thinking of new skis after 16 years

Question
Hi Ron:

I have been skiing off and on for the last 16 years (more years ago) and recently skied at Winter Park Colorado and decided that I would like to get some of the newer & shorter "shaped" ski's after having not skied for a number of years (foot sprain not from skiing) but the skiing seems to come right back to me maybe due to my balance from skating?  I live in the Chicago area and ski in Wisconsin (hard pack and ice - what you going to do...) and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but have a good friend who lives in Denver and ski out there in Colorado (I love the powder!) when I get a chance (free lodging!). I am 47 years old, 5'10", 165lbs., very athletic (my primary sport is advanced skating 5 times a week year round).  I mainly ski blue runs with a few black thrown in during each day.  I love deep powder (up to 3 feet) and would like a ski that can handle it when i find it, however powder tends to be a rare treat and most of my skiing is midwest hardpack with the usual ice spots. I do like off to the side un-groomed terrain but am not big on lot of big bumps and stay away from moguls. I tend to medium S curves as I ski with a few sharp turns here and there. My current skis are straight 195mm K2 TRC COMP 7.8 Triaxial and I admit were always a bit to stiff and long for my ability (I thought I would advance more, but I don't ski as much as I would like to).  I am happy with the rest of my equipment (Nordica 881 boots, Look 3D bindings set at 6.5), just want to change the ski's.  So what length and brand/models would you recommend these days? (been away from the euipment too long!). Thought I might look second-hand, as I see a lot around here (thus models a few years old are good recommendations).

Thanks in advance!,
Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

Finding a deck mount ski that fits what you are describing is going to be tough, but not impossible. Most skis today are systems, with bindings that fit to the ski.

To find a ski that will grip in the east, and float in powder, you'll want to look in the 72-74 under-foot range. Given your background in skating, you'll want a ski with enough sidecut that you can incorporate your skate skills. I'd take a look at skis with a 13-15 meter radius- about a 170 for both powder float and edge grip.

With todays robotic tuning machines, used skis can be a risk- what shops used to accomplish in 3 passes over a stone is now done in 10 using a robot- and the skis tuning life suffers. I'd focus on new, old stock rather than looking at used gear.

I hate them, but the Rossignol Bandit B2 may be a good choice given what you describe in your skiing. Good off trail, OK on trail, it is a deck mount ski that is a jack of all trades, master of none. Interestingly Rossignol, heretofore a promoter of every useless bell-and-whistle imaginable in a ski, is introducing a ski for next season that is very interesting. Vertical sidewalls, deck mount (I think), no interchangeable wings, variable height cores, or any other of the stupid stuff they have been selling for the past 10 years. Rossignol is changing course (thankfully). But that is next year.

For this season, looking at old stock skis, you might find some choices in K2's Apache line, and Fischer's RX8. You could go with deck-mount skis from Stockli, but they are really expensive- not quite the direction you are suggesting. The Dynastar Legend 8000 is more off trail than on, but a nice ski at a great price. Look at Sierratradingpost.com for them.

Head XRC 1100 and 1200 are deck-mount, and a great option.

Hope this helps you start your search, let me know what you find to choose among.