new skis

For about 20 yrs (eek) I have had some TREK tour skis- 190s.

This year, mostly because I needed new boots, I tried out some new
skis- Salomon 160's with SNS boots/bindings.

While the new shorter skis are more responsive in a way (step turns),
I really miss the glide from the other skis, the way they flex, and
also the more pronounced shovel tips, which I could sort of whack into
an uphill.

Since I am obviously NOT a gear junkie, are these typical feelings
about shorter skis? Or should I be trying out lots of different new
skis?

Chris W wrote:
For about 20 yrs (eek) I have had some TREK tour skis- 190s.

This year, mostly because I needed new boots, I tried out some new
skis- Salomon 160's with SNS boots/bindings.

While the new shorter skis are more responsive in a way (step turns),
I really miss the glide from the other skis, the way they flex, and
also the more pronounced shovel tips, which I could sort of whack into
an uphill.

Since I am obviously NOT a gear junkie, are these typical feelings
about shorter skis?
yes. 160cm is a very short striding ski. I don't know why anyone would
put you (you're not a complete newbie) on such a short ski. If you let
us know what city you're in, I'm sure someone can suggest a store that
can fit you properly with a ski.

Or should I be trying out lots of different new
skis?

sure, shopping is fun! (are you sure you're not a gear head? ;-)

Bob

Chris W wrote:
For about 20 yrs (eek) I have had some TREK tour skis- 190s.

This year, mostly because I needed new boots, I tried out some new
skis- Salomon 160's with SNS boots/bindings.

While the new shorter skis are more responsive in a way (step turns),
I really miss the glide from the other skis, the way they flex, and
also the more pronounced shovel tips, which I could sort of whack into
an uphill.

Since I am obviously NOT a gear junkie, are these typical feelings
about shorter skis?
yes. 160cm is a very short striding ski. I don't know why anyone would
put you (you're not a complete newbie) on such a short ski. If you let
us know what city you're in, I'm sure someone can suggest a store that
can fit you properly with a ski.

Or should I be trying out lots of different new
skis?

sure, shopping is fun! (are you sure you're not a gear head? ;-)

Bob

Chris W wrote:
For about 20 yrs (eek) I have had some TREK tour skis- 190s.

This year, mostly because I needed new boots, I tried out some new
skis- Salomon 160's with SNS boots/bindings.

While the new shorter skis are more responsive in a way (step turns),
I really miss the glide from the other skis, the way they flex, and
also the more pronounced shovel tips, which I could sort of whack into
an uphill.

Since I am obviously NOT a gear junkie, are these typical feelings
about shorter skis? Or should I be trying out lots of different new
skis?

I've been hearing that the new short style of ski does glide less. I
tried an early set of shorties just once---those Fischer Revolutions.
Man, they seemed terrible. I think that any ski that gives less glide
is a WORSE ski. Maybe the ski biz is desperate for something new so
they're trying to sell a bill of goods? I suspect that folks who
learned how to ski on traditional (longer) skis won't switch but maybe
new skiers would never know and would appreciate the handling. I
wouldn't be surprised if those short skis are correct for you
according to the new approach. I personally would try a nice pair of
light skis that are just the right width for you and are sized
traditionally then use newstyle bindings and boots---NNN or Profil,
not SNS, well, unless they make a new type of SNS---and a nice pair of
light carbon poles and you'll really be GRINNIN'. And ready for
another 20 years! --JP outyourbackdoor.com