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

[santacruz skier]

I feel like you should just copy/paste this whole post into every ski advice thread.

I'll just also add that weight makes a bigger difference depending on how fast you wanna go and how manky the snow is. More weight feels better at faster speeds and crappier snow - it dampens out the unevenness and you don't get tossed as much. My powder skis are also my heaviest skis since I am mostly in Tahoe and sierra cement is no joke - if I was skiing champagne powder in Utah, I would probably have something different.

Curious, what is your quiver @chasinghorizons ?

 

[chasinghorizons]

Curious, what is your quiver @chasinghorizons ?

Ha ha ha... um. So if anyone else is reading, I'm 5'1" (155cm) tall and 115#.
So, in order of waist width:

Fischer RC One GT 78 in length 151: my carver. Feels amazing on ice and hardpack. I had the edge angles increased to 3 degrees so these things GRIP.

Rossignol Stargazer (renamed the Rallybird 92 in more recent years), length 154: my prodigal ski... I had given it to my mother-in-law but she's no longer skiing as of this year and when I was reflecting that I kind of want a damper, more predictable ski for firmer/crappy off-piste days, I realized that this is probably my unicorn.

Faction Dictator 2x (renamed Dancer 2x but no construction changes) in length 155: my all-mountain ski for good days when it hasn't snowed for awhile. Length feels perfect for Tahoe but a little short for Mammoth. They have a very energetic, precise, agile feel - I call them my slice-and-dice skis.

Liberty Genesis 101 in length 158: supposed to be my soft snow tree ski but they've mostly felt either too short or too wide. Beautiful graphics but I'll probably sell them soon.

Faction Dictator 3x (renamed Dancer 3x) in length 164: my all-mountain ski when it has snowed a few inches but I can still feel the ground. Feel amazing on the long Mammoth runs but a little long for Tahoe.

Salomon QST Stella 106 in length 165: my powder ski 6-12 inches.

Faction Candide 3.0x in length 168, year 2021: my bottomless powder ski. These things will run over anything and I'll barely feel it, but every time I carry them up from the parking lot, I reflect on what sins I've committed recently because they are SO. EFFING. HEAVY.

Disclaimer: I have this many skis because I don't have kids (yet ...).

 

[santacruz skier]

Ha ha ha... um. So if anyone else is reading, I'm 5'1" (155cm) tall and 115#.
So, in order of waist width:

Fischer RC One GT 78 in length 151: my carver. Feels amazing on ice and hardpack. I had the edge angles increased to 3 degrees so these things GRIP.

Rossignol Stargazer (renamed the Rallybird 92 in more recent years), length 154: my prodigal ski... I had given it to my mother-in-law but she's no longer skiing as of this year and when I was reflecting that I kind of want a damper, more predictable ski for firmer/crappy off-piste days, I realized that this is probably my unicorn.

Faction Dictator 2x (renamed Dancer 2x but no construction changes) in length 155: my all-mountain ski for good days when it hasn't snowed for awhile. Length feels perfect for Tahoe but a little short for Mammoth. They have a very energetic, precise, agile feel - I call them my slice-and-dice skis.

Liberty Genesis 101 in length 158: supposed to be my soft snow tree ski but they've mostly felt either too short or too wide. Beautiful graphics but I'll probably sell them soon.

Faction Dictator 3x (renamed Dancer 3x) in length 164: my all-mountain ski when it has snowed a few inches but I can still feel the ground. Feel amazing on the long Mammoth runs but a little long for Tahoe.

Salomon QST Stella 106 in length 165: my powder ski 6-12 inches.

Faction Candide 3.0x in length 168, year 2021: my bottomless powder ski. These things will run over anything and I'll barely feel it, but every time I carry them up from the parking lot, I reflect on what sins I've committed recently because they are SO. EFFING. HEAVY.

Disclaimer: I have this many skis because I don't have kids (yet ...).

Somehow I knew you would have an amazing quiver!

 

[chasinghorizons]

Somehow I knew you would have an amazing quiver!

I posted it too soon... Just ordered the Salomon QST Lux 92 from Corbett's end of season sale. With the CAD to USD exchange rate, they were only $315!! No tax and shipping was only $5!

 

[LucieCZ]

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

My go to for chop & powder is my santa ana 104 free 179cm. But they are really beefy skis. I just bought santa ana 92 179cm and I'm excited to try them for anything under foot of powder & my daily driver. I'm 5'9 140 & pretty strong skier.

I can see that the santa ana might be more work than you want. I think there are some better skis for you.

I love mine, but there are so many out there that are more nimble but not floppy. since you have some skis now, you can spend time demoing others.

Good luck!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Any one looking for lighter skis should considered skis labeled as backcountry skis. All the backcountry designation typically means is they're lighter and typically can handle variable snow conditions well.

You'll see me all over this sithe singing the virtues of multi-award winning backcountry Voilè skis made in Utah. I have 5 different models of Voilès and ski them everywhere, even on groomers.

A few unsolicited tips for those who struggle with or don't like heavy feeling skis:
1. Avoid buying used demo or rental skis as they are mounted with adjustable bindings that are quite heavy. Very noticeably so.
2. If leg fatigue continues to be a challenge, add deep squats to your workout routine. Then add light weights. When I did, my skis were feeling lighter in just a few weeks.

 

[Electricwoman]

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

If it was me I would tune in the boots and bindings, first, before deciding on the ski.