Ski ?

[gatorboy]

Dear TechTalk -

Looking to buy new skis for the first time in a while and I have access to pro-form from Nordica, Fischer, Volkl, Blizzard, and Dynastar.

I'm 6'2" 225 lbs and an advanced skier when healthy. Past two skis were K2 X-15 (1998) and Rossignal Bandit XX (2004ish).

I prefer a metal topsheet (torsionally stiff), close to 190 cm, and around 95-100cm wide underfoot.

I will mostly ski groomers and crud (unfortunately) with an occasional trip to northern Michigan and a once-a-year trip to the mountains.

BTW- Volkl has the easiest website for information. Others are hard to find the dimensions and even more difficult for core materials.

Considering:
Volkl - Katana / Gotama / Mantra ?
Nordica - Girish?
Fischer - ?
Blizzard - ? Not sure about the binding plate.
Dynastar - Pro Rider / Sultan 94

Thanks -

[digitaldeath]

metal topsheets! northern Michigan!

*worries about own shortcomings*

[Ape_Natural]

Well, nobody makes metal "topsheets" anymore, but they still have metal in the layup. Sounds like you need yourself some Gotamas, they are pretty much exactly what it sounds like you need. Nice and stiff, but still fun and easy to ski on the hardpack.

[gatorboy]

OK...maybe not metal topsheets....but torsionally stiff is a must.

[SgtSkidmark]

^^^Don't get Gotamas, get Mantras. They are much stiffer, have a layer of metal, and traditional camber. The goats have no metal, early rise, and are 106 in the waist. If you're looking for a stiff crud-buster and groom-slayer, the Mantra is a much better choice. At 225# and expert, Goats would be not feel stiff at all.

[SgtSkidmark]

And I'm pretty sure the Mantra's topsheet is painted metal. Which is why bindings never pull out of them.

[Kim Jong-un]

^^^get the Mantra. Don't know about the '10-'11's, but the previous years that I have are some sort of hard plastic...like formica countertops

[nickwm21]

the Girish can be had for cheap and contain metal.

[Caucasian Asian]

the Girish can be had for cheap and contain metal.

I was going to say 193 Girish as well.

[wheels]

I am 6 ft 220Lbs and ski the conditions you describe on the EC and have been happy with my Mantra, they chatter a little at speed, get the 191, or if you want a real stiff ski a 195 superbro crushes crud and ice

[MC Slayer]

Being a heavier skier, you might prefer a ski that has more camber as you'd be able to flex it better than the lighter skiers :P .

I'd say the Girish or the Enforcer (depending on what waist length you wanna go with) would be great choices. Both have Metal laminates in the sandwich.

Other options:
-The mantra.
-Katana if you want a little bit of rocker.
-Salomon Sentinel, also has a little bit of rocker.
-Moment Tahoe
-Volkl Explosive, if you can find it. Good luck.
-Kastle MX 98, I guarantee you'd love this ski, only problem would be the loan you'd take out to buy them.

[Backcountryhighmark]

Mantra 96mm underfoot
Enforcer 98mm underfoot
Girish 110mm underfoot

I would say any of these. I have owned all of them and still own a pair of enforcers in the 185 length as my all around ski. Mantras are stiffer than the enforcers making them better on hard and lumpey conditions, but less forgiving.

My vote Enforers for great all around ski.