realskiers

Hmm...I might beg to differ with my collegue Ron...Jims ski in the 177 length with a 78 waist can probably ski up to knee high snow especially when moving that LD12 binding to the rear position to help keep those monster shovels above the snow. Having skied my IM77's in knee high snow, getting some backside or deep skiing should not be too arduous with the 78's unless you're in stuff deeper than the kneecaps.

Whether it's a fat SS...nothing is ever really the exact same for sure, but I'm sure this ski without a doubt will have a nitch as a great one quivver ski like Ron said. The SS loves to be skied from a very centered and powerful stance to make it do your bidding. The binding is not adjustable so working off the factory set sweet spot either works for the skier or not. The 78 design may provide more flexiable ski characteristics which many skiers may look for in that one perfect ski.

Where I found the Im77 not very lively compared to the 82, I think Head wisely introduced more lively into the 78 just by their structural design. Then add the shovel , tail and sidecut...based on my experience with Head, this ski has got to be a great ride.

When I used my 77 as my all day ski, I had the bindings +15..when the snow got deep I went to -15 and found having this flexability with this particular ski was important. Jim, I think you should try the ski at the 3 positions just to get a feel for how it performs so that when conditions warrent, you be in the drivers seat knowing how to max out the skis performance and also find what would be less wear and tear on the body.

As far going into the park....the snow is always great there...grab some sides or edges of? jumps, yep, a little air does wonders for the heart! The skis are going to be head turners! The chicks...yes flocking to Michael and Ron...well if Michael is passing out Baily shots and Ron is passing out fashion advice...yeah, I can see that. Well, with the boys new skis and fashionable colors, maybe the older woman will.....never mind...that's another blog all to itself.

Now Jim, have you tucked away your new 78's safely with mulitple coats of wax on them?

"SHOW ME THE SNOW!"

Best,
Gary