04-05 ski help (take 2)

[macl29]

Apparently I committed a cardinal sin by posting the following post in the wrong folder (so I've now moved it - apologies to the forum nazis). Just looking for a little help - I've tried the search function, but there is more nonsense in the threads than anwwers to my specific questions.

I need some assitance with this year's crop of skis. My 2 pairs of skis (Pocket Rockets and Big Daddys) were stolen from Whistler at the end of last season. Because I travel a lot, I would like to limit myself to one pair, and was thinking of a mix between these 2 (stiffer than PRs, about 90-100mm).

A few notes about me:
5'11", 185lbs
ski mostly off-piste/backcountry (primarily whistler/jackson/alta)
ski around 40-50 days/year
dont spend a lot of time in the park but learning

was thinking:
new seth pistols (are they stiffer than prior years? what size?)
bandit xx / xxx
mothership
apache chief
explosivs
soft bro (dont know anything about these - only one size too?)

i am not looking for anything too stiff, but want good stability at speeds in all conditions because i am fairly agressive

thanks for your help

[descender]

Do you need a twin?

Do you want a straight ski or something with sidecut?

[ChowdahRidah]

I've been debating this now for 2 months, and it sounds like we are similar in size and styles. In my mind I've got it down to 3:Volkl Exp., Atomic Sugar Daddy, and K2 Apache Chiefs. The Volkls are by far the stiffest but I'm convinced at 180 cm they'll be a sweet ride and very versatile. I ski on K2 Launchers right now and I love them but I think I want something a little stiffer. However, I'd love to demo a pair of the Chiefs becuase I'm a K2 fan and they're supposed to be a bit stiffer. I've heard so many different opinions on the Atomics I don't know what to believe. I like Atomics because I used to race for them many moons ago and I like the fact their skis are based off race technology but I have not personally skied a Sugar or Big Daddy.

What do you think of your Big Daddies?

[FNG]

I've tried the search function, but there is more nonsense in the threads than anwwers to my specific questions.

There's a shocker

[Jim B]

Your similar in size and to the places I like to ski. I like the Atomic 188 10EX. So much I have 2 pair. One w/ Fritchie and one w/ Alpine bindings. But they are stiff. Give them a try and see if you like them.

[vinnay]

ive been looking at a lot of the same stuff, do explosivs have any twin at all for the occasional fooling around in the park? also anyone have a release date for the new seth, the vicious, due out this winter?

[PacRimRider1]

I have a pair of pocket rockets and a pair of big daddies I picked up at the end of last season I' love to cut you a deal on!

[justcuz]

I'm of very similar height, size, and weight and ski the same stuff.

I have a pair of Stockli Stormrider DP's and it is the best ski I've ever owned. I have it in a 186. But seeing as I don't see them on your list I will comment on others:

My main skiing friend has a pair of last years Pistols in a 189. It is a sweet ski, very very sweet. I even contemplated buying them over the stocklis to save cash...but who was I kidding. But if my DP's ever got stolen, I would definantely be looking into those skis..they are a great value. They are a bit noodly, but not bad and to be honest I really can't answer your stiffness question. They are not nearly as noodly as your PR's were and they'll last you years longer.

[LimesC1]

Hey macl29 -

I am surprised to hear myself say this, but the Seth Pistols are a really great ski. They are nice and wide under foot, not too stiff, and they actually have a really good sidecut. As a bonus they have the turned up tail, in case you want to get jiggy with it. If you never take advantage of the twin tip you won't feel jipped.
As an added bonus, the pistols are relatively cheap. You can save a boatload of cash for a great skiing ski. Plus all the little groms on the mountain will think you are cool. So open up the options and give the Pistols a try.

[Bandit Man]

ive been looking at a lot of the same stuff, do explosivs have any twin at all for the occasional fooling around in the park?

[mounts soapbox]NO, NO, NO!! Do Not ride Explosiv's in the park! Do not land switch on Explosiv's. Ski steep lines and pow-pow with Explosives!![/dismounts soapbox]

[Bandit Man]

My 2 pairs of skis (Pocket Rockets and Big Daddys) were stolen from Whistler at the end of last season.

Umm...Am I the only one who picked up on this? A Big Daddy and A Blue Noodle? Sounds like you have a schitzophrenic ski gear condition and am beyond help. I'm afraid that hanging out here will only deepen your condition.

A PR and BD in the same quiver? I am perplexed...totally perplexed.

[vinnay]

yeah well he said he wanted to mess around in the park and was looking at pr and bd, so explosivs and xxx/xx and stormrider dps dont really fit into that category of messing around in the park when not big mountain skis.

[AltaPowderDaze]

if you like the seth pistols then grab some of this years or the 02-03's. last years are fall aparts. i have atleast 4 friends who skied those last year and they all got warrantied. they ski hard but have been on pistols since they came out. from what they told me it sounds like a bad batch. all edges blown, two pairs had the heels pull out of the board. the heels! and one set snapped in half. the new ones seem to be holding up well for them though.