need suggestions for new skis

[treeskier]

I am looking for a new 1-quiver ski and could use your help to limit the choices down to a reasonable number to demo.

I am 42, 150lb, advanced but not expert, assertive not aggressive, ski single blacks - mostly trees but some bumps and groomed, expect to ski 20+ days/year in Colorado. I am looking for a ski that is good in powder but turns quick for trees and bumps. Looking for a ski that can do crud too. I have old knee injuries so am not a fast power skier on black runs but I don't like skis that are so soft that they can't handle the speed of bomber runs on the blues. I am looking to improve my technique so I can feel confident in tight trees or big bumps.

What skis would you suggest for my skiing style?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Whoa! Sounds like you are the perfect candidate for the Dynastar Exclusive Legend! Seriously, try to get a demo on this ski, it will do all that you have listed. Recommend a 158. Widely available as a high performance demo. Good luck!

 

[Jilly]

I loved my Rossi Z5's for exactly what you are talking about. You might want to look at this year's Z6 or the ladies Attraxion VI. Robyn is on last year's Attraxion V. Because of the big shovels on these skis they can do some minor powder dumps. Another is this years Atomic - 7th heaven or Heaven's Gate.

But the Diva's mantra is DEMO, DEMO AND DEMO AGAIN!

 

[PowDiva85]

I would also look at the new Rossingnol voodoo series which is replacing the B/bandit series. These skies love to make all size turns are forgiving but powerful enough to handle anything you put against them.

 

[treeskier]

Salomon Jades?

Thanks for your suggestions. I will put them on the top of my "to demo" list.

A local salesman that actually sounds like he knows something about multiple brands has suggested the Salomon Jade. Expertskier.com says, "The essence of versatility for all-mountain skiers accustomed to wider skis." Skipress says, "This ski’s like a training bra for freeskiers, ... It’s best for smaller, lighter women .” Ski says, "one of the more versatile choices in the category...unsurpassed in Flotation...scored last in Rebound." Has anyone skied these? The salesman swears that they actually do have good rebound. Not sure who to believe. Would this be a good fit for me?

 

[Jilly]

I really like Ski Presse's test results. And yes I would put the Jade and the Origin or the Opal on your demo list too. All Salomon. I hope to get out again on those 3 early this year.

 

[cinnabon]

I demo'd these (Salomon Jewel Origins, 2008) my last day on snow last season and immediately fell in love with them. I couldn't give them back - I bought the demos! They felt solid & secure, and I felt like I could do anything on any type of snow... Don't be fooled by the pretty flowers!:D
For what you are looking for, I would definitely suggest checking them out.

Ski-Review's Verdict:

The wider dimensions suggest "big mountain cruiser" but the Origins is right at home on steep icy pitches at smaller areas where short radius turns make each run more fun and keep you out of the lift line a bit longer. More skiing...more fun.

A real performance ski for skilled Ladies that ski everywhere. Solid secure grip combined with a little stronger flex invite higher speeds, remembering of course that high performance skis with a lot of sidecut do not go straight.

The Salomon Jewel Origin will go anywhere and blast through almost anything you can throw at it. Some testers hailed its feel in moguls as well, which makes sense when one considers the amount of taper angle. Almost 2cm of taper deliver uncommon versatility and allows better skiers to change turn shapes and release the tail at their discretion - get on them and off them quickly and whenever you want.

Nice flex pattern and Women specific sidecut, combined with torsional rigidity for grip and versatile geometry. A winner for advanced women.

 

[jaydog]

Add the K2 Lotta Luv to your demo list: a dream in the bumps, and very easy to turn.

 

[astridhj]

I have to agree with Cinnabon. The origins is a fantastic ski. The only reason for me not buying them was that I was looking for a ski to go offpiste with.

Good luck

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Check out the specs on Fischer Watea 78.
(I know I am!)
Sounds good.

 

[CMCM]

I have those exact Salomon Origins that cinnabon talks about above and I love them! I actually demoed them as an after-thought....the skis I wanted to demo were out, so I took out the Origins and fell in love! After my old 150 Nordicas (with a narrow 68 waist), these Origins felt incredibly solid (74 waist). I couldn't believe the stability, especially when tracking straight at moderate speed (I'm not a speed demon at all!). I just felt more secure on them. They turn as quickly as I want them to. Also....I was demoing in a 162 which I never would have gone for, but the length seemed just fine and far better than the 150's I'd been on, which were probably too short for me. I'm not sure if the Origins are made this season, but I think the Opal is similar, or possibly a new incarnation of the Origins. They also come with really nice bindings.