the ski karma will fall in place. I finally invested in a custom boot fit about three years ago and, after over 35 years of trying various ski boots and struggling in difficult terrain, it all started to come together, in all kinds of terrain, because I wasn't (a) in pain, (b) slipping out of my boots, (c) totally disconnected from my feet---which, I've learned, besides the brain, are the most important part of the anatomy for skiing. With the right boots I have learned that much of skiing, no matter the conditions, is in the feet.

The skis are secondary. I will let others advise you on Fischers. I ski on soft, wide skis for Western conditions.

Enjoy. It's not how you ski, it's that you ski.
 

retromaven

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Hey ladies! Thanks so much for the quick replies and encouraging words. In my younger days I'd ditch school in a heartbeat to go skiing. I'm a S-A-M, and both of mine are finally in school full time. I just moved and live very close (10 minutes) to a small family friendly mountain, so I thought it would be great to get my daughter started there and myself into a small local ladies group to get up to speed while the kids are in school and mom can ski the day away. I also have a slightly larger resort about 35 minutes away, and for NY/NJ metro area folks who usually have more of a drive, it's the perfect excuse to ditch errands and housework for something I've been dying to get back into again. My lupus can give me plenty of aches and pains, so I doubt I'll be skiing 3 or 4 times a week, but if I can get out twice a week at this point, I'll be a very happy camper. Most of the local places opened this weekend and are reporting good conditions! :smile:

As for the Fischers, I actually Googled them and ended up here. I read all your fabby reviews on both the 70s and 73s. I actually had a few other skis on the short list but having experience with Fischers and seeing so many "real life" raves and good reviews on ski testing sites, I thought since I skied on Fischers in the past (hs/college) and I liked them, they might be a good way to go.

There are very few personalized service ski/sport shops in my area anymore, the one I always dealt with went out of business a few years ago. They have gone the way of big box, and getting regeared up (pass, classes, skis, boots, bindings, clothes, etc for myself and my daughter) since I'm not a beginner is as we all know an investment. I am trying to keep it affordable for this year until I can demo a few skis and so I think both for my ability/preference/style the Fischers fit the bill and I have found a few places I can get them reasonably online. Most of the shops around here carry everything BUT Fischer. LOL

I see there are two certified master fitter boot shops around. One in Paramus, NJ and one up in Hunter, NY. I actually have a new boot, but I would like to treat myself to this as I can see how important it is and it is not something I ever did in the past. I have very wide calf muscles, and I have a feeling that although I got the best boot fit I could afford in the Salomon Rush (have not used them yet obviously) I'm sure I will need to have them tweaked. Maybe as I get back into things I can actually go to one of these specialist boot fitters and actually have them recommend the boot from scratch, but sticker shock was a consideration right now.

I'm trying to get the best ski/boot/gear to get me back into skiing this year for my ability, and into next season. If I can get to the Hunter Mt. Demo day this Dec. 30th, that would be fun. I just feel like I have to get my snow legs again and get used to the new technology before I even feel comfortable doing the demo thing. My most "recent" skis are 10 years old. I bought them the year before I stopped skiing, but I wouldn't want to use them now (and my foot is larger by a size and a half now from two kids and arthritis from the lupus, as well as me being nearly 50lbs heavier - hey, at least I'm happy!) when I can grab a great new ski with new technology and bindings relatively inexpensively with the dawn of online retailers making price shopping easier than it was years ago.

I also had several other skis on the shortlist, but the Fischers sound like the right "fit" and the real world reviews seem just glowing. I need a ski that will really hold an edge on east coast ice and because I've been out of it a while I don't want a ski that feels too heavy or damp, and for now I need an all-mountain, one trick pony.

Others on the short list:

*Volkl Attiva S5 Titanium
*Atomic B:11 Puls (I also considered the Balanze Diva, but I see here you guys are pretty down on that ski as pretty wimpy)
*Dynastar Exclusives Series (10 or Legend)
*K2 Burnin' Luv (still pretty pricey buy for me right now, since it seems to be the "it" series ski, not only for performance, but I think for many (maybe not here, in this forum, but elsewhere) for the graphics...:doh: I think the One Luv's would not be enough eventually or am I wrong?

I've read/lurked and seen some of the recommendations here and BB about the above mentioned, since I can't demo anything right now, and I have to pull the trigger on finalizing gear to get on the slopes this week. If anyone has any last minute input on the "short list" and how they may apply to my ability/ski style/nees now/in the future (with the newer replacement lines, like I know this year's Fischer 73 is the Breeze, right?) if anyone has skied any of them, I'd love the input. I am hearing everyone buzz about the Nordica line...no experience with that at all.

I agree I'd rather have MORE ski as you guys suggest and work a little harder up front than being disappointed in my equipment half way through the season and wishing I went with my "gut". I'll definitely keep you guys posted on how it all shakes out and give my review of the skis once I get out there in the next few couple of weeks.

Again, it's truly GREAT to see women of all ages, skill levels and sizes who love the sport in one place. It's been such a long overdue resource, and I'm glad to be in the company of Divas!

Hope many of you were lucky enough to hit the slopes this weekend. Many of the resorts here had great early openings here in the tri-state area this weekend. THANKS AGAIN!!!

Cheers and ski on...

JJ
 

Jilly

Moderator
Staff member
First welcome to the forum. I've been a little out of touch this week as I've been away skiing. I've only skied the Atomic on your list. A very stable ski, but heavy. Not just on the snow, which was great, but to carry around. That's why we called them "Meg-a-trons" Great east coast ski, and so you know, I tried them at Tremblant. Ice and crud was the order of that day. They tried me out by noon, because of the weight. Like my Rossi Z5's better. (And I live in Atomic town - Canadian warehouse and customer service center is in my home town.)
 

MaineSkiLady

Angel Diva
retromaven;22912 I need a ski that will really hold an edge on east coast ice[/U said:
and because I've been out of it a while I don't want a ski that feels too heavy or damp, and for now I need an all-mountain, one trick pony.
Others on the short list:
*Dynastar Exclusives Series (10 or Legend)

I sure have experience with these! I have two pairs of 10's. At 130#, the 165's rock it for me. Light as a feather. 158's just felt too short. Legends are wider underfoot by quite a bit (75, I think), might be your better bet, have never heard a bad review but can be pricier. Newer Exclusive model for your ability is the 11. Just gifted DH with "new old stock" pair of Dyna Ski Cross 9, 170. He got on them and took off (he's 160#). I've never seen him take to a ski so fast, wow. Ditto for me on the Exclusive 10's in 165 length. Don't sell yourself "short." Really hope you can demo - IMO, it doesn't take very long on any pair to know if it's going to be "your" ski! Best of luck, it really is a tough decision, but your short list is a good one. Lots of new old stock Dynastars show up on ebay. Please keep us posted!
 

ski diva

Administrator
Staff member
I've skied the Attiva S5, which you can see in the same review I posted about the Vision 73s. Volkls are great on the hard pack/ice, so it might be a good choice for an east coast ski. Still, I preferred the 73s; the Volkls weren't nearly as lively. I think it comes down to personal preference. Try to get out and demo.
 

w.ski

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Welcome retromaven! Like you I skied when I was young and quit for a long time (19 years for me). I started again when my kids were little. I skied in a women's program at a small local area for a number of years, and now have a great group of ski buddies to ski with. It's a perfect way to get back in to the sport.

As far as skis go, I've never skied Fischers (actually had a pair 40 years ago, but I don't think that counts!). I generally tend to like Volkls a lot, I demoed the Burnin' Luv a few years ago and didn't like it at all. From what I've heard since, if you tend to like Volkls, you tend not to like K2's. Recently I demoed the Nordica Firefox and loved it, so Nordica's may be worth a look as well.

At any rate, I think ski choice is a very personal thing. If you can, it may be good to rent shaped skis at first, just to get the feel of it back, and then demo, demo, demo!
 

retromaven

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Welcome retromaven! Like you I skied when I was young and quit for a long time (19 years for me). I started again when my kids were little. I skied in a women's program at a small local area for a number of years, and now have a great group of ski buddies to ski with. It's a perfect way to get back in to the sport.

As far as skis go, I've never skied Fischers (actually had a pair 40 years ago, but I don't think that counts!). I generally tend to like Volkls a lot, I demoed the Burnin' Luv a few years ago and didn't like it at all. From what I've heard since, if you tend to like Volkls, you tend not to like K2's. Recently I demoed the Nordica Firefox and loved it, so Nordica's may be worth a look as well.

w.ski:

Hi! I'm glad you and I had exactly the same idea how to go about getting back into skiing after a hiatus and it worked out so well! How long did it take you to feel like your old self again? Were you able to adjust easily to the new technology?

Right now I'm looking to purchase a new "old" (one season off or so) model ski that seems to suit me, so if I don't purchase the "perfect" all around model, I haven't shot myself in the foot from a financial standpoint and can afford to pick up a current pair after I demo. If I can find a babysitter for the day, I might go up to Hunter Mountain, which is having a ladies only demo day, this December 30th. I have seen a few of you ladies here great reviews of the Nordica Firefox, which would be on my short list of demos, but that is out of my price range for an upfront investment today. At the end of the season if I demo it and like it, it might be an option. I have NO experience with Nordica, except word of mouth online. I think there are 10 women signed up for my Thursday morning coffee/clinic group and we will be broken down by ability and will get some more input there or can find someone to demo with...

I for some reason had never had good luck finding women to ski with that were at or above my ability level. I yearly (my birthday is in January) would go away to ski for a long weekend every year on my birthday, prior to being married with a group of gals (who no longer ski or have moved). I'd ski alone and they'd all be muddling down, but we still had a blast. Not that I was that great, just never had luck finding women of my own ability, so usually skied with guys. My husband wouldn't like that NOW! LOL It's encouraging to see a group of women who are into the sport and at any level want to continue to grow, so I'm hoping to find some local women of like mind. I'm pretty outgoing so I'm sure I will. I'd love to end up saying like you, w.ski I have a great group of women to ski with by the end of this winter.

I appreciate everyone's reviews, help, tips, etc. Have a great day!

JJ/retromaven
 

retromaven

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Hey Ladies!

After much consideration, and for my sitch/needs, I decided to pull the trigger on Fischer Vision 70s today, and got them for a sweet price (with 3 day UPS shipping) from Overstock.com for $253, which doesn't get better than that IMHO. Most of the ski shops within 45 minutes or so don't carry Fischers, and the price point is a lot higher everywhere else, so I think value to ski, I'm a happy happy camper. I just need to get the bindings mounted once I get them and I will drop my review as soon as I get on them. Thanks for everyone's help.

I went with the 70s over the 73s, because at this point I will only really be skiing on-piste at this point, and as I continued to check around, for some off-piste, freestyle or uber high speed situations, the 73 is the way to go, but that doesn't characterize me at this point. For a carver/slalom ski that can hold an edge on ice, handles all conditions in a stellar manner and can handle speed the 70 is a bit more dynamic from all the stuff I've compiled, and that seems to be me, so I went with it.

I look forward to being around here often and getting more great advice. Will be sending others I meet along the way here too, this site ROCKS! :ski2:

JJ/Retromaven
 

Jilly

Moderator
Staff member
Wow, good price. I can get this years Breeze at $575 Cdn, pro-deal. So your price is great. Please tell us how you like them.
 

retromaven

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Although I bought the Fischers, and being someone who is familiar and has mostly skied on Fischers, I actually learned to ski on Blizzards. My last pair of skis before I stopped were Sollys. Reviews for the Blizzard Passion Vegas are sweet - a really good all mountain ski and can be good on groomed and a pretty good performer on bumps. Emocion good off piste and bumps, which is a bit unusual. I haven't seen anyone mention the Blizzard line here in most of the threads I've read. Anyone ski a Blizzard ski recently?

I know that in my area few carry Fischer or Blizzard and tend to the more "popular" lines for the casual weekend warrior or solid high end stuff, but I have to say, I really have had really solid experience years ago with both brands, and if I could find a Blizzard demo, that with the Nordica Firefox and Fischer Breeze - once I get my legs back would be on the short list to try out - to see if I like for end of year/next year.

JJ
 

w.ski

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
w.ski:
Hi! I'm glad you and I had exactly the same idea how to go about getting back into skiing after a hiatus and it worked out so well! How long did it take you to feel like your old self again? Were you able to adjust easily to the new technology?
JJ/retromaven


I stopped skiing in 1970/71 when I went to college and none of my friends at the time skied. A couple of years after college I got married and my husband didn't ski either. He started taking lessons when my oldest son started, and I got back to skiing when my youngest was a year old (in 1989/90). It was quite a shock to get back; when I stopped I was skiing on old black Head 360's and leather buckle boots. As I recall, I think plastic boots had just started to be available. When I started again, I knew nothing about the equipment; I just went into a shop and bought what they told me to. My mind also couldn't remember how to ski, but I found that my body did - very strange! It took much less time to get back to where I had been then I expected it would.
 

num

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Congrats on the new skis, JJ! Have you gotten them/gotten out on them yet? I snagged a pair of the Vision 70s in the off season, based on a combination of needing new skis, reading the fantastic reviews on here and the great prices. I'm a big fan of demoing, but at that price I figured I couldn't lose. So far, I love em. Hope they work out well for you too.
 
I, unfortunately, have nothing to add to this thread! I'm clueless in this area! Sorry! :redface:
 

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