Good Year to Buy Skis?

[jim-ratliff]

OUCH! 
Now I'm feeling triple teamed.


OK, any suggestions for low 70's waisted versatile skis similar to the early Supershape Magnum (the current iteration is more ski than me) or the Progessor 8 would be accepted?  I don't want a stiff, high speed slalom ski, don't want a noodle, and would like for the ski to also be willing to get off-piste a bit?

[jbotti]

Here is a list of skis that I have never skied but you might want to look at as long as we are spending your money!!

Kastle RX 12
Kastle RX 10
Stockli Rotor TT 72
Dynastar Speed Course Ti
The 2012-2013 Fischer Progressor 900
Stocklli Laser CX

All couuld work. For the price I don't think you can beat the two Head skis that Max mentioned. With the short turn radius, the Head Peak 78 pro is just an amazing ski and amazingly versatile. You might consider skiing it in the 171cm length. I have the IM78 in both lengths and while I mainly ski the 177 length, the 171 is quicker and carves tighter arcs and is better in bumps and still skis great in 6-8 inches of powder and in crud as well. I know you are my height and weigh 200 lbs or so, still I would demo the Peak 78 in the 171 length and see if that isn't exactly what you are looking for.

The TT 800 continues to be a ski that gets little talk and or respect excpet by those that own it. It is one of  the best and most versatile skis made, and I find that I am now skiing it more than any other ski. It is not my first choice in fresh snow, but I like it bettter than the SS Magnum and I find it more versatile. IMO it skis bumps and chop and crud better than the Magnum (and unlike others I like the Magums and think they are excellent skis).

The good news, whatever you decide I think you will get it cheap if you buy in March or April or in Augsut or September.

Here's hoping you find what you are looking for, in both skis and life!!

[jim-ratliff]

Shorter than you.  5'11" and 182 -- and 63 years old.

I actually demoed the Head Peak 84 Pro at SugarBush and was quite impressed. I liked it quite a bit, even more than the iM78's that I had a few years back, but the iM78's were 177 and the demo Peak 84 was a 170.  I'm not looking for an 84mm waisted ski or it would a real candidate. And this was all on VERY firm conditions. 72-74mm is as wide as I'm looking at.

The Kastle's might get some consideration, depending on how much they discount.  In the 2011-12 models, I think the Progressor 800 is a better match for me than the 900.  Did they change the 12-13 models?

[jbotti]

No I meant 2011-2012.

[jim-ratliff]

Everyone. What about the Head X-Shape STX for $350?

[ToddW]

One of the technically strongest annual participants in the Hintertux camp (rubberman) posted about the STX on the pmts forum.  He rented them while skiing with Monsterman and the Dumont crowd back in December.  He was positive on them.  They're basically a red supershape less some of the metal and designed for skiers who aren't always pushing for speed.

If you make it back to VT this season, they can be demoed from Forerunner Ski Shop in Killington.  Or you can demo (or purchase) from HSS on your upcoming Colorado trip.  Maybe demo the Icon TT 800 and the X-shape STX on your trip?

[jim-ratliff]

I might. 
Ethically, I have a problem using a company's resources (like demoing) when I know that I'm not going to reward their service with a purchase.  It's probably my biggest pet peeve, people using the services of a "brick and mortar" store and then buying from a web store that has nothing to offer except a lower price.

The recommendation of the TT800 by Max and JBotti (and you) makes me pretty sure that it is more ski than I am looking for.

The STX is a very attractive combination of red, black and white -- so the Fischer ski babe and I would have matching skis even though they aren't identical.  And, as you know after having met Mariella, for me it's all about the looks and the graphics and not so much about how the ski works.