Question: New ski to add to my quiver: Any recommendations?

[skicatastrophe]

Hello ladies! First time poster here, so please bear with me with my lack of ski lingo ability! I am a 5'3", 120 lbs, advanced, Northeast skier. I am currently skiing Dynastar Exclusive 10's (153cm) which I absolutely adore. They are "that ski" that really got me to the next level in terms of my skiing. To be fair, before that, my ski repertoire consisted mostly of mom's much-loved hand-me-downs and second-hand store bargains. I find that my 10's are great for cruising, amazing on hardpack, ice, curdory, and the steeps, and allow me to *almost* keep up with my 17-year-old ski-racing maniac of a little brother. Where I am really getting bogged down (literally) is in the crud, the slush, and the powder where my 10's tend to feel sluggish and unresponsive. And I do feel that I tend to over-muscle them sometimes, trying to keep up with the kids. I would also really love to finally take that trip out West this season and am looking for a ski that will help build my quiver. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and one other factor...I am a grad student, so last year or the year before's model recommendations would be appreciated as well

 

[MaineSkiLady]

No lingo worries! Reads fine to me
If you are, as was/am I (still use them from time to time) such a big fan of the Exclusive 10, you owe it yourself (as did I) to try some more in the Dynastar line-up (although there are so many other brands..... I tend to stay w/what works for me). Yes, the 10 wouldn't do too well in crud, as it's a narrow-waisted "frontside" kind of ski that loves to turn. Highly recommend a demo of the Exclusive Legend (widely available for sale and demo), which has a 75 waist and loves the crud - along with powder (of the eastern consistency/quantity) and bumps! (speaking from experience here!)

I picked mine up last spring for 279 at https://www.sierraskis.com, who may still have some available. Also hunt on eBay. But....please try to demo first, if at all possible.

I'm also a NE skier - and as you recall, we had some pretty decent snowfalls last winter, so the spring skiing was off the charts good here. The E Legends were sublime last spring - what a blast. I've also picked up (ridiculous-cheap) a pair of EL Powder, 85 waist, which won't be anywhere near as "turny" as the Legends or my front-siders.....but I couldn't resist. :D JUST in case we get lucky here this winter!

Anything else you want to know about the line, holler and I'll try to dig up info and provide. Good luck!

 

[skicatastrophe]

Thanks for the reply! I have been seriously looking into the Exclusive Legends and (thanks to many posts from many enthusiastic divas) Volkl Auras. Can't wait for demo day;-) Oh, and....Any advise on length? I know I can go at least 10cm longer in the Auras, but what about the Legends? Will a longer length be beneficial in deeper snow? My Exclusive 10's are 153cm.

 

[SnowHot]

Are you open to other brands or do you prefer to stick with Dynastars?

 

[BackCountryGirl]

I got a pair of Fischer Watea's last season (the 78s) to be my east-coast powder ski. They are not women's specific. I took them to Mammoth in the spring and to Chile this summer and they did well on crud and in powder. I can't say enough good things about them. They are light, zippy, and easy to move. They have spring and energy; I've not used them yet on east coast hard-paack; for that, I have a new pair of old Volkl five stars. I've been in the market for a bit wider ski to take out to Silverton in Colorado in March. Fischer Vision Zeal's (a women's ski) have been suggested. I'm going to try to demo them. FWIW!

 

[skicatastrophe]

I am absolutely interested in other brands. I am honestly pretty much in the dark when it comes to powder skis. Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[SnowHot]

Backcountry girl has a good suggestion with the Watea 78's, however, you may consider the Watea 84 or 94 if you really want something for powder.

Beyond that, and not trying to sound like a broken record, You have to consider the Volkl Aura and the Head Sweet Fat Thang. they both may seem like they're wide for every day skiing, however all reviews and Diva experiences say that they'll take you anywhere you want to go.

 

[Severine]

I'll throw out there Line Celebrities, which have also been reviewed well on Ski Diva. I picked up a pair recently (un-demoed) for this winter and can't wait to try them out.

 

[skicatastrophe]

I gotta tell you, this site is a God send! I have quickly become obsessed

 

[Jilly]

We try.

That's why we have this guy: