Powder ski specs for small girlfriend

Jaybrtn

Member
Hey guys, looking to pick my girlfriend up a set of her first pow skis although I'm unsure what width would be appropriate for someone her size. She's been skiing the Qst lux 92, but it's time to step it up.

We ski in the pnw, she is 5' flat, 98lbs, only been on skis one season (snowboard convert) but she picked it up super quick. Looking for suggestions on ski width, or suggestions on a pow ski that would fit the bill in general. Something with tip and tail rocker, and camber underfoot preferably. I've got a line on some sfb shortys which would seem like fun for her, but I'm open to suggestions.
 
I suppose a wider qst would work. Maybe not full twin, but atleast a partial. Something she can grow into and use for a few seasons if need be.
 
13835330:Jaybrtn said:
I suppose a wider qst would work. Maybe not full twin, but atleast a partial. Something she can grow into and use for a few seasons if need be.

Salomon QSTs are not twin tips. the 118 and 106 both have twin rocker, and the 99 and 92 have tip rocker with a slightly raised tail (but true rocker profile). The 106 would be a great ski to combo with the Lux 92
 
If she's looking for a pure pow ski the QST 118 might be worth a look, it'll have a similar build but be super drifty/surfy at her size.
 
I know a girl who uses the QST lux 92 as her everyday and she shreds. She even uses them in deep pow.. I guess PNW is a bit heavier than the rocky snow she skis though.. I would suggest a wider QST if she digs those.

If not, maybe some 4FRNT aretha or ON3P Jessies
 
Thanks for the advice guys. 159cm wouldn't be too long for her with rockered tip and tail would it? I love my backland 117s in 186, and I found a pair of 109 womens in 159
 
13835611:Jaybrtn said:
Thanks for the advice guys. 159cm wouldn't be too long for her with rockered tip and tail would it? I love my backland 117s in 186, and I found a pair of 109 womens in 159

Nah that would be awesome.

How do you like your backlands? They've intrigued me.. especially that hrzn tech
 
13835612:.lencon said:
Nah that would be awesome.

How do you like your backlands? They've intrigued me.. especially that hrzn tech

My god, love them. Loooove them. For reference I'm 5'9", 165. Mounted +1.5. They float so well, and just inspire confidence. Like you step in and they just make you want to send it bigger and faster. Try a pair out if you get the chance for sure. Or if you're in Washington, you're welcome to give mine a go
 
13835618:Jaybrtn said:
My god, love them. Loooove them. For reference I'm 5'9", 165. Mounted +1.5. They float so well, and just inspire confidence. Like you step in and they just make you want to send it bigger and faster. Try a pair out if you get the chance for sure. Or if you're in Washington, you're welcome to give mine a go

Hmm I'm gonna have to try them out. I've eyed them before.. but this was the first I've really heard about them. Gonna do some digging on them.
 
I'm 5'1" and 125 pounds and am currently riding a pair of 178cm 2014 Line Mr. Pollard's Opus'. They are 118 under foot and float very well for me. Honestly they're a bit overkill on width but I got a killer deal on them. I had a pair of 171 early ON3P Caylors that were probably about 113-115 underfoot and those floated excellently too. I hated them because they rode like 2x4's, but they floated well and I was about 105 pounds at the time. My 2010 Line Lizzies are 110 under foot and also float well, although they're not great in the powder since they're a park ski. Hope this helps and good luck in your search.
 
you're girlfriend does not need a ski that is 118 underfoot. somebody 5'0 98lbs skiing a 118 ski is like a 6'0 180lbs person skiing a 135 ski down right useless for all but the deepest days.

My girlfriend is a little bigger than yours (about 5'3 and 130lbs) a fairly strong skier, lacks abit of confidence sometimes but overall i'd say is stronger than most female skiers, she uses the Atomic century 102 for pretty much any condition bar mid winter hardpack, honestly its a great all round ski that is stiff enough to hold up on piste with a decent medium turn radius and soft enough that it is still playful in pow.

If she feels that isnt a big enough step up they also make a century 109 that is still a VERY WIDE ski for somebody the size of your girlfriend though.
 
13835579:skidemon22 said:
Salomon QSTs are not twin tips. the 118 and 106 both have twin rocker, and the 99 and 92 have tip rocker with a slightly raised tail (but true rocker profile). The 106 would be a great ski to combo with the Lux 92

I second this. 106 is a full on power ski for most women. Especially considering the shape difference between the 92 and the 106.

You could also look at the similar skis from other brands like the Rossi Soul or K2 Luv Boat. I can't really think of a twin tip ski that will have as good powder performance as any of those skis. I guess that's why lots of companies have stopped making them. Although I do miss the remedy 102.
 
The new Icelantic Maiden 111 looks pretty sweet for her. Comes in a 162 which seems like it'd be a good fit for her. If you're looking for something skinnier as a fully daily ski they make a smaller waisted maiden and the oracle which has less tail rocker/splay for more float on deeper days.
 
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