This is merely
one persons (our buyer) thoughts based on experience, anecdotes and and listening
to reps too much. Take it for what it is worth to you.
If you find
yourself skiing almost entirely crud or powder get a ski that skis
it well, although, most of the time it will sacrifice some performance in
other conditions. We have two superb powder skis, the Tua Sumo and the Tua
Crossride 110. Neither handles hard snow very well but both get superb float.
There are also many downhill skis that are even fatter than these. Their only
problem is weight gets to be a problem when dragging them around the back
country. If you are willing to sacrifice the weight get one of them but beware,
they handle hard snow poorly.
Ski everything.
Corn in the spring, powder, crud and even the steeps we have three skis to
consider. The Black Diamond Arc Angel, the Atomic TM 20 and TM 24. Just based
on customer feedback, reviews and experience we would recommend either the
Arc Angel, TM 20 or TM 24 as tele skis and the TM 24 AND Arc Angel as AT skis.
If you are a very good tele skier the TM24 is an amazingly quick turning ski
and it may be for you but beginners may find it difficult to ski.
For tele skiers
the Arc Angel is easier to ski, more forgiving and better in powder. It holds
long turns better. The TM 24 will be better in steeps and for quick turns.
If you are a powerful strong skier and want something in-between the two the
TM 20 is a great ski, a little quicker than the Arc Angel.
For AT skiers
the Arc Angel is easier to ski and more forgiving but we were amazed to find
this ski handled even black diamond bumps very well. The more powder and crud
oriented of the three. The TM 20 is quick and very responsive, skies groomed,
ice and bumps well and while it handles the crud it gets shoved around a bit
more than the Arc Angel. The TM 24 is made to carve with AT bindings. Incredibly
quick. Doesn't take the powder or crud as well as the other two but good skiers
can have a blast in any condition with this ski. Want to ski chutes or have
the intent, get the TM 24.
Want to make
it an approach ski as well? If you just want a ski to approach ice
climbs go get a traditional shaped ski on sale for $50. If you are using it
for places like Alaska where you may be climbing Denali, but skiing down or
skiing for days on end, get either the Atomic Tour Guide Superlight or Tour
Carv Alpin. The Superlight will carv a little better and is lighter for approaches.
Our choice for Denali and at only $269 it is a bargain as well. The Tour Carv
Alpin is even less expensive, but slightly heavier, and will handle powder
slightly better.
On a budget?
See our approach ski section above. Both skis will handle all condition just
fine.