ski comparrison question

[dre66]

My friend keeps asking me to help him pick out skis. Problem is I have never seen him ski. I know he's done most of his skiing in the Pyrenees and it'll be his first winter here in the interior Canadian rockies. They will be a one ski quiver because he's too broke to afford anything else, and he'll be skiing sunshine and lake louise mostly.

The two skis in question are:

176 Rossi B3s with Axium 120 - $400
174 K2 Apache Chiefs with s912s - $450

both are used but in very good condition, so that isn't an issue. I've been leaning towards telling him to sack up and buy the Chiefs because he'll grow into them even if he can't deal with them right away. Also the 912s have the advantage of being trekker compatible for touring if he wants to get out and do some (although the setup will be heavy as fuck).
I haven't actually skied either of these setups so I can't speak from experience but I don't want to send a friend home with a ski he can't keep up with. Some input from people who have skied one or both of these setups would be much appreciated.

[The Dad]

Why would he not be able to deal with the Chiefs right away?

[memosteve]

Why would he not be able to deal with the Chiefs right away?

Ya, Chiefs are fairly easy going, as would be the B3's.

[The Dad]

That was my sense too.

So basically, what does he like to ski? If he's a 50/50 groomers/off-piste kinda guy, go B3. If he's an 20/80, go with the Chiefs.

Or wait for a better deal. I mean, those prices are fine and all, but it's still used gear. My most recent gear purchase is a pair of 186 Fischer Big Stix 84s I grabbed for $20 on eBay. Admittedly, they're mounted with the Binding That Dares Not Speak Its Name, but it's still a better idea for the cheap among us.

[rugbydave]

saying that a short pair of Chiefs with 912s and trekkers makes for a heavy touring setup is an insult to those of us who tour with big skis, 916s and trekkers...

[tromano]

You should be able to get used Chiefs for less than that. They are $340ish new (181 or 188 avilable). 174 is short unless you friend is really small.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/K2S...lpine-Ski.html

[dre66]

thanks for the input guys. the price is in Canadian dollars and includes bindings, but i'll def be checking for better prices too.