I have read two different threads on Epic recently both of which were making the case that excessively buying skis is an addiction (one involved a support group and the other was making the case that a 2 ski quiver is all anyone needs). Let me say up front that I agree with both of these statements. For some buying gear is an addiction and we all know that some addictions are better than others. If buying skis jeopardizes your long or short term financial security, then it is unwise and most likely a personal problem. As well, I have been a big believer in the two ski quiver concept for a long time, which essentially say that all you really need is a versatile hard snow ski that will hold up OK in Small amounts of soft and a great powder/crud ski for the steep and deep days.
Still, I have a collection of great hard snow skis, and I love them all for different reasons. I love my Head SS's and when I want to do slalom turns and work on technique on hard snow there is nothing better, except I just bought a pair of Head ISL rd's. These skis rule, but they have no versatility, but there are definitely days when I want ski these and high speeds making slalom turns. They will wear you out trying to do it all day, but for a few hours there is nothing better, or in slalom gates. What pure fun and joy!!
I own the Fischer Progressors. Again what a great skis, and when I want to go faster, in wider but still carved turns, there aren't a lot of better skis. I really enjoy this sensation and it is distinctly different than what I feel and or can do on other my SS' or the Slalom RD's.
In Montana my go to knock around soft snow ski is the Head IM 78. They are great, fun, will carve great turns on the groomed and they are a great ski for bumops, hard and soft. Because I couldn't pass up a super deal, I also own some Watea 84's that feel somewhat similar to the IM 78's (not nearly as good on groomed or in bumps, but a better soft Snow ski and I clearly don't need these skis, but I find myself taking them out whenever there is More than a small amount of fresh snow in Montana.
I own some Fischer Atua's that I love on deep days at Squaw and I still run up to Squaw 10 days a year usually when there is a fresh dump. I also have my Lotus 138;s which I also use at Squaw but I really hate them on groomed snow so as I have mentioned before they are best kept for Heli skiing, where BTW they rule.
Carrying skis back and forth from my home in Montana to California is getting more expensive and it is just a major pain. So I feel like I need an extra quiver for Tahoe in addition to me Montana arsenal. That is why I bought the SS Magnums (used) as a great hard snow every day ski for Tahoe and for any trips I might take.
Now I do have a few pairs of skis that I pretty much never use. I agree with Ron, that these should be sold ASAP.
Still, I truly believe that the new trad sidecut rockered skis are an improvement and I would like to replace my Atuas with an Obsethed, a Rossi S7 or a Armada JJ.
One of the founders of the macrobiotic approach in Japan in the US once said that anything that one truly enjoys is good and healthy for us. Clearly buying skis that one can't afford is not good for us. Even excessively buying skis if that prevents us from making charitable contributions to the organization and causes that move us, would be a bad thing. But if we can buy skis in balance with our lives, and each one gives us pleasure and real enjoyment, then in those instances it is a very good thing!!!
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