We had some requests for Cage Matches for intermediate skis, so here are two intermediate to advanced skis designed to help skiers progress.
What I like about them is that they are offered two ways, with and without system bindings. Usually skis in this segment are offered only with a binding, for one of two reasons: first (aka the reason they tell you), the manufacturer feels this skier doesn’t need to worry about a binding selection, so designers just mate the best option for the ski. Second (aka the real reason), they make more money by selling you a package that includes their own binding. Rossignol and Dynastar actually let you decide whether to buy their skis flat (without a binding) or as a system, using their all-new Look systems called Konect on the Rossignol and Fluid on the Dynastar; these are both versions of Look's SPX 12 Dual binding.
We will start with the Dynastar PowerTrack 84. Of the two cousins, this is the relaxed one. Whatever you ask it to do, it will do with little or no resistance. The light weight and balanced flex allows the nice, gradual early rise to come in and out of mush and crud with ease.
The Rossi Experience 84 HD has a little more Type A in its DNA -- maybe Type A- or B+ but definitely on the more focused end of the spectrum. The E84HD isn’t as demanding as its big brothers the 88 and 100 because of a slightly softer flex and a bit more rise out of its very flared tail. Rossi’s shape is like no other ski in this class, and that's what separates it from the masses: it is the ski that has the most upside potential for improving technique.
What I like about them is that they are offered two ways, with and without system bindings. Usually skis in this segment are offered only with a binding, for one of two reasons: first (aka the reason they tell you), the manufacturer feels this skier doesn’t need to worry about a binding selection, so designers just mate the best option for the ski. Second (aka the real reason), they make more money by selling you a package that includes their own binding. Rossignol and Dynastar actually let you decide whether to buy their skis flat (without a binding) or as a system, using their all-new Look systems called Konect on the Rossignol and Fluid on the Dynastar; these are both versions of Look's SPX 12 Dual binding.
We will start with the Dynastar PowerTrack 84. Of the two cousins, this is the relaxed one. Whatever you ask it to do, it will do with little or no resistance. The light weight and balanced flex allows the nice, gradual early rise to come in and out of mush and crud with ease.
The Rossi Experience 84 HD has a little more Type A in its DNA -- maybe Type A- or B+ but definitely on the more focused end of the spectrum. The E84HD isn’t as demanding as its big brothers the 88 and 100 because of a slightly softer flex and a bit more rise out of its very flared tail. Rossi’s shape is like no other ski in this class, and that's what separates it from the masses: it is the ski that has the most upside potential for improving technique.
- Why choose the PowerTrack 84? You would like to get better but you are comfortable where your skiing is now; progression will come naturally.
- Why choose the Experience 84 HD? You want to get better, now. The Experience 84 HD is that CrossFit instructor that demands the most out of you. Will you leave broken or better? No one can make that decision but you.
- Other skis in class: Atomic Vantage X 83 CTi, Blizzard Quattro 8.4 Ti, K2 iKonic 85Ti, Head Strong Instinct Ti.
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