I'm thinking about getting a new pair of skis to replace my Head iM70's. Hoping for some input and suggestions.
About me:
5'8" 150lbs 26 yrs old. skill level ~ high 7-8. Can handle most black diamonds out west and some easy double blacks. Nastar handicap ~ 15-16 no GS suit. I ski mostly in the midwest.
Current Quiver:
2009 Dynastar Trouble Maker - 176cm - used mostly for skiing out west, powder days, and in the park.
2005 Head XRC 1200 SW - 156cm - NASTAR/local hill ski
2006 Salomon Equipe SL Lab - got a good deal on these in the fall, haven't gotten a chance to try them yet
2005 Head iM70 - general all-purpose ski for going up to Lutsen. A pair that I don't mind banging up the edges and bases a bit more. I use these early and late season when the conditions are unpredictable
Some experiences with skis I've tried/owned:
Trouble Maker - pretty good all-mtn skis for going out west, but not very fun on the little local hills.
iM70 - very versatile ski. Can hold an edge ok, has decent energy, nimble in bumps. Basically a very good jack of all trades ski.
XRC1200 - awesome edge hold, very stable, very powerful, plenty of energy, very fun on short little local hills
2006 Atomic SL11 (~160cm?) - Only a few runs on these. Awesome edge hold, very energetic, throws me out of turns, very fun but very scary
2007 Atomic SX10 (~160cm?) - Got to try a couple days. Mediocre ski. edge hold and energy was about same as iM70 but lacks the nimbleness and versatility of the Heads
2009 Fischer RC4 SC (170cm) - Only a few runs on these. Awesome edge hold, very stable, plenty of energy. This ski reminds me of the XRC1200, but in a longer length so it was a bit more stable at higher speeds and not quite as turny
So basically, what I'm looking for is a versatile ski that is geared more towards aggessive carving, but can still be used in moguls and trees when called upon. The iM70's were good but I'd prefer just a bit better edge hold and energy. They are getting a bit worn which is a big reason for replacing them.
I'm thinking an XRC1200 in 165-170cm would be awesome, but they are impossible to find these days. The RC4 SC felt really good on groomed but I don't have enough experience with them to know how they do elsewhere.
Please provide suggestions for similar skis. I would prefer models from a couple years ago as these won't be my main skis and I don't feel like paying a premium for this year's models. Price is preferably under $250 (not including bindings). Ok with new or slightly used. Thanks.
