Ski choice is what allows us to progress — our stories

[NewEnglandSkier]

My 75mm waisted skis are definitely easier to get on edge than my wider skis. It's not that the wider skis can't be gotten up on edge, but it takes a more conscious effort/thought to do so. So I'd say if you are trying to learn this skill, then narrower is easier. The other piece of the matter is that my narrow skis have system bindings that are up on rails, while my wider skis have bindings that sit much closer to the ski---so I think the higher stand height of the system bindings also make it easier to tip them, in a similar principle as to why racers mount their bindings on plates--often the highest that are allowed, as it's easier to get higher edge angles that way.

 

[Jilly]

With wider skis, your chances of "booting out" are not a high as a narrow ski. Therefore the lifters on narrow skis.

 

[TiffAlt]

I have not. Anything under 84 in my region has to be bought unskied as I live in fat ski territory.

Ridiculously, it's the same here in Maine where we are not known for our powder. Mid-80s and up are what's available to demo. I've been looking for some skis that are narrower than my Kenjas (88) and won't buy anything I can't try

It's a bit of a catch 22 of here in fat ski territory. I'm on a Volkl Yumi 84, narrowest demo I could find. A lot of people (who I know mean well) urge me to demo something narrower. But I can't find anything narrower - the shops here in Washington (and the ones I checked last week in Oregon) just don't carry those as demos... So what do I do?

 

[snoWYmonkey]

@TiffAlt any chance of trying people's skis that you know? A lot of the narrower master racer type skis come in a very narrow range of lengths. I bought my forst pair used from a colleague. Normally she skis longer lemgths than I do but the 165 was her only option and perfect for me. I know that the same dimension skis will be so different from one company to the other because of how they make them, but I had to jump into the deep end and love both my pairs of 72 undefoot even of the stiffness varies a lot between the two

 

[Jilly]

I've an instructor friend at Sun Peaks. Only skis 78 underfoot. Lot more the western CSIA instructors are going to narrower waists.

@TiffAlt - I know someone out at Batchelor. Let me ask him if he knows of shops with not so wide skis.

 

[TiffAlt]

@TiffAlt any chance of trying people's skis that you know? A lot of the narrower master racer type skis come in a very narrow range of lengths. I bought my forst pair used from a colleague. Normally she skis longer lemgths than I do but the 165 was her only option and perfect for me. I know that the same dimension skis will be so different from one company to the other because of how they make them, but I had to jump into the deep end and love both my pairs of 72 undefoot even of the stiffness varies a lot between the two

Hmm, my friend who took lessons with me does want to move up from her head supershapes that are 60-something underfoot. She doesn't think they are very good for Crystal (we have a lot of soft snow she is forever complaining about sinking in). I'm not sure if she's sold them, but I can ask!

 

[pamplemoose]

This is me! I learned to ski on very forgiving 88s, and as soon as I could I started spending all my time in the trees and bumps making pretty smeary/slarvy turns. I feel very "meh" on groomers, hate hard snow, and have no idea how to carve. I want to get a pair of narrow skis for next season, and haven't found anything local to demo.

Some of the ones I've been looking at are the RC One 78, Head Supershape e-somethings, K2 Disruption 78, Rossignol React R8 (74), Dynastar Intense (72). Any advice or other suggestions? Want something that will make me a better skier and that I can grow into, but that won't kick my ass immediately.

 

[Jilly]

FYI - the Rossi React is the unisex ski. The women's line is Nova. The Dynastar is a great ski in the Intense either it's Pro or 12. Can't remember.

 

[TiffAlt]

Hmm, my friend who took lessons with me does want to move up from her head supershapes that are 60-something underfoot. She doesn't think they are very good for Crystal (we have a lot of soft snow she is forever complaining about sinking in). I'm not sure if she's sold them, but I can ask!

YAY, so excited, she still has 'em and I'll be taking them for a spin next season!! Thanks for pushing me to ask @snoWYmonkey. Dunno why I never thought of it!

I also just took a look at Crystal's demo list for next year and they'll have 1 Rossignol Forza 20 in 156! I can't find all the details since it's new for this year, but the waist looks like it'll be ~75-78.

Carver in the making over here!

 

[Jilly]

I've heard of a 60 and 70, but not 20.

 

[TiffAlt]

I've heard of a 60 and 70, but not 20.

It's not out yet, but it will be this fall:

Rossignol | Ski, snowboard, bike | Outdoor clothing, footwear & equipment

Discover Rossignol ski & snowboard equipment, urban wear, technical wear, bikes: take advantage of ✓ Free delivery ✓ Free returns.

www.rossignol.com

I really wish my demo center would carry more in my size. They will have a 60 and 70 too, but at too tall for me (164 shortest, but maybe I can swing it?). I'm not sure if the 20 will be any better than a beginner ski, but Rossignol isn't selling the 20s as rental fleet, so maybe?

 

[TiffAlt]

I really wish my demo center would carry more in my size. They will have a 60 and 70 too, but at too tall for me (164 shortest, but maybe I can swing it?)

Forgot to add - I'm 5'1 and a half.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

It's a bit of a catch 22 of here in fat ski territory. I'm on a Volkl Yumi 84, narrowest demo I could find. A lot of people (who I know mean well) urge me to demo something narrower. But I can't find anything narrower - the shops here in Washington (and the ones I checked last week in Oregon) just don't carry those as demos... So what do I do?

Check out Powder 7?? I've seen some narrower skis there. Albeit, you have to buy, but at least they have reasonable prices for demo skis. I got my used Nela 80's for a great price.

 

[TiffAlt]

Check out Powder 7?? I've seen some narrower skis there. Albeit, you have to buy, but at least they have reasonable prices for demo skis. I got my used Nela 80's for a great price.

I've definitely been eying a few pairs there and considering trading in my BP88's to them for narrow demos, but I don't want to just jump rashly in. LOL - overthinker to the max. One of these days I'm sure I'll make a move. Now that I know I'll be able to try some narrower skis, one 66 and the other hopefully 10cm more, I'll probably feel more comfortable pulling the trigger when I figure out what waist width I like.

 

[DebbieSue]

Check out Powder 7?? I've seen some narrower skis there. Albeit, you have to buy, but at least they have reasonable prices for demo skis. I got my used Nela 80's for a great price.

I bought used Demo Stockli SC, 72 underfoot, carvers from Powder 7. I’m happy with the skis and with the interaction w Powder 7.

 

[TiffAlt]

I bought used Demo Stockli SC, 72 underfoot, carvers from Powder 7. I’m happy with the skis and with the interaction w Powder 7.

I take it you bought them un demo'ed? What were the reasons you went with that ski? Love to see the thought process since I'm new to this!

 

[snoWYmonkey]

I bought the same stockli untried. Reputation, solid build, specs sounded good. Might be too stiff for you.

 

[DebbieSue]

I’m an adv east coast skier, learned on straight skis, made recent progress in moguls on BP88/159, stiffer 20/21 version, but not I’m advancing as far as carving. I don’t like to ski fast. I’m more of a finesse skier, rarely out of control. Was advised to get a fairly stiff carver and go short, 149, so I can get the feel of carving….we’ll see. I’ve had one day on them very firm conditions at Sugarloaf. They held me at speed, personal record of 32mph that day and forced me forward. Still a work in progress as far as staying on edge. As SnoWYmonkey says I don’t think it’s for less than an advanced skier. Something in the Head Joy series might be better.

 

[TiffAlt]

I’m an adv east coast skier, learned on straight skis, made recent progress in moguls on BP88/159, stiffer 20/21 version, but not I’m advancing as far as carving. I don’t like to ski fast. I’m more of a finesse skier, rarely out of control. Was advised to get a fairly stiff carver and go short, 149, so I can get the feel of carving….we’ll see. I’ve had one day on them very firm conditions at Sugarloaf. They held me at speed, personal record of 32mph that day and forced me forward. Still a work in progress as far as staying on edge. As SnoWYmonkey says I don’t think it’s for less than an advanced skier. Something in the Head Joy series might be better.

So we should go shorter with carvers, got it. The skis my friend will let me try next season are these in 149. They are junior skis so I'm thinking less stiff than the Stocklis and maybe that's a good thing?

Head Supershape Team Easy JRS Skis + JRS 7.5 GW CA Bindings

The Head Supershape Team Easy JRS kids skis are designed to be the ideal choice for young beginners going for piste sessions. The core of these skis is..

www.skatepro.com

The other one I've been looking over for months are these:

2020 Volkl Flair SC 153cm Used Demo Skis on Sale - Powder7

2020 Volkl Flair SC 153cm Skis are now on sale with fast shipping from our Golden, CO ski shop. The Flair SC is an easy handling slalom carver, with the...

www.powder7.com

Compared to some others though, that doesn't seem like huge savings for a 2020. Additionally, I think there's going to be a new Volkl Flair SC out this fall, so I wanted to wait to see what if anything they updated.

 

[leia1979]

@TiffAlt, I was eyeing that same pair of Volkl Flair SCs yesterday and today (even after I said I would not buy all the skis)! I agree the price didn't seem great for a 3-year old model.

I think Rossignol Nova (6? 8?) would be fun to try, too.

I will wait til next season...I will wait til next season...I will wait til next season...