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Which Blizzard Magnum for Heavier, Aspiring Intermediate Skier?

post #1 of 6
2/12/12 at 12:25pm
Thread Starter 

Hello, all. I'm an aspiring intermediate (solid level 5/6) looking to replace my current skis. I came to skiing just three years ago; but after my first season I was hooked, so I purchased a pair of boots (Atomic Hawx 90), and picked up a set of old used skis on the cheap (04/05 Nordica SUV 10x, 170cm).

 

I have primarily skied on the East Coast (~5 days a year the last two years, including Pocono day trips, weekend trip to Killington). This year I am traveling to CO (Snowmass) and taking another trip to VT (Sugarbush). I'm going to get ~10 days on the slopes this year, and I am dedicated to doubling that next year.

 

Anyway, I have really started to get serious and focus on improving my technique, so I want a ski that I can use to help me advance and that I can grow in to, but not something that is going to inhibit my learning. I predominantly ski front-side groomers, but as my ability increases, I'd like to explore other terrain (most of my skiing will still be East Coast).

 

After reading many reviews and lurking on the forums over the past few months, I think I am between the Blizzard Magnum 7.6 (177 cm) and the Blizzard Magnum 8.1 (179 cm). My concern is that I have read that the 8.1 is oriented more towards advanced/expert skiers; I am a heavier skier (29 years old, 6' 1", 210 lbs) that likes to cruise, so I'm worried the 7.6 might not be enough ski for me.

 

I realize the "go to" response could be to demo both and decide on my own, but I'm hoping some of the experts on the forum who may have skied both can help guide me.

 

Thanks in advance,

Bill

 

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post #2 of 6
2/12/12 at 12:48pm

I am not sure either ski is right for you. But between the two, the 8.1 is a better option...for your size and direction.

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post #3 of 6
2/12/12 at 12:58pm
Thread Starter 

@Philpug: I've seen you post on other threads; you obviously are well respected and know your stuff. I'm not opposed to looking in a different direction if you (or any others) have additional suggestions for me, or think I should be looking at a different category of skis all together. I wanted to try to narrow things down before posting, but maybe I went down the wrong path...?

 

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post #4 of 6
2/12/12 at 5:06pm

Go with the 8.1 for a one ski quiver. More versatile, and not what I'd consider an expert only ski.

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post #5 of 6
2/13/12 at 8:10am

The 8.1, if you're looking for a Blizzie. Although light and quick, fairly stiff so the 180-ish length can fit your size. But it's not the world's easiest ski to learn on, wonder if you'd be better served on something like a RTM 80 or a Rossi Avenger 82. 

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post #6 of 6
2/13/12 at 11:50am

I would not necessarily consider the 8.1 to be for an expert only skier.  I have no issue getting the Magnum's on edge and Iwas certainly happy to have my 8.1's on the icy slopes of Sugarbush this past Saturday.  I go 5' 9" /185 lb. and the 172 cm is my length of choice.  & the way things are looking in the east over the next few weeks, the Magnum's are likely to be my ski of choice for these no snow hard surface conditions.

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