5’9, 180 lbs, 30’s and avidly skiing east coast (NH and Vermont/Stowe). Like to ski groomers, bumps, play around off piste and in trees and take smearing, skidding quick turns. Love powder but east coast, so yeah. Tend to be aggressive.
Had Salomon QST 92, 169 cm . I found them to be really unstable at speed, skidding and chattering when carving at speed and/or on icy terrain. Really hate that. Fun in powder. Remounted w tech bindings.
so, I want a new ski that’s stable at speed, carves well, minimizes chatter, and can handle varied conditions/terrain (tight trees, powder, ice) well enough.
I was considering the Blizzard Rustler 9 172 cm, but worried it’s too similar to QST in terms of stability, chatter. Thoughts?
Volkl M5 Mantra 96mm at 170 cm sounds like a definite swing in the other direction of QST, but concerned it’s “expert only”
want a ski to grow into, but not feel lost on. Input welcome and appreciated