 Poster: A snowHead
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Just back from a trip to S & R (see Apres Ski if interested) and asked their instore expert to recommend a reasonably stiff ski that would be OK for hard on-piste carving, but that could handle some off-piste as well.
He suggested trying the Head XRC 800, or, new this season the K2 Appache Crossfire (odd name when you think of it - I suppose it wouldn't have been named that by anyone from the Custer family!), which has been selling well evidently.
Has anyone any opinion/experience of either of these skis? Thanks.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The info I'm getting from friends in the US is that the Apache is a great ski.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thanks WTFH, or should that be Sir? The guy at S & R suggested the same, but as they're American, he wondered whether they'll be widely available in Europe. At first I took that to mean that it was an availability thing, but am beginning to wonder if it could be "political" 
I've not tried it, but do you know if it's possible to check on-line for availability of ski brands at hire shops?
Good to hear from you again BTW. You planning on another "challenge" this season?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Mark Hunter, we hired skis in CHampagny-en-Vanoise from either Twinner or SkiSet. I contacted the skishop via the website, the girl checked with the ski shop what skis they had available, and we reserved what we ewanted, or rather the kids did. It's not obviuos on the site though, just contact them and ask I presume. I think initially it was to see if they had the skis I wanted to buy, but I'd bought them by then anyway.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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DB, thanks - the guy I spoke to showed me the Recon as well, but suggested that the Apache was the one that was getting the positive press.
Thanks also to you Helen, I'll get in touch with Twinner in La Ros and see where that gets me. Or maybe tap the Masque up to have a look inbetween his plumbing!
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The "Apache Crossfire" dimensions of 109-68-99 (tip,waist, tail) look a bit too skinny to give any serious off-piste performance.
The "Apache X" (109-68-99) looks to be a softer version of the Crossfire.
The "Apache Recon" (115-78-105) will probably give you the best allrounder but it will not be as quick edge to edge as the "Crossfire" or "X".
The "Apache Chief" (126-98-116) is the off piste model.
Other all-mountain skis to consider .......
1. Atomic Metron B5 (127/76/114)
2. Dynastar Legend 8000 (116 - 80 - 102)
3. Stockli Stormrider XL (116-75-102)
4. Volkl 724 Pro (115-77-104)
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Someone mentioned the Rossignol Bandit B2s in a previous thread. I've been skiing on these for the past 4 years (in older XX form as well), and I think that they're a great all round ski, however the ski tests that I've read this year would seem to incicate that they've been surpassed by the K2s. Not sure what I'll do personally this year.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Elan M666 116-76-102 (18m)
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Mark Hunter wrote: |
He suggested trying the Head XRC 800, or, new this season the K2 Appache Crossfire (odd name when you think of it - I suppose it wouldn't have been named that by anyone from the Custer family!), which has been selling well evidently.
Has anyone any opinion/experience of either of these skis? Thanks. |
November 'Ski and Board' magazine gives the Crossfire a glowing report. 'Great allrounder award' 'stood head and shoulders above the rest of the group' . Under weaknesses 'no faults were picked up'.
Head model is not in the test.
Mind you, Crossfire is in the 'Advanced' Freeride category, along with Rossignol B1 which also looked appealing.
There is another category 'Expert' Freeride, where Rossignol B2 gets the 'allrounder award'. By implication, if your skiing is up to it, the B2 is the better ski ?
It is all too confusing for me.
I will never buy a ski that I have not tried on slope first.
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You know it makes sense.
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Mark Hunter, Generally, and leaving models aside Head are cheap and good, but don't last very long. K2 are expensive but last for ever. Very good skis generally. It does depend on how much ski-ing you do per year though whether this is a worthwhile consideration. I ski about 30 weeks a year and my last Heads lasted 3 years and the K2s 6!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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easiski, When you say the skis only lasted 3 seasons what went on them. The edges wearing, the bases wearing or becoming floppy and too flexible
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| easiski wrote: |
| Mark Hunter, Generally, and leaving models aside Head are cheap and good, but don't last very long. K2 are expensive but last for ever. Very good skis generally. It does depend on how much ski-ing you do per year though whether this is a worthwhile consideration. I ski about 30 weeks a year and my last Heads lasted 3 years and the K2s 6! |
easiski,
Would you put it down to the manufacturer or the construction of the ski?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I owned K2 TRC skis. The Triaxial Braid construction swelled and the skis were a write off because the base became rounded. Now happily on Rossi Bandit's. Has anyone tried out the new Atomic Metron range?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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What eventually caused me to throw both pairs away was complete loss of bounce! They got so flopitty that Peter Rabbit couldn't have skied on them. I should say, however, that I am quite "soft" on my skis - most of my male colleagues have to replace their skies every season.
I think it's in the manufacture. Both Heads and K2s have similar wood cores etc and feel quite similar to ski (similar models of course). I do really believe that K2s are just made to be stronger and last longer, but as I said, and asMark Hunter, did too for a recreational skier I wouldn't have thought it would make much difference. Therefore, all other things being equal the Heads would be the best buy! 
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FAQ
