At this point I can get the best deal on Dynastar Exclusive 11's...are they what is now the Fluids? They get an amazing review, and although they are past year ski, apparently they are skied (even over the Legends) by many top skiers. I originally wanted something that handled occasional powder, but these are great short turn radius skis and apparently handle amazingly on groomers (which I mostly ski - 99.9% of the time) but apparently the ski can handle powder too) where as my Fischer's are not bad in short radius, but reviewed as, and also in my experience take a heck of a lot more input than their sweet long and medium radius turns.
I don't want to go with the Exclusive Carve as it's supposed to be potentially too jittery for cruising even if it turns even easier than the 11, and the Fluids are more expensive and the 11s get a slightly better (not knocking, just stating why I'd consider them first) over the newer models (or so it seems) as all the skis I have been considering are still too pricey and these seem to be a ski I'd enjoy as well.
I ski my Fischer's at 158 and they are fine, but I think for tight turning (I have my Fischer's for bombing
) I'd want a shorter ski, I'll keep the 158s for the "stability" at higher speed, so I was considering 153 in these? I have to pull the trigger on these (if I do) within a day, so any input would be helpful ASAP.
Thanks in advance...
PS. Here are the ski's stats, which by far bests the newer models:
Year 2006/2007
Level Level III (Expert)
Gender Female
Tip/Waist/Tail 112-70-98
MSRP $1025
(without bindings)
Testers' Average Score 3.7
Stability 3.9
Long Turns 4.1
Medium Turns 4
Short Turns 3.9
Quickness 3.85
Forgiveness 3.9
Hard Snow Grip 3.6
Crud 3.95
Powder 3.95
Corduroy 3.8
Moguls 3.5
Maneuverability 3.9
Predictably, the women’s version of the Contact 11 excels by virtue of its uncanny versatility. It’s up for anything, but it’s especially fun in short and medium arcs on the groomed. Dynastar does everything it can think of to adapt it to the needs of women: forward-waisted sidecut, judicious heel-lift, lightweight two-piece plate fixed at the toe. The NX binding is Look’s lightweight step-in, but the 11 is also available with the heavier, more precise PX heel for $25 more. Either will work well, but consider the PX if you like power. Whatever the setup, the 11 is a subtle, smooth performer that inspires confidence. "Supple and adaptable in changing conditions, tenacious on the steeps," said Thys. "A calm confidence-builder." Con Only the most aggressive women may want more muscle.
Finally, some devotees of another brand of skis! 
- given that they're manufactured in Chamonix Valley? Got my first pair in Dec, 1977 (
) just before a trip to CO, and I recall that they were somewhat wider than the typical straight ski, did well in powder (better than the "pilot" did, ha). Have had forays into other brands and even once named another brand/ski as all-time favorite. Since 02, back to Dynastar and haven't wavered since (although I have demo'd some lovely alternatives). E Legends now rapidly eclipsing my previous all-time favorite ski (Rossi Strato circa 1979) just in terms of sheer versatility. May not work for everyone, but good grief, I have yet to find a type of snow condition that this ski will not gladly tackle. (with the exception of deeper snow, which I haven't seen with these yet, have the E Legend Powders for that). Remarkable. Can't wait to demo some other models. Yay Dynastar! :D True winners. Such a devotee that I am considering getting some new/old stock E Legends, JUST in case they change it up in the future.
(well, almost). Listen, I just did a 12-14" powder day (
) at Sugarloaf, and the E Legends (NOT the EL Powders, which I also own) just SAILED and floated - happy, happy skis! 
--- HAVE to try these out!! In the market for a new front side carver, and I think we have the same taste! (and you got a totally ridiculous deal on those 2 pairs, BTW, as if you didn't already KNOW!)
