2009 skis- get your mind and body ready!

[Ron]

http://www.ski-depot.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=2009skis

Ok folks, here's more motivation to keep your mind and body in shape for 200 or so days out.....

[Glenn]

The Head skis look cool. I'm glad to see they're moving the Monster away from the "drab earthtones". I'm more of a fan of primary/bright colors on skis.

I did see a preview of the K2 and the Nordica lines over on epic.

[Svend]

Hey Ron,

Your post is very timely, as I just ordered a pair of '09 Head Supershape Speeds (but not from Ski Depot):
http://www.ski-depot.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=310238&Category_Code=headskis2009&Product_Count=6

These have gained 4mm in the tip, and 2mm in waist and tail, over previous models.  The sidecut is now 116/68/100, which is nudging up into all-mountain or ski-cross territory (or at least what was considered all-mountain two years ago).  What convinced me of this one is that I've read some reviews of the '09 model on some German ski forums, and the new model gains greater stability and quicker turning, and is said to be easier to ski than previous versions.  The Europeans regard this ski very highly, and it consistently gets placed at the top of it's category in all reviews and tests over there.  In contrast to some N. American reviewers, they also give it high marks for forgiveness and skiability -- a real all-rounder.

Of note to all you Head nuts with FreeFlex bindings (this forum seems to have one or two of you kicking around.... ) - the CP13 Carve Plate has been replaced with the new SP13 Speed Plate on all Supershapes.  This plate is said to be 3mm wider than the CP13, and apparently gives greater stability at speed, more reactive and precise turning, and has stiffened the tail slightly.  The regular Supershape and Magnum have therefore, reportedly, been made more lively.

I'm getting this ski for a great price from my local shop, who gave it to me for the same price that other shops were selling their '08 Supershapes, Magnums, Speeds and Progressors for "on sale".  Nice to have a good relationship with a small local place.  I treat them well, and they return the favour.

I can't wait to ski 'em!!! I'm pretty torqued about these - they should be an absolute blast.  Yeehaw! 

Cheers,

Svend

[midwif]

Congratulations!!! They sound like a VERY nice ski.  AND a great price.
I like the looks of the Head Great One. Basic white with gray. More oriented to western skiing, based on the dimensions.
No deals at Ski-Depot. Prices top of the line.

[Svend]

Lynn, the Great One does look very cool.  When my wife saw it, she was quite impressed and said "I could ski on that".  And this from a woman who hates the graphics on 90% of the women's skis out there.  Way too cutsie-girlie for her taste, and to heck with the performance -- if it's cutsie, she ain't goin'g near it.  Understated classy (like the Every Thang) is fine, but no pink flowers please (gagging, retching sound effects....). 

The Great One is said to be a women's version (lighter) of the iM78, which should make it an excellent board.  Nice one!

[Ron]

Great choices and I was looking at those and the new Fischer lineup. Some fantastic new front side boards for 09. Hmm, I really like that Fischer Progressor 8....  Hmm, if the Hart thing falls through......

[Svend]

Ron, dawgcatching did a rave review about the Progressor 8+ on Epic.  His impression was that it outperforms the RX8 in every way, and yet retains it's skiable character and good manners.  Sounds like a fantastic ski!

http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=67287

Svend

[Ron]

Best of luck with your new boards.  It should be a great front side ski. Dims are GS in nature but should be pretty good all around. I have to laugh at the all mountain thing!  There's really an all-mountain East and all mountain west coast ski. (hard/soft snow). I would love to give them a run or two. As much as I love Heads, I have been really impressed with what Fischer has been putting out. It would a great matchup to demo the 8 and your ski, back to back. I love this stuff

[Svend]

Well, am I reading this wrong, or was that a thinly-disguised hint at getting together for some runs....?   

[Ron]

Not thinly disguised!  You must come out to the boat! 

[Svend]

Yes, I really should do that.  But incognito, so Gary doesn't ruin my top sheets! He'll never know who I am until it's too late.  But then, I'm bigger than he is...he wouldn't dare....would he? Even if he tries, a well-aimed flick of the ankle, and up jumps the tip of the ski! Will have to practice getting it up to waist-height. 

Thanks for the invitation! Will Ms. Anita be accompanying you?

[Ron]

viking, all are invited but  am very glad to hear you may join us. Here are some points of clarification:

1- pee instantly freezes to the the topsheets; especially when mixed with snow. It's not something you really want to scrape off unless you have something you can throw out.

2- Gary is fearless!  1- He can ski very fast, he actually has a turbo booster.
                          2- He's a little crazy......

[Svend]

Thanks for the warning! With all the orange that he wears, it should be no problem spotting him from afar.  If he catches me, I'll brandish my wife's CO2 spray can and threaten him with dismemberment (yes, that was a pun! ....Yikes, what a day for bad jokes!) if he comes within striking distance. 

[Gary]

Hey...wait a minute...from having my stream CO2ed to being flicked off, knocked down and dismembered....I'm getting a bit worried about attending with your group of merry men and one woman. 

I suppose  I could just tag along and plot ways to get my revenge....

After having raising 5 kids and trying to stay one abuse ahead of Ron, Jim and Viking, my outershell has turned to leather to protect my soft and delicate innerself. 

Ok you doks.....bring it on....my turbo blasters are ready and oh yeah...follow me down this next run!

This could be the most fun RS event to date.

Best,
Gary

[Ron]

Oh, so now its YOUR group?  Since when were you an outsider oh chief instigator?