I need some new skis – help...!

I've done the research, extensively and obsessively!

I've also had some very helpful comments, including a PM, both on here and when chatting about skis in resort.

Think I'm just going to have to demo some now as even narrowing down the requirements leaves one hell of a short list.

Price is another thing entirely – I'll worry about getting a bargain when I know what I actually want. That'll be another few hours online and another thread! -)

I ended up buying my neo's from snowtrax as they were the previous seasons graphics for half price, no actual difference in the skis at all.
That's the sort of bargain you can hunt once you've decided which skis to go for.

Just managed to blag a set of DPS Wailer RP 112 for tomorrow. Super amount of rocker in them so we shall see if the 178 is enough. Unfortunately not mounted on the +1 position which people seem to like. Will definitely be fun to try for the day though.

Strange how people were laughing at my 100mm skis last night.

Tons of snow in Chamonix yesterday and overnight. Can hear a good few seconds rumble after the bombs so must be plenty up there :-).

I am no means an expert on ski matters and understand how you can go round in circles trying to decide. Sooooo, I read lots of reviews, listened to all the mob on this forum, made a shortlist after deciding how, what sort of areas I wanted to ski on (or in)and how good or bad I and other thought I skied. Having played a (little) bit off piste I wanted something that was 60/40 ish on/off piste and ended up buying a pair of last seasons (as Tony H so perfectly puts it) highly discounted Nordica Firearrow 80s. Of course compared with my old narrow Volkl skis they were great and its improved my skiing lots. However I am not one for more, more, more looking as I think you get confused unless you really ski lots, like 3/4 weeks a year and for us mere mortals who go once or twice a season do not really notice the difference between 2 similar skis as we hardly ever ski the same piste in the same conditions on different skis.

Happy ..Yep I love my Nordicas. I enjoyed looking but liked picking them up and skiing on them more.!! -)

One thing I would say is that now 90-100mm underfoot is really considered an all round ski. Only really above 110 would people see it more as a dedicated powder ski. Right now have head magnums for piste (71mm) and Salomon Shoguns for touring (99mm but quite "old fashion" in sense if very little rocker). Hence am trying the DPS as a sort of short skin, proper powder ski.

I know people like to own their own gear but rental stuff is really good now. There is a lot to be said for renting for the conditions. So far this year have been on piste ski only. At 5-600 euro for piste skis and 1000 euro for touring setup once skins are added is a pretty huge investment unless you are really clocking up the days. I would say 90% of my friends who visit during season rent for this very reason despite some of them being great skiers makes no sense to buy. Also ski technology is really moving fast, 5 yr old skies are like driving an 80's car, does the job but not much more.