Question: Ski recommendations

[Laurie]

Hi! I need to replace my 161 Volkl T-50 skiis that I love but they are worn out. I ski lots of moguls now and past 3-4 years ventured into the woods, so I am looking for a quick turning ski. Since I started skiing at an early age on wood skiis, I like Volkl's wood core and a stiffer ski. I skied K2s in the 1980s (all metal and all wood skiis before that) and like them, but found them too soft after that, probably because in the 1990s I was into racing. But I have scaled back my speed, skiing more like an instructor now with lots of turns and aiming to get better on steeper narrower tree runs, since I feel pretty good everywhere else. The ski I want should be an "all mountain" ski since I will only have 1 pair and will ski all types of terrain. I am an advanced skier and have been doing lots of ski clinics with ASIA (Amateur Ski Instructors Assn -Level 2) and with PSIA (I am level 1 and teach just at my ski club). The new men's skiis cannot be set the approximate 2 inches forward for women, that has helped me, so I must get a female ski. This is because all the bindings are now integrated into the skiis. Last time I demo'd was when I got my T-50skiis (2003) and the women's skiis I tried just were not strong enough. I weigh 140-150 (women understand!), 5'6 1/2". I always demo first. I think I need a ski that is a quick turner, but still stiff and grippy for speed and ice, since I ski alot of ice too. If you read this far, thank you! If you have suggestions on skiis to try, please write! I truly appreciate your input!
Laurie

 

[Jilly]

Hi Laurie and welcome to our world. I think you will find alot of recommends to try:

My list, because I'm in the same place - worn out skis, are:

Rossi - Z6 and Z10 (I'm replacing Z5's, these are unisex)
Atomic - Heaven's Gate and 7th Heaven
Salomon - Opal, Origins and the SC (tuned down race)

I noticed on my CSIA course last year that at my level everyone but me was on a tuned down race ski. I used to ski those and got away from it, so I'm going to look at the SC for my teaching ski.

I personally didn't like any of the ladies Rossi skis that I've tried. I ski in their boots and clothes though.

I myself haven't tried the K2's or Volkl's, no dealer in the area anymore. But many other have. They'll chime in here soon.

Also take a look at the Ski Press website. They have a great gear test edition on line all year.

 

[Laurie]

Thanks Jilly! This is a big help. I demo'd and skied at Tremblant I think in 1997. I was there for a ski week and Denis was our instructor - we skied fast all week and had a blast. I tried Salomons and Rossi's, but ended up with my first Volkl's the first year orange P30s (I was racing then). I tried the Atomics at a free demo last season, but not the ones you mentioned. They had some sexy name I don't recall. They were good and grippy, but now springy enough or they just missed something, but I only had 2 runs and you mention other Atomics. I will look at the ski press too. It was great getting a response back!

 

[Jilly]

Foxy Mama is now Heaven's Gate and beefed up a bit too. The Sugar Mama is now the 7th heaven. Was Denis on Dynastar's and been at Tremblant forever?? And if you're on the carrot sticks - aka the P30's its time for a change!

 

[Ski Fanatic Mom]

Foxy Mamas

I bought the Atomic Foxy Mamas at the end of the 2006-07 ski season with my pro-rate. I did demo them before I bought them and fell in love with them!

They are truly an all mountain ski. They go through the crud like soft butter, grab the ice for easy carving, are a blast in powder and a piece of cake on the groomed hills.

Sadly, I only made it through half of last year's ski season. Broke my leg on 2/23 so my Foxy Mamas have been in the corner of my bedroom since then. They are the first thing I see when I open my eyes in the morning. I am counting the days when I can step into those babies again!!!

 

[Laurie]

Hi Jilly,
I don't remember Denis's skiis, but I remember Denis! I was skiing 190 Rossi's then. The carrot skiis were before my currently expiring T-50s. The carrots were 180s and I gave them to a tall racer. He used them for a bit and now I think he turned them into mailbox posts! My T50s are 161s. I can't believe how fast these things get outdated. My husband had Dynastar's and I've demo'd them before and liked them alot. They're cheaper than Volkl's. My husband is on the Volkl AC20s. I demo'd them last year and either they were too much ski for me or I am used to those 2" further forward that I have for my bindings, which you can't get on a men's demo. They moved them a bit forward, though. He loves the AC20. I do think one of the women's skiis will work for me, now that I am getting older too.