realskiers

JB....interesting cause I feel the exact same way....Volkl and Nordica have for me always had that "I've got to be working hard" to get me down the mountain the way I ski.

That's why my positive experience with Dynastar Speed 63, Salomon GC Coupe, Head SS  and Fischer Watea 84 & 94 all lead me to the same conclusion...those companies design teams have been taped into my sub-conscious mind.....very scary thought.    Other Heads I've had...the IM72 and 77 were a bit damp but serviced me well given my ski skills at the time and as my one quiver ski.  the Head IM82...much more GS oriented but workable in bumps but for me....a nightmare for carving hardpack.....but these experiences really helped my identify what performed for me....yes....."know thyself"!

At 157 lbs.....I want compliant from solid input but not musshy, good tail energy but not Olympic spring board, shovels that begin the arc with gentle forward pressure but not shin scrapers, one I can ski centered with as little fore/aft movement necessary, a ski that I can arc shovel to tail, toes to heel and feel like I'm riding a rail....yep...those manufacturers got me pegged!

Dare I even demo Blizzards....heck, why not....life is learning....for Ron and Phil...and spending! 

G