Do I need new skis?

Question

Hubby just got new skis after demoing several. He says the new ones he tried were much more responsive. Our old skis are about 5 years old carvers.

So was hubby on the wrong skis before, or has technology moved along enough that 5 years means my skis are outdated? I still ski well on them, and they've been well maintained (edges done, waxed regularly).

If you think new skis would be a good idea, any recommendations?

I'm 5'6", skiing a 150cm Atomic C6, ski blues and easy blacks confidently. Ski blacks and double blacks with caution. Mostly ski in New England = packed powder.

Answer 1

I'd have to say technology has moved considerably.  You sound like you are about my size and skiing ability - I'm 5'6" and 148lbs, and I have Atomic Balanze 158cm and I love them.  They are good in Eastern Canada ice and float me through Whistler powder because they are on the long end for my weight. These were my first pair of women's skis, and I can tell the difference.  

If hubby wants to get you new skis so you can keep up with him, why say no?

Answer 2

Ski technology has improved over the last 5 years. You should definitely demo some newer ones. If you like the C6, try some Atomic Nomads. i demoed some last year at Sunapee and loved them, though I ended up with Volkl Tigersharks.  You'll probably be quite surprised at the difference, and those mid level blacks won't seem so tough anymore!

Answer 3

The only way to tell is to demo newer models. You are soooooo lucky that you live near snow... I can't get enough skiing in the season.

Answer 4

first off i would have to say that you are too tall for your skis, if i were you i would get new ones because of the size problem not because of the age of your skis, also skis change every day, they do improve a lot just over a couple years so you may want to demo a bit too just to see if there is something out there that you like better. you should get longer skis though because im 5.3 and use 160s which is actually pretty short, you need about a 175 or so but in the begining it might seem like a huge difference, you will get used to it within a few times of skiing the new length.

Answer 5

Ski technology has come a long way in five years.  Try out several pairs of new skis and see what you like.  New skis would make you a better skier.