Part 3: The Conclusion
After we get out on the skis, how do we compile the information? First of all, we do compare some notes at the debriefing … over a plethora of different brown and clear liquids. Did anything stand out? Were there any -- no offense, Ziggy -- dogs? Was there universal appreciation of what the ski was expected to do, or did it just completely miss the mark? How do we want to categorize the information? By brand? By category? By power or finesse? Is there really one way to do this? I honestly don’t think so.
During the next couple of weeks, the community will be introduced to the new 2017 offerings. We will start off with the skis we tested at Copper, then add more results from our recent demos at Mt. Rose and Mammoth and eventually Arapahoe Basin in the spring. The early reviews will just be thumbnails and layman’s overviews; in fall, expect to see more extensive comparisons and compilations.
Between all of our testers, we got about 20 skier days; with each tester averaging 10 skis a day, that is more than 200 skis, a number that will grow once we hit A-Basin in spring. Some skis were tested by more than one skier, and many were tested in multiple sizes. Speaking of sizing, now more than ever, there is not really a sizing structure. Some manufacturers are selling skis by turn shape and not just length.
Our team will continue to bring you information on a more modern platform, by using the interactive reviews you have come to expect. To reiterate what we professed in
The Unbiased Biased Review, it does not matter if we liked a ski or not; we are here to help you figure out which ski is best for you.
@FairToMiddlin summed up the whole lot of skis in one word: obtainable. Everything you are looking for in a new ski -- versatility, power, ease, name-your-preferred-attribute -- is just more obtainable. The difference between power and finesse is blurred more now than ever. Yes, there are fewer and fewer wrong skis on the wall, but there is also more to choose from in the sense of feel, flex, and performance. This can actually make it even tougher for you to pick out the perfect ski -- but never fear, we are here to help!