 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all my last set or Rossignol bandit b1's are finally coming to an end,(109/70/99 in 176cm) these are the last set of 3 that I purchased about 6 years ago after sking about 10 different skis and sizes (as all of you seasoned skiers know the proof is clearly in the pudding,don't believe the hype!!).I now find myself needing to start thinking about some new ones and having been happy with the Rossis find myself completely out of touch with the latest offerings.I am in Meribel next weekend would like to start demoing some new ones.I have been sking for 35 years,5ft11 86kg I will ski the whole mountain in control (well apart from when I fall on my back bottom that is)have completed basi instructor training and ski to a very good standard.A little more flotation than the b1s in off piste would be nice,as would a little more grip on ice,however my main priority is the ski MUST be fast edge to edge (which is why I favoured the original b1s from the b2s) I have been recomended to try Rossi zenith z9.5 and Atomic Nomads (so many models not sure which one,so from the specs am guessing the narrow waisted 76mm smoke ti will be a good starting point)Does anybody else want to pitch in with your thoughts?thanks for any advice in advance,hope somebody may be able to help.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Stockli Stormrider XXL. Does all that you've asked for.
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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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Hi Spyderman the "hype" looks promising,thy are on the list,anymore for anymore?many thanks.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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steveburles, I ski on the Stormrider XL, it's an amazing ski. The XXL wasn't available when I got mine, but it would be my choice now.
The XL has amazing edge grip and is super fast. It's 75mm underfoot, so will go most places. but the extra width of the XXL would be better off-piste.
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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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my prefered method of attack is 100 turns per second straight down the fall line,any good?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| steveburles wrote: |
| my prefered method of attack is 100 turns per second straight down the fall line,any good? |
Get a slalom ski if that's what you like. Much more likely to have fun that way.
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had 8 years on 2m special slalom skis in the days when Eddie the eagle ruled the hill (i've still got two sets in the loft if anybody is after some budget firewood!!) need something more all mountain,but still want that edge too edge speed when needed.
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| steveburles wrote: |
| ... need something more all mountain,but still want that edge too edge speed when needed. |
Ah, the challenge of getting the compromises right!
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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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And the price, as every time I buy new un's i normally buy 2-3 sets so I don't have to go through this every couple of years!!!
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| steveburles wrote: |
| And the price, as every time I buy new un's i normally buy 2-3 sets so I don't have to go through this every couple of years!!! |
Why not go for one pair which is piste-focused and one pair which is offpiste-focused?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Bullseye!
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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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steveburles, a serious question - how much skiing do you do to get through 3 pairs in 6 years?
If you're skiing that much, you really should have different skis to avoid the compromises of one pair and you should be skiing on something a little more challenging/rewarding I would think.
I reckon you should get 120 days out of a pair of skis, there or thereabouts. So in 6 years you should have skied 360 days (at least). I am impressed!!
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| under a new name wrote: |
| I am impressed!! |
I am jealous!!!!
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You know it makes sense.
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Yes and I am generally broke! Am trying to avoid the 2 set scenario if possible,generally I drive but find myself flying a lot more often now and could do with avoiding the extra carrage charges if possible.Anymore for anymore?
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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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steveburles, so... seriously, how many days a year do you ski? If less than 120, what are you doing to go through skis so quickly?
Reasons not to buy 2-3 identical pairs at once:
1. skis are changing rapidly so you may miss out on interesting developments (I think we're about to hit a whole new set of "rules")
2. presumably your skiing is changing so what works now won't work in 6 years time
If you really, really just want one ski, with the requirements above (and given that you liked Rossis) check out either Rossi Radical Oversize 9X (GS-ey, 80 mm underfoot so should add a little off piste list, ought to be quick enough edge to edge although I haven't skied any recent pairs so can't guarantee) or 9S (SL-ey, softer, wider tips and tails helping off piste, and I can't imagine not quick enough edge to edge).
If you ski as well as you claim I'd suspect the Zeniths a little too soft.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I must admit that 120 days a year is a bit of a stretch these days what with a couple of ankle biters in tow.The odd trip on the old b1's accross a cleared car park really doesn't do them much good either (failing that after getting wrecked in the bar I normally ski back to the chalet down the road screaming abuse at the French,just to liven there afternoon up of course you understand) delete/believe any of the above as you see fit.I normally ski anywhere from 6-8 weeks a year and sell them after somewhere around 8 weeks whilst they still have some resale value,of course this depends on how much French baiting/car park action I have got in!I have added your sugestions to the list anymore gentlemen please.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Fri 5-02-10 16:17; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I bought a pair of Nomad Crimsons last year, they have 86mm under foot and I still can't beleave how quick they are from edge to edge on piste. The really are a great all round ski. Might be a bit soft for you but you could always try the TI version. Got them cheap from www.sport-conrad.com and last time I looked they still had some for 300 euro + p&p about £20
PS I don't work for them
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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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Volkl AC series?
For more true (ie fully 50:50 on/offpiste) check the Dynastar Sultan 85's. At 85mm it has good float offpiste but is still quick edge to edge, with good grip. Shapely sidecut rocks 15m radius carves, nice and stiff. Basically a fatter gs cheater ski, that excels when the snow gets tricky.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Ok boys unless anybody else can throw a blinder into the mix i think I now have enough to keep me busy for a week or so.Thank you all for your help,it's been emotional!
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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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Elan Magfire Ti 78 or 82 are supposed to be quite good - might be worth casting an eye over their write up. I'm no where near the skier that you are, but having now got a pair (to grow into  ) I've spent a lot of time looking at their specs and reviews on the net. Normally, I wouldn't presume to suggest a ski to an experienced skier, but your requirements do seem to fit with what I've read about them and the reviews by other more experienced skiers and they might be worth considering.
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If you really want fast edge to edge you can't be doing with anything much over 75mm underfoot, ie pretty much a piste ski, and if you only want something with a bit more float off piste than a 70mm B1 then that width limit is no problem.
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slikedges, That might be the case, I just read this review which would seem to suggest that something like the Magfire is an exception to that general rule:
http://www.ski-mag.com/en/ski/clanak.php?id=19488
An excert from that write up:
"According to their reputation, Magfire models should perform equally well both on and off-piste. Magfire 78 Ti is no exception, but it is more intended for groomers. Its 4 mm narrower waist, when compared to 82 Ti model, is responsible for its easier rolling onto edges, which will be a real blessing for skiers who are into on-piste carving. The ski is very fast on such surface and it reveals a glimpse of a race class, especially during giant slalom turns. It performs on groomers almost as good as Speedwave models, which are intended particularly for such conditions. This ski is very navigable and responsive; it simply "takes" you into a turn"
As I said I don't ski mine well enough to know or to recommend them due to these properties to an experienced skier, but I just recalled the write up and then read the OP's requirements and they seemed to match.
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steveburles, other then the stormrider as already suggested, going on the narrow side then head supershape magnum, on the wider side atomic nomad savage Ti
Megamum, without wanting to be harsh, please read the title of the thread, regurgitated reviews are not really what was asked for
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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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slikedges, good point, although I imagine the 9XO may be OK at 80mm.
As you know I prefer something a little slimmer...
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Megamum, it's physically* impossible for a 78mm ski to be quick edge to edge in the way a ski 5-10mm narrower might be. I know you have a pair but that's just one review from one guy. Who may well be sponsored by Elan. And with a name that sounds like he may even be Slovenian. Now let me see if I can remember where Elan are from...
*physically as in physics
under a new name, I'm partial to slim too (though fatter can be fun as long as your friends don't see you) 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The width debate is looking promising!at the begining of the thread hors piste made the comment that buying 2 or 3 sets of skis and then effectively ignoring the market for 2-3 years is foolish which I think is a valid point and in the past 5 years or so I haven't stepped on another pair of skis appart the b1s.In my mind I have determined that the fast edge to edge performance that I require is mostly attributed to waist width (but haven't hinted at this in my posts as technology progresses and clearly i'm 6 years out of touch with this).It seems to me that average ski width in on the increase year on year, and as slikedges notes with the associated physical restraints.I've had the magfires mentioned to be by 2 or 3 other sources and if possible to get a go on some would like to give them a go,but think that a ski with a more narrow waist should be more suitable.I'm starting to get the feeling that i'm turning myself into one old big ski experiment!!!
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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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steveburles, sounds like you are coming round to the idea that buying ski kit is fun, not a chore 
suggest you find somewhere with a good selection and try lots of things out, even things you think you won't like
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You know it makes sense.
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BMF_Skier, no not at all, but with all due respect
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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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| steveburles wrote: |
| I've had the magfires mentioned to be by 2 or 3 other sources and if possible to get a go on some would like to give them a go,but think that a ski with a more narrow waist should be more suitable. |
I've got a pair of Elan Magfire 12 from a few seasons ago which I think are similar to the current 78 TI. It's a good ski, one that I use more often than any other pair I've got as I think it's a good compromise. But it really can't be said to be quick from edge to edge. If I want a ski which is quick from edge to edge and has some life in it I'll use a pair of slalom skis (Elan SLX or Vist SL). Even the Head Supershape Magnums I recently bought are much more lively that the Magfire 12, and presumably the 78 TI. But if I was going to be skiing a mix of on piste and off-piste variable snow I'd opt for the Magfires every time.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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CEM, The OP requested advice from seasoned skiers - Hand held up - I am not a seasoned skier, a point I did make. However, with all the different skis out there I doubt anyone could bring to mind all those that it might be worth finding out about. The point of a thread like this seems to be to get suggestions as to what could be worth looking at. The opening post doesn't ask for personal experience of the skis, it mearly asks for suggestions as to models that might be worth considering. I guess most people automatically consider the big manufacturers, possibly even know the well known model names and what sort of ski they are. Smaller manufacturers, like Elan, may not enjoy similar familiarity.
Leaving aside the fact that I am undoubtedly 'overskied' at the moment I HAVE done extensive research on what I own (something I always make a point of doing - I wonder how many others do the same?). Everything I have read and found about suggests that the Magfire Ti range would be suitable on piste, and would give some performance off piste (something the OP also asks for). There is not a review out there - written or video that I've found, that suggests otherwise. OK, some of the reviews might be advertising hype, but even on a forum it could well be the case that the Bloggs and Co ski being recommended by poster 'JoeXXXL' isn't actually being recommended by the MD of Bloggs & Co. Also, any ski being recommended or rejected on the basis of someones experience is probably limited to their skiing ability, something I know only too well.
Given the above I can see no reason at all not to plant an idea in someones mind on the basis of 'pure research' of something that they may not have considered. I have not even presumed to base that recommendation on my own experience - I am not qualified yet to do this IMV. Rather I have gone with the balance of evidence from other review sites. Something that SH's is just another one of IMV- I guess on the basis of the current argument all of these are biased with no genuine unbiased reviews, also that none of them have been written or presented by 'seasoned' skiers (I promise I won't tell them!) - it just seems strange that they all present a consistent comment on the skis that appears to meet the requirements of the OP*  .....................
*(I won't quote them all as that is clearly not required, but I am right in what I say about their content).
N.B. under a new name, I've actually skied the Rossignol Radical 9X Oversize for 2 or 3 days. However, despite thinking it I am clearly not qualified to comment that I found it a great on-piste ski too, so just ignore the comment folks.
B.t.w. What is a 'seasoned skier' and does salt and pepper come into it?
Anyhow, I tug my forelock to the 'seasoned skiers' here and humbly beg forgiveness for daring to venture into a realm I am clearly barred from. I hope eveyone gets out of the right side of bed tomorrow.
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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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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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comprex, yep, there are hypothetical innovations that can influence this hence you, I know, will have noticed my caveat 'current level of technology' 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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slikedges, hmmm, I am off to measure my old 9XOs.
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steveburles, I had some Nomad Crimsons and found them a bit too floppy for me and far from quick edge to edge.
I'm currently on some Rossi 9X oversizes, which are 80mm underfoot and very, very fast in all respects. Ok, they're not slalom ski fast edge to edge, but work very well for an all mountain ski. They're a bit brutal off-piste though and a bit like an ex-girlfriend of mine in that they offer absolutely no forgiveness if you mess up
Worth a look I'd suggest and very easy to rent. Rossi also do a 8X, which has one less layer of titanium.
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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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Megamum, I call that an extremely spirited defence! 
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FAQ
