Why Parabolics for Occasional Skiers??

As a skier for many years, I was skeptical when ski buddies insisted that I try the "new" shape skis a few years back...In fact the same guy that talked me into buying "nothing shorter than 210's' was the same guy berating me for not skiing on 160cm parabolics!

Fortunately I have a good friend who owns a ski shop who also wanted me to give my knees a break and try the new shape skis. He was even willing to let me try out several different models and lengths at his ski shop at the mountain! I could hardly refuse a day of demo skiing just for me and free! My good friend also happens to be a former Austrian Olympic skier so I couldn't have been in better hands. I asked him about the comments that I had heard re having to "learn to ski all over again with the shapes". His comment was " just trow(sp)yourself down the mountain " which I did.

After a couple of runs I realized what he meant. They were much easier on the legs than regular skis. After a couple of fun runs I settled on a pair of Fischer RX6 165cm. I skied the same way I always ski with no problems. Also: I was able to ski twice as long as I normally do without a break !!

I ended up buying the Fischers.

Here's the best part. I had gone through the hassle of putting my ski racks on my car roof–-knowing that I probably would buy a new pair. (My Rossignol 4S's were really beat.) My friend opened my trunk and easily put the new skis inside! No more frozen fingers at 5:30 in the morning!! No more salt in the bindings. No more ski covers or junk on the roof!

Is that great or what!!

-from your "Well-Seasoned" Skier