@WaterGirl and @Analisa - You are awesome. Thanks for all your input. And also to everyone else who has contributed to my "list". I really couldn't have done it without you ... much better than hour upon hour spent reading about all those "playful" skis :-) The prospect of demo'ing "the list" feels like Christmas. :-)Exactly - I had the same thought! Especially because I think they are a smidge softer than the version I have.
@Analisa I have not been on the new 94 Ripsticks but prior generation for poppy fun carving, fresh snow and for me spring touring I absolutely love them. I think that @rivarunnamomma is realistic and understands that her ideal ski may not be a crud buster. I agree that Ripsticks would not be my crud buster choice but for everything else - especially the amount of float they have in fresh as well as carving capability in a narrower width and lighter ski.
FWIW as @Analisa mentioned both the Elan Ripstick and Black Crows are the same ski for men/women. I am not sure about mount points for the Crows.
I had fun on the Orb birdies today! No problem letting them run in mixed conditions, way more stability for me than the Victa ti. Easy to carve, getting some fun rebound, can't wait to get to know them better, I think we will become great friends
Edit - just saw the post above - happy demoing @rivarunnamomma
I don’t think they’re the exact same. But the 9s and 11s felt very interchangeable. The Rustler 10 got a decent weight gain a year after launch when feedback on the original was pretty “meh” so the differences between the two 10s is more substantial.Are the Rustler 9 & 10 & the Sheeva 9 & 10 the same skis? One marketed at the boys and one at the girls?
Are the Rustler 9 & 10 & the Sheeva 9 & 10 the same skis? One marketed at the boys and one at the girls?
If I recall correctly, same ski, size runs are different with some overlap.Are the Rustler 9 & 10 & the Sheeva 9 & 10 the same skis? One marketed at the boys and one at the girls?
Thanks @elenmac. Santa Ana is on my list and my girlfriend is a Rossi Ambassador and keeps trying to get me on the Rallybirds. No demo available and she has mice feet so I haven't been able to try them but I'll look for them in Whistler. (I think I'm allergic to anything with enough Ti to be part of the name. :-)If I recall correctly, same ski, size runs are different with some overlap.
I'll be honest, I haven't read through this full thread. But from the initial request, I would put in a recommendation to try the Santa Ana 104 (friendlier and much better float than the 98). And the Rossignol Rallybird 102Ti (or non-Ti version if you find the 102Ti is a bit too demanding...which from your description of your skiing I think you'll find the Rallybird Ti to be a real hoot).
Don't let it scare you! Replace the Ti in your mind with "Tremendously Interesting", "Tacticfully Imaginative", or "Totally Intuitive"...whatever works.(I think I'm allergic to anything with enough Ti to be part of the name. :-)
According to Blister, the Sheevas and Rustlers aren't identical, but darned close. https://blisterreview.com/gear-reviews/2017-2018-blizzard-sheeva-10
@lisamamot thoughts? I know you've demoed both versions of the 9..
Thanks @lisamarmot. It sounds that I can't go wrong either way. I am very keen to try these out!I demoed the Rustler 9 172 after I had purchased the Sheeva 9 172; I was told by a rep the only difference is how the wood core is handled between the two; a bit of the wood core is bored-out to make the Sheeva a bit friendlier, but otherwise is supposed to be identical where the sizes overlap. I could be happy owning either...or both, lol.
It isn't until you get longer on the Rustler 9 (180/188) that the waist width pops-up to 94 from 92. Similarly, the Sheeva 9 goes down from 92 to 90 in the smallest size (148). The 164 and 172 are size overlap on the Sheeva 9 and Rustler 9. If those sizes work, it is interesting to try both to see which you prefer.
Thanks @elemmac! I'll put on my big girl pants and try this!Don't let it scare you! Replace the Ti in your mind with "Tremendously Interesting", "Tacticfully Imaginative", or "Totally Intuitive"...whatever works.
Thanks @elenmac. Santa Ana is on my list and my girlfriend is a Rossi Ambassador and keeps trying to get me on the Rallybirds. No demo available and she has mice feet so I haven't been able to try them but I'll look for them in Whistler. (I think I'm allergic to anything with enough Ti to be part of the name. :-)
FYI on some updates for 2023 skis:
"On the alpine side, the Brahma, Bonafide, and Black Pearl get construction updates, with a thinner core in the tip and tail to make them a touch more friendly and playful."
It looks like the Sheeva line is staying the same. Photos of the new graphics are also included.
It also says there's new construction for the Santa Ana series but doesn't give specifics/graphics.
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I demoed the Sheeva 10 and bought the Rustler 10 as it was cheaper - I couldn't work out whether they were actually different. From what I understand, they're possibly a bit more different in more recent models, with the Sheeva being a little less stiff. But don't quote me on that.Are the Rustler 9 & 10 & the Sheeva 9 & 10 the same skis? One marketed at the boys and one at the girls?
Yes. (Can you tell I'm a computer engineer?!) We just want to know!I've just returned from my week in Whistler, where I demo'd a bunch of the skis everyone recommended. Should I start a new thread with my impressions ... or continue here?