Ski selection

Question
I currently ski on Atomic C:9 18 for the last 7 years and was thinking of upgrading. My only real complaint is they chatter at times at high speeds. The K2 Recon was recommended to me. What do you think of that ski for me? I mainly ski groomed blue and blacks and like to ski fast. Also I'm 5'-8", 162 lbs and currently ski on 170cm, if I get the Recons is 163cm a good choice? Thanks.

Answer
Hi AB and thanks for the question. Sorry for the delay i have been away

I cannot give you a definate answer about a ski for several reasons:
* i havent seen you ski - technique/speed
* i dont know how athletic you are
* i dont know technical details about a ski except for what i can find online - mostly due to the differences in skis that are released in different areas around the world due to the many different kinds of ski conditions. It would be like telling you which tyre to put on your car.

Atomics are generally a stiffer ski - but they are a nice ride in the conditions they are designed for.
K2s are also a great ride.
I have owned both brands in my time and enjoyed them both for what they were designed for.

Choosing skis is about research. Read the reports in the ski mags, have a look online in the blurbs and if you can take them for a test run - just like a car.

The K2s are a wood core - hence they should be a bit firmer underfoot as the wood will absorb some of the vibration and give it some good bounce. However, this can also make them too stiff for some [hence athleticism].

Generally a ski should be chin to eye height - depending on ski flex [how easily it bends and rebounds from the centre], camber [how easily it twists in the centre], ski weight and the skiers weight and ability to flex the ski under pressure during a turn.

* A ski too soft or short will shudder underfoot at higher speeds.
* A ski too firm or long will be harder to steer and require far more effort making your day hard work if you're not used to it.

Ive written quite a bit on buying skis recently - hae a read thru the info to get some more info and tips on buying before you commit.

And the only way to guarentee you'll like as ski - is to ski it im afraid.

Good luck hunting and if you need any more info, just ask