I'm looking for new skis for my wife (this is married SOP, by the way, as the number of posts on this topic suggests).
She's 5' 4", 120, a skier since the age of six, in it for swoopy pleasure rather than ripping up the slopes -- groomers mostly, intermediate (to advanced), Eastern (Vermont, New Hampshire) skiing. She'd like to advance her skiing some, too, though she won't be on the slopes more than 8 or 10 days in a season (though there's always hope!).
She wants a 70/30 ski that busts crud and that gives confidence in all conditions. I have a pair of Legend 4800s that fits this bill (114/75/102, I think, and I love them), but I'm thinking women's specific, and they have to be cheap.
Recently I ordered '08 Dynastar Legend Exclusives, 158s, from O2 Gearshop (a flat ski at $159) because I'd heard they're a lot like 4800s -- but when they arrived, they were Exclusive 8s -- a mis-pick; the Legend Exclusives were gone. O2 was apologetic, and offered a deal ($250, $100 off) on '09 version (with bindings). But as I was talking to the guy, he said he thought the Exclusive was really like the Legend 8000, a more aggressive ski. Hm., I said. He suggested a Salomon Origins Opal in a 154 or 152, at the same price, instead.
Then he went to check on the skis. The Salomans weren't in stock, he said, but he could order them. He also said he'd flex-tested the Exclusives and they were less stiff than he'd thought, softer in the tip; stiffer tail; he thought they'd work for her, too.
We talked also about length -- he thought 152-158, preferring around a 155 for her, but that the 158 would be fine.
We can't do demos, and I'm trying to do the good husband thing (you know, dealing with gear), so I'd be grateful for any suggestions -- about length, these particular skis, any other skis.
Thanks!
