More on Supershapes

[gregmerz]

Seems to be a fair amount of discussion of the "shapes" here lately so here's my .02.? Never skiied any of them prior to this year but sure think highly of them now.? Bought some of the original Supershapes in 170 early this fall and this is without a doubt the most responsive, fun short turner I'VE (emphasis on me, not meaning it should apply to anyone else, except maybe Gary) ever skiied. Even surpasses the RX-8 which I skiied and really liked two seasons back.

Supershape Magnums.? Demo'ed these in 177 early season in Minnesota on a warm soft snow day.? My reactions were that they were light, lively, easily engaged and most importantly FUN.? I bought these in 177.? This will be an excellent groomer ski for Western conditions.? Bringing them to Steamboat in March.

Supershape Speeds.? Bought these just this week in 177 on the recommendation of a local ski buddy.? Mounted them tonight and will ski them Sunday.? Local ski buddy is convinced that these might eliminate my ownership of the Magnums.? I don't think so.? Head refers to this one as a "race-carver."? Usually means it's a hybrid falling between a slalom and a GS.? Turn radius in 177 of 15.7 which is one meter in excess of the Magnums.

Here's my collection...

What about the Chip Supershape ??

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[Svend]

Whoa!!! OK, I've officially got Supershape envy.  Nice collection! And so shiny new too....

I guess if you keep hearing from everyone how great each model is, and ya just can't decide which is right for you....buy 'em all!  Good one Greg.

[Gary]

Hey Greg...you got my number for sure. Having come from the RX8 as well, I found the SS to be that step up in overall performance. My original length was a 170 but demoed the 165 and was hooked. I might even consider the 160 next time around. The ski is so stable and versatile at speed and turn shape. Having said that, good technique is a must to get the most out of these babies.

Hey Greg...can't wait to hear your review of your addition to the family...oh ya,,,,, nice wax job on the top skins!

Best,Gary

[Perry]

Seems to be a fair amount of discussion of the "shapes" here lately so here's my .02.? Never skiied any of them prior to this year but sure think highly of them now.? Bought some of the original Supershapes in 170 early this fall and this is without a doubt the most responsive, fun short turner I'VE (emphasis on me, not meaning it should apply to anyone else, except maybe Gary) ever skiied. Even surpasses the RX-8 which I skiied and really liked two seasons back.

Greg - I just posted regarding my dilemma of which ski to bring to the Harb Camp in a couple of weeks (between RX8 170 and the Magnum 177).  I am leaning to the RX8.  Here is what I said about the RX8 that you sold me,

The RX 8 is just a very fun ski. (Note to our new dentist friend - these really are great skis and would be a great ski to advance skills on.  They are not hard to ski, but at the same time, will perform for the better skier.)
These skis are very quick.  I could notice in these conditions (hard fast groomed) that the grip was superior, I would doubt that in Colorado for the camp it would make a difference.  The narrower waist and edge to edge was slightly better.  Doing one foot release and 2 foot release was easier.  They have more rebound which I had to adjust to at first.  The wax on these was better and they were faster.  So fast that I noticed again that at the top end, perhaps because they are only 170cm, or that I don't usually get going as fast as they tempt me, I got just the beginning of nervousness.  I have heard this before on other sites from big guys on the 170.  It is nothing weird or squirrelly, just not as rock solid as my Head skis.(IM 75 at 170 and Magnum at 177).

Here is my question. What specifically do you notice that you like about the SS in comparison to the RX8?  Did you notice anything less confidence inspiring about the RX8 at warp 10 speeds? Also, did you consider the SS in 175.  From what I am picking up, since stability is not an issue, there is not reason to go 175, and you would loose some quickness.  Is that how you size it up?
Others please chime in.
THX

[jim-ratliff]

Greg:

And, obviously, in responding to Perry's question you have to be clear about WHICH of your 6 SuperShapes you are talking about.

[Perry]

Jim - good point.  Actually, the comparison I'm interested in is the original SS and the RX 8.

[gregmerz]

Let me see if I can shed a little light but it has been two seasons since I?ve skied the 8.? RX-8 hereinafter referred to as the 8 and Supershape hereinafter referred to as the SS.

I think the 8 is a more relaxing ski.? The increased sidecut on the SS compared to the 8 makes the SS more prone to squirm on a straight run at speed and little less behaved in a smeared or skidded turn.? Either would work nicely in small amounts of powder and I?d probably take the 8 in bumps but then again I never go looking for bumps.

OTOH when you feel like riding that sidecut, I think the SS has noticeably more power and kick out of the turn than the 8.

I skied the 8 at 1/2 and currently ski the SS at .7/2 and plan to change the SS to 1/3.

In the last year or two on hard snow, I have really developed a liking for the feel of a Head ski in comparison to many others.

Supershape or RX-8, it?s hard to go wrong either way?

[Perry]

very helpful and perhaps for where I am in my skiing, the 8 is where I need to b.  I had my son do some video on friday and was humbled and a little disappointed. Not as dynamic in pixels as it feels on the slope    One of the things I feel and hope to learn how to handle is the acceleration when I am aggressive trying to go upside down (get thrown into the back seat.) 

[gregmerz]

Once or twice a year I get the chance to review my skiing with a coach on video.  Humbling, usually.. but these are probably the best couple days in terms of improvement each year...

[Perry]

agreed.  It will be good to have this video before the Harb camp and then see what things look like after.

[Svend]

Greg....just curious....how do you like the SS Speeds? Any feedback? As these are what I ski on, I'm interested in your impressions.  Had much time on them yet?

[gregmerz]

I've got about three runs on the Speeds so far.  No basis for a determination but I plan to ski them one or both days this weekend.  Will report...

[Svend]

Okie. dokie....looking forward to that. 

[gregmerz]

Supershape Speed in 177, throw it in the trashcan.  This ski is amazingly heavy which I don't care for.  Trading them for a pair of the same model in 170.  Will report back.

[Svend]

Very interesting.  I've got them in a 170 and find them lively, agile, fun....anything but heavy.  Bindings mounted forward helps too, I'm sure.  Gee, am I ever glad I didn't get the 177! Thanks for the reassurance, Greg.  Interested to hear your comments on the 170. 

Let me know how you mount the bindings, too.  I moved my wife's bindings on her 06/07 Speeds forward by 2 cm, and they feel like a different ski to her - way better.  Mine were mounted forward right from the start, so I can't compare to center position.