Question: Skis for Adv. Beginner/Intermediate on Ice

[ColdMama]

I'm a 49 year old that only started sking a year and a half ago. I'm having a blast eventhough I only get out on upper midwest hardpack. The sisterhood of skiers is awsome!

I'm 5'5" about 155 lbs (never used to weigh this much but...) and currently stuck on Head C100s that are 140 cm. OBVIOUSLY I need something different.

I don't think I'll ever get out west for real powdery snow, so I'm looking for something that will help me progress on this icy granular stuff they call snow around here. I'll be perfectly happy sticking to blue runs - I actually don't like going too fast. I'm moderately strong, but my knees could be better. For the ol' car analogy, I'd say I'm a Honda CRV (not a rugged all-mountain jeep, certainly not a sports car, but I'll get you where you want to go in relative comfort) I don't have a bunch of $$ to spend, so I'm fine with buying used or a ski that's left over from two or three years ago.

I got new boots a month ago - don't laugh - I got last year's Roxy Juicy :ROTF:, which I love. I tried about 15 other boots and these were the ones that fit. They hug my feet, have room for my tree trunk ankles, give me great control and don't hurt. Really, it wasn't the insane price ($85 at evogear) that sold me on them. I've used them for four weeks and they are only getting better.

I've tried all the local shops, but they seem a lot more interested in selling than listening. I can't even get a straight answer on the difference between a carving and an all-mountain ski (and which I should buy). Ugg! So please lend my your wisdom. I'm good at reverse research, so even if you only know about current models, please share. I can always figure out previous model names, etc.

 

[Jilly]

Welcome to our world. You're gonna love it here.

Front side carvers as ice skis are known as. Take a look at https://www.skipressworld.com/CA/index.php/myski-9.html

This is a great website to select a ski. It is one of the few tools out there that seems to be spot on.

 

[ski diva]

Welcome to the forum! And congratulations for getting into skiing in your 40's! That's a tremendous accomplishment; you should be very proud of yourself.

I can relate to ice -- er, I mean hard pack. As a Vermont skier, we see plenty of it around here. You're probably ready for something else -- certainly something longer, probably in the 156-160 range, at least. The best way to find a ski that's right for you is to demo. And try different lengths, if you can. It's amazing what a difference that makes.

Here are a few you might want to check out: the Nordica Olympia Drives, the Atomic Cloud 9's, the Fischer Vision Exhales, the Volkl Luna, or the Head Cool One. And Jilly had great advice. Visit Ski Press World and take a look at their reviews. They're always worthwhile.

 

[ColdMama]

Thanks

Those were both good suggestings. Now I won't look stupid when I try demo. I was going to last week but they kept showing me things that my research told me were way over my head.

 

[PowDiva85]

try something out of the Dynastar Exclusive line, the exclusive sensation or exclusive carve (which is no longer made but you should still be able to find online or in a shop from last season) were designed by Jeanie Thoren for just your situation! Had lots of women on them at a demo today and reviews were great!

 

[ColdMama]

No Demos on intermediate skis

Well I did some calling today and none of the ski areas demo any women's skis in the class I need - I guess they think only real Ski Divas know enough to demo.
I've found a few good deals at SierraSki - 2008 Dynastar Exclusive Sensations for $260 or 2008 Fischer Vision Allure for $278 (both include bindings). I'm leaning towards just grabbing the Sensations. I watched a video with Jeanne explaining all the tech of the ski and it was like she was talking about me the whole time.

Any one have any thoughts/warnings before I commit?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I'm pretty (in)famous here for my affirmation of the Dynastar Exclusive line-up--and I think that's a good deal that you'll be very happy with! As mentioned earlier, don't be afraid to go for more length, especially in a Dynastar - you'll be happy you did. Sounds like a plan! Please let us know how it worked out.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Here is a very nice pair of Dynastars at a great price from a very reputable eBay seller (who knows me too well): you'd have them w/in a week.
https://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dynastar-Exclusive-Carve-158-Nx-womens-skis-2007_W0QQitemZ140276967631QQihZ004QQcategoryZ16062QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

And another: will take you a bit farther, I've had this model, very, very enjoyable:
https://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dynastar-Exclusive-10-158-Nova-womens-skis-2007_W0QQitemZ110327017673QQihZ001QQcategoryZ16062QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

 

[ColdMama]

Thanks for the suggestions - I've actually looked seriously at those two. Do you agree with their assessment that the carve is a more advanced ski? I do think the carve is a big above me, but the 10 might work if their assessment is right. I've been trying to figure out where the the Exclusive Sensation fits compared to the old 8, 9, 10, 11 - not sure if it's the old 9 or somewhere between a 9 & 10.

As for length, do you really think I should go for the 158 and not 153 I'm pretty nervous about going that long. I know what I have now is way too short - they will be leaving soon thanks to Craig's List but I am just a 49 year old post-novice... The 153 I've had my hands on come to my nose or eyes (maybe my teenage son is right & I'm shrinking).

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Dynastars ski "short." 5 cm isn't much difference, and I think you'd be better off with the 158. It is a very manageable ski (mine were 165, I'm 5'6/125). These are narrow-ish waisted, and I think you'd come to appreciate the stability offered by a slightly longer length. Really.

 

[ColdMama]

Thanks

It's nice to have concrete information from women who use the skis! I've been told so many things by men that just want to sell what sizes they have left, I really didn't know what was real anymore

Thanks

 

[ColdMama]

Anyone have any information on the Exclusive 9? I'm thinking the 10 may be too much for me right now, but maybe the 9 would be good. However there's not a lot of reviews out there on that one.

This one is a year older than the 10 MaineSkiLady suggested, but it looks like there weren't any tech changes between the 2006 and 2007 lines.
https://www.levelninesports.com/dynastar-2006-exclusive-womens-skis-black-wais-bnd-158cm-p-2161.html

I know, anything will be better than what I've had...

Thanks Again

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Found this:
https://www.ski-review.com/content/view/318/30/
but it isn't particularly helpful.
I don't think there is much appreciable difference until you hit the high end of performance, at which point the 10 might well fare better. The 9 you linked is a 2005 model, FWIW. Nothing at all wrong with new/old stock, I'm a fan myself.
Would be a good candidate to "get your legs." I still think the 10 would have a little more guts to it - at 158, I'd worry about wash-out. My 10's were a 165, I'm only 125# and couldn't wash them out. These are softer skis - don't be afraid of the length. I found them to be compliant, ready to turn on a dime and just a lot of fun.
Either model seems like it would suit you and be a good buy. When you're fully "hooked" and well on your way (completely possible in one dedicated season), you can go for the pricey stuff!

 

[Jillian]

Hi ColdMama,
These skis look like really good deals! As MaineSkiLady said, they probably won't be your last skis, or (if you follow the other threads) your only skis.
I ended up with the conservative choice when I was at your stage, as I was anxious not to get anything too advanced. However they were just
right at the time - instant transformation in confidence, attitude and technical progression!! Enabled real enjoyment and reduced the time to progress to the next level, which to me outweighs changing up again earlier.
Whichever model you get will be much better than your present skis, and should serve you well for a while and at the prices stated are great value even if "stepping stones".

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I'll be curious to hear what you decide! If you are subsequently in the market for the Exclusive 10 (it really is quite a compliant ski - I would put ANY intermediate on it), I have a pair of 165's that have been used about half a dozen times, are spotless, and available. Silly for them to gather cob webs. They'll get sold at local ski swap next fall, but I keep them around as "spare pair." Another ski is now in that category, so these are available. PM when/if interested, I'll send pics.

 

[ColdMama]

Found a different store in town today - a bit out of the way but better selection and staff - Got my hands on the Sensation, the Fischers and a couple of the Volkl Carvers. I still like the Sensation, but the Volkls definately did have more pop. The staff there like the Sensation but suggested I seriously consider the lower level carver Cielo 09/Niebla 08 (even though they are out of my size) it's actually a little stiffer that the Sensation and a tiny bit more narrow in the waist 112-66-99 vs 113-69-96. Said they are out of them because lots of intermediates in our parts love them. I can get either one for about $260. Just sold my old C100s for $120 so either one will be a cheap first date

 

[ColdMama]

Decision

I decided to go with the Dynastar Sensations. It may be a little softer than the Volkl I played with, but it is intended for a solid intermediate skier. Besides, I'm such a techno geek and I love the tech talk around the the Sensations - even if the Volkls would have matched my boots better.

Probably won't be here before Christmas, but it's supposed to be cooold again next week so I can wait.

If anyone wants a 10% off coupon for Sierraskis.com let me know. I have a couple of codes I can legally give to my friends.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Good luck, and keep us posted on how this all works out! Can vouch for sierraskis, as I got skis from them last March. Good outfit!

 

[CMCM]

Good luck, and keep us posted on how this all works out! Can vouch for sierraskis, as I got skis from them last March. Good outfit!

I can also vouch for sierraskis. Their store is in Sacramento, and I've been in there many times. The owner is wonderful and the attitude of him and all the people there is to get you into the best ski for YOU. They're a good outfit, and usually with excellent prices, sometimes lower than anywhere else.

 

[ColdMama]

Thanks

My skis are on their way! UPS keeps revising their delivery date - snow storms are a gift except when it comes to shipping.

I still have family out in Sac so I also am familier with the store. I know the Ex 9s from elsewhere were a bit less, but I opted for the newer model (that the shop up here thinks is between the old 9 and 10) since it has the integrated binding system - They're easier to work with and it certainly was a plus when selling my old skis - I paid $60 for them (super closeout), used them a year and sold them for $120.

I'll tell you how it goes when they arrive. May not have been able to test them, but at least I got my hands on them. Felt like a nice mid ground. Softer and lighter than volkls, but stiffer and narrower than k2s. Nice hard sidewall under the bindings should really give them some grip. I'm stoked! I'm sure any of the options would have made me happy but boy, I sure love researching things.