OK. GS skis first. And this is predominantly based on the current FIS W 188/30s since that is what I have the most extensive dat on, but, based on other experience with 23/25/27m skis it install pretty relevant in terms of brand characteristics. I might also suggest that a scale of finesse to power may not be the best lens since in this category they all are broadly similar in performance. All perform best with strong pressure on the forebode of the ski and good angles. To get the best results in gates, these really demand a,n early transition high turn shape and the turn more or less completed as you come past the gate,. This allows you to start the new switch earlier and the (relatively) softer flex on all the skis in this category really smooths out the ride and reduces chatter in the carp/ruts below the gate. The high entry and early switch is also an element of this as it means you are not still fighting trying to apply pressure in the ruts below the gate so you dont waste energy getting bounced about and it gets a lot smoother
Blizzard - probably the stiffest (relatively) in this category. Definitely a powerful ski, takes a bit more effort and strength to drive turn initiation (especially on tighter sets <23m) but once you start the turn it is strong and smooth all the way through (partially i suspect a product of the marker Piston plate) and doesn't get bounced around so you can start early switch (transition) as you come past the gate. Works best for a more experienced athlete who can work a high turn shape My current favorite and my race ski for (most of) last season.
Nordica. For GS skis the Nordica and Blizzard, while sharing some DNA, are not actually the same ski. Similar but different. The Nordica has an extended plate up front, a bit like the previous gen Blizzard power arm, and in 188/30 is slightly softer than the Blizzard and as a result a little bit easier on turn-in, perhaps with slightly less power but here (as with all the category) we are talking about very small degrees of difference.
Head. Now this will probably surprise lots of people, but Head is NOT a super stiff flex!. Surprisingly they are at the softer end of the spectrum. This does NOT mean though that they give up anything on edge grip. the days of requiring super stiff flex to get lateral grip are long gone. Please remember this! Being able to bend and flex the ski is THE most important aspect. In fact I would rate Head as one of the most user-friendly in the category as well as being one of the top performers. Great ski, inspires confidence and when you stand on it it goes.
Volkl. An excellent ski. One of my favorites as well. In the last few years Volkl have really stepped up their act in GS skis from being relatively soft but losing top end to being a top class contender. Turns in very well, holds through the turn and gives plenty of power. In some respects the best overall balance of the category wrt power/finesse. I raced on this in 14-15 season and also a couple of times last season when snow was soft and the easier initiation over the Blizzard made it a tactical choice.
Atomic. Again, possibly another surprise to people but not super stiff (at least not in medium or soft flex). Probably the quickest initiation of all these skis that I have tried. Just think about setting the edge and it is into the turn. Almost too quick at this for me as I like to be able to adjust the turn-in a little bit more to suit the set and the conditions. Great grip and smooth through the arc. Flex on them got a bit stiffer nominally last year when they went to a proper sandwich construction rather than the fake cap but feel remained pretty similar and perhaps a bit livelier
Fischer. Prior to last season I would have placed these as the stiffest and (IMHO) the hardest work in the category. the tip flex on these was a lot stiffer and i found them much more work to initiate. Last season however Fischer went a lot softer in the forebody of the ski across their GS range which was a definite improvement and made for better performance across a wider spectrum rather than being oriented towards rock hard conditions. Great power as always with Fischer provided you can stay on top of them. I have only had very limited time on the latest versions but initial impressions are that they have become much more useable
Stockli. Solid ski, good turn initiation, super stable, plenty of power. Have tested it with the Atomic/Salomon plate. Would like to try it with the marker piston combo to see if it made it a bit more lively.
Rossi/Dynastar. Not noodles like Rossi of old but more like Volkl in flex. Again very easy turn initiation. My only reservation is that int feels almost like too much early rise in them (all of these skis have an element of early rise in the tip). While it never lets go it doesn't feel quite as solid as one others to me.
Overall however, very little to choose between all of these. The differences are minor and more about feel than performance. Plate also makes some of the difference. I do like the marker piston set up with Comp 20s. If the skis were being supplied, rather than being self-funded I would happily race on any of them.
Obviously i have some affinity for Blizzard in GS as they have been pretty successful for me in the last few seasons and have given me all my bets results. IF I could get hold of some real deal Heads (Euro supplied) i would be very tempted to go there though.! (Are you listening Head?
Unfortunately my source for real deal head slaloms was on the 195/35 GS ski ...... I do have some of these for playing about on this year though so more to come!
Hope this helps. And in advance of the ScotsSkier annual clearance I can divulge that I will have Blizzard, Atomic and Volkl 30m skis available.....
Slalom to follow...