2 years, 3 months ago
Women (or Men who are in the 'know'): Are you an athlete? Take a peek...
Which brand and model skis are the best (value for performance) for an advanced FEMALE skier?
It's the end of the season - deals are out there - but what to chose?
Looking to ski about 10-15 times a year with growing family. Will not be at aggressive speeds, will be hoping to take a few fun runs when people are in lessons. Otherwise will be carving turns at slow to moderate speeds with kids on greens for the next few years.
Personal stories:
Actual personal testimony and experienced 'reviews' on ski brands and models would be great, I've done internet research and know that Volkl, K2 have some possible options, what do you think?
$$ TIPS $$ for all responses deemed helpful by me:
I will happily tip any user who provides great helpful information (male or female) -
oh PLEASE tell me if you are M or F - it does help - as we do use skis differently... :) Thanks
Image: Lindsey Vonn honored by IASJ journalists, Oct, 2009. (U.S. Ski Team image)
It's the end of the season - deals are out there - but what to chose?
Looking to ski about 10-15 times a year with growing family. Will not be at aggressive speeds, will be hoping to take a few fun runs when people are in lessons. Otherwise will be carving turns at slow to moderate speeds with kids on greens for the next few years.
Personal stories:
Actual personal testimony and experienced 'reviews' on ski brands and models would be great, I've done internet research and know that Volkl, K2 have some possible options, what do you think?
$$ TIPS $$ for all responses deemed helpful by me:
I will happily tip any user who provides great helpful information (male or female) -
oh PLEASE tell me if you are M or F - it does help - as we do use skis differently... :) Thanks
Image: Lindsey Vonn honored by IASJ journalists, Oct, 2009. (U.S. Ski Team image)
images:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$2 Answers
Firstly, I'm a man in my late 20's and have skied for most of my life and prefer skiing in powder, on steep, technical runs.
From your question, it sounds like what you want are skis that allow you to ski groomed runs and to stay in control, but that offer the flexibility of taking on some more challenging runs on the mountain. I'm going to assume you still mean front-side runs (groomed or otherwise maintained), and that you don't need skis for heavy powder.
The good news is... you have lots of choices. Every major ski manufacturer offers something that meets your needs. Volkl, K2 certainly, but also Salomon, Head, Dynastar, Rossignol and Atomic.
Start by looking for something rated intermediate or moderate, all-mountain. You can go with something that's limited to groomed runs, but if you're an advanced skier, why limit yourself when you can easily handle an all mountain ski. Some people have a tendancy to want longer skies if they consider themselve to be more advanced. Avoid this temptation. Unless you need it, find a shorter ski that allows you to stay in control at all times. You can speed isn't a need for you, so you're probably not tempted by long skis anyways. There are dozens of models you can choose from with your needs. I'm not going to recommend one for you, since I could recommend three or four, and there might be a fifth that suits you just fine, but has a design you like better.
I've been skiing on a pair of Head skis that are too long for me. I bought them as advanced skis that I could ski in powder, and max out my speed. They did their job, but as my free time declined, and I found myself skiing less, the skis have become a hazard to my health. If I ski regularly, than I can handle them, and I'm fine, but when I don't go often, I find that the few times I go, I don't have the control that I used to. Hence my recommendation that you put "control" as your primary need, even as an advanced skier. To replace them, I'm looking for a shorter pair of Rossignol's that are designed for powder. In my experience, I've found them to be one of the most reliable brands available.
Also, definitely buy skis made for woman, years ago, they didn't differentiate, other that by painting skis for woman a different color.
From your question, it sounds like what you want are skis that allow you to ski groomed runs and to stay in control, but that offer the flexibility of taking on some more challenging runs on the mountain. I'm going to assume you still mean front-side runs (groomed or otherwise maintained), and that you don't need skis for heavy powder.
The good news is... you have lots of choices. Every major ski manufacturer offers something that meets your needs. Volkl, K2 certainly, but also Salomon, Head, Dynastar, Rossignol and Atomic.
Start by looking for something rated intermediate or moderate, all-mountain. You can go with something that's limited to groomed runs, but if you're an advanced skier, why limit yourself when you can easily handle an all mountain ski. Some people have a tendancy to want longer skies if they consider themselve to be more advanced. Avoid this temptation. Unless you need it, find a shorter ski that allows you to stay in control at all times. You can speed isn't a need for you, so you're probably not tempted by long skis anyways. There are dozens of models you can choose from with your needs. I'm not going to recommend one for you, since I could recommend three or four, and there might be a fifth that suits you just fine, but has a design you like better.
I've been skiing on a pair of Head skis that are too long for me. I bought them as advanced skis that I could ski in powder, and max out my speed. They did their job, but as my free time declined, and I found myself skiing less, the skis have become a hazard to my health. If I ski regularly, than I can handle them, and I'm fine, but when I don't go often, I find that the few times I go, I don't have the control that I used to. Hence my recommendation that you put "control" as your primary need, even as an advanced skier. To replace them, I'm looking for a shorter pair of Rossignol's that are designed for powder. In my experience, I've found them to be one of the most reliable brands available.
Also, definitely buy skis made for woman, years ago, they didn't differentiate, other that by painting skis for woman a different color.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Here is a list of advance skis for FEMALE skier from the www.altrec.com
Here is the link to the site
http://www.altrec.com/skis/advanced-skis/
1.Head Women's Great One SW Skis w/ ONE LD 12 Bindings Price: $695.49
----quote----
Created for advanced skiers who like to go fast and carve through varied snow conditions, the Women's Great ONE is one of the most versatile all-terrain skis you can take to the mountains this season. It features a snappy sandwich construction with Intelligence Technology. That means that Head put these things called Intellifibers at 45-degree angles in front of the ski bindings, so those mechanical impulses created by bouncing around in hard snow turn into electrical energy that stiffens the Intellifibers.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/head/womens-great-one-sw-skis-w-one-ld-12-bindings
http://mirror.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/HEA/27398.63150_d.jpg
2.Head Women's Wild One SW Skisw/ ONE LD 12 Bindings Price: $734.49
----quote----
Developed exclusively for advanced and expert female skiers who want a balanced blend of 50% groomed and 50% untracked in their ski day, the Wild ONE ski is a highly versatile all-mountain performer with innovations to adapt to changing terrain and snow conditions. It has features a snappy sandwich construction with Intelligence Technology. That means that Head put these things called Intellifibers at 45-degree angles in front of the ski bindings, so those mechanical impulses created by bouncing around in hard snow turn into electrical energy that stiffens the Intellifibers
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/head/womens-wild-one-sw-skisw-one-ld-12-bindings
http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/HEA/27397.63149_d.jpg
3.Volkl Women's Tierra Skis w/ Attiva eMotion 11.0 TC Bindings Price: $692.19
----quote----
If you like to ski fast and prefer a little more untracked than groomed in your ski day, Volkl's all-terrain Tierra with integrated Attiva eMotion 11.0 TC binding is everything an advanced or expert female skier could ever ask for. That's because it's a completely new women's-only platform that doesn't cut corners by adopting unisex or boy-toy conformity. The Volkl Women's Tierra uses a new Bio-Logic design approach that Volkl dedicated specifically to performance-oriented female skiers. Bio-Logic addresses stance, ski geometry and ski flex in true female-specific terms.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/volkl/womens-tierra-skis-w-attiva-emotion-110-tc-bindings
http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/VLK/8.63538_d.jpg
4.Rossignol Avenger 70 Skis w/ TPI2/ Axium 110 Bindings Price: $357.49
----quote----
The Rossignol Avenger 70 Skis w/ TPI2/ Axium 110 Bindings is designed for advanced skiers who want a stable and easy to maneuver all-mountain ski. This ski is designed for a variety of terrain at medium speeds. The Avenger 70 features H-Shape construction with composite fiber reinforcements and internal VAS inserts.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/rossignol/avenger-70-skis-w-tpi2-axium-110-bindings
http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/RSS/8.63288_d.jpg
According to this article by www.about.com the best skis for advanced FEMALE skiers would be
1.Women's Nordica Skis
Recommended ski is the Nordica Firefox you can purchase this skis from www.amazon.com
Nordica Olympia Firefox Womens Skis with XBI 311TI Bindings 2009 Price: $199.95
----quote----
Product Description
The Nordica Olympia Firefox was engineered specifically for the high performance female skier. A new side cut philosophy will allow the Firefox to offer the most versatile turn shape allowing skiers to challenge any type of skiing. One of the most versatile turn radius found in a women's ski, the Firefox is ready to challenge any type of skiing you may encounter. A proven design philosophy, the Nordica Firefox has won major magazine test awards, and will surely enhance your time on the snow. . Dimensions: 122/70/105mm, Turn Radius: 14m (@ 170cm), Warranty: One Year, Type of Ski: Carving, Gender: Womens, Integrated Binding System: Yes, What Binding is Included?: XBI 311TI, Construction Type: V Active Ti Construction, Core Material: Composite Wood Core, Base Material: Ptex, Tail: Rounded, Binding DIN: 3-11, Skill Range: Advanced - Expert, Model Year: 2009, Product ID: 181122
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Nordica-Olympia-Firefox-Womens-Bindings/dp/B0031GKALY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1266885829&sr=1-1
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k4YLZ8UBL._AA280_.jpg
2.Women's Salomon Skis
Salomon Origins Topaz Womens Skis with LZ9 Lightrak Bindings
----quote----
Product Description
Salomon Origins Topaz Womens Skis with LZ9 Lightrak Bindings - The Salomon Topaz women's skis are an all-mountain performance ski with Monocoque construction. It will satisfy the advanced intermediate women or take a solid intermediate skier to the next level. The Topaz features the new Auto-Steering Control Technology which allows for easier turning initiation and control, most notably at the end of the turn, to guarantee consistent precise steering and maneuverability. Dimensions: 120/74/102mm, Turn Radius: 12.0m (@ 152cm), Warranty: One Year, Type of Ski: Mid-Fat, Gender: Womens, Integrated Binding System: Yes, What Binding is Included?: LZ9 Lightrak, Construction Type: Edgy Monocoque Construction, Core Material: Composite Fiber Core, Base Material: Titanium, Tail: Straight, Special Feature: AS Technology, Binding DIN: 2.5-9, Skill Range: Intermediate - Advanced, Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 163917
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Origins-Womens-Lightrak-Bindings/dp/B002ZXRA1W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1266885633&sr=1-2-fkmr0
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514Hby7jl4L._AA280_.jpg
Although this site did not indicate the best brand and model skis it list the top ten best skis brands
1.Atomic Skis
2.Dynastar Skis
3.Elan Skis
4.Fischer Skis
5.Head Skis
6.K2 Skis
7.Nordica Skis
8.Rossignol Skis
9.Salomon Skis
10.Volkl Skis
Link to the page
http://classifiedski.com/top-10-ski-brands
Here is the link to the site
http://www.altrec.com/skis/advanced-skis/
1.Head Women's Great One SW Skis w/ ONE LD 12 Bindings Price: $695.49
----quote----
Created for advanced skiers who like to go fast and carve through varied snow conditions, the Women's Great ONE is one of the most versatile all-terrain skis you can take to the mountains this season. It features a snappy sandwich construction with Intelligence Technology. That means that Head put these things called Intellifibers at 45-degree angles in front of the ski bindings, so those mechanical impulses created by bouncing around in hard snow turn into electrical energy that stiffens the Intellifibers.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/head/womens-great-one-sw-skis-w-one-ld-12-bindings
2.Head Women's Wild One SW Skisw/ ONE LD 12 Bindings Price: $734.49
----quote----
Developed exclusively for advanced and expert female skiers who want a balanced blend of 50% groomed and 50% untracked in their ski day, the Wild ONE ski is a highly versatile all-mountain performer with innovations to adapt to changing terrain and snow conditions. It has features a snappy sandwich construction with Intelligence Technology. That means that Head put these things called Intellifibers at 45-degree angles in front of the ski bindings, so those mechanical impulses created by bouncing around in hard snow turn into electrical energy that stiffens the Intellifibers
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/head/womens-wild-one-sw-skisw-one-ld-12-bindings
3.Volkl Women's Tierra Skis w/ Attiva eMotion 11.0 TC Bindings Price: $692.19
----quote----
If you like to ski fast and prefer a little more untracked than groomed in your ski day, Volkl's all-terrain Tierra with integrated Attiva eMotion 11.0 TC binding is everything an advanced or expert female skier could ever ask for. That's because it's a completely new women's-only platform that doesn't cut corners by adopting unisex or boy-toy conformity. The Volkl Women's Tierra uses a new Bio-Logic design approach that Volkl dedicated specifically to performance-oriented female skiers. Bio-Logic addresses stance, ski geometry and ski flex in true female-specific terms.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/volkl/womens-tierra-skis-w-attiva-emotion-110-tc-bindings
4.Rossignol Avenger 70 Skis w/ TPI2/ Axium 110 Bindings Price: $357.49
----quote----
The Rossignol Avenger 70 Skis w/ TPI2/ Axium 110 Bindings is designed for advanced skiers who want a stable and easy to maneuver all-mountain ski. This ski is designed for a variety of terrain at medium speeds. The Avenger 70 features H-Shape construction with composite fiber reinforcements and internal VAS inserts.
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.altrec.com/rossignol/avenger-70-skis-w-tpi2-axium-110-bindings
According to this article by www.about.com the best skis for advanced FEMALE skiers would be
1.Women's Nordica Skis
Recommended ski is the Nordica Firefox you can purchase this skis from www.amazon.com
Nordica Olympia Firefox Womens Skis with XBI 311TI Bindings 2009 Price: $199.95
----quote----
Product Description
The Nordica Olympia Firefox was engineered specifically for the high performance female skier. A new side cut philosophy will allow the Firefox to offer the most versatile turn shape allowing skiers to challenge any type of skiing. One of the most versatile turn radius found in a women's ski, the Firefox is ready to challenge any type of skiing you may encounter. A proven design philosophy, the Nordica Firefox has won major magazine test awards, and will surely enhance your time on the snow. . Dimensions: 122/70/105mm, Turn Radius: 14m (@ 170cm), Warranty: One Year, Type of Ski: Carving, Gender: Womens, Integrated Binding System: Yes, What Binding is Included?: XBI 311TI, Construction Type: V Active Ti Construction, Core Material: Composite Wood Core, Base Material: Ptex, Tail: Rounded, Binding DIN: 3-11, Skill Range: Advanced - Expert, Model Year: 2009, Product ID: 181122
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Nordica-Olympia-Firefox-Womens-Bindings/dp/B0031GKALY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1266885829&sr=1-1
2.Women's Salomon Skis
Salomon Origins Topaz Womens Skis with LZ9 Lightrak Bindings
----quote----
Product Description
Salomon Origins Topaz Womens Skis with LZ9 Lightrak Bindings - The Salomon Topaz women's skis are an all-mountain performance ski with Monocoque construction. It will satisfy the advanced intermediate women or take a solid intermediate skier to the next level. The Topaz features the new Auto-Steering Control Technology which allows for easier turning initiation and control, most notably at the end of the turn, to guarantee consistent precise steering and maneuverability. Dimensions: 120/74/102mm, Turn Radius: 12.0m (@ 152cm), Warranty: One Year, Type of Ski: Mid-Fat, Gender: Womens, Integrated Binding System: Yes, What Binding is Included?: LZ9 Lightrak, Construction Type: Edgy Monocoque Construction, Core Material: Composite Fiber Core, Base Material: Titanium, Tail: Straight, Special Feature: AS Technology, Binding DIN: 2.5-9, Skill Range: Intermediate - Advanced, Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 163917
----quote----
Information quoted from http://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Origins-Womens-Lightrak-Bindings/dp/B002ZXRA1W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1266885633&sr=1-2-fkmr0
Although this site did not indicate the best brand and model skis it list the top ten best skis brands
1.Atomic Skis
2.Dynastar Skis
3.Elan Skis
4.Fischer Skis
5.Head Skis
6.K2 Skis
7.Nordica Skis
8.Rossignol Skis
9.Salomon Skis
10.Volkl Skis
Link to the page
http://classifiedski.com/top-10-ski-brands
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Interesting list, lots of info, thanks. Some more personalized commentary would be great if you have experience in the subject matter.
I found in strange that the Nordica Firefox (women's) ski specs are listed at a 170mm length - typically a length for a male skier or someone much taller and heavier than your average female skier.
As I mentioned in my question, I tipped this responder, thanks very much for your effort and time :) .
But for a best answer (MD 5) on this question I was looking for more personal 'reviews' or at least anecdotal information on specific women's ski models. Also, you didn't mention if you were M or F, but this is ok, I understand if you prefer anonymity and as your response didn't include more personal testimony, it's a mute point.
I do thank you for the listed research.
Report Abuse
honestly, I couldn't name just one brand, let alone a model name. There are so many to choose from that no one discusses which model ski they're using. If you were to start looking at specialized skis, you'll find people know exactly what they're skiing on, but for all-mountain use, people might prefer a brand, but no one I know cares any more than that.
I can tell you read my question, so thanks for that (tip for you). Helpful comments on length of skis. Care to mention skis that any of your female pals are skiing on right now? if not no problem, just curious...thanks.
Thanks again for your response, for the 5 best answer tip, these two replies did not provide any personal advice about actual ski models, which was what I was asking about and would have gladly chosen a reply that gave specific anecdotal information related to women's skis (and links to web research, which I had noted I had already done).
Again, I tipped both responders, thanks for your input.