New Skis

Question
Hi Ron,
I am 46yrs old and live in Perth, Western Australia.
I have just spent 10 days in Vail and another 10 days in Park City.Have been skiing on and off for 10yrs.I consider myself a good intermediate skier.I wish to upgrade my present skis - Head xrc 600 which are 3 to 4 years old.I would like to go to a very good all mountain ski.I am 5 foot 9 tall and weigh about 12 stone and very fit. Would the Head Monster 88 be any good? In australia i do ski on groomed runs alot but the snow is very hard and icey.I am good at carving and beginning to enjoy off piste skiing.
I have also had a Heli ski in New Zealand.My present skis are 163 in lengh. Can you help?

Answer
Hi Ray,

I don't think the monster 88 is the direction you want to go- 88 underfoot is not going to give you the edge grip and response you want on ice or hardpack. You really want to stay in the 75 underfoot range for that (and the ability to go off-piste).

I have been most impressed by the Fischer Progressor, and of course the Nordica Hot Rod Modified (not available in the U.S., but the rest of Nordica's network seems to understand) by far my favorite ski ever.

I think you want to be in the 170 range (at 75 underfoot). This will give you the best grip and versatility.

Hope this helps- Good luck!

Ron