Comparison Review Tricia's Thumbnail Reviews: 90+mm Skis, 2016-17

[Monique]

@Tricia - I realize neither are new or changed this season, but can you compare / contrast the Santa Ana 100 vs the La Nina for me in the Nordica lineup? Last season, I felt like the Santa Ana was an immediate game changer for me. I got them in March (thanks!!), but was able to ski a lot of days on them.

A couple of months ago, I bought the La Ninas - and I love them. I am finding that I choose them over the Santa Anas, even when it's been dry for a few weeks. Now, I fully recognize that I'm an outlier around here with my fondness for fat skis - but what - other than width - distinguishes these two skis? One thing that I noticed, and which shocked me, is that the La Ninas have a smaller turn radius than the Santa Anas. I can't say, though, if that's the "it" factor for me.

 

[Tricia]

Its been a while since I've been on the LaNiñas but IIRC she has a shorter wheel base and may pivot a little quicker.
Now I feel a need to demo the two back to back and compare.

 

[Monique]

Its been a while since I've been on the LaNiñas but IIRC she has a shorter wheel base and may pivot a little quicker.
Now I feel a need to demo the two back to back and compare.

I would definitely appreciate it! Is shorter wheel base the same as a tight turning radius, or does it have more to do with how much of the ski is cambered vs rockered?

 

[Tricia]

Has more to do with how much "contact length" the ski has, which relates to the camber/rocker profile.

 

[AmyPJ]

@Monique, you should get out on them back-to-back and write up a demo for us

 

[Monique]

@Monique, you should get out on them back-to-back and write up a demo for us

I should, except what I would say would be like, "Umm, I liked the La Ninas better." This doesn't help me in figuring out what characteristics work for me in a ski.

The wheelbase thing would make sense, because rotation and smearing are my strongest skills. (The good kind of rotation, not upper body.) So skis that reward that ... Sure. But I also did really well in the race course my very first day on them, so I think there's more going on.

 

[Tricia]

Tricia why not try the Men's E93 in a 169?

The 185 E93 has been the longest "near daily" ski I have skied at stowe in a while and its impressively versatile.

I would love to and will when I get a chance

*sorry for the slow reply, missed this post earlier.