Question: Should I?? Kiku - Aura...

[skigrl27]

Ok...I've got a dilemma. I've got brand new Auras coming to me. However, I think I want the Kikus.

I'm confused. The Kikus come in 176 and they have a bit more of a twin tip on them. The length plus the twin really gets me excited!!! And I'm wondering if I dare ask the shop I got them from if they'd switch with me. Hmm....should I?

I already have the Mantras from last season - so this may be a nice fatter ski, but also one that's longer and lighter. Especially mounted with the Dukes. I think I want the Kikus.

Anyone?? Help me out!!

 

[Shannon D]

Skigirl, you are one bada$$ gear slut. I can't wait to meet you...

I think the Kikus look sweet. Just sayin.

 

[pinto]

Ok...I've got a dilemma. I've got brand new Auras coming to me. However, I think I want the Kikus.

I'm confused. The Kikus come in 176 and they have a bit more of a twin tip on them. The length plus the twin really gets me excited!!! And I'm wondering if I dare ask the shop I got them from if they'd switch with me. Hmm....should I?

I would, if I were you. How long are your Mantras?

 

[oragejuice]

I would, if I were you.

Same. I almost bought them, but I don't have another good ski to switch to when the conditions are less than ideal.

The Kiku has been getting the most awesome reviews from everyone.

Do it.

 

[lucine]

Ask if you can switch.

What is the worse thing they can say?
Good luck

 

[skigrl27]

I am such a gear whore. So - the retailer that I pre-ordered from (back in April of last year, when nothing was known about the Kikus) is not carrying the Kiku this year. CRAP!! Which means I cannot switch.

However, I can sell this year's Aura and just suck it up and pay the extra few hundo and just outright BUY the Kiku.

Still one option - hopefully I can get a Volkl pro-form from the Volkl rep here. Email has been sent!

Stay tuned gals. The kikus will be MINE!! hahaha aahhahahahyahaaahay (insert sinister laugh here!)

 

[ski now work later]

I haven't skied the Mantra, but from what I understand it's a stiffer, burlier version of the Aura. I own the Aura and love them. I can see why you would be wondering if there's too much overlap between these skis and if the Kiku is a better choice for a new ski for your quiver.

From what I've read about your skiing from your posts, you are an advanced, aggressive skier who skis often in all conditions. I read a review on realskiers.com that suggested that the Kiku is not the best ski for an aggressive skier. I plan to demo the Kiku when I'm in CO if they're available to demo and conditions warrant. You might want to demo them as well before making the switch. The Auras are fantastic and I'm sure you'll love them and you might find that they are more versatile as they will perform better on hardpack/windswept conditions than the Kikus. And if you must have the Kikus for pow days, you can sell the Mantas and use the proceeds toward your purchase.

Just my 2 cents~

 

[skigrl27]

Well i've exhausted all my "cheap gear" options and contacts. No luck. So - I think I'm going to stay with my new Auras and ski the crap out of them this year. I got them for $300 so who the hell cares, right?

Either way I've got a nice Mantra/Jester and Aura/Duke set up that I can sell if I get the urge mid-season to go nuts. If the pow falls like it did last year (pretty please Ullr??) then I'll sell one of the two mid season and either get the Gotamas or Kikus....

Or...hee hee...I've also been eyeing the Armada line up as well. ARWs?? Anyone know about those?

I must be stopped. That damn pro-fair sale has got my panties in a bunch. WHERE IS THE SNOW!!

Oh yeah, it's in Utah. Nevermind.

 

[skigrl27]

I read a review on realskiers.com that suggested that the Kiku is not the best ski for an aggressive skier. I plan to demo the Kiku when I'm in CO if they're available to demo and conditions warrant. You might want to demo them as well before making the switch.

Ohhh...good to know. They looked awesome, but if they aren't going to stand up to hucking stuff and bumps here & there...then no bueno! And shoot, if Ingrid Backstrom is skiing the Auras...well then I guess they should suffice for me!

Where in Western, Mass are ya? I'm from Barkhamsted, CT. (well most recently until i moved to Aspen)

 

[ski now work later]

No too far away. I work in Northampton above the Iron Horse music club....

I spent a week in Aspen in January 1987 with a boyfriend who was a ski instructor at Aspen Highlands. I was 27 years old that year. In those days I was a recreational skier (translation = 5-10 ski days every 10 years) and I spent a week snowplowing my way through Aspen mountain. At the end of the week, I showed my boyfriend the photo they took of me smiling to beat the band and he was shocked by what a bad skier I was! I didn't care 'cause I had so much fun and he was pretty self-absorbed so I dumped him and bunked up for my last night in town with a woman who I met through the program who was a recent widow and was renting a spacious suite nearby.



Hope you and your Auras will join us in Summit County in March! Vanhoskier and I are sharing a condo in Frisco and we'll be hosting an apres one night, probably Tuesday March 3. I look forward to meeting you (and seein that spankin' new 686 outfit you got -- my DH loves his 686 snowboard pants).

And you are gonna love the Auras. I think they will give you the beef you need for hucking and plowing but they're probably easier to ski than the Mantras and gosh the '09s sure are purty~

 

[Severine]

I'm from Barkhamsted, CT. (well most recently until i moved to Aspen)

You're from near where I'm from. :D

I have the dilemma of always finding something better than what I just bought and wanting to switch out right away. Of course,I don't have a budget that can support that habit. I think you're doing the right thing for now. Get some use out of the skis you bought and you can always sell/upgrade later.

 

[oragejuice]

Dang it. Now you have me thinking about such things.

GAH!

 

[skigrl27]

Dang it. Now you have me thinking about such things.

GAH!

I know!! Sorry. Crap! My thoughts die with the lack of cash flow. So - Auras it is!! However, I now have a plan: figure out which skis are better (Mantra/Aura) and sell the other set. And 2: demo the Kikus and see what they're all about. And the ARW's, and possibly some Lines.

we shall seeeee

 

[oragejuice]

Lol. I'm just totally jealous.