Recommended one-quiver skis to demo for beginner-intermediate? West coast. $750 budget.

Hey all,

Another one of these generic posts for a first time buyer. Did a lot of searching but have been a bit overwhelmed with all of the information, especially since I don’t understand a lot of the terminology/lingo (although I do a bit more after researching). Anyways, here’s the quick rundown but I’ll go into more detail below:

Location: California
Age: 28
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 160 lbs
Ability level: Beginner - Intermediate
Budget: $400-750 USD (for both skis and bindings)
Ski preference: One-quiver ski

I’ve been skiing since I was ~10. Mostly tiny, crappy mountains in Southern California (i.e., Mountain High and Big Bear). Have typically gone about 1-3 days/year. Finally got a season pass to Tahoe this year (value pass so I’ll be at North Star, Heavenly, and Kirkwood) so I figure it’s time to buck up and buy some gear. Hoping to bump that number up to 15+ days this year.

I can definitely get down the mountain okay without looking like a total jackass but I think relative to most people on here I’m still fairly inexperienced. I’ve pretty much skied groomed runs exclusively with a few (think 2-3) real powder days. Definitely have trouble in powder but my previous experience has always been with on-piste rentals that I’m sure didn’t help. Think I’ll still mostly be skiing groomed runs but would prefer skiis that would at least keep my options semi-open in the future. E.g., would love to try back country and park has always appealed to me a bit.

Budget is unfortunately not as large as I would like it to be but that’s largely due to being a broke grad student. I have no problem buying used gear that’s a few years old if it’s going to save me some sheckles. If it’s really worth it, I could probably stretch that budget out a little bit more. Just to clarify, I need both skis, bindings and poles. I do have boots that I got fitted for at Start Haus in Truckee last year; I got Salomon XMAX 100’s.

What would you guys recommend I demo that might fit my criteria? Like I mentioned before, I’m down to buy older used skis (if it’s going to stretch my budget more) and realize that shops may not have these as demos anymore. What new skis would you recommend I demo that might replicate some older skis that would be within my budget? What specifications should I look for in a ski? Length? 180-189cm? Waist? Etc. I’ve heard good things about the Salomon Rocker2, Line Blend, Nordica NRGy, and the ON3P Kartel 108s after searching a bit but obviously open to anything.

Hope that’s enough information to get started. Don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything else that you need.