Opinion wanted on new skis for moderate skier

[nbays1975]

I have been skiing for about 5 years now and decided it was time to replace my goodwill skiis with some new skis tailored for me. I've done some research and have narrowed my selection to a couple of sets of skis and wanted the opinion of some more experienced skiers. Here is the relevant info about me and my skiing style.

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 165 lb
Experience: Moderate
Ski Style: Recreational. Love to do turns, moderate speed, some small moguls
Snow Type: Midwest - hard pack, lots of cruft and occasional ice.
Frequency: 10 - 15 times a year

My biggest problem on the slopes is control at higher speeds. I also have almost no control on ice.

My top two choices so far are: Elan Speedwave 10 and Dynastar D-Stinct Carbon.
I'm also considering K2 Apache Ranger, Head Xenon Xi 6.0, Atomic Drive 9 Titan, and Rossignol Zenith Z1. I'm looking at a length of about 165. So, opinions, thoughts?

[wbsr]

I own a pair of the Zenith z9, and love those skis in virtually all conditions. especially the hard packed / icey days as they hold an edge really well, and just want to turn. They are also decent off-piste with their wide-ish noses and tails. Not sure how similiar the z1 is, but it should be good.
other than that, I have demoed the K2 Apache and thought it was pretty good, but i preferred the rossi so i bought it.

Since you ski 10-15 times a year, you are borderline whether its best to buy or rent. For the cost of buying, you could rent for 2 -3 years. When you rent, you can try different skis depending on the snow conditions, and you get to ski the latest and greatest skis. Rental ski are all maintained well too. Do you know how to properly file your edges and wax your skis??

[nbays1975]

I have never filed my own skis. Probably something I should learn.
I went to Rossignol's site and couldn't find the z9. They had a z6, 10 and z11. I'm assuming its a model year change. What year are yours?

[wbsr]

My Z9's are last seasons model, it looks like the z10 is the equivalent for this year. They are a great ski, but for a decent skier. They are quite heavy and stiff.
I would guess the z1 and z3 would be well suited to you, probably very similar to my 9's but more flexible, so therefore a little easier/more forgiving but not quite as stable when skiing fast.

[blurooster]

How about the Fischer RX 8? Supposed to have great edge hold, not too stiff and lots of ski to grow into.

http://www.fischerskis.com/en/produc..._product=17930

[yarddog313]

Hm RX 8, not a bad ski, I've messed around a bit with my buddies, Good for crud and hard pack and not to stiff which makes for a fun ski when tooling around and hammering some fun tight turns. Not the greatest in pow or corn but all around a decent midrange ski with a bit of forgiveness.

[nbays1975]

What's wrong with the RX-8 in powder?

[freshtracks]

Originally Posted by wbsr

My Z9's are last seasons model, it looks like the z10 is the equivalent for this year. They are a great ski, but for a decent skier. They are quite heavy and stiff.
I would guess the z1 and z3 would be well suited to you, probably very similar to my 9's but more flexible, so therefore a little easier/more forgiving but not quite as stable when skiing fast.

Been a Rossi guy most of my life. Own a pair of Z9's myself....Love them.

Always found Rossi's very forgiving, easy turning boards.

[blurooster]

Originally Posted by nbays1975

What's wrong with the RX-8 in powder?

They should work in powder but they're narrower than most mid-fats, so you'll have to slow down and pay more attention. A friend of mine loves his Volkl 5 Stars, but when there's a few inches of new stuff on the ground he gets tossed around a bit. Probably same issue with the RX-8.