New skis this season, need advice

[Wyoming Pam]

Hello everyone. My husband demo'd fat skis last season and wants to get me a pair. We live in a small town with very little opportunity for demo-ing a variety of skis and we'd just like to go ahead and purchase a pair for me. I thought you all might be able to help. I'm tall about 5'9" and weigh about 175 and pretty muscular. I'm usually a cautious skier who likes to occasionally tear down the hill. I'm not good at carving but am trying to get better and I usually ski the blue and some of the less treacherous blacks. I do like the bumps and am getting better at them. I ski anywhere from 3 to 10 times a season for several days at a time. Any advice?

 

[volklgirl]

Could you also tell us what you're on now, what size they are, and what you like/don't like about them?

And, the inevitable question....how are your boots?????

 

[lynseyf]

I'm about your size, a bit heavier but muscley and strong as well. Skis I have liked which you might like include K2 Recon, Nordica Eliminator, Head iXRC 800. I ended up buying an Elan Magfire 10 mainly cause of price and like them. They are easy to ski but good if I want to go fast as well and good in lots of conditions. One thing I would say, if you are wanting to get better are carving, make sure you get skis that are soft enough to bend them.

 

[volklgirl]

Also, "fatter" skis tend to be even harder to carve on.

 

[Wyoming Pam]

I'm skiing on old Atomics. About 165 now but they are racers and I inherited them from my son. We have three boys and the kids have always been a priority with equipment. Now it's our turn! Boots are old too but still comfortable and easy to configure to the foot. And they protect well.
What don't I like....lack of control (could be operator error) but they are racers and a bit too fast for me. I'd like more control and more stability.

 

[Wyoming Pam]

Thanks for all the help! As you can see, I need it.

 

[volklgirl]

IMHO:

1. Get your boots evaluated by an expert. "Comfy" doesn't always mean best fit and performance for you.
2. By-pass the "fats" at this point. Look for a ski that fits YOU! Race skis require some serious skills to get the best performance out of. You may be struggling because of that. Find a knowledgable shop employee and tell him/her your current skills, abilities, likes, and dislikes and also your future aspirations. There's lots of skis out there that may work for you. Look for something in the 65-75mm waist range to help with your emerging carving skills. Possibilities include the K2 One Luv/True Luv, the Rossi Z3 (or its replacement)/Attraxtion, Fischer Vision 70, Volkl Luna or Viento.
3. If AT ALL possible, demo. It really is worth it and is the only way to truly pick the ski that puts the biggest grin on your face.

 

[Wyoming Pam]

Thanks! I will definitely look into it.

 

[Jilly]

Going along with volklgirls suggestion, try the Rossi Z6. I'm on the previous incarnation of this ski. At 5'4, I'm on the 154. You might want to try the 158. These ski have a narrow waist, but really wide tip and tail. It's a great groomer ski, but can handle some off-piste. And it likes to travel fast! I'm looking to replace mine as they have about 150 ski days on them. The only reason!