Santa Ana 88- Did I buy the wrong ski?!

[TammySki]

Hello all! Hoping to get some advice here on skis that I just bought.

Here’s some info on me:
I’ve been skiing for three years now and finally consider myself intermediate! I ski Sugarbowl near Tahoe and will ski all conditions as we go every weekend. I ski all blue runs but not yet comfortable with blacks. I do enjoy some easy trees etc. and will venture off piste for extra fun. I’ve been on hand-me-down skis for these three seasons and they are super light, skinny, Rossignols and I realized they are junior skis!! They were not good in choppy or fresh snow as they caught on everything and didn’t feel stable (but it was all I knew!).
So I just bought some used 2024 Santa Ana 88s without demoing (based on a couple of online quizzes … dumb I know ).
Obviously a huge difference in weight and width. Took them out twice now and LOVE how stable they are (and fast too). Was great in some choppy conditions. But my legs were so tired. The next time it was packed snow and I felt like it was just a bit demanding. Like I just have to work harder and really move the ski. I’m pretty athletic so I’m hoping I may just get used to it, I just don’t like feeling tired after a half day when I could usually go a full day no problem :( I’m worried they are a too advanced ski for me!
So here’s my question- do you think I would get used to these or did I just waste a bunch of money? If I should sell them and get something that will allow me to progress with better technique?
Thoughts?
Stats: 41, 5’2, 125lbs

 

[scandium]

Have you been having lessons on the previous skis? Perhaps a lesson to dial in technique on the new skis will mean you can ski them more efficiently, especially if the skis you previously had didn't really reward you for better technique.

 

[TammySki]

Have you been having lessons on the previous skis? Perhaps a lesson to dial in technique on the new skis will mean you can ski them more efficiently, especially if the skis you previously had didn't really reward you for better technique.

I did have a lesson on my old skis and that helped a ton! I will definitely book one this season with these skis. Thanks! I wonder too if there is just a period of a few days of skiing to get used to new/heavier ones or should it not feel hard at all at the start?

 

[Jilly]

Your legs are tired. It's the first of the season. First thing next time out.....RELAX!

 

[TammySki]

True, true. The skis just felt harder to move so maybe a little of both. Thanks!

 

[Jilly]

Harder to move...well they bigger and totally different construction than those Rossi's. Also maybe a tune?

 

[snoWYmonkey]

What were your previous skis and what length change did you make? Also the bindings can make a huge difference if the height difference between the toe and heel is very different from your previous skis.

Hope they end up working for you, but might not be the right ski...time and some instructor input may help determine that.

 

[TammySki]

What were your previous skis and what length change did you make? Also the bindings can make a huge difference if the height difference between the toe and heel is very different from your previous skis.

Hope they end up working for you, but might not be the right ski...time and some instructor input may help determine that.

Thanks for the reply! Old skis were 150 these are 151. Bindings are demo so I bet that makes quite a difference in terms of weight etc? These skis were used 1 season as demo.
I really hope they end up working too… maybe a few more days and I will adjust to weight and just more turn effort. It’s still a great ski, but possible I’m just not that skilled yet

 

[snoWYmonkey]

It could be that the demo bindings are pretty flat and you may be a skier who does better with some difference between toe and heel height, though I am making assumptions there both about the bindings and your skiing. I would be surprised if the binding weight is enough to really make them that much more challenging to ski. Maybe consider taking them back in and having the whole binding moved forward a little. That can help with initiation if that is where you are having issues. Again, that is making a change that is at your own risk and one you should seek professional advice on.

 

[contesstant]

I'd give them some time. That width alone will feel like a lot more work but you will adapt. What bindings are on them? Squire demos?

 

[TammySki]

It could be that the demo bindings are pretty flat and you may be a skier who does better with some difference between toe and heel height, though I am making assumptions there both about the bindings and your skiing. I would be surprised if the binding weight is enough to really make them that much more challenging to ski. Maybe consider taking them back in and having the whole binding moved forward a little. That can help with initiation if that is where you are having issues. Again, that is making a change that is at your own risk and one you should seek professional advice on.

Thanks so much… all helpful information!

 

[TammySki]

I'd give them some time. That width alone will feel like a lot more work but you will adapt. What bindings are on them? Squire demos?

Thanks for the reassurance, I’m hoping that’s all it is, just time to adapt. I went from 68 to 88 width so probably will take a little longer to get used to. Yes, squire demos.

 

[brooksnow]

That is a very big change in width. They will take a bit to get used to.

A good lesson will help you figure out how to ski on the new skis. Until then, I suggest trying some sideslipping and J turns to get a feel for where the edges of the skis are and how to work with them.

 

[DebbieSue]

I believe, not positive, that Marker Squire Demo bindings have negative delta (heel lower than toe) whereas Marker non-demo and nearly every other binding has some amount of positive delta.
Some people like @MissySki love that negative delta for their flexible state and anatomic proportions. I don’t particularly, but I’ve skied it for a full day on heavy for me skis (Secret 96), and it forces different technique/muscle use for sure.
You’re on similar length as previous ski and not too long for your height and weight.
I think give it more days, drills, a lesson before coming to any conclusions.
Understanding how changes in equipment make you feel is part of becoming a better skier.

 

[scandium]

I did have a lesson on my old skis and that helped a ton! I will definitely book one this season with these skis. Thanks! I wonder too if there is just a period of a few days of skiing to get used to new/heavier ones or should it not feel hard at all at the start?

It might be "first few days back" plus the new skis! Chop can be hard, getting back on skis after months off can also be hard. I think the width difference is also really tricky - I have skis 72mm and 90mm under foot and swapping between them is noticeably different.

 

[TammySki]

That is a very big change in width. They will take a bit to get used to.

A good lesson will help you figure out how to ski on the new skis. Until then, I suggest trying some sideslipping and J turns to get a feel for where the edges of the skis are and how to work with them.

Great advice, thank you

 

[TammySki]

I believe, not positive, that Marker Squire Demo bindings have negative delta (heel lower than toe) whereas Marker non-demo and nearly every other binding has some amount of positive delta.
Some people like @MissySki love that negative delta for their flexible state and anatomic proportions. I don’t particularly, but I’ve skied it for a full day on heavy for me skis (Secret 96), and it forces different technique/muscle use for sure.
You’re on similar length as previous ski and not too long for your height and weight.
I think give it more days, drills, a lesson before coming to any conclusions.
Understanding how changes in equipment make you feel is part of becoming a better skier.

Thanks for the info on binding! I think you made a great point about different muscles being used so drills should help me get used to the new skis. I can definitely feel that I’m using my muscles and body in a different way. It’s a demanding ski for me right now, but I’m sure I can grow into them with some help with a lesson etc. I don’t hate the skis, just want to feel a little more control but like you said, I need to give it time before coming to a conclusion on them.

 

[contesstant]

20mm wider is a LOT. What size boot are you in? As DebbieSue stated above, the Squire demo bindings have negative delta (heel is lower than toe) but in a smaller boot, you might actually prefer this (I do.) BUT it also can take time to adapt to. If you are still struggling after several days on the skis, then it would be worth a lesson. OR there could be a tune issue. I skied the SA 88 for several seasons and it is not a demanding ski and handles variable conditions beautifully. You can often determine if there is an issue with the tune by sideslipping both directions. If the ski won't slide smoothly in a sideslip, something is amiss. Fighting a poorly tuned ski is exhausting.

 

[Trailside Trixie]

Sometimes it takes a few times to dial into a ski. I allow myself extra time, especially if I'm tentative.

I've taken a lesson in the past when I'm on new skis as it helps with my comfort level.

That's quite a width to get used to so might take a little more time. If still uncomfortable after a few days bring them to your shop. I had a burr once in mine that was giving me a hard time releasing from a turn.

 

[TammySki]

20mm wider is a LOT. What size boot are you in? As DebbieSue stated above, the Squire demo bindings have negative delta (heel is lower than toe) but in a smaller boot, you might actually prefer this (I do.) BUT it also can take time to adapt to. If you are still struggling after several days on the skis, then it would be worth a lesson. OR there could be a tune issue. I skied the SA 88 for several seasons and it is not a demanding ski and handles variable conditions beautifully. You can often determine if there is an issue with the tune by sideslipping both directions. If the ski won't slide smoothly in a sideslip, something is amiss. Fighting a poorly tuned ski is exhausting.

Thank you for the info! I have nordica boots my size is 22.5 I believe (I’m a 5.5 women’s so small feet). Love my boots which is great Many people mentioned that the width is a big difference and so that is most likely what I’m feeling. So I guess Question for experienced skier, would it make sense to try and sell them and get smaller skis since I’m fairly new to skiing? Or just give it time since I loved them in terms of stability and fresher/ choppier conditions?