Author Topic: Am I Off My Rocker  (Read 1781 times)

HighAngles

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Re: Am I Off My Rocker
« on: February 21, 2013, 05:23:11 pm »
I think your goal should be to find a ski that is "adaptable" - in that it will reward in both firm conditions and soft conditions.  The Dynastar Sultans you had in Tahoe didn't quite give you enough of the "reward" in deeper conditions.  Finding wider skis that can actually perform well across variable conditions and terrain is tough.  It seems as though every other thread on ski forums is from skiers seeking that ultimate one ski quiver that can do it all. 

Of course in your case you've already got a ski (probably "skis") that can handle the firm fairly well.  So I would lean toward a ski that will reward in the softer 3D snow that you won't absolutely hate to ski on firmer conditions.  You're a bigger guy so I would recommend that you don't shy away from going wider.  If you want float out of this ski then you're going to have to go at least over 90mm underfoot (if not over 100mm). 

So here are some skis that I like that fall into this "use case".  Of course YMMV, but there's a reason I've gravitated to these skis (after tons of demos) - they're skis that perform well in 3D snow and yet still can be skied on hard pack without fearing for your life. ;)

Atomic Savage Ti (134-93-120, 177cm, 18.0m)
Nordica Soul Rider (134-97-124, 185cm, 18.5m) - some "interesting" graphics
Blizzard Bonafide (135-98-118, 180cm, 21.0m) - you're big enough and skilled enough to handle this ski properly
Nordica Patron (143-113-132, 185cm, 18.5m) - once again you'll have to get "past" the graphics. :o

BTW - I really dislike the Dynastar Cham series.  Really heavy (and they ski heavy) with a tail design that does not reward a skier that actually likes the tail of the ski to be engaged at the end of a turn.

The sleeper is really the Nordica Soul Rider.  Lately both Finn and dawg have been "waxing ecstatic" about this ski on Epic and I have to completely agree.  It's just a wonderful ride that rewards without punishing in any particular condition.

BTW - My avatar is a demo run on the Patron.  Think a 113mm underfoot ski can achieve some angles on hard pack? ;)
« Last Edit: February 21, 2013, 05:25:06 pm by HighAngles »