Which Luv?

[Jumpymostly]

I am looking for new skis and was considering the K2 One Luv. I am wondering if you think this is a good ski for me, and what size I should get. From what I've read, I though maybe167, but I am having a harder time finding that, many places only have up to 160. Also wondering if I should be considering Lotta Luv or Burnin Luv, or another brand. Someone also recommended I check out the Rossignol B2.

I am 32 years old and have been skiing for about 12 years. I usually ski a couple days in Minnesota where I live and a week or two out west. I am 5'5" and weigh 164lbs.

I currently ski older (about 1998) K2 Three W skis are just a little more "shaped" than completely straight skis. They are 168 cm and the dimensions are 99/67/88. I got these when I was still low intermediate, but I've actually been quite happy with them all this time until this winter when I spent 3 days almost entirely in trees, crud, and deep powder (because that's all there was besides ice).

I ski black runs at Aspen, Squaw Valley, Steamboat etc, and try an occasional double black. I generally prefer a more relaxed speed, I'm no speed demon.

For terrain/conditions, I ski whatever I get the week or two I'm in the mountains (generally out west). I like groomed runs, but some days it seems like I never ski a groomed run, either because there is powder, or they are too icy. I love powder but need more practice with it. I try to avoid bumps and crud but want to improve there too. At home there's a lot of ice/hardpack, but I've mostly switched to boarding there.

I want to take advantage of offseason sales, so demoing isn't going to be an option.
Thanks for your help!

 

[SnowHot]

wow you gave us a lot of good information about you and your ski choice.

I won't tell you to use the search engine to find info on the one luv, because that is assuming you haven't, but if you do, you will find a TON of information on the One Luv, Burnin Luv, and Phat Luv.

First of all, if you're skiing the terrain you described, the One luv will only make you happy on occasional days. It is really designed to ski groomers and for upper intermediate skiers, although some advanced skiers like it as well.

If you ski K2's and like the energy the have and the feedback you get from them, then you will definitely not like the Rossi's. They are quiet an damp.

I would recommend that you look at the burnin luv in a 160 ish or a tad longer. If you want an alternative you may look at something in a twin tip like the Volkl Queen attiva.

Mid Fats are the a lot more fun that you imagine and you will probably get a lot more out of them on the entire mountain, including carving.

 

[persee]

I'd say that if you like K2's and your description of the ski conditions you go for - since you say you're no speed demon and you like to be able to go wherever - I'd think perhaps the LottaLuv might be just what the doctor ordered. What I've heard about the Burnin Luv is that it's great for speed on groomed terrain but not neccessarily excelling at other stuff. The OneLuv is very similar to the Burnin in what it is aimed at, but a bit less stiff (hence it's rating as Advanced/Intermediate). I'm sure there are other skis that might suit you too. I have skiied on the LottaLuvs last April at SugarBowl in Tahoe and I loved them - I'd say I would be considered a Level 6 skier at that time and they didn't seem too much ski for me, but they did keep me on my toes and I felt they were a ski that I couldn't exceed their ability.

 

[Jumpymostly]

Thanks for the advice!

I think I'm going to try the Lotta Luvs! I found a good deal on 160s at REI (cheaper than the One Luv, even!).

By the way, the reason I had so much info is I asked first on another site, and they had very a detailed list of what info to provide. They're the ones that recommended the Rossignols. But then I found this site and it looked like a better place for advice so I asked again. I'm glad I did!

Great site, thanks again!

 

[ski diva]

Glad we could help! Let us know how they work out for you, when you give them a try.

 

[abc]

Questions and answers:

Why just K2?

I just opened the box containing my new One Luv. So you can tell I'm not against K2. But the One and Burning are the same dimention, and frankly, it's the narrowness I like, which you may not. If you're spending the bulk of your time out west chasing powders, the One and Burnning aren't the right direction to even look at. The Lotta Luv could fit the bill though.

 

[Jumpymostly]

No particular reason I was limited to K2, if I got a really strong recommendation for another brand I would have went with that. It's just that I've been happy with my K2's in the past, so without having the opportunity to demo I thought I'd stay with something at least a little familiar. Plus I read good reviews on all 3 (one, burnin', lotta luv).