Message #5694

[jim-ratliff]

I would throw the Contact 9 in there as well.  I don't think it is quite in the same class as the SuperShape or RX8, but I demoed it recently and was really quite impressed.  Although it feels lighter (and sounds different) than my Head i.SL Chips it was an extremely capable ski.  Also, as you and Gary mentioned, for working on skills and technique you want a pretty versatile ski, one that you can arc and edge at slower speeds but one that also remains stable at higher speeds.  I didn't find anything that the Contact 9 didn't do pretty well including some soft snow and some icy Black trails (I'm 5/11" 190 pounds, 59 years old, green icon and I believe it was a mid 160's.)  I would certainly rate the Contact 9 as a better fit than either the 10 or 11.