DPS 2014/2015 Nina 99 Hybrid Review - Thoughts?

**kpzor** · 10-17-2015, 02:05 PM

I just purchased a pair of last years's DPS Nina 99 skis on super sale. They're gorgeous - yes, I can say that because I'm a girl and my skis must match my goggles (I'm kidding!! Kind of...).

I'm an all mountain skier with preference for off piste and slack country. Carving is fun, but gets boring. I can ski just about anything, but I'm not an expert skier. I've been riding the Volkl Kiku's for the last 5 seasons and have wanted something lighter and more maneuverable. My main mountain is Kirkwood in South Lake Tahoe and I'm fighting Sierra cement lots of days, but I want a ski that will be versatile and fun.

The interwebs don't have great reviews for this women's ski, so I thought if any of you have any insight as to how these skis ride and if they're worth keeping? I was also considering the Armada VJJs.

Lastly, any thoughts on bindings? Haven't purchased any lately and I'd like to save my knees after popping a MCL a few years ago. I wouldn't mind a touring binding as well... Oh, and I should say I'm 5'3" and 130 lbs.

Thanks!

***let. it. snow***

**LiveLarger** · 10-17-2015, 02:14 PM

If I'm not mistaken they are the same as the male version apart from the graphics? That ski seems to get great reviews. I found some for you here:
http://blistergearreview.com/gear-re...ure-and-hybrid
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...UUUUUUUUP-quot

**MakersTeleMark** · 10-17-2015, 02:15 PM

Search JONG.

**Doremite** · 10-17-2015, 06:18 PM

I believe research first then buy is typical order of events. Now that you have them, ski them. Only add is that you have to actually ski them. They won't reward lazy but if you stay in the front seat guessing you will dig 'em. Good luck.

**garyfromterrace** · 10-17-2015, 07:24 PM

I'd get the red ones.
Jong.

**TBS** · 10-19-2015, 07:27 PM

I think it's really hard to make an informed judgement without seeing pics of your tits...

**kootenayskier** · 10-20-2015, 07:03 AM

But for the different coloured top sheet it's the same ski as the Wailer 99, which I use as my regular resort ski whenever there's no powder to be skied. They do exactly what I'm looking for, with a good balance of performance and forgiveness in varied snow and terrain, but if I'm correct in characterizing you as an upper intermediate in the Sierras looking for a lighter, more forgiving, easier turning, and more versatile change from your Kikus, the Yvette 112s would be a better fit imho.

**sfotex** · 10-20-2015, 07:57 AM

Let me tell you what I thought of the ski. I tested the 185cm length which offers a 18.5 meter turning radius. It has a 100mm waist with a 134mm tip and 124mm tail. My initial thoughts were to how quickly this fairly beefy ski turns. Rock it from edge to edge as fast as you want or blast it straight down a groomer. This ski can handle either. I was a bit worried about the 2 sheets of metal when I entered the bumps and trees, but liveliness and maneuverability was shocking. I thought the tail stiffness was perfect for an all mountain ski. Popping off rollers was a blast and slamming them through the bumps didn’t require much extra energy as metal skis tend to do. They felt most at home in the skied off back bowls of Vail. Put them on edge and the 6 inches of crud will feel like corduroy, just remember to lock in that turn and the ski will do the rest.

**alfajores** · 10-20-2015, 08:43 AM

Two answers: killer ski with lots of play. If there is enough snow, it should be a blast out at the Wood. That said, answer two may be of interest. You mention that you want to avoid more knee injury and that you want touring. What boots do you have and do you want another pair? To keep with the light theme, tech bindings would be the likely candidate. Would you be open to having inserts and keeping alpine bindings on and swapping to tech/touring bindings or vice versa? On resort days, kneesavers may be your favorite binding. For tech, a knee cautious skier may like the new TRS system with Scarpa boots and lateral toe release. Or just a lower din, assuming you would be touring.

How often are you at Kirkwood? I thought I would have shared a chair with most regular mags at this point. I stay near the Keys now and get on snow friday-sunday unless I am traveling or have a holiday.

Cheers!