Women's Skis

Hi - I usually ski for a couple of weeks each season & hire my skis in resort. In the past I've always been issued with unisex skis but was wondering if I should go for women specific skis this year? (I am female :lol: ). What advantages might I expect from them? I would class myself as an intermediate skier & ski mainly on piste, although each season I do like to push myself a little further outside my comfort zone. I'm 5'5" (165cm) and approx 9st 5lbs (60kg). I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's made the switch from unisex skis to women's ones to hear how you've found them. Thanks for your time.

There is no hard and fast rule. Some makers seem to sell less substantial versions of the men's model, and call them women specific.

I have tried women specific skis over several years, been underwhelmed, and so I'm still on unisex skis!
There is hope though, I tried a pair of Dynastar Exclusive Powder recently, and they had the wow factor for me.

Keep testing, and try advising your hire shop that you want to test new models prior to purchase ), and go for the VIP lines. If your hire shop says (for example) "these are a nice ladies model.....very light and easy", they are offering you restaurant skis.....leave quickly!!

From some testing I did in Zermatt recently, check out the Scott Aztec Maya. They may be just up your street, unisex, though very popular with women. Quite an impressive ski.

I knew there are some differences in construction and binding position on womens skis, but I was intrested to look up up some sites with info. The idea of a difference in the design of the sidecut makes sense as women move differently fron men and ideally the skis should allow as natural movement as possible.

If I were female, I would definitely try out the best of the women's specific skis. If they are as different as the manufacturers claim, some adjustment in your movements (more natural) may be required to appreciate the potential.

I wonder if female bindings with a raised heel might cause problems for women who have already compensated by changing the ramp angle in thier boots ?.

Found a few short articles
http://www.sheskis.net/skiandboottips.html
http://www.ski-review.com/content/view/92/34/


Trencher

Trencher wrote:


Found a few short articles
http://www.sheskis.net/skiandboottips.html
http://www.ski-review.com/content/view/92/34/


Trencher

Interesting couple of articles, with lots of generalisations made about women. Not all women have less leg muscle, are lighter etc. Perhaps I should feel guilty because I don't fit the "Bambi" image being suggested :lol:
I have never personally considered the "Q" angle issue to be a handicap when turning. To me it's just not in the mix. Though I can snowplough better than any man I have ever skied with, so wide hips and Q angle has certain compensations.
I did not look at the writing dates until I saw the entry about the Dynastar Exclusive Legend having a 75 waist. The ones I just tested had an 85 waist. How times change!

Salski Perhaps make a wish list of skis, and take it with you when you next visit a hire shop. A good tech will be able to interpret your list and offer alternatives if they don't have the exact models. Keep testing :D

Thanks for that Bandit & Trencher - certainly some food for thought. I'll do some more reading up & visit the ski show at the NEC in a couple of weeks time. I'd like to give women specific skis a go to just to see for myself how different they feel. I'll enjoy drawing up my 'wish list'!!