realskiers

Thanks for the insightful reply.

I think I need to demo more skis at various lengths and perhaps I just need to give the longer 8800's, or similar fast skis, a little more time to acclimate myself to them.

My short-term goal is to replace my T'makers ASAP with something more stable and I remember my first turns on the 8800's at 168cm made me feel more confident on hard packed steeps and crud as they held where the T'makers would slip or flutter. Perhaps they would make a good transition to a longer and faster ski for as you've noted they allowed you to step up your skiing. The Dynastar Mythic Rider sounds interesting, too. Same waist and construction as the 8800 but more side cut.

Thanks again.