best new england 'all-mountain' ski

[highpeaksdrifter]

The Rossi Z9, the first ski that got it totally right and can do totally everything.

Many people love this ski, but not me. It was so damp it felt dead when I demoed it. I didn't like it's edge hold on hardpack and it was jittery at speed. JMO

 

[BeanoNYC]

Many people love this ski, but not me. It was so damp it felt dead when I demoed it. I didn't like it's edge hold on hardpack and it was jittery at speed. JMO

I felt the same way but I chalk it up to my skill (or lack there of) level. I just couldn't get comfortable on that ski. It was good in the crud but on hard groomed, I felt like I could loose it at any moment. I'm gonna try it out next year, hopefully I'll be a much better skiier then. FYI: This is no comment on your skiiing ability, Drift, this is a complete self analysis.

 

[Catul]

Many people love this ski, but not me. It was so damp it felt dead when I demoed it. I didn't like it's edge hold on hardpack and it was jittery at speed. JMO

I felt the same way about the Z9 when I demo'd it earlier this year. It was too "turny" for me, the edge hold felt decent enough though. I also didn't like the stability at speed, and it was harder to make GS turns - but this could all be technique and my skill level (strong intermediate but not really advanced) as BeanoNYC points out. OTOH, I have no problem piloting the Volkl 5 Star / S5

There are plenty of people that love the Z9, and the K2 Apache Recon which I also demo'd but preferred the Vokls. Goes to show you - demo, demo, demo! They're all really good skis, everyone just has different preferences.

 

[fb1907]

I demo'd the K2 Apache Recon's this past weekend and simply loved them. Can anyone give me suggestions as to where I can find a good deal on 05/06 K2's?

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I demo'd the K2 Apache Recon's this past weekend and simply loved them. Can anyone give me suggestions as to where I can find a good deal on 05/06 K2's?

How about ebay: http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...1&from=R8&satitle=+K2+Apache+Recon&category0=

 

[thetrailboss]

Demo is the word. But I love my Head Monster IM 75's Chip SRF skis, which are now the IM77 or something like that....

 

[BeanoNYC]

I'm all about the Volkl AC3 now. Demoed them on Saturday, bought them Saturday Night. Good all around ski. Chubby in the middle for some float, but handled like a champ on the boilerplate.

 

[smootharc]

I have a quiver....

.....and I've been very happy with my 175cm Blizzard Titan Eight's. Bought specifically for a resort/lift accessed New England all-mountain, multi-purpose board.

I researched pretty thoroughly on these, and at Mad River Glen this year they went beyond expectation on hardpack, boilerplate, pow, and bumps. Cruise very nicely, too.

http://www.sportsgearguide.com/scri...?ID=972&Brand=Blizzard&Name=Sigma Titan Eight

I would use my Head Monster IM88's for big dumps and big crud or "set up" chopped pow, but note the 16M turning radius, slightly soft tip, and legendary Blizzard (Austrian) edging. They didn't disappoint, and I bought blind....based on numerous reviews....hoping they'd deliver. For me, they did. I've actually thought about buying a second pair to hold in my basement, not knowing about whether in 3 or 4 years they'll still make the ski.

 

[goldsbar]

Atomic Metron M:11, B5's, or Fischer RX8. Atomics are better off piste but can still carve rr tracks no problem. Fischer's better in bumps but not as good off piste in the pow pow. Plenty of other skis like these.

 

[NYDrew]

Your not far enough foward on the rossi's if your having those problems. Bend you ankles foward like you would on any normal ski. Great, I knew you could do it!!!! No crank your ankles even further....your almost there. Try giving a little extra knee bend to flex those boots some more....nice you got it. Now you'll see the true power of the Z9.

They realy want you to be too far foward if you were on any other ski. Picture me at my current 140lbs trying to get on my tips like that. Be thankful that when you try them you probably have body weight to help.