from the OP:
Here’s the list I’ve compiled so far, in no particular order.
- K2 Iconic 84 (TI?)
- DPS Cassiar A79 C2 Trainer
- Liberty V76
- Liberty V82
- ID One FRXP (
www.idoneusa.com)
- Stockli Laser AX
- Fischer RC4 The Curve
Skis on the list I know well:
- K2 Iconic 84TI, 184cm: This is one of my favorite skis, I demo'd for 2 days, 2 years ago. They are great carvers and do a decent job as an all mtn ski. I almost bought this for my hard snow daily driver. They are much more carver oriented than all mtn, but can handle a little of everything. As far as moguls, I would only give them a C+. They are somewhat stiff and need to carve through moguls. I didn't think, "wow these are really easy in moguls", more like "these aren't bad, I can live with this". I classify myself as expert, so I can handle most skis in moguls. Don't buy these as your dedicated mogul ski, but they make a great groomer ski with some versatility. You would want a shorter length than I was on, 170ish would be better for you. These are no longer made (I think) so they won't be around for much longer.
- Fischer RC4 The Curve DTX, 178cm: This is one ski down on the performance scale from "the Curve" model. I own the DTX and had a demo run on the Curve. Basically these are serious dedicated carvers, low 70's mm width, and the DTX is a very light, lively ski (the Curve has a much heavier binding). If you wanted to beer league race, these are a good choice. For something to take into moguls, no way. I am a race coach and I use the ski for race training. It was mentioned about carving railroad tracks on groomers, these are the tools to do it. For coaching I like the slightly softer DTX, for running gates I would want the Curve model. These are cheater GS skis (between a slalom and GS ski). Since the DTX is softer, it can be taken into moguls, but its not its comfort zone.
- Stockli Laser AX, 183cm: I own this ski, I bought it as my daily driver instead of the Iconic 84TI. Its also a carving ski, although it is more versatile than almost any other carver. It has a decent amount of rocker and taper in its tip for a carving ski. This gives it the versatility along with its "cushiony" flex. It has a somewhat rounder tail as well. This ski is beloved by a lot of skiers on this forum and I would say it is the one "carver" on your list that can perform well as a mogul ski. I find them very good in moguls due to the tip and the softer flex. It still is a ski that wants to carve through moguls and not "slarve" them, but that can be a good thing if it fits your style. If you want to use it in moguls a lot, consider the 168cm length which saves weight and can be thrown around a lot easier. Its pricey and not a light weight ski, but its a burly powerful ski with a relatively (for a carving ski) forgiving flex. Personally, I haven't skied my AX very much and have been experimenting with binding mount position a lot. (this could be a blasphemy statement) but I haven't really bonded with this ski yet, even though it gets rave reviews from everyone else. I am not sure exactly why, except that it doesn't seem to give me the feedback I expect from a high performance ski. I think I am used to stiff race skis, so this ski is just not talking to me like I expect it to. I may need to learn to listen (or trust) better, or its just not the ski for me. The K2 Ikonic 84Ti spoke my language and I felt very comfortable with it. The AX is more versatile for sure, but maybe its so damp and cushiony I am not getting the sensations I expect from it. Its like it has two modes, Numb, forgiving mode, and kick ass burly mode, and I haven't figured out how to control which mode its in. It does have something called Turtle shell flex, and maybe that is what I have to get used to. Its got a lot of strengths and I will ski it a lot next season and expect to sort it out and have bonded or move on.
A bit of a ramble on my AX, sorry, but its unfinished business from this past season that I haven't put out of my mind yet. Back to you. I recommend you get a ski that is very good in moguls and decent to very good on groomers. My picks for you would be:
Blizzard Bushwacker (same as Brahma without metal, Brahama 82mm works too)
Nordica Navigator
Blizzard Rustler 9
Kastle FX 85
Liberty Evolv
Wendy's ski looks interesting with its twined tail, I don't know much about it, find a review
DPS the Trainer would probably be good too
There are others as have been suggested.