I've been an infrequent skier the last 5+ years still riding some old Rossignol Energy 194s I bought in 1998. I'm probably now back to a 5-10 day/yr skier mostly in Tahoe with trips to Utah too and ready for new skis. I'm just over 6 ft and 210 lbs and would call myself Intermediate to Advanced. I ski most terrain and am pretty comfortable in most off piste (just spent a lot of time at Alta in areas like Catherines and Devil's Castle).
I've decided I'm upgrading to a new ski that will be my only pair covering off-piste and groomers with the kids. On a recent trip I demoed a bunch of skis:
Salomon QS99 - 181 - day after powder day, really enjoyed in the crud, ok on groomers
Nordica Enforcer 100 - 185 - didn't enjoy. felt heavy and sluggish to me. Had a hard time getting it around on turns.
Kastle LX 85 - 176 - didn't enjoy. too short/light.
Kastle FX95 - 181 - loved it. Was more of a groomer day, but did hit some off piste stuff with great performance. My fav ski.
So after that demo I was sold on the FX95 despite the price. It felt like it had that right balance of stability for ripping through the groomers, but solid performance cutting through crud and just enough float for me in powder. Did fine in moguls. Liked the way it rides best with my weight centered over the ski.
I did have a few questions for this group:
1. Are there other skis I should consider for my profile?
2. Any recommendations to go to the FX95 HP? I can get it for a good price (~$800 new). I'm not sure I need the metal. I like the idea of extra stability, but not sure I want the weight. Several people recommended it for bigger skiers.
3. I can also get the FX95 (non-HP) for a great price (~$700), but only in 189. Thoughts given that many people say the Kastle skis ride short? I probably won't be able to demo this length.
Thanks in advance for the advice in my first post.
I've decided I'm upgrading to a new ski that will be my only pair covering off-piste and groomers with the kids. On a recent trip I demoed a bunch of skis:
Salomon QS99 - 181 - day after powder day, really enjoyed in the crud, ok on groomers
Nordica Enforcer 100 - 185 - didn't enjoy. felt heavy and sluggish to me. Had a hard time getting it around on turns.
Kastle LX 85 - 176 - didn't enjoy. too short/light.
Kastle FX95 - 181 - loved it. Was more of a groomer day, but did hit some off piste stuff with great performance. My fav ski.
So after that demo I was sold on the FX95 despite the price. It felt like it had that right balance of stability for ripping through the groomers, but solid performance cutting through crud and just enough float for me in powder. Did fine in moguls. Liked the way it rides best with my weight centered over the ski.
I did have a few questions for this group:
1. Are there other skis I should consider for my profile?
2. Any recommendations to go to the FX95 HP? I can get it for a good price (~$800 new). I'm not sure I need the metal. I like the idea of extra stability, but not sure I want the weight. Several people recommended it for bigger skiers.
3. I can also get the FX95 (non-HP) for a great price (~$700), but only in 189. Thoughts given that many people say the Kastle skis ride short? I probably won't be able to demo this length.
Thanks in advance for the advice in my first post.