ski advice

Question
need direction.  have been on atomic B5 for 4 to 5 years and love sidecut and big shovels.  however bad knees are sometimes an issue, especially in chopped up powder, bumps, or very hard surface.  also ski a rossi radical on groomers.  very different feels and flexes.  like a turned up tail as well.  what would you recommend as a replacement vs another B5.  i ski mostly east but look for ungroomed when possible, about 35 days a year.   thanks  eric

Answer
Dear Eric --

If you love the super sidecut of the Atomic B5s, then I would demo the super sidecut skis from Volkl, Solomon, Dynastar, and the new Atomic before buying.  Given your tender knees, I recommend skiing in a slightly shorter length, than might be recommended.  With today's skis, you can still get superior performance on a shorter ski, and not risk too much torque on your knees when skiing the heavy snows.

I would avoid K2 skis because they are prone to chatter at high speeds.  I am sure they will make your knees at least as unhappy as they make my knees with their chatter and lack of stability.

Please write back, if you have questions on a specific ski.