New skis this year, volkl vs atomic

Hi

I am looking at getting some new skis this year but I have never skied
on shaped skis before so I dont know a whole lot about them. I have
been to a couple stores to get advice and learned about them.

I have been skiing all my life and mostly ski the challenging runs.
But I am busy with school so I only get out 6-12 times a season.

I mostly ski off-piste in the threes, through the crud and on the
moguls.

A went to a local shop and was told the Volkl 724 pro skis/binding
package would be a good choice. They have skied on Volkl in the past
and have enjoyed them. They are quite expensive though, $999
canadian.

I went to another store and the guy showed my some Atomic R8's with
the binding package that are on for $499. I belive they must be last
years model becuase they are not on the atomic website. Does anyone
know if these are wood core skis? Could anyone give me some insite on
what these skis would be like?

Does anyone have any other reccomendations for skis that I could think
about keeping in mind that my upper limit for spending is $1000 and
would prefer to stay below it.

Thanks.