Buying first pair of skis...(women's) any recommendations?

Question

a little info:
1. price range: <$450

2. currently a recreational intermediate skier (i.e. i can get down from black diamonds without too much trouble.), but I'd like to improve, and want to carve really well

3. i'm the slow and controlled type, though i'd like to work on speed on steep runs

4. usually ski groomed runs, but would like to explore as I get better

5. Preference: female specific light weight skis

Answer 1

Get a beginner intermediate ski that's rated for mostly on-piste. Get a flexible, forgiving ski. The guys at any ski shop will help you out. As far as brands, its like the Ford vs. Chevy debate. All the major brands make solid skis. Certain brands are "known" for certain things but at your level the brand shouldn't make much difference. As long as you have the right size, you should be in good shape. Check ski shops for demoed skis they are trying to clearance out or a last years model. I'm sure you could get an entire setup for well under $450.

Answer 2

It's really hard to recommend a good ski without actually seeing you ski and knowing where you are located (Colorado = more powder skiing whereas New England = ice). Three good starting points you may want to consider:

1. Ski magazine runs a gear review every year. Grab a copy of this year's to see the top rated womens skis and boots.

2. Demo Days: most mountains have demo days where ski reps come out with a truckload of skis and let you demo them. Contact your local mountains to for a schedule of these.

3. Many ski shops, at or near mountains, have demo skis that they will let you take (or rent) for a few runs. They can recommend skis that suit your needs and then you can take them out and see how you like them. Once you have made a decision, you can then decide if you want to purchase the skis there.

Answer 3

Hmmm... it is a difficult advice given only the above descriptions, but here's the thing: my sister has about the same specifications as you do, and I would recommend you go to www.elanskis.com , and then chose from their W-studio selection: it is a series of skis designed especially for women, and you will probably find something you like there... they are also not that expensive because they are a small company and cannot put too high prices on their equipment, but the skis are truly excellent...

Answer 4

Since it's your first pair of skis you will want a forgiving ski. Expensive skis are very stiff because they respond better and faster, but you need a soft ski that will allow you to progress. I don't know your height or weight so I can't tell you what length you need. The cheepest place to get skis is off of ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-07-Roxy-Chevron-Women-Specific-Skis-154cm-W-BINDING_W0QQitemZ300082038692QQihZ020QQcategoryZ58363QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Volkl-724-Motion-Ext-Womens-Skis-170cm-w-Bindings_W0QQitemZ200081099746QQihZ010QQcategoryZ58363QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Those are 2 examples of what would be a good ski for you. The first one is shorter and would probably be a better choice for you. Just search for womens skis on ebay and see what else you can find.

Answer 5

Make sure they go up to your forhead. And i would go to a shop, and you can find used skis that are in great shape and they are cheep. Try Dynastar skis. My mom has a pair of them and she seams to be around the type of skiier that you are, and she loves them. good luck.

Answer 6

id say buy a big straightener one where the part that straightens is pretty big then u will have less chance to break ur hair plus idk if u do this but if u put it on the heat all the way it works really well...but if it doesnt try slowing down the process of going down. also if ur worried abt ur hair breaking and stuff use some straightening protector products b4 the straightening. Hope that helps :)