I just skied the xxl at vail on monday.
I am 28 years old, skied for 23 years and live here in vail. I ski vail/b.c. about 75 days a year. I am physically strong, weigh 190 pounds and ski everything fast and hard. Technique is better than most, not as good as others here. I ski 186 LP's everyday, have been for 3 years now. I also ski 184 stockli stormriders XL on really hard days.
About the xxl.
First of all I have heard so many speak highly of this ski. I have also heard comments such as a "great all arond ski." I have to say that I don't know when I would really use this ski unless there is over a foot. Granted the conditions at vail were firm, with old crud in the back bowls, most of it soft. Bumps were uniform and hard. Visibility great.
Groomers:
It railed going at a substantial speed. I skied riva top to bottom carving on edge and never found the speed limit and tried. I just felt that you had to skid them going speeds most people feel comfortable skiing. Although this ski isn't designed for everday "ski moderately fast" skiers.
Bumps:
You can do it, it is just alot of work even for a good bump skier. Obviously not intended for hard bumps.
Crud:
The crud was soft, but had been skied out to the point that hard bumps were forming in the midst. You hardly felt the inconsistency in the snow going mach stupid. You could run over small children and not even blink. However, I didn't find them all that more stable in variable snow then the 186 LP. I don't know if the length and width justifies purchasing them for a crud buster.
Powder:
There wasn't any, but I am sure you could kill it.
Overall I think it is a great ski for the intended purpose. I know I probably am going to get slammed here, but I think we have gotten to the point of diminishing returns with traditional shaped, camber skis. I think the 100 underfoot mark is the ultimate ticket. Skis that are around 100 underfoot such as LP, Squad, Seth, Bros are killer in powder but also kill it on groomers, bumps, trees, crud. I think for dedicated powder skis, why not just get reverse camber (which I have yet to try) or something super soft that is intended for skiing fresh.
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