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A50s vs Blizzard Magnum 8.7?? Also please help with size

#1
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11/6/09 at 2:38pm
  • Joined: November 2009
  • Post Count: 1
Hi, I need new skis and, in shopping a bit, am trying to decide between AC50s and Blizzard Mag 8.7s.  I also need help with length recs, I'm a skinny 5'11" 145lbs.  I like to ski aggressively, prefer moguls and deep powder, probably 30% on piste / 70% off piste, at level 9.  Can anyone help me?  I think I'm leaning towards the 8.7s, given my weight, but am not sure whether to go 167 or 174 given my prefs for off-piste.
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#2
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11/6/09 at 3:58pm
  • Joined: September 2000
  • Location: NTS, PA
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I'd say the 167 8.7. While the AC50 is a powerful ski, the 8.7 is just as capable but has a much bigger sweetspot than the AC50 and will be a bit more versatile. While I like the 8.7..a lot, not enough information to decide it is the best for you (are you east or west?), but is should be kept on your short list for sure.  
Click. Point. Chute.  
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#3
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11/6/09 at 7:38pm
  • Joined: October 2005
  • Location: Tahoe
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I agree with Phil. Choose the Blizzard 8.7 167. The AC 50 is a very good hard snow ski but not very good at all in moguls or powder. The Blizzi is not a superstar in those conditions either but is significantly better than the Volkl.

Here is a link to a review that I wrote last year about the 8.7 in 174. This is from a 200# western skier's perspective.

shop.starthaus.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp

SJ
www.starthaus.com   (Check out SH ski deals #2 in the special deals forum)
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#4
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11/7/09 at 9:07am
  • Joined: March 2007
  • Location: sf bay area
  • Post Count: 353
Yo,
I'm closer to your size (155 lbs), and have skied both skis... 174- 8.7 Magnum, and 170- AC50..

My review is somewhere in gear review...
To summarize, I found that both skis are awesome in most snows (no deep powder nor hard ice) but the 8.7 is a more relaxed ride with about the same performance...basically the flex of the 8.7 is more balanced with a softer tail, so it's not as hooky in crud, and one can relax a bit more....

Both skis are pretty stiff, and difficult in hard moguls as a result, but again the 8.7 is easier to use...
If you make a lot of small slalom turns, the AC50 is snappier, and you can use its stiffer tail to rocket you into the next turn...kinda fun, but again, tiring...

I would recommend the 174- 8.7, and the 170- AC50...since you are aggressive and level 9....
My .02


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#5
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11/7/09 at 9:46am
  • Joined: March 2008
  • Location: San Diego, California
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Concur w/everyone 8.7 is just a little better ski for what you are looking for..  NFP has is right, I found the ac50 a little hooky in crud and I don't like that, 8.7 has a very nice overall flex in almost any type of snow which allows you to charge on groomers or blast some crud..  If you are a true level 9 then I would go with the 174 at your weight...  Happy hunting...

Every man dies, but not every man lives......

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#6
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11/7/09 at 10:56am
  • Joined: April 2002
  • Location: Oregon: Bend/Sunriver
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The 8.7 is a great ski for what you are looking for. I would recommend the 174: the 167 was a little short for my tastes at 5 foot 9, 155lbs.  That was awfully short for anything but strictly a frontside carve (I ski the 8.1 in a 172cm).   Also, you may want to consider the new Sultan 85 from Dynastar.  If there is one complaint I have with the 8.7 for lighter skiers: it is a bit stiff at the tip and can be more work than I would like in bumps.  The Sultan 85 seemed to be a more versatile tool for lighter skiers.  I had a pair of 8.7's last year but am moving over to the Sultan 85 this year: I will let you know how it goes once we get a couple more feet of snow.  
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#7
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11/8/09 at 7:24pm
  • Joined: January 2009
  • Post Count: 73


Quote:
Originally Posted by dawgcatching View Post

I will let you know how it goes once we get a couple more feet of snow.  

[off topic - apologies, but can't hold back] Sometimes westerners make me grind my teeth with envy. Here in the east we probably won't have "a couple more feet" (than nothing) until about the middle of January.
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