Magnum sized dilema for Solvista camp

[Perry]

Just curious what those here would recommend.  I have the RX8 at 170cm and the Magnum at 177cm.  I am going to the HH Camp in early Feb and can take either of these skis.  I am 6' 2" and 200lbs.  I am more used to the RX8, (have only been able to ski the Magnums once) The RX8 are quicker and right now easier to ski.  This would lead me to lean in their direction, but going west, I would normally go with the bigger ski.  I know that the emphasis of the camp tends to be narrow waist, tipping, etc.

When I did ski the Magnums, the conditions were far from ideal and they did seem to have a large sweet spot.  I thought those of you that have been to camp might see this more clearly than I do. 

TIA

[midwif]

Perry
Why not send Chris Brown or Diana an email and get their opinion?
I would guess most on this forum would answer the Magnums, but that is just a guess.
Lynn

[gregmerz]

Take both...

[Philpug]

You are going to a camp to work on technique, which ski will allow you to do that better? My guess would be the RX8.

[jim-ratliff]

I would vote for the RX8's as long you are comfortable on them, especially skiing slow.? Can you do some of the drills out of the books on the RX8's without problem, or does the ski feel twitchy at slower speeds to you?? The advantage of the Magnums is that they give a bit more float while retaining a lot of the groomed snow capabilities of a narrower waisted ski.? However, since the camp is all on groomed trails there isn't any need for the wider waist.? Another advantage of the Magnum is a softer shovel which seems to make turn initiation easier, but I don't imagine that is a concern with you on the RX8's either.

The key comment is your statement that "the RX8's are easier to ski" and that is what you want at the camp (as long as the easier to ski isn't becauise you are sliding around like a snow boarder on a 100mm waisted ski).?

[Gary]

I agree too.....if you can't bring both...take the RX8's..

Jim, kinda wished you bought those Mags in the 170.....

But....you will get more float with the 177 mag and for a boot high powder day like we had at Steamboat...they rocked for ya!

Now...go sharpen and wax your RX8's, move the binding to the forward position, shine up the tops, AND keep watching the forecasted weather report...if it looks like snow everyday, ya might consider bringing both or maybe just the mags.

Best,
G

[jim-ratliff]

Gary:

My Mags are a 170, and that is my groomed snow ski and what I'm taking to the Sol Vista camp.?? ?

But I'm 5'11" and 185.? Perry is 6'2" and 200, so his SS Magnums at 177 is probably a better length for him?

Depending on boot sole length and time, I may offer to swap skis with Perry one afternoon (I've never skied RX8's) just so he can compare my SS Magnums at 170 vs. his SS Mags @ 177 and I can ski the RX8.

[Perry]

Jim - we could def do that in that they have demo bindings on them.

Thanks for the input - I was leaning to the RX- 8, I did send an email to Chris and didn't get a response, so I floated it here.  I think either would work.

Back to work

[Gary]

OH man....my bad....and just a bit out of sync from lack of skiing in knee high powder.

What are the turning raduis of the 2 skis? They gotta be pretty similar.

Ok...Perry....hmmmm .....my own thoughts are due to the shape and sidcut of the Head Mags, I think they initiate a turn off the shovel much nicer than the RX8's....and you've got a nice base for your healthy self to work of, float and turnability...Ithen by mid day if you're skiing broken powder and crud now, them there mags will shine...I'm liking the Mags for your trip.

Sorry guys for the misread.

G

[jim-ratliff]

Head SS Magnums:? 121-71-107 = 13.5m turn radius
Fishcer RX8:? 116-66-98? = 12m turn radius

The deciding factor I think is that Perry feels more comfortable on the RX8's. Magnums might give more float in soft snow, but not sure how much weight to give that.? Narrower waist will make it just a tad easier in the class?? Sort of like choosing between your original vintage SuperShapes vs the SuperShape Magnums for a Harb green/blue camp??? (but I believe the RX8 is less demanding).

[ToddW]

Normal conditions for the eastern hill at Solvista are packed powder, groomed meticulously each day.? Corduroy, just a bit softer than you might see in the East.? A narrow border of powder to play with along the sides if it snowed overnight, but the rest is groomed.

The most adventurous group shoots to make it to the western hill by the end of the week (bumps and possibly powder), but didn't progress that far last year.? The other groups will definitely stick to the groomed eastern hill.

From the HSS email, it looks like there'll be 4 groups this year.? Last year the group sorting started by self-selection based on fast / less-fast skiing preference to establish a first crude ordering and then a two part ski-off.? Part 1)? ski about 40 yards however you like on pretty flat slope -- show your stuff.? Part 2 for stronger skiers) ski 10-15 short turns down a short, somewhat steeper section.?

Selection into the 1st or 2nd group is based on what the short turn attempts reveal, so I'd suggest using whichever ski Perry is most comfortable doing shorter turns on in his first run of the day ("warmup" consists of skiing very slowly, very far apart from the lift to the testing slope.)

[Perry]

All very helpful again - in two ways.  1) I was worried that this was a dumb question - I guess not.
2) I am going skiing on Friday and conditions should be pretty ideal for NC/WV.  So I think I will take both skis and have some fun with a ski off.  I will let you know the results. 

 I think I am suffering SLOBBER - Solvista Linked Obsession Bout Bodacious Early Runs

[Perry]

Jim - the magnum turning radius is 13.5 for the 170cm, do you know what it would be for 177?

and the answer is................. a little longer than that!

[jim-ratliff]

Jim - the magnum turning radius is 13.5 for the 170cm, do you know what it would be for 177?

Nope, I don't.? However, the answer is:? It's printed on the tail of the ski, right next to the label "Radius" and just beneath the label "Length" and immediately above the label "Dimensions".? ?

Actually, post the dimensions.? Most Head skis actually vary the dimensions a bit on different lengths so that the turn radius doesn't vary as much.

[Perry]

When in doubt, and you have exhausted all other options, read the directions