Brussell 11, I have never been on the IM 77's or the IM 82. I own the previous generation of the IM 77, the IM 75 chip which in it's day was the best all mountain ski around (and this was only three years ago which kind of proves that we are all victims of the marketimng hype). I also own the IM 88's which are a wider version on the IM 82's.
In answering your question, I think the bottom line is to ask what are you most interested in the ski being able to do well, and what are you willing to trade in other areas of ski performance. Both the IM 77's and the IM 82's are excellent skis. The width of the ski below the boot is only 5mm which is about half the width of a finger. The turn radius is slightly smaller on the 77's (at 16.5) vs the 82's at 17.7. The IM 82 will be a better ski in powder (with a little bit better float) and in crud and chop. The im 77 will be easier to manage in the fall line while carving tighter turns. If this is important, buy the Im 77. If this is not the IM 82 may be the better ski for you.
Lastly, I think the 77 is a bit friendlier and a bit more forgiving than the 82.
Obviously if you can afford a two ski quiver, you are better off getting a carving ski for hard snow (Head Super Shape, Fischer Rx8 etc) and a powder/crud ski for when it snows (Head IM 88's and a whole list of comparable skis). Actually for what you might pay for new IM 82's you might be able to get 2 pairs of new skis. There are some great deals araound now and you could get a carver and a powder ski for less than $800 total. Just my $.02 (and my perpetual dislike for mid fat skis). JB.
As for the IM 82. I saw some at good prices at level nine sports
www.levelninesports .com I think they were selling them for $649 with last years bindings.
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