New ski for next season, what length?

Question
I am so ready for a new pair of clearance ski deal now, have been skiing K2 Three 178 for 10 years, a nice fast groomer carver but too long on mogul and woods where I found myself getting into more often, also more powder oppertunity since moved to Tahoe area. For a Intermediate-advanced (7-8) level skier, what length of mid-fat ski should I buy? I am loking into a 06 Salomon X-wing 10 170cm (124-75-107) and Fischer RX Red Heat 165cm (117-74-103) will both options work? This will likely be my one-quiver-ski, thanks a bounch.

Answer
Hi Chris,

Just to clarify the question a bit more. The specs you sent for the X-Wing 10 are for the 2007 model and show a very different tip measurement than the version for 2008 (118). This much of a difference between the tip and waist would make for a very quick initiating ski,potentially taking you into the new turn shape too quickly for comfort's sake in trees and bumps at any rate and even perhaps being a little too lively underfoot in powder but a great response on harder snow conditions and for tighter turns. Hence I think the redesign for next year. However tons of fun on the groomed runs. It's under 14.5 radius makes it a versatile allrounder though the slightly wider tail shape means that it stays hooked up in the turn a little longer than the Fischer. All of these reactions are dependent upon the skier's technique. Someone who tends to ski with the feet underneath them most of the time is going to interpret the turn shape as easy to initiate while someone who lays them over and gets the body inside the arc a great deal more might say that they didn't release into the new turn quickly enough. Its all in the individual's perception at a certain point.

While both manufacturers call these all mountain skis Fischer does indicate that their ski is a carver as well as an off piste model. As you are looking for one quiver ski its important not to go too fat or far off the chart for width or you sacrifice grip on all snow surfaces for float in soft snow and crud. Both skis are under 16m turn radius in the lengths you indicate. The longer ski will give you potentially more stability at higher speeds and at a longer turn shape though both the 170 Salomon and the 165 Fischer spec out at very close to the same overall turn radius. The skier reviews on the older model of X-Wing are very complimentary (ski-review.com)if you google "X-Wing 10". One variable I didn't get from your request and that is weight. The 165 should be a little more lively for a skier under 165 lbs while the Salomon is probably a little more stable for someone heavier.

Hope that this helps.