[xtremsnow]

I have done a little research and have decided on the T-rock( volkl 180cm ) or the Piste Pipes ( K2 179 cm ). Any one ever skied both or have 2 cents to pass along. I am from the mid west and don't have the feature of ski rep's. Looking for a ski to rip around here a few times and bring out west for all around skiing. I am on a pair of Totally pistes (04' 185cm ) right now...with G'3 and Scarpa T2 boots, also looking at the crispi CXR for a new boot, really like the G'3's. Thanks

[hemas]

Umnn... READ THIS! and then rewrite the question HERE.

That should not piss off other people, and you might even get some answers...

[kneebanginandcartwheelin]

first of all let me state my position on K2...they are crap. dont get me wrong, they ski great right until you break them. last winter myself and 2 other friends all broke our K2 skis (2 world piste's and 1 work stinx). it was not due to neglect or abuse, just cost cutting construction. we all ski 40+ days per year and K2 just doesn't hold up for the long haul.

the t-rock is a great ski. i got to test it out in some heavy pow, bumps, and groomers and it was a lot of fun. i've always been a huge volkl fan, but it's the price that kills me. tele used to be cheaper than alpine, but no longer. the t-rock and the karma alpine ski (identical dimensions) both ring in at about $600. not cool.

if you want to stay in that 80ish mm waist range and want to save a few $$, i'd go with the Karhu Kodiak. it's stiff enough to handle the hardpack until you hit the western fluff. you can score those for around $450.

other good picks would be the BD Crossbow and the G3 Ticket, but then again you're pushing $600.

good luck.