realskiers

Gents,

Thanks much for the excellent advice on this obviously very popular issue!  I will be keeping, and continuing to use my carvers (the oldie but goodie Volkl V4 SANS motion, thank you very much) for the crisp brilliant hardpack days.   I know they aren't the newest/greatest boards, but I love them; they haul a**, and they are rock solid on the groomed.  So it would seem more logical, by all accounts, to go to the opposite end, and buy some big boys for the off piste days and learn that way.  Here is my dilemma, however.  I am attracted to the idea of the 1 ski quiver.  The alps, at least where I have skiied, seem to throw everything at you possible in a given day.  You'll ski ice to get to the powder, but then have to backtrack through crud to get home...Or am i just falling victim to marketing? Is the argument against the mid fat that they are jack of all trades/master of none (ok at everything, but not brilliant)??  I think I may have just unintentionally asked another question...   But, as stated, I am really enjoying these forums!

I think that I may take the advice from Gary (not that i disagree with the other advice) of sticking on the 77s for a year or two, really getting proper crud/basic pow technique down on the frontside edges. If there is a fantastic day(s) out there, and I'm feeling more confident with my newfound abilities (i hope) on the 77mm, then I'll just have to rent a pair of Kahru fat bodies and go for broke!! I just question if I'd use an 82 or 88 to its full abilities if i'm learning in the FIRST instance how to ski off piste!  It sounds, if I may sum up, that there is no advice AGAINST the I.M 77...but I have a hunch this board is filled with proper off-piste skiers who are too nice to admit that mid-fats are for newbies like me!!  But as stated, I just want a ski with a little extra beef that I can learn/evolve on. It sounds like the 77 may meet this requirement.  Proper technique always trumps gear, obviously, so perhaps I will look at this ride as a stepping stone/training wheels to the backside. 

Best, all, and thanks again.

Ben