Advice on new skis

[james]

Not dissimilar to another thread...

I am also looking at buying new skis.

My current ones are an Atomic SX7. They are solid low-mid intermediate skis and were a good level for me when I got them, but I have outgrown them a bit. I think they are a bit soft, they don't edge too well on ice (apparently thry are normally more for a lighter skier), and with a waist of 64cm are useless in the off piste I am starting to get into.

I am looking for some 70/30 (roughly) skis - that is, 70% groomed and 30% powder. I haven't really done powder before (tough in Australia I realise) but when the chance is there don't want to have to go and rent skis.

I am about 6 foot 1 (185cm), 88kgs, reasonably fit and pretty strong build. I ski reasonably aggressively for my level, which is upper-intermediate. I'll hopefully be doing Northern Hemisphere seasons as well for the next few years, so I want some skis that will continue to service me as I (in theory anyway) move slowly into advanced. Cost is not a big issue but I don't want to look like an idiot with flash skis I can't handle. I tend to like doing faster long carving turns but I need to do short turns too and I want to do more work on bumps.

I don't mind doing the odd jump but don't see myself as getting heavily into the parks.

I guess I will need a waist of between 76-82mm, and a radius of say 14-16m. Length wise 170-176. I don't know enough about the flex factor to comment on that at this stage.

Atomic do a fair few skis that seem to fit the criteria (don't know the names sorry - there is a red one, B5 maybe, very wide tip - 132 or so - and maybe 76mm waist so tight radius). Some are wider than others at the end and in the waist. I have heard they can lose their edge faster than other skis but don't know if this is a fair generalisation or not.

Head have the Monsters plus another that seem to fit the category

Elan have the magfire, which looks pretty funky.

Salomon do a few but again I have been warned off them a little.

Cost is I realise I should road test them first. Most shops will let you demo their top of the range and discount some of the demo cost off the price of the skis, but there seem to be so many to demo.

I was leaning towards the Head and Elan ones unless anyone has any suggestions.

Fortunately I work right near the Inski and Readers across the road from each other in the city, so I will come back soon with some suggestions to see if anyone has any comments.

Thanks for any help.

[Rednut]

From what you are describing, i would say you are looking at the all mountain skis produced by most companies...

Salomon and Rossi use predominantly foam cores in their all mountain skis which aren't great for heavier people...

I would start by looking at...
Atomic - Metron 9. B5 (big heavy ski...)
Volkl - AC4,
Stoeckli - Stormrider XL/XXL
Nordica - Hotrod
Elan - Magma
Fischer - AMC 79

any of these in the sizes range you were talking about would be worth a demo at least...

Taxman and myself are both on Stormrider XL's i think he has fairly similar dimensions to you... i am shorter and heavier... but still think for what you are after it would be a good ski

[John Deere]

I have Elan M666 and am around the same weight, these day I think thats the Magfire 14????

I demo'd some Atomic Metron 10's (I think, they were 76mm and 17m turn radius, near identical to the M666 dimensions) and was not impressed with the edge hold.

Another could be the K2 Apache range or a Vokl AC3, they both make a decent ski, Fischer RC4 would fit the bill of a 70-30 ski I reckon, they are narrow but they are forgiving with excellent edge hold (a great combo!), at least thats what Paul says.....he rabbits on about them nearly as much as I do on the M666's ;)

[james]

Yeah I don't reckon my atomics hold a great edge, but I don't have a lot to compare them with.

Readers recommended the following two - close to what you guys are saying

Elan Magfire 14/Magfire Pro - 126-82-109, radius 17.2, 176cm long.

Volkl AC 40 - 125-82-110 radius 17.8 177cm long.

The guy in the shop said with the skiing on hard packed you get here, plus the powder I am hoping to do a bit of in France, these are the best two. Both are nice and stiff to handle our hard packed (the Volkl marginally stiffer), can bust through things and wide enough in the tip to suit the powder.

The negative on both is not great if you want to do tight mogul turns. I am a long way from mastering these so I will need to check I can handle the skis when say dropping under Kosi chair or the catwalk to do the bumps under that lip.

Other options include:

Head Intelligence - 171cm long, 14.6m radius, 124-78-110. Not sure how it compares with stiffness, a bit shorter (might come in a 176cm) and a bit narrower in the waist. You trade off the shorter turns for not quite being as good in soft stuff.

JD seeing as you are similar weight and have the Elans, how do you like them? I'm sure you would be a better skier.

Thanks guys by the way.

[John Deere]

Dont be so sure about the better skier thing, I look as gumby in bumps as the next guy!

The Elan M666's are a pretty good ski. They hold a good edge and charge the crud pretty well, although after last season they looked quite second hand, but Paul did a great job of rebirthing them.

I am a little concerned that you are looking for a 70-30 ski but people are recommending 82mm under foot. I would have thought that a 70-76mm ski would be more appropriate. I didn't realise the mag 14 was so wide!

I would also be looking at shorter for your weight, around 168-170cm. The ski does not know how tall you are! You will also find these better in the bumps.

I suggest looking a tad narrower for your needs. From all reports the Stoecklis are a good unit, and I believe Paul has some Fischer AMC73's that might be pretty good for you too (and cheap!!)

maybe the odd Demo could be in order, but IMHO theres enough good info floating around here to tell you what you need to know!

[james]

Shorter skis for my weight? At 88kgs, I would have thought I was heavier then most!

I was actually looking for more the 171-172cm length, rather than 177cm. It just might make things that little bit easier in bumps.

Also, with my skis having a 64mm waist, even at 76-78mm it is a big improvement.

[Rednut]

as an idea... i'm 100 give or take and ski a 164...

[james]

what height rednut? Don't both matter?

[Rednut]

i believe height isn't such an issue these days as weight... but i'm only 172ish

[John Deere]

Originally posted by james:
Shorter skis for my weight? At 88kgs, I would have thought I was heavier then most!

I was actually looking for more the 171-172cm length, rather than 177cm. It just might make things that little bit easier in bumps.

Also, with my skis having a 64mm waist, even at 76-78mm it is a big improvement. 172 would be the longest I would go and I weigh 90kg, unless looking for an off piste or BC ski.

My Elans are 167, they are fine, I could get away with 164's, gone are the days of the 215's for piste skiing!

I reckon a 76mm under foot ski with a 15-17m radius is an excellent all rounder, too much fatter and you lose the speed from edge to edge on groomers, too much thinner and you get buried in the pow unless your charging (some like to be buried in the pow!)

The skis I demo'd in Atomic were Mteron 11's, I looked them up, not great on an edge, but may not have had the factory tune still.

[John Deere]

I am 176cm tall. Height is rather more secondary to weight. Paul O is over 6 foot and pretty sure he skis 167 Fischers.

[John Deere]

It might be an idea to demo if your not sure on length, but I reckon around 170cm is the mark!

[azkaban]

Originally posted by John Deere:


Another could be the K2 Apache range ...... I agree John. If you want something more on piste than off piste the Apache Crossfires might be the go. Narrower underfoot than you want (70)but supposed to be great On piste and able to go off as well. If you are after something more 50/50 check out the Apache recon.

[james]

thanks again guys.

It seems the Head Intelligence (171cms, 14.6m radius and 78mm under foot) and the Volkl AC3 (170cms, 16.7m radius and 76 under foot) could be the best bet. And I think I can demo last season's version of that Volkl ski.

Anyone skied much on Head and Volkl skis and know how well they hold their edge? I'm not so keen on Salomons or Atomics at this stage. Volkl I am told are always a very good ski. The same person highly recommended Head Monsters.

[Taxman]

Originally posted by james:
Yeah I don't reckon my atomics hold a great edge, but I don't have a lot to compare them with.

Readers recommended the following two - close to what you guys are saying

Elan Magfire 14/Magfire Pro - 126-82-109, radius 17.2, 176cm long.

Volkl AC 40 - 125-82-110 radius 17.8 177cm long.
I owned and skiied last years Volkl AC4, I own the Volkl AC3 from 2 seasons ago, last years Stockli Stormrider XL and I'm purchasing this years Stormrider XXL.

My thoughs:

Volkl AC40 - unless Volkl have significantly softened the AC40 (similar to the original from 2005), I would not recommend it. Last years ski was very stiff and required a big and strong skier to ski it (designed for obese Americans). Reviews suggest that the AC4/AC40 is a phat Allstar. It has a lot of sidecut which will demand good carve technique. That will also make it hookey in deep snowand not so good in moguls, where you will want to release the edges and pivot rather than carve.

Elan Magfire - haven't skiied an Elan since Stenmark was winning the World Cup, so I cannot comment. I understad JD likes them, so listen to his comments.

On my skis:

Volkl AC3/AC30 - narrower than the AC4/AC40 and IMO more suited to Oz conditions than the AC4/AC40. Similar comments on the 2006 AC3 i.e was stiffend up for obese Americans. If this yeasr AC30 is like the original AC3 (2005 orange coloured ski). IMO ski it short. Im 185cm/85kg and ski it at 170cm. Fast great edge hold, can swing short turns with lots of rebound.

Stockli Stormrider XL - very simialr to my AC3, only smoother and with more finesse. I ski this at 174cm. As Nutter will testify, Stocklis are an addictive ski, they should come with a wealth warning. Do not try these skis unless you are prepared to buy them

Stockli Stormrider XXL - Came very close to skiing the only pair in Oz on Friday. Fatter brother to the XL, nice and light, smooth flex. The importer said they were like a rally car that needed to be driven hard and fast to get the most out of them. Love GS turns at warp speed in any snow condition. They seem awsome and I cannot wait to get my hands on them when they arrive (I have ordered a pair of 186cm as a BC ski).

Hope that helps.

[ 04.07.2007, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: Taxman ]

[Silence]

^ FYI - spoke to the volkl rep the other day and the AC30 has been softened in tip&tail. I'll assume for the moment the same was done with the AC40

i know what you mean about them both being very stiff

[james]

Thanks again guys.

I had a look at the AC3 in Paul Readers. They have them at 170cm and they have a waist of 76mm and a radius of 16.7m. They might be worth a try but with me being upper intermediate trying to move into advanced, I worry that they might be tough for me to handle in tighter turns while I am at this standard. I do want them for a few years and expect to do around 25-30 days next year, so they should be better for me to handle as I improve. The only way to see how I can handle them now is to try them I guess.

I really don't like my atomic SX7s on the hard packed Aussie snow though.

I looked around the internet at the head monsters and this seemed to be the most suitable of them for me. I guess I'd look at it at 170cm and would love to try one.

All the skis, with the wider waist than what I have, will take more work with the shorter turns when I need them, but I will need to try them to see how I go.

Head Monster i.M 75 Super Railflex II

Wider than the iM70, the iM75 has more grunt through variable conditions. Smooth in soft snow and absolutely stable on ice. Its width provides the lift needed in powder, while its sidecut guarantees top carving on groomed slopes.

Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177
Radius: 16.9m@170
Sidecut: 114/74/103

I wonder what the difference is between a head monster using the intelligence features (so says the blurb on the im70) and the head intelligence skis. The Head Intelligence is 10mm wider in the tip and 4mm wider in the waist and has a tighter radius at 14.6m.

The Head Monsters come highly recommended by someone I have skied with a bit who knows his stuff.

Don't know much about stoecklis and haven't seen them in the shops I've been to. Are they a real top of the range ski?

[Rednut]

they are a hand made swiss ski...

www.stoeckli.ch (http://www.stoeckli.ch)

www.snowbizz.com.au (http://www.snowbizz.com.au) - australian distributor

[SA]

I've skied some Head Monsters - iM82.

Very nice ski, but that width was more suitable for off-piste.

Another thing - while I really enjoyed the Mag 10s and X-Wing Tornado, they have a quite small turn radius. I thought it could allow me to be a lazy skier in that I could ski short radius turns almost solely by laying the ski over and riding its sidecut, as opposed to actually having to bend and steer the ski as well. Something to think about if you're looking to advance...

[Taxman]

James, Stockli skis come with a wealth warning - They are addictive and trying them will cause you to buy them.

Drop into Snowbizz at Jindabyne (Nuggets Crossing behind the Bakery) and get a pair to demo. Nutter and I are stoked with our Stormrider XLs, which could be a good choice for you. Also look at the Rotor, a twin tip that gets good reviews.

BTW, if you do get hooked, talk to Paul before buying, he can usually get a better price.

[james]

thanks Taxman. The last time we were there we stopped at Jindy for the first time - at Nuggets Crossing coincidentally I think.

Yeah I checked out Stoeckli's website and the rotors looked like they could be a good choice, although they only come in 169 or 179. They recomend it being 5-15cms shorter than your height, so I would have preferred early 170s. They do say it is for medium to advanced skiers, so that seems right for me. I wouldn't look like an idiot with flash skis at my standard?

Will definitely talk to Paul whatever I am buying.

The best thing is that my two issues with my skis is how they hold on ice and sink in soft stuff (64mm waist). All of the skis suggested will solve both those issues.

[ 04.07.2007, 11:06 AM: Message edited by: james ]

[Paul Oberin]

James, i didn't read this whole thread and I am sure most on here have already given you great advice, all i can do is maybe repeat some of it.

Yes, the SX7 is too soft flexing for your skiing needs.

This advice from readers is very good.
Elan Magfire 14/Magfire Pro - 126-82-109, radius 17.2, 176cm long.

Volkl AC 40 - 125-82-110 radius 17.8 177cm long.


I would add Stoeckli Stormrider Xl and also Atomic Metron 11 and even 10, as well as Fischer AMC76

[james]

Thanks Paul

Seems noone here knows too much about the Head skis. The two I would be interested in are the im75 and the Head Intelligence, both have about a 15-17m radius and are 75-78mm under foot.

[Paul Oberin]

I do know quite a lot about Head skis, I just didn't suggest them.

[james]

you don't think Head would be the right ones? My comment about no one here knowing much about Head might have come out a bit wrong.

And you don't think 82mm is too big under foot?

What about the Volkl AC3? A bit narrower under foot, smaller turning circle etc?

[ 04.07.2007, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: james ]

[james]

Originally posted by SA:
I've skied some Head Monsters - iM82.

Very nice ski, but that width was more suitable for off-piste.

Another thing - while I really enjoyed the Mag 10s and X-Wing Tornado, they have a quite small turn radius. I thought it could allow me to be a lazy skier in that I could ski short radius turns almost solely by laying the ski over and riding its sidecut, as opposed to actually having to bend and steer the ski as well. Something to think about if you're looking to advance... and did it?

[skijacski]

My two bob - Jindy Sports have opened a demo centre at the base of Thredbo where the Salomon Shop used to be.

Most of these you can demo with them. Ring their Jindabyne office for phone numbers or who to contact as they have only been open 5 days. Demo'd a pair on Saturday.

Remember demo skis have the heavier demo bindings so you will need to take that into account when skiing.

[John Deere]

I still reckon 82mm is a bit wide for a 70% on piste 30% off piste ski!

Give them both a go and see!

[SA]

Originally posted by james:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by SA:
I've skied some Head Monsters - iM82.

Very nice ski, but that width was more suitable for off-piste.

Another thing - while I really enjoyed the Mag 10s and X-Wing Tornado, they have a quite small turn radius. I thought it could allow me to be a lazy skier in that I could ski short radius turns almost solely by laying the ski over and riding its sidecut, as opposed to actually having to bend and steer the ski as well. Something to think about if you're looking to advance... and did it? </font>[/QUOTE]I didn't buy either ski james, so I am still skiing on planks around 17m radius. Gives me something to work on! ;)

[Paul Oberin]

Originally posted by John Deere:
I still reckon 82mm is a bit wide for a 70% on piste 30% off piste ski!

Give them both a go and see! I agree with that, 76mm is better for someone who skis more on piste than off piste.

[Paul Oberin]

Originally posted by james:
you don't think Head would be the right ones? My comment about no one here knowing much about Head might have come out a bit wrong.

And you don't think 82mm is too big under foot?

What about the Volkl AC3? A bit narrower under foot, smaller turning circle etc? Sorry James for slow replies, I am far busier than normal this season in the shop.
I have just sat down to eat lunch in between bootfit appointments.

The AC3 would be perfect for you, personally I see the Head Monsters as not all that good for mostly on piste, but Head do have some new Exenon skis that are good on piste skis that would also be suitable for the odd venture off piste.
I did a whole thread on this forum which included Head skis a few months back, a search should find it.
I will be back online after i close the shop later tonight, if you need to ask me anything else, although the others on here are all giving you great advice, you really don't need me.

[azkaban]

Originally posted by Paul Oberin:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by james:
you don't think Head would be the right ones? My comment about no one here knowing much about Head might have come out a bit wrong.

And you don't think 82mm is too big under foot?

What about the Volkl AC3? A bit narrower under foot, smaller turning circle etc? Sorry James for slow replies, I am far busier than normal this season in the shop.
I have just sat down to eat lunch in between bootfit appointments.
</font>[/QUOTE]Great to hear you are busy Paul. Everyone must be excited with all the fresh graemlins/snowflake.gif graemlins/snowflake.gif around!!!

[Paul Oberin]

Yes, but I feel I am letting a few people down that post on here seeking some advice and i don't get the time to post an answer, but there are so many others on here that know a lot about all sorts of skis in varied terrain, that threads like this are well covered without me.

[Rhistman]

Woot, i have just brought the Elan M 666 and from what John is saying i should have a lot of fun.

[John Deere]

Depending on your weight, you will love them!

[james]

we appreciate all the help you offer Paul, don't feel the need to be apologetic. And I am glad you are busy!

[Rhistman]

im about 95 kgs, more after a big dinner

[John Deere]

Take a dump before you go skiing and they will hold a better edge ;)

[Taxman]

Originally posted by james:
I am looking for some 70/30 (roughly) skis - that is, 70% groomed and 30% powder. ....

I am about 6 foot 1 (185cm), 88kgs, reasonably fit and pretty strong build. I ski reasonably aggressively for my level, which is upper-intermediate. ... I want some skis that will continue to service me as I (in theory anyway) move slowly into advanced. Cost is not a big issue but I don't want to look like an idiot with flash skis I can't handle. I tend to like doing faster long carving turns but I need to do short turns too and I want to do more work on bumps.

I don't mind doing the odd jump but don't see myself as getting heavily into the parks.

I guess I will need a waist of between 76-82mm, and a radius of say 14-16m. Length wise 170-176. I don't know enough about the flex factor to comment on that at this stage.
james, my final take. Me, a good recreational skier, i.e. a level 7 -8 (on a good day) on my table of skiing ability (see sticky). Height/weight - 185cm/86kg. Therefore, probably similar stats to you.

I've skied the Volkl AC3 @170cm (now the AC30) for 3 years and loved it. As per my previous comments, last year's model Volkls were made for obese Americans and IMO were overly stiff (as applicable to the rest of the World). I owned last year’s AC4 (the red one), could ski it, but even at my weight last year of 90kg, couldn't bend it, and as a consequence, didn't like it.

I cannot comment on the Elan skis as I have not skied them; however, I understand they are very good skis.

I traded the AC4 in on a pair of Stockli Stormrider XLs. The Stormrider XLs have very similar dimensions to the AC3 (Length/radius/tip-waist-tail):

Volkl AC3 @170cm/16.5m/118-76-104
Volkl AC3 @178cm/18.4m/118-76-104
Stockli Stormrider XL @174cm/18.5m/116-75-102
Stockli Stormrider XL @184cm/20.8m/116-75-102

The Stormrider XLs have slightly less sidecut than the AC3s. This makes the ski more conducive to traditional skiing styles (i.e. it doesn't demand to be carved all the time like an Atomic Metron B5), also this makes it easier to ski in the bumps as it can be pivoted and is less hooky in soft snow.

Both skis can be skied in powder, but they are not ideal (IMO the Stormrider is better). You really need a ski that is 90mm (or greater) at the waist for powder, or improve your technique and learn to ski in the snow.

IMO, you are an ideal candidate for the Stormrider XL @ 174cm.

Please also note, all of the skis recommended (Volkl, Stockli and Elan) are wood core laminate construction skis. These tend to be stiffer construction and more suited to a heavier skier (i.e. 80kg+) and a more advanced skier (i.e. not a beginner/intermediate). You would not look foolish on any of these skis.

[Seth]

Originally posted by Rhistman:
Woot, i have just brought the Elan M 666 and from what John is saying i should have a lot of fun. I had some of these skis. Absolutely fantastic. They died a fiery death though. If there was site to host the pic I would show you what I mean.

[John Deere]

www.kerky.com/public (http://www.kerky.com/public)

[james]

thanks again for your help all esp Taxman at the end. I appreciate how much time you have all given me.

I am hoping to do another 7 or so days this season, maybe 10 days in January, and from then on 14 or so in an Oz season and 10 overseas. So having started 4 years ago and being a solid upper intermediate, I do expect to advance. I don't want an expert level ski, but a ski for someone just advanced (maybe level 8 or so, but I couldn't find that sticky). I ajm trying to change my working arrangements so I can do more exercise (get bugger all done now), so I should spend the next few years around the 85kg mark which is a good fighting weight for me.

A quick comment on those 82mm skis I mentioned that were recommended - I went back and they are 60(groomed)/40(powder) skis, not 70/30. So whoever suggested they are a bit wide for a 70/30 ski is right.

I just spent half an hour at Inski and Paul Readers and had it pretty much narrowed down to two skis I want to demo:

one is the Volkl AC3 - the guy in Readers said for what I describe this is just about the perfect one for me, above all with an excellent edge hold on the hard packed. Also very sturdy for crud and a perfect ski for Australian conditions. For powder no more than mid-shin deep it would be fine too, with the 76mm waist. At my level and starting skiing later in life I don't know that I'd ever ski powder any deeper than that anyway. And if I ever got to that level I could get some powder skis. I'd get the AC3 at 170cms - being a bit stiff I would need the slightly shorter ones for tight turns.

The other one, from the shop across the road, is the Head im78. They are slightly wider across the waist, a slightly smaller radius (14m to 16m) and are slightly softer. So compared to the Volkls, they wouldn't hold quite as good an edge, would be a bit smoother off piste and a bit better in bumps for the short turns.

So the simple solution is to try both and see which ones I like better.

Neither shop had the Stoecklis so if I can go down on 3 more separate occasions this season, I might try to demo the stoecklis from the shop in Jindy behind the bakery you guys told me about.

I had hoped to narrow it to 2-3 and then try before I buy, so I seem to have achieved that and thanks again for all the help.

Looking at the snow reports I am just frustrated I'm not going tomorrow - or there today for that matter. I doubt I'll get down in July at all.

[Taxman]

Sticky got unstuck. Its here (http://www.snowatch.com.au/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000316) .

[SA]

Gotta love gear geishering! :D

james - another thing, conventionl wisdom is that edge hold is as much a product of torsional stiffness (how much it resists twisting along the long axis/length of the ski) as much as longitudinal flex.

[james]

Originally posted by Taxman:
Sticky got unstuck. Its here (http://www.snowatch.com.au/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000316) . thanks taxman. OK I'd be upper 7 I guess so you'd be a bit better but you're right with level and height/weight there are a lot of similarities. Hoping to move up to 8 in the next year or so.

[ 09.07.2007, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: james ]

[Rednut]

btw... fwiw i reminded myself yesterday about how good the stormrider xl is :D

[james]

It occurred to me I never finished this thread.

Some time in August I did a kamikaze day trip from Sydney to Perisher. Home before 8pm!

Anyway, I demoed some Volkl supersports - at 168cm - and they were just incredible. Not an easy riding recreational ski though. The snow was decent the day I went, still with some very firm bits, but I got much lower and rolled the skis over much further than ever before, and once I got used to the skis throwing me into my next turn, I was just tearing down. I felt like an idiot, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face at the bottom.

I tried tham at 168 instead of 176 or whatever the next length is, to make it easier on tight turns. Runs like Olympic and Kamikaze are still quite challenging, though gradually getting less so. I do want to work on the shorter turns, steeps and bumps.

I couldn't believe how much better they were than my ones and the guy I skied with (a very good and experienced skier - a solid level 9 on Taxman's scale) said just get them. Don't bother with any others, they are perfect. The owner of the ski shop did warn me I would come back with a grin on my face, and he was right. My mate rides on Head Monsters but said these are the other ski he would buy.

At 70mm they are a bit narrower in the waist than I ideally wanted (the newer Tigersharks are 2mm wider), but we went through some beautiful boot deep powder and they just glided through. My old skis are only 64mm in the waist and it seems to make a difference. I'm sure the Supersports would be fine for powder up to about mid-shin deep, and when am I going to ski powder any deeper than that? If I did, I'd hire some fat skis anyway. The radius is about 14m at this length, so they really whip you round the turn when you roll the skis over and force you to get low.

The skis are not light, but for the hooning and biting down steeper groomed runs - my preferred method of skiing - I do think they are close to unbeatable. The edge hold was so much better than what I am used to on my much softer lower-intermediate skis. I didn't think I'd be a good enough skier to notice the difference (I'm probably just about into early advanced now and maybe out of upper intermediate), but the difference was huge.

The brand new skis sit upright proudly in the corner of our bedroom (not trusting them to the garage and can't fit them anywhere else) and they will get a good workout for 10 days in the 3 Vallees in January.

To say I am looking forward to it is an understatement. One great thing about this website is I can admit my obsession with skiing and not feel out of place.

Good luck all who are skiing in the NH this SH summer and might meet up with a few more of you next Aussie season. I guess I should aim to take some pics in France - not sure about video - and post them all here when I get back. My two older kids are going and will have a whale of a time. We're going to do a full day with them and take them a couple of valleys away and back!

Added to the fact I have just quit my job and am starting on a bit of a career change next year, I just want to get on that plane and head over!

Bye for now.

[ 28.11.2007, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: james ]

[Taxman]

Awsome james, I know people who own the 5 Star and 6 Star and absolutely rip on them. Its pretty hard to get great rebound out of mid-phat or phat ski and from the sounds of it you're having a lot of fun bouncing from one turn to another.

[james]

Yeah - only done the one day on them (well, the demos) so far, but it was such a blast. And should be even better in France. Considering all my skiing so far has been in Australia or France in January, you just can't justify skis with an 80mm waist. You will rarely if ever get powder deeper than 20-30cms. I wanted to try the AC3 (I think it is) with about a 76 or 78mm waist, but whilst they will be a bit better in powder, they don't have the edge hold and tighter carving turns on the Supersports. And let's face it most of our/my skiing will be on grommed runs.

The skis I got had about the best edge hold you can get from what I gather. The edges are built up so much it's amazing - I think they're illegal competition skis. And the heavy ones with the wood core, they just throw you into your next turn. You've got to be concentrating and ready for it, but man was I ripping that day I tried them. I'm still improving, so it felt like a big leap that day. I was going faster, getting lower, rolling the skis over - all much more than before, but felt in total control. It was over at Blue Cow on Zalis and Excelerator - geez they are fun hoon runs and a good length to not stop and not get tired.

The red runs in France - I remember the ones from last time - I am so keen to blast them on these new skis. There are some blue runs too at our resort that have some beautiful steeper pitched bits, snaking down the mountain. First day, I'll hoon down one of them about 3 times then stop for the customary 10:30 1664. Then head over to the other runs. Then onto the other valleys on other days.

I've even started in a fitness group and will be the fittest I have beeen for years. Problem is +1 keeeping up!

Better stop dreaming about it and do some work...

[SA]

Fantastic. You will love the 3 Valleys. So much to explore!

Have fun on Creux with the Supersports, I think you'll love the rolls in the lower third and might get air! :D

Where are you basing yourself?

[james]

Ah, someone who knows the area! this will be fun.

I went two years ago, so know it a bit. We are staying at Val Thorens where a friend has an apartment (so free!!). The lift tickets are so cheap too, it's only the kids' lessons which will cost a bit. But we'll take them with us for one day (we're doing 10) and to Courchevel via Meribel.

Creux is a fantastic and a guide we went with one year actually stacked it at the bottom when it flattened out. Ditto my +1. it's a great hoon with big rolls. I'll see if I get any air!

They have several fun hoon runs over at Courchevel (well, everywhere really). The up to the right from the bottom of Creux - Chanrossa I think - is another good one. And we found one right out at the edge Chapelets or something - which was great too and hardly anyone there. That's over at 1650.

I am looking for a few good black runs there and would love advice. I've been told Suisses isn't too hard. I tried La M last time and it was awful - moguls up to your waist, very firm and very steep. maybe some of you like that. Another that looks good is over the other side, called Dou des Lanches which is over near Loze. There are two others called Jean Blanc and Jockeys, but they are lower and last time wouldn't have been great - if open at all.

When we were there it hadn't snowed much and was very firm. I didn't find Meribel sensational skiing, except I think in good conditions Mont Vallon would be good. It's up the end, closer to VT and abover Mottaret.

We didn't get to La Masse at Les Menuires last time, so we're keen to spend a bit of time there. A half day should be great and they look like some good red and black runs there. There is also a sensation run going from Meribel to Les Menuires called Jerusalem. Sort of like roller coaster, but steeper, longer and with better views. I think I got a bit of air there last time (got a bit keen).

At Val Thorens where we are staying, the skiing is just sensational. I can think of about 6 awesome red/blue hoon runs, although they don't have too many black runs. But it is awesome skiing in that valley alone.

So this time the aim is to explore La Masse at Les Menuires and the Loze part of Courchevel a bit more, plus around Suisses. And generally take on more of the blacks.

How much time have you spent there?

[SA]

Less than you by the sounds of it!! I went in '04 for a week on one of the packages out of London, then a low-mid intermediate skier. Based in Courchevel so mostly there, with some time in Meribel and only a day in Val Thorens.

Suisse is an easy black. Much harder when ungroomed was Marmottes, it also had moguls past my waist. Have fun on Jean Blanc if conditions are good down lower.

I would go back if I was heading to Europe.

[james]

Yeah I've never been anywhere else overseas, but it's just so vast.

So Jean Blanc is good fun in decent snow? I'll head over and give it a go. I was a solid upper intermediate when I was there in Jan 2006.

I'll have to report back for when you're there next. Courchevel from what I can gather is outrageously expensive. We made the mistake of going to the most expensive restaurant there. 17 euros for a bowl of chips, 16 euros for a piece of pie. Amazing prices! It's there for rich Russians I think - they had all this beluga caviar there too. I don't mind winding back and having a great dinner, but if you waste too much time eating during the day, you'll fit in less skiing!

[SA]

It was expensive, you just have to close your eyes and treat euros like they are dollars!

There was a crepe place at the bottom of 1850 which was good and not too expensive for lunch.