Thank you very much for your responses.
The answers to your questions:
1. First thing I liked was that they where light and fast. Very fast. Second thing I liked is that they held a good edge, as if I was cutting paper with a razor. One thing I did NOT like is that when I got behind the ski it took some effort to get out and make a hard turn/stop (imagine that...). I didn't get to ski them in anything deeper than maybe 3 feet of powder. The float was obviously not like a fat ski, but they didn't sink too much and I had fun turns in the bowl. Again, turn initiation in the powder could have been better... definitely was a good workout (I assume the FX84 floats better, but how much?). Overall, they felt like very lively and just plain fun, great speed and good side-to-side carving. I didn't take these skis into the trees, but I can imagine they would be more challenging to handle than a pair of the FX84, just curious though as to how much. For example if I was fatigued in 6 hours of skiing trees with the FX84, would I be fatigued in 4 hours with the MX78 (assuming my goal was to maintain similar speed and control)? I understand though that this is a question that I'd have to answer myself, but any frame of reference is always appreciated.
2. I will primarily be skiing PA, WV and NY (maybe VT?) slopes b/c I can drive to them on the weekdays/weekends much more easily than I can fly out west. I expect around 50+ days in these areas. This season I'll have 15+ days between UT, WY, OR. I suspect I'll ski whatever I can get to with a chair or cat (or boots...).
I'm leaning towards the MX78. I honestly know I will end up on the front-side more often then the back-side until I:
Ultimately though, the worst of motivators is swaying my decision, I can get a much better deal on the MX78 with Griffon bindings mounted. $500 used vs. $1200+ new for the FX84s. Thoughts on this decision based on what you know about my scenario? The used MX78's are 30 days used with only top sheet scratches (no cracks or chips on top or bottom, clean edges, and gouge-less bases).
Concerning KTI, I have another question - how much of a difference does the KTI plate make and is it a must-have upgrade (for either ski)? In order to use it I need the K14 bindings correct? Is this something that would make a noticeable impact on my edge control or turning initiation on AND off the groomers?
I don't want an AT boot that changes stiffness depending on the weather and the Lange Blaster Pro/Super is an interesting boot in that it's made with Polyether, has light weight, good flex and a walk-mode. Not to mention a wide last (I'd prefer a 100mm, but 102mm can be worked on). I started really reading into the boot ordeal and I am going to go work with a boot-fitters and see what they say (uh, sell). I'm really at this point leaning between the Blaster Pro over the Nordica Speedmachines (got fitted for 12's last year but didn't buy) unless any guru's out there can steer me elsewhere. Price and features seem better, but it all comes down to fit.
Regards and more regards,
Kevin
