Help me update my 1997 Rossignol Dualtec 9S skis

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

I still ski the sticks Alberto "La Bomba" Tomba helped make famous, Rossignol's Dualtec 9S's, which pre-date the whole parabollic revolution (my skis are 201cm).

They're great. They are perfect on steep groomed trails, but, surprisingly, able to tackle the occassional bump or tree run (well, I force them to, I guess). They're high-demand, high-reward expert slalom skis.

They also have almost no wax left and the edge probably can't be fixed another time. So, a new (gasp) pair might finally be in order.

The problem is, I'm older now and don't ski with the same energy. So, racing/near-racing slalom skis probably aren't for me. I'm looking for a high-performance all-mountain expert ski. I'm 6' 6" and 200 lbs, so I need a strong pair.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Greg]

Volkl Unlimited AC30/AC40, Dynastar Legend 8000, Rossi B2, K2 Apaches

[Rushski]

Elan Magfires/Speedwaves, Fischer RX8 Fire/RX Cool or Cold Fire.

Shaped skis will be SO much easier for you to ski on your "older" legs.

[Hawkshot99]

Rossi Z9

[koreshot]

Nice suggestions. I don't know much about carving slalom skis so I won't throw any specific models out. I will caution you about one thing though: the vast majority of high performance slalom and carving skis need proper carving technique to get the best performance. Stiff skis with deep sidecut generally aren't the most welcoming of skidding technique.

I am not sure if you are the skidding or the carving type, but given that you ski on something made before the shaped ski revolution, I would guess that you skid a fair amount.

There are skis out there that are more forgiving of skidding, but those skis usually don't give you the same level of carving performance - you are not going to get the slingshot out of a sharp carve effect. Greg threw out a couple of suggestions that will work nicely for a skidder, like the B2 and the 8000.

[JimG.]

My Fischer RX8's are modern day expert slalom skis. I love them. I hear you about bumps and trees, I make them turn in those places; in reality, with all the sidecut, the issue is getting them to turn less (as Koreshot pointed out in the part of his post about skid). That will be interesting for you.

I ski them in the 170cm length...I'm not as big as you, I'm 6'2" and about 190. The 175cm length ought to suit you fine. Even that short, these skis are amazing in how they plow through crud and slush. Very stable.

And while they are not at all modern day powder skis, the wide tips and tails will impart plenty of float to someone used to skinny straight sticks.

[eastcoastpowderhound]

Originally Posted by JimG.

My Fischer RX8's are modern day expert slalom skis. I love them. I hear you about bumps and trees, I make them turn in those places; in reality, with all the sidecut, the issue is getting them to turn less (as Koreshot pointed out in the part of his post about skid). That will be interesting for you.

I ski them in the 170cm length...I'm not as big as you, I'm 6'2" and about 190. The 175cm length ought to suit you fine. Even that short, these skis are amazing in how they plow through crud and slush. Very stable.

And while they are not at all modern day powder skis, the wide tips and tails will impart plenty of float to someone used to skinny straight sticks.

He's right...the RX8 would be one of the better choices out there for you...still has that classic ski feel, but with auto pilot built in, it'll skid, it'll carve...beefy enough to handle your size (I'm 6'1 ~210) but not too stiff that its unforgiving. just be sure to get your feet and knees apart...pretend you've got a soccer ball between your knees...or some hot blonde's head...whatever works. Took my mother a little practice and time to give up the knees and ankles together stance...the head between her knees sealed the deal. If you can get to a demo...great...but you'll need more than a couple of runs to figure the new skis out...find a good deal on a solid ski and pull the trigger.

[BeanoNYC]

How about some thinner Twin Tips, with little shape?

[eastcoastpowderhound]

Originally Posted by BeanoNYC

How about some thinner Twin Tips, with little shape?

Fischer Addict...especially if you're looking for something that will ski the rest of the mountain well too...pretty sure they're 114-84-114, 22m radius turn, wood core...true twin. The Dumont from Salomon is on the narrower side too...and a wood core, but more $$$ than the Addict...the Fischer is tough to beat for what you get for the price...$429 or, the Fischer Habit for $299, still a wood core, true twin, softer and narrower 111-81-111.

[Rushski]

JimG and ECPH brought up some great choices. I'm on an RX8 in 170 as well (6' 205#). The ski can do anything on-trail pretty damn well.

Also know someone who just can't (or won't) ski heavily shaped skis and he is on a mogul-specific Salomon twin tip. Not much sidecut and can be skidded or carved with a touch of effort.