I’ve now been on the 173 Firebird HRC’s (76 width) a few times. I’ve skied them in packed powder, hardpack, piles of man-made snow and in moguls. No crud yet. Here are my impressions. Bear in mind that I’m comparing them to my other skus, which are wider, 85 Blizzard Magnum Ti, 88 Brahmas, 84 RTM’s.
Railroad tracks: It’s like being on a Shinkansen. Fast yes, but sooo smooth a ride. Sure, a Shinkansen’s rails are laser welded and the cars have great suspension. But this is like being in the Green Car, the upgraded car, with computer controlled adaptive suspension.
Short turns: At a 15.5 radius, so easy to make short turns with a big carving component. And the tips engage so quickly. Great rebound.
Carving medium turns: So easy to lay on edge thanks to the narrower 76.
Moguls: Finally this past weekend. Terrific going slow. Going fast and straight, I’ve got to figure these skis out. I have an easier time of it on my Magnum Ti’s or Brahma’s.
Plowing from hardpack through fresh piles of manmade snow when carving medium turns, no problem at all. No deflection. Like the piles aren’t there.
Pivot slips: not a problem even doing them on shallow terrain, slipping slow.
Wedge Christie: I’m a poor judge.
Hoping to ski them in powder and crud. I’ll take them to CO with me in two weeks.