Tuesday, October 18, 2011

SuburbanSkiAndBike.com Top Dozen Ski picks for 2011-2012

By Pat Moore

The folks here at Suburban always get excited as winter approaches but this year especially so.  The walls of the shop are lined with some of the industry's most impressive offerings we've seen in many years.   Our staff* had a blast testing a wide range of new products and selected these winners.  Let's take a look at what you should hope to find under your Christmas tree.
Volkl RTM 84 - This full rocker gem wowed the testers here at Suburban as well as the reviewers at the magazine tests. The highly versatile RTM 84 won just about every major magazine award in this season's buyer's guides. Völkl's proprietary full rocker technology gives the skier smooth, direct turn initiation, and a playful overall feel.  Grab this Hard Snow/Frontside dream ride.

Kastle BMX 98 -  An amazing Mixed Snow/All Mountain ski, the BMX 98 is a dual radius early rise workhorse that manages to keep the weight down.  It's a powder delight that attacks the groomers as well.

Rossignol Avenger 82Ti -  From the moment the staff at Suburban was introduced to the Avenger 82 Ti we were blown away by its ability to rip through virtually any type of snow.  Winner of numerous awards, this ski attacks bullet proof with ease.

Atomic D2 GS Race Ski -  This non-FIS setup comes with bindings and should put you at the top of the standings in your beer league and NASTAR racing.  This model will likely sell out soon.

Fischer Progressor 10 - Fischer's legendary dual radius design works to perfection with this carving wizard.  Whether you're running gates in a recreational league or ripping up the corduroy, you can't go wrong with the Progressor 10.

Armada JJ - Backcountry, sidecountry.  Freeride rocker that cruises through myriad challenging conditions.

Rossignol S3 - High tip and tail rocker that lends itself to amazing flotation in pow.  Suitable for Alpine, AT, or Freeheel.

Atomic Theory - This gem was tested by the staff at Suburban and it blew away all testers from age 19 - 60. Everyone raved about it's versatility: A dream in powder and superb edge hold in firm conditions. As close to a "one ski quiver" as you can get.

Hart F17 Classic - A mogul legend that doubles as an all mountain ski.  Easily our most popular bump ski.

Dynastar Legend 94 - Slow rise free ride rocker.  The Legend series has been setting the standard in Big Mountain skiing for years and shows no signs of relinquishing the crown.

Rossignol Experience 88 -  Easily our biggest seller this year.  We're struggling to keep up with the orders.  Its traditional camber provides terrific bite on the hardpack while the slightly rockered tip and tail provide sweet turn initiation.   Make any size turn you want.  Whether you're an intermediate or hard charging expert, the Experience 88 will serve you well in all conditions and terrain - even the bumps!

Elan Amphibio Waveflex 14 - How'd you like to rip up the groomers without beating up your quads?  The asymmetric design revolutionizes carving.

*Who are our testers?
Rolf Meyer - Level III PSIA Instructor Okemo Mountain.  USSA Level 1 coach.  Head Coach Guilford, CT HS Ski Team

Peter Englert - PSIA Level II Telemark Instructor.  NASTAR Pacesetter.  Avid backcountry skier. Certified Masterfit bootfitter.  Loves to ski New England, Europe, and out west.

Scott McClain - PSIA Level II instructor 19 years experience Ohio and Mt. Southington, CT

Keith Nappi - Owner of Suburban Sports since 1973.  National Ski Patrol member. Accomplished alpine skier, telemark skier,and snowboarder.

John Budd - Avid skier since 1957.  Patrol, sales, and ski management since 1969.  Retired National Ski Patrol.

Pat Moore - Six year NASTAR Coordinator and Pacesetter for Okemo Mountain.  2008 Age Group NASTAR National Champion - Skiing.  2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Age Group NASTAR National Champion - Snowboarding.  2012 - 2nd Place Platinum Division Skiing.