Thinking about AC30, what other options would you suggest?

Hi, I just joined epicski and this is my 1st post. So please don't beat me too hard.

 

This is my first skiing season and I just love it. I am so lucky to live in Vancouver, Canada. I am 42, 5'9", 170lb, fairly athletic. I am comfortable on all blue slopes. A store owner recommended me AC20 and AC30. I tried them both. While AC20 is a great and easy ski, I couldn't stop smiling when I tried AC30. It's just so much fun. What other skis would you recommend me to try before making my decision?

 

Cheers, Mike

I have the '08 Volkl AC30 and I think it's a pretty stiff ride. Not sure if it's very well suited for a skier going into their 2nd year. I don't really know what to recommend as the main research I've done about skis is mostly about freeride/powder type skis. If you enjoy the Volkl AC30 the most out of skis you try, then by all means go for it. I love mine, it has ridiculous amounts of grip and it does exactly what I want it to do.

AC30 is a very nice ski, bless em, they all make better skis than I am a skier.  There are a ton of all mountain skis like them out there.  This one will probably get some cat calls, but the Atomic Nomad Crimson is another one you might like.  Would be wider under your foot but they will ski about any snow you put them in.

I'd also try the Fischer Watea 84.  Maybe the Dynastar 8000 (or whatever they're calling it these days).

Mike-  In general, at any given point in time there are many very good skis on the market, I'd even say there are many more good skis than bad skis.  My rule has always been to stop a search whenever I get a ski that makes me say "wow" (in typical conditions for where I ski).    It is very easy to over-analyze a ski, but in the end it boils down to that elusive "wow factor".  Seems like you found the ski that delivers it, so if the price is not an issue, just get it and enjoy it. 

This was exactly my first impulse - I like the ski so just buy them. I do not have much experience so I think I should try some other skis. 

 

I am 170, 5'9" and I tried 163 ski. Do you think this is a good size? What would be a difference with 170?

I am 5' 10" myself and 180 lbs and think the 170cm is good size for me. The 170 will have a larger turn radius so your turns will be a bit larger (but not by much). I'd say go 170cm for your height/size.

The Blizzard Magnum 8.1 is a similar ski, but a bit more playful w/o loosing the character of what you liked from the Volkl.  

163 looks to be on a  short side, at least for your stated height (175cm).  170 seems to be more appropriate.   As a rule longer skis would feel more stables, but a bit harder to turn.  As I said before, if you have a lot of fun on the skis, buy them.  But try to demo the size you buy, as different size skis tend to feel different. 

Hey Mstolpner,

 

I am 5'9" 185 lbs and own the 2009 AC30 in a 170.  This is a great ski for the type of conditions I normally encounter (east coast, groomers, hardpack/ice).  The AC30 is more of a 70/30 type ski with a front side bias.  That said to give you a recommendation depends on the type of conditions you encounter.  Since you are from Vacouver, I assume you are skiing Whistler.  I would recommend the AC30 if you plan to focus on the front side groomers.  However if you are looking to do more off piste/powder, there are some better selections.  Another point on the AC30, they are a very stiff set of skis for a begginer/intermediate.  As such they can be a little harsh, but you can definitely grow into them.

 

Now for more west coast type conditions, I like the Blizzard Magnum 8.3, Watea 84/94,  Head IM88, as well as the AC50.  All of these are wider under foot (> 80 mm) and will give better floation in powder.  As far as length, I would definitely recommend at least a 170 cm.  If you choose a mid fat/fat ski for off piste, I would consider even going a little longer.

 

So try to determine the type of skiing you will be doing, and then you can select a ski that will make your ride rocking....

Hey Blockhead, thanks a lot for your help. I was thinking about AC50 but volkl puts them on the expert side and I thought it would be too much ski for me to handle. Is it a more difficult ski than AC30? The Epic review says its surprisingly easy ski but I guess it depends on the driver.

 

I went to Whistler today and the rent shop was already closed.  I would really like to buy skis at this time of the year for half price.

Everything I've read on this site says the AC50 is too stiff and not really "great" in any single area. I would stay away from it. Once you start getting into skis 85mm and over (such as the AC50), then you're clearly looking for some sort of performance in powder, in which case I would go with a freeride oriented ski such as Volkl Mantra, Volkl Gotama, Dynastar Big Trouble. For someone your skill level (1 year), I don't think you'll be spending much time in powder soon, but then again I could be wrong (about your skill level).

 

I came from 0 to level 7 this year and I think I will start skiing black slopes next year as they seem tempting. Not sure about deep snow though. I think I will go with AC30 as I really liked them. Everybody advices 170 for me so I will give them a try.

 

Thank you All!

I'd second the Crimson.  I'm an expert but being a bit lighter I find the Volkl's a bit cumbersome.  I skied the Crimson last year and thought it skied everything well.

I'm also thinking about the AC30 or maybe the Volkl AC50's.  I'm also in the Vancouver area and like to ski Blackcomb / Cypress / Baker and also Sun Peaks.  I'm quite a bit heavier than Mstolpner at 6'0" and 220lbs.  My OLD K2 Gyrators (184) are done.  Good ski for many years, but time to upgrade.  I would call myself an advanced/expert skier and like to ski the black and blue runs.  I enjoy moderately sized bumps, skiing through some trees and crud, but will ski almost anything on the above listed hills.  The snow is usually pretty decent, but can be somewhat heavy at the local mountains.  I'm researching skis and I'm leaning to the AC30 or AC50 at a length of 177.  Blockhead made some good points for Mstolpner.  I'd love to hear what you thought of the AC 30/50 for someone my size and ability.

Any other suggestions???

I have always suggested a ski that is about eye level when stood on end for an improving skier, so in your case, I am thinking a 170 is more appropriate.

Over analysising is definitely a problem with so many skis out there that should make you say WOW!!! If you feel that you are in a solid upward improvement mode in your skiing ability, I would look at a ski that is above my ability today, but with lot's of practice on them during the season, I will own them by seasons end.

liv2 -- You're answering questions asked last season.

BZach --

Sounds like you're thinking about making these your sole pair of skis. 

I weigh about 20 pounds less than you, and have only one pair of skis shorter than 186 (in an active quiver of five pairs).  My 176 Fischer AMC79s are only used early season, or in boilerplate conditions, or with friends who don't ski terribly well, or when I'm really working on turning technique.  I've sold off or given away all my other shorter skis (177, 178, and 180), and after demoing a pair of 168 Volkl TigerShark 12', really didn't like the length. 

Going from a 184 K2 to a 177 Volkl means going 4" shorter, and that's a pretty substantial difference.  I'm not saying that 177 definitely isn't right for you, but I would strongly advise you either to demo first, or to buy only if you can get such a smoking deal that you can dump them at a loss of under $100 in the event you decide you don't like them.

Hey BZach,

I really love my 2009 AC30 - great carver ski with excellent edge grip and stability.  I have not had any issues going off-piste with these skis.  They are just fine for occasional powder.

FYI - the 2010 AC30 has become wider under foot.  The sidecut is 124-80-107 which I think is a nice upgrade to the ski.  Regarding length, I am 5'9" and ride a 170 which is fine for me.  There are times I thought I should have gotten the 177's, but for my type of skiing the 170's have more than enough stability at speed and edge grip. 

There are alot of great skis out there.  But the best proof is to demo demo demo......you should pick the ski that responds to you the best.  Enjoy the upcoming season!!!