Ski recommendation

Hi.

I am looking for a ski recommendation. There are three models I am
interested in (since I can get good deals on them):

K2 Axis AK (174 cm)
Atomic REX (168 cm)
Head i.M 85 Monster (172 cm)

I am interested in hearing your opinion on these skis if you have
tried any of them. How do you think the skis perform, weaknesses,
strengths? How/what do you ski? How long skis do you use, and what is
your length and weight?

I am 72 kg and 170 cm long. I want to use the skis for backcountry
use, but also the occasional piste usage. My preferred skiing is
fairly steep hills (up to 45) but not VERY high speeds. I ski both
couloirs and open space. Ski conditions vary greatly, and although I
prefer the soft stuff this is not so often found, so the skis must be
able to handle all kinds of conditions.

I am not very experienced, but I have 8 years of telemark experience
and 10 years of snowboard experience, and I am dedicated to put the
effort into this to quickly reach a reasonable level. So while "expert
only" skis are probably not a good idea, I do not want beginners skis
either.

Thanks for any advice,
Arne
Norway

PS I do NOT want your opinion about other skis.

Arne Aas schrieb:

Head i.M 85 Monster (172 cm)

This one. I tried it (i'm 173 cm, 70 kg) with G3 telebinding and 178 cm
long. It was marveleous, off pist as well as in pist, and i can imagine
it as fine with fixed heel bidings.

Greetings,

Ulrich

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In article ,
Arne Aas wrote:
Hi.

I am looking for a ski recommendation. There are three models I am
interested in (since I can get good deals on them):

K2 Axis AK (174 cm)
Atomic REX (168 cm)
Head i.M 85 Monster (172 cm)

I am interested in hearing your opinion on these skis if you have
tried any of them. How do you think the skis perform, weaknesses,
strengths? How/what do you ski? How long skis do you use, and what is
your length and weight?


_ The Head ski is a bit heavy for BC skiing, in my opinion. I
demo'd the previous seasons version of that ski and it's a bit
stiff and burly for someone with less than expert skills.

_ Nobody that I can find has anything bad to say about the
Atomic REX. Unless you mostly ski in hard conditions that
would be the one I would pick of those 3.

_ What boots/bindings would you be using?

_ Booker C. Bense


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Arne Aas wrote:

Atomic REX (168 cm)

REX - light but stiff ski with enough float for pow.