Hi there from Sweden, been lurking for awhile in this excellent forum - now I would appreciate some help picking out a ski for my daughter.
(@Philpug @Tricia - been reading old threads for a while and I do think that this is a rare combo on the internet these days - lots of knowledge and a friendly tone in the discussions, keep up the good work!)
Ok - so it seems she has slowed down growing and are really starting to like skiing (yay!). So time to get her off the rentals and on to something that will help her move from intermediate to advanced. Managed to score an excellent deal on a pair of Dalbello Lotus 85 last year with the Intuition liner which she loves - partly because fit but also since she "felt more in control" - which is probably due to a better fit and bit stiffer boot than the rental boots.
Her stats:
Skis approx 10-20 days per year. (One week home in Sweden, One in Italy/France + weekend trips in Sweden)
Intermediate skier - parallell turns, starting to carve turns 25% of the time, will get down red runs in the French alps without hesitation and will make it down a black in a safe and controlled manner without complaint - but prefers red/blue runs.
Ski conditions - Sweden/Europe - i.e 95% frontside skiing, (seems a bit like East coast USA judging by the discussions here) - Icy hardpack in the mornings, windblown, packed and slush in the afternoon. Once in a while a foot of fresh snow.
My thoughts so far - a frontside ski with a little bit of more width to cope with spring skiing/warmer days where the manmade snow in the afternoon becomes quite churned and soft. Somewhat cost sensitive (we only average 15 days over the last few years - so Stöckli/Kästle is a bit pricey for that...)
Length/sizing I think is tricky - tall, but light, but strong, intermediate who wants to improve...
Many womens skis only go to 160 cm...which is almost 15cm shorter than her - yet again she only weighs 55kgs, and with football practice + games nothing sticks to her bones (just shy of 6-pack abs year round - ergo the opposite of me...)
I personally do like the fact that Atomic/Dynastar/Head actually makes women specific designs - like lighter cores, ramp angles etc
But for her "as long as it skis well" she is not picky in terms of looks/graphics.
Ideas (based on reviews and availability and cost).
Any input appreciated!
(@Philpug @Tricia - been reading old threads for a while and I do think that this is a rare combo on the internet these days - lots of knowledge and a friendly tone in the discussions, keep up the good work!)
Ok - so it seems she has slowed down growing and are really starting to like skiing (yay!). So time to get her off the rentals and on to something that will help her move from intermediate to advanced. Managed to score an excellent deal on a pair of Dalbello Lotus 85 last year with the Intuition liner which she loves - partly because fit but also since she "felt more in control" - which is probably due to a better fit and bit stiffer boot than the rental boots.
Her stats:
- 15yrs old (soon 16)
- 172 cm / 5' 8''ish
- 55 kg / 120lbs
- Athletic - football practice 3-4 times per week year round, strong legs and core, good balance.(No, it is not called soccer.
Skis approx 10-20 days per year. (One week home in Sweden, One in Italy/France + weekend trips in Sweden)
Intermediate skier - parallell turns, starting to carve turns 25% of the time, will get down red runs in the French alps without hesitation and will make it down a black in a safe and controlled manner without complaint - but prefers red/blue runs.
Ski conditions - Sweden/Europe - i.e 95% frontside skiing, (seems a bit like East coast USA judging by the discussions here) - Icy hardpack in the mornings, windblown, packed and slush in the afternoon. Once in a while a foot of fresh snow.
My thoughts so far - a frontside ski with a little bit of more width to cope with spring skiing/warmer days where the manmade snow in the afternoon becomes quite churned and soft. Somewhat cost sensitive (we only average 15 days over the last few years - so Stöckli/Kästle is a bit pricey for that...)
Length/sizing I think is tricky - tall, but light, but strong, intermediate who wants to improve...
Many womens skis only go to 160 cm...which is almost 15cm shorter than her - yet again she only weighs 55kgs, and with football practice + games nothing sticks to her bones (just shy of 6-pack abs year round - ergo the opposite of me...)
I personally do like the fact that Atomic/Dynastar/Head actually makes women specific designs - like lighter cores, ramp angles etc
But for her "as long as it skis well" she is not picky in terms of looks/graphics.
Ideas (based on reviews and availability and cost).
- Atomic Vantage X - but which version and length?
- Rossi Temptation 80 - 160 or 168?
- Armada Victa 83
- Dynastar Glory ?
- Head Absolut Joy ?
- Others? Mens skis in shorter lengths
Any input appreciated!