realskiers

Let's say he's a strong Intermediate skier, likes to ski 'all terrain', but by that he means all terrain found typically in a main stream resort and nothing extreme.  Maybe we have two guys, one who skis at Vail and one who skis at Stowe.  The Stowe skier does not ski BW's backcountry options, but does try to ski Starr on occasion-doesn't look so great doing it, but not terrible either.   Both like groomers and ski (or try to ski) bumps and wider spaced trees when the conditions are good. 

So what would you guys recommend?

Liam,
I must admit I got a chuckle out of a strong intermediate going down Starr at Stowe. That same person is an expert anywhere else. The front four continue to "own" me other than lower Lift Line. I don't get there much, but, they get so bumped and icy, especially higher up. My last trip down Goat was done mostly on my back for a good portion. In my opinion, MRG and Stowe, are different from most other eastern areas.

But, for myself as a "turner" and not "cruiser", in the east, a 78mm would be my best balanced choice, maybe down to a 72mm waist. Kastle, Head, Elan, Blizzard, Fisher make good carvers. I know that's not specific, but, the usual candidates are out there. Now, for a more of a aggressive. cruiser type, I'd think 78 to 88 waist and, again, more hard snow carver oriented. Not sure I'd do a Watea 84 as an eastern ski as it has a softer snow focus. I would take it out at Vail most days.

In the west, I think it would be very difficult to sell a ski less than 88 - 94 mm, and, I'd just keep my mouth shut instead of proving how little I know about big mountain western skiing.

No-one is everyman. Read the Epic Gear Section and immediately one knows why Ben and Jerry's makes about 50 different flavors. The Volkl lovers of the world would have certified for incompetence.