Ok gang, don't laugh, it really was spring snow.? I got out and skied yesterday at Bristol Mountain, 1200 vertical..my local "get the legs in shape" mountain.
It rained on the half hour drive to the mountain. I arrived at 11:30 after the morning groom birds dusted the mountain off. Just as I pulled in the parking lot, big wet snow flakes started to fall. I brought the RX8's and the IM 82's into the locker room and ran out to the lift to get a feel for the snow. The temperature was 34 degrees so I didn't know whether I was going to be skiing scraped off ice or mush.
Yep, mush it was. Locked and loaded the IM 82's and headed for one of our steepest and longest runs. When I got off the lift I noticed how really wet the snow was...including my pants, jackets, goggles and beard.....ah yes spring conditions but without the sun.
Started down Rocket Run looking through goggles that were covered with wet melting snow. Yep...there it was...mush, bumps, ridges, a plethora of 7'11 Icies just waiting for me to plow over and through.
The 82's were just outstanding. Floating through the mush, soft enough to suck up the ridges and bumps. Light pressure on the down hill and uphill edges and they came around like a F18 Hornet. I was? very impressed with the rebound, not to overpowering, but just the right amount. Skied them flat 2 legged along the edge of the trail where the snow was really pushed up like snow cushions. They plowed right through and held their intended line with confidence.? When it flattened out a bit, I laid into some deep carves and no surprise's, true race performance shone through. These skis work so great from a centered stance.
Again I was amazed at the control and performance at slow speeds in mush bumps. I was taking my time in the bumps cause that's how I ski them and the 82's are very co-operative. Smear a turn, crave the turn, float the turn...all the above.
Well I know it's VERY early for spring snow conditions but thought this review might help illustrate further what an outstanding performer this ski is.
The IM 82 continues to make great impressions with me. I still believe the advanced intermediate to expert skiers will be able to get the most from this Monster.
Hope many of you get a chance to demo the 82.? Would love to hear your reviews as well.
Made 5 grueling runs and I was whipped, wet, and weary!.....Wiped down the 82's, paste waxed the bases and tucked them into to the locker to await a new adventure. So far....the skis are a 10 for me!
Best,
Gary