Another difference between Powder, Ski, Skiing, XXXX Magazine, and other on-line sites and here is that on Pugski, you can interact with the reviews. Our reviews are not static. With any other site, you have no communication with the people who test their skis. Have you skied with them? Have they skied with you? Sure some might be world class ex-racers or top level instructors or guides how can any of them help you make the best decision for you?
That said, one Ski mag tester, Tracy Gibbons (ex-USST) is a co-owner of a well known shop in the greater Seattle area. She's a great resource for women and is very very good at matching the skier to the appropriate ski. What great gear pros know, and Tracy is one and as Phil alludes to, is they work from the customers' narrative, ability, and venue. They're not at all interested in validating their own personal ski choices.