SnownyNorth
Certified Ski Diva
So... I was finally able to demo some skis to replace my Bandit B2s, but it really came down to only two choices. The ski shop would not let me trade up to a special order, so it was only shop stock available. They also only stock 148/150's or 160's for the women's skis- nothing inbetween.
I am 5'6", 147 lbs, and 46, intermediate skiier.
So here goes- this is all feel, no technical jargon- sorry.
The conditions varied from hard pack to ice, to frozen crust powder, to sublime sugar.
I took the Salomons out first in 150cm. Even though the thirteen year old with us thought they were cool, I really was distracted by gaggy flowers. The edge was the hardest thing to get used to- they cut so deep into the surface it was really hard to control the turns, and on ice were stuck in their own grooves. Small turns were easy, but grabby, and larger turns nicer. At higher speeds they became chattery and the edges seemed to slice and catch.
When I switched to the Bandit B74's, they seemed so much longer, and I was worried. Length seems to be such a huge issue with everyone, so I went by feel alone. Instantly I felt like I had more control and by the third run I was happily in and out of the little powdery side trails and dips. They were great on hard ice chunks and polished ice (by day's end). Not too grippy, and easy to turn. I actually started having fun. The best thing about these skiis is that all my old habits from the old ski days were forgiven if they snuck in. I found myself more relaxed and not trying so hard.
So, as my only choices for the exchange, I went with the Rossi B74's- not thinking I would ever like a Rossingnol ski. I wonder how much difference a 155 would have made in either ski. Oh well I am now set, and really, nothing is forever.
I am off to Smithers this Thursday- we'll see how that fares.
I am 5'6", 147 lbs, and 46, intermediate skiier.
So here goes- this is all feel, no technical jargon- sorry.
The conditions varied from hard pack to ice, to frozen crust powder, to sublime sugar.
I took the Salomons out first in 150cm. Even though the thirteen year old with us thought they were cool, I really was distracted by gaggy flowers. The edge was the hardest thing to get used to- they cut so deep into the surface it was really hard to control the turns, and on ice were stuck in their own grooves. Small turns were easy, but grabby, and larger turns nicer. At higher speeds they became chattery and the edges seemed to slice and catch.
When I switched to the Bandit B74's, they seemed so much longer, and I was worried. Length seems to be such a huge issue with everyone, so I went by feel alone. Instantly I felt like I had more control and by the third run I was happily in and out of the little powdery side trails and dips. They were great on hard ice chunks and polished ice (by day's end). Not too grippy, and easy to turn. I actually started having fun. The best thing about these skiis is that all my old habits from the old ski days were forgiven if they snuck in. I found myself more relaxed and not trying so hard.
So, as my only choices for the exchange, I went with the Rossi B74's- not thinking I would ever like a Rossingnol ski. I wonder how much difference a 155 would have made in either ski. Oh well I am now set, and really, nothing is forever.
I am off to Smithers this Thursday- we'll see how that fares.
