I think I just bought a pair of 178cm Dynastar Contact 11

[Barrettscv]

Hi Ron,

Not everyone owns the SS & 82. The Magnum (I assume) offers the same edgegrip as the SS, Slightly longer turning radius for a SL/GS hybrid feel, and slightly better crud performance.

The Contact 11 offers the same hard snow performance as a Race-Carve (the WC RC), and you have to admit, I was making crud & bumps look easy in B.C.

The Contact 11 should outperform the Magnum in soft snow, bumps & crud. The pintail dimensions of Contact 11 (122-72-102mm) help the 11 in soft snow, but gives it a GS turning radius. The 121-71-107 shape of the Magnum will help it carve tighter turns, but hurts stability and soft snow performance.

Hope that helped,

Michael

[Ron]

I don't see in any of your example of where the SS doesn't perform as well. My point is still the same if the snow was 18" or if it was wet mashed crap, I wouldn't take the 11's or the SS's out. Thats the point. Neither of those skis are really good for that kind of skiing, final word: no such thing as a one-ski quiver..... buy cheap and own two pairs!

[Barrettscv]

Ron,

You asked, I answered. Your last reply is argumentative Ron.

Maybe this will help. Bob is a Head Rep, an instructor, one of the best skiers around & has skied the ski: http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?p=650343#post650343

Michael

[Ron]

thanks, Bob and I have traded e-mails before and we feel the same way about the SS. His review is exactly what I am saying. it gives you slightly more crud and powder but lets face it, I rarely ski above boot pow and the majority of the time most of us are on the groomers. The SS is going to give you coverage up to boot high pow and some crud. I would still rather have a ski that is higher performance on the groomed and up to 8-12" of pow. Are you going to loose that much groomed performance with a 71mm vs. the 66? probably some but nothing major. Its just a preference. Its not a personal attack and its not argumentive, it was my perspective. I don't think the range of the 71 is going to be strong enough in 18" or wet heavy stuff. I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first or last time.  Although I am not a real wide/fat ski person, the 82, for example has its place and advantages.  I have spent a total of $900 for both the 82 and the SS.

[Barrettscv]

Ron,

Well...

The ski may not be for you, but a 70-72mm race-carver is a great front-side ski for the west. I expect that the Contact 11 & Magnum will be used on those no-new-snow-in-3-days situations by many skiers. Sierra Jim, who owns a major California ski shop uses the Contact 11 as his personal ski as I describe.

Don't dis' it just because you can't use it.

I'm going to maintain my quiver to the Contact 11, Dynastar Inspired by Nobis (117-89-110mm) and the Spats for western skiing. I'll no longer need a race carver, now that I will be skiing out west more than out east.

Michael

[rob]

Michael, It's nice to see that you are taking Horace Greely's advice. Enjoy young man!

[Ron]

Mike, no dissing! Not at all, this was my opinion for me. there is nothing wrong with the 11 at all, its an incredible ski, The Magnum will be an incredible ski and I am sure I will demo it. I guess I did not explain my point very well.

[Gary]

Hey Guys,

You know I think it's also a matter of what the individual expects to get out of their skis matching their performance demands for how and where they ski.

Can an advanced to expert skier ski any of the above skis and recognize the smallest of difference in performance....abso lutely.
That skier might want to have a 2plus quiver ski cause you "feel" the ski much more than say a beginner or intermediate skier.

Others may not be as sensitive to the different performance attributes to the ski and may be more inclined to ski a "one quiver ski". Let's face it..for the most part....all this new stuff rocks. Get it right in length and flex for your size and weight and it's really all good.

I personally was a one quiver ski person 3 years ago. My skills improved and I started to appreciate what the different shapes brought to my ski style,? terrain I skied and performance I grew to expect.

Listen, the more products the ski companies bring to the mountain that make it easier for skiers to bust crud, ski powder, bumps and groomers no matter what level...the more people will stay with the sport. I'm thinking the preponderance of skiers really want one ski. They don't want to shelp 2 or more skis to their mountain, but they want skis that will perform lights out on their terrain choice and skiing ability. As skills improve and they are looking for more perfect carves or better float, maybe, just maybe, they'll 2nd ski their quiver....but first..."ya gotta feel the ski".

Can ya "feel the love brothers"?

Best,
Gary

[Barrettscv]

Ron & Gary,

The real problem here is that every thread becomes a conversation about "My Head Skis".

Addio,

Michael

[jim-ratliff]

I'm going to maintain my quiver to the Contact 11, Dynastar Inspired by Nobis (117-89-110mm) and the Spats for western skiing. I'll no longer need a race carver, now that I will be skiing out west more than out east.

Michael

Michael:  Just curious, have you had any opportunity to get on the Spats yet.  I would still love to know your impression.

   On a lighter night, I'll bet you a quarter you can't "maintain" (I hear limit?) your quiver to the above three skis     You enjoy the shopping and the sampling too much. 

Jim

[Gary]

Hey Michael...."if the Head fits..wear it"..conversations about head skis...hey, if people ask, there's no duct tape over my mouth for sure.

keep in mind...for me,..it's just the skis I currently like and knowing myself, that could change in a heart beat!

It's great fun to try different skis, no predjudice here cause there's so much great gear out there.

Enjoy the ride, whatever you pull out of your quivver.

Best, Gary

PS: laying down any tracks lately?

[Ron]

I hereby swear to never state my opinion or post about any ski I own or state my opinion regarding quvier strategies and preferences. Now lets all go ski and have fun. I did look for new 07/08's to demo last week couldn't find them but will look in March. 

Maybe looking to go mid-march to Steamboat.......