Mike, wow brother...great questions...hope I can do them justice!
Certainly hero snow does play a different role making most skis super fun...I mean those days you could strap on 2X4 studs and still carve and have oodles of fun! BUT the tests we put are acquisitions through were as varied as the terrain and snow conditions we skied. I don't think it could be argued that a little more underfoot provides more stability and given the fact that Rocker technology is here to stay and is showing up on front side skis....a whole new ski universe awaits the new skier and those wanting to increase the fun factor. It should also be said that the better skier will notice their "ski versatility parameters" increase significantly with these newer models. The lesser skier will gain the benefit of being able to tackle more difficult terrain more easily as well as skis that frankly, are much more compliant.
Form following function....certain ly plays a significant role in all sports. BUT, if someone had said to me 5 years ago my carving ski would be 78 underfoot or I would be carving with a board that's 98 underfoot...I would have laughed no doubt. I must stress that my personal experiences on this new breed of skis truly enforces the fact that given their design and versatility, these mid to fat widths can be a truly one quiver ski west of the Mississippi. Having said that, a shaped ski that's designed to carve up hard snow surfaces like we have in the east and only periodically in the west, certainly do come in handy..just like your supershapes will.
I would love to see you give the S3 or the Blizzard One a ride Mike, or the Dynastar Sultan 85 or Rossi S86 a poke down the mountain. I'm pretty sure you'd be impressed. BUT...don't be giving up those carving skis...there's always a home for them without a doubt...at least for now. I expect to see the next genration of carvers with all sorts of techno goodies aboard this next season. I await with eager anticipation and a huge smile.
Best, G
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