Women's 2012 Skis

If you liked the Rossis in soft conditions, you will probably like them when conditions aren't so great. Did you have a chance to try them in cut up or choppy softer snow? That seems to be their worst condition. If you did and liked them there, then you ought to buy them. They only get better in everything else.

They will carve easily on the groomed and hold even in very hard pack conditions. (what most western skiers would call ice.) They swivel easily and the turned up tail releases so they are theoretically good in bumps. Go Long, very long, on these skis though.They felt very, very short in variable conditions when skied at a length only slightly (9cm) longer than my older skis.

I also liked the Volkl Kiku a lot. Aslo need to be skied long. They are very damp and predictable in varied and tough snow conditions. Skied them at Loveland and was able to ski smoothly stuff most folks were flailing about in. (and i credit the skis for this). They are heavier and less playful than the Atomic Century, but solid as a rock and felt a bit beefier.

did not try the black pearl or bonafide, both of which get rave reviews here. Trouble is, the Rossis did too.

So, buy the Rossis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochick 

I've decided to upgrade this year to something more appropriate for all mountain than my current skis.  Does anyone have any experience/opinions on the current 2012 line of women's skis?  I'm looking at something in the 95-105 underfoot range, though I'm also considering the Rossi S110s. 

 

I'm an aggressive skier, and ski both groomers and off piste.  5'10" and 155.  I've looked at Line, Atomic, Nordica...  really just can't make up my mind.  I skied the Rossi S110s for a week last year and really loved them, but the conditions at the time were SO good that I'm just not 100% confident they'd be as good in varied conditions as they were when I tried them.  Plus I skied mostly powder at that time, as the groomers were packed.  I ski both in CO and Utah, and headed to Cali this next season for a little while, so I want something that is versatile.  The one ski quiver is key, as I'm traveling around a lot and don't want to lug two pair of skis around.  Is it too much to hope for one ski that cruises groomers, cuts through crud, and rocks the powder and the bumps?  ;)

 

I saw the earlier thread about the Atomic vs. Rossi, but it hasn't been updated recently and I'm hoping to spur a separate discussion that includes other brands that perhaps aren't on my radar. 

 

Pre-sales are going on in many places now, and I want to go ahead and take advantage of summer discounts!

 

I'd really appreciate any and all input.  While I'm a typical girl in the sense that I appreciate pretty graphics, I'm definitely placing more priority on performance.  Thank you!

First of all, I'm curious if you're replacing your current ski or replacing it?  

What is your current ski?

You say you're looking for something that is all mountain that is in the 95-105 range, which is possible.  The Rossi S110(W) is not a good all mountain ski IMHO,  but is a good powder ski, which is probably why you liked it when you skied it during a great powder season.

If you're looking for an all mountain ski with a powder bias....

A few skis that you should consider in the 2012 line up that would be good for someone with your stats are:

Blizzard Crush(99)

K2 Missed Behaved(106)

Blizzard Bonafide (98)

Rossi S3(98)

Rossi Experience (98)

Kastle BMX98 (98)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick 

First of all, I'm curious if you're replacing your current ski or replacing it?  

What is your current ski?

 

You say you're looking for something that is all mountain that is in the 95-105 range, which is possible.  The Rossi S110(W) is not a good all mountain ski IMHO,  but is a good powder ski, which is probably why you liked it when you skied it during a great powder season.

 

If you're looking for an all mountain ski with a powder bias....

A few skis that you should consider in the 2012 line up that would be good for someone with your stats are:

Blizzard Crush(99)

K2 Missed Behaved(106)

Blizzard Bonafide (98)

Rossi S3(98)

Rossi Experience (98)

Kastle BMX98 (98)

 

 

this is some great recommendation the S110 are agreat powder skis and even better in weird crusty snow but IMO really are a chore and not fun on hardpack. TC recommended some great skis in the 98 mm waist range.

I would check out the Rossi Sickle which is a 110 mm ski with a more tradional shape while still having the W shaped rocker. I think the 175mm would be a great for most people your size but if your a rockstar or an aspiring rock star I see no reason why the 186 couldnt be skied by you out west. I got to try this thing out and its one of the few non blizzard skis Id would buy simply because the Cochise is more of big mountain ripper where the Sickle is a twin that still can charge but yet jib easily.

Also instead of the S3, next year Rossi will have the Scimitar as well, which is a quite step up in all mountain performance at the 98mm waist width in compared to the S3.

You ride Wiminz skis?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushwackerinPA 

this is some great recommendation the S110 are agreat powder skis and even better in weird crusty snow but IMO really are a chore and not fun on hardpack. TC recommended some great skis in the 98 mm waist range.

 

I would check out the Rossi Sickle which is a 110 mm ski with a more tradional shape while still having the W shaped rocker. I think the 175mm would be a great for most people your size but if your a rockstar or an aspiring rock star I see no reason why the 186 couldnt be skied by you out west. I got to try this thing out and its one of the few non blizzard skis Id would buy simply because the Cochise is more of big mountain ripper where the Sickle is a twin that still can charge but yet jib easily.

 

 

Also instead of the S3, next year Rossi will have the Scimitar as well, which is a quite step up in all mountain performance at the 98mm waist width in compared to the S3.

 

 

Actually the S3 remains in the Rossi line for 2012 unchanged except for topsheet/graphics. So if you want it - buy the 2011 model. It is the same ski and will be cheaper than the "new model".

The Scimitar has full rocker - no camber under foot so is different to the S3 and doesn't have the "W" type rocker you refer to. It will ski quite differently to the S110, S7, S3 etc because of that lack of camber underfoot, which will be more noticeable on hardpack. I know many people can use this type of ski all-mountain, but be aware that Rossi is marketing the Scimitar as a park/jibbing ski, just in case that turns you off. 

The Sickle for 2012, replacing the S6 is a fun ski. However, again, it does not have the tip/tail rocker and underfoot camber, or the "W" shape rocker you mention - it is full rocker (i.e. "U" or banana). It does actually ski pretty well on groomers though, but just be aware both these are full rocker not the hybrid rocker/camber indicated above. 

Seeing as you are looking at 2012 models, there are a couple newbies coming out which have early rise/tip rocker, but camber underfoot and traditional tail. Might be a good blend for you if you are not skiing switch but just ripping all mountain. The Atomic Theory and the Scott Venture are both mid-90s waist and have the early rise. They both scored very well (Gold and Silver overall) in some UK tests I have been reading. Unfortunately I have not been able to demo - so can't personally comment, but I have been reading some great things. The Scott will be a little burlier than the Atomic - depends what kind of weight you like/don't like in your skis etc. But check them out on the web - the Scott Venture is looking very cool I think for the type of space you are in.

PS. If you don't believe my corrections re: Rossi line above, watch these - they clearly say Full, U-shaped rocker!

http://freeskier.com/videos/video-product-preview-2011-2012-rossignol-scimitar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KOND8zF6s

You can read about the Theory or Venture here, or search the web. Good luck with your search!
http://www.fall-line.co.uk/skis-of-the-year-201112

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiBean 

Actually the S3 remains in the Rossi line for 2012 unchanged except for topsheet/graphics. So if you want it - buy the 2011 model. It is the same ski and will be cheaper than the "new model".

 

The Scimitar has full rocker - no camber under foot so is different to the S3 and doesn't have the "W" type rocker you refer to. It will ski quite differently to the S110, S7, S3 etc because of that lack of camber underfoot, which will be more noticeable on hardpack. I know many people can use this type of ski all-mountain, but be aware that Rossi is marketing the Scimitar as a park/jibbing ski, just in case that turns you off. 

 

The Sickle for 2012, replacing the S6 is a fun ski. However, again, it does not have the tip/tail rocker and underfoot camber, or the "W" shape rocker you mention - it is full rocker (i.e. "U" or banana). It does actually ski pretty well on groomers though, but just be aware both these are full rocker not the hybrid rocker/camber indicated above. 

 

Seeing as you are looking at 2012 models, there are a couple newbies coming out which have early rise/tip rocker, but camber underfoot and traditional tail. Might be a good blend for you if you are not skiing switch but just ripping all mountain. The Atomic Theory and the Scott Venture are both mid-90s waist and have the early rise. They both scored very well (Gold and Silver overall) in some UK tests I have been reading. Unfortunately I have not been able to demo - so can't personally comment, but I have been reading some great things. The Scott will be a little burlier than the Atomic - depends what kind of weight you like/don't like in your skis etc. But check them out on the web - the Scott Venture is looking very cool I think for the type of space you are in.

 

PS. If you don't believe my corrections re: Rossi line above, watch these - they clearly say Full, U-shaped rocker!

http://freeskier.com/videos/video-product-preview-2011-2012-rossignol-scimitar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KOND8zF6s

 

You can read about the Theory or Venture here, or search the web. Good luck with your search!
http://www.fall-line.co.uk/skis-of-the-year-201112

 

The S3 is coming back but so is the Scimitar. They are similar but diffeernt skis. By instead i meant go with the Scimitar.

Fug, I have ridden the S7 which is very similar to the S110.

I have a question for your both; why a woman's ski?  They used to say that they were for lighter weight women, then that they were designed for the fact that women carried their weight differently - big hips & thighs. (I have neither)   My impression is that they were just marketing soft skis - so has something really changed?  I'mm 5'4'' and 130lbs and ski on men's skis despite the funny looks I get, usually a slalom-type Atomic or Saloman.  Am I missing something?  Are there really 'expert'women's skis and why would you want to ski on them?  I have a small foot and have been wearing junior racing boots for years as trying to find expert womens boots was all but impossible.

Well, pmpaula, this is tough to put into words, but I'll give it a whirl.

The women's skis that are different build tend to be front side skis, (emphasis on tend to be).

One of my favorite women's skis is the Blizzard Black Pearl which is the same build as the men's version (Bushwacker), while the Viva 8.1 is a bit softer than the mens' version and has the mount point of the system binding 1 cm fwd.

My powder ski is the DPS Yvette, which is the same exact build as the Wailer 112RP(men's version) 

The women's skis that are of the same build are offered in different lengths (going shorter) and different graphics.

The idea is to find the ski that's right for you, not focus on gender specifics.

Most women who begin skiing do, however, benefit from a women's ski that is forgiving and encourages them to come back for more.

Thanks - Maybe I'll demo one again next year - my season just ended suddenly this week.  My K2 Photon binding didn't release.  Appreciate the thoughts.

That's a bummer.

Hope you heal well soon. 

IIRC the system binding for the K2 Photon is a 10 din binding.    Out of curiosity, Where was the din set?

That's for the info for next year and the thoughts.  The din was set at 6.5 which has been my usual.  When I can get back to the shop (as in walking w/o a walker)  I'll be asking for first a test, then new bindings and I'll have them move them down to a 6 probably.  

I caught a tip and flipped and neither released, then couldn't pop them myself.  Ski patrol had to try repeatedly; they said that's never happened before, they thought they were definitely defective and I should get new bindings before ever skiing on them again.  Obviously, have all the time in the world now to get it done, my season is over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmpaula1 

That's for the info for next year and the thoughts.  The din was set at 6.5 which has been my usual.  When I can get back to the shop (as in walking w/o a walker)  I'll be asking for first a test, then new bindings and I'll have them move them down to a 6 probably.  

I caught a tip and flipped and neither released, then couldn't pop them myself.  Ski patrol had to try repeatedly; they said that's never happened before, they thought they were definitely defective and I should get new bindings before ever skiing on them again.  Obviously, have all the time in the world now to get it done, my season is over.

Sorry to hear about the defect. Hang in there and happy healing.

For a one ski quiver, check out the Kodiak by H20g (praxis skis). My wife has a pair of these with Dynafit's. Great setup. I have a pair of the Praxis Backcountry with Dynafit that kill it out in the off Piste. However, a 169 RX would be sick too! Whatever you get, something with early rise tip will give you more a more versitle setup.