These skis a bit forward on the mounts or those other freestyle skis I mentioned earlier a bit further back would make them ski shorter than an Enforcer or QST so the size jump won’t be that big a deal. Fisher Ranger 94 FR another great ski that carves very well but better in the air than a carving ski. Owned that ski as well and it was fun and playful. Skis like the Rustler 9(with the mount up a cm or so) might be an option in between a freestyle twin and a traditional ski. If you like doing side hits and skiing backwards, I don’t think I’d consider the Enforcer or QST as they aren’t twins and their binding mounts are further back making them feel longer and not as balanced in the air. The current Volkls you have actually like doing longer rather than shorter turns, so even with your current short skis, the natural turning radius of many 177/180cm skis are the same! So it won’t be too long of a learning curve.
Think 169cm is too small and at least I’d go at least 177cm. And I’d say 80% of all skis have some rocker now. You also have to look at if a ski is rockered or not it will affect how short or long they ski. You are 100% overpowering your current skis. Just cause a ski is longer doesn’t mean you can’t make quick short turns. 177 is about the smallest ski you should be looking at and honestly that’s probably too small for all mountain riding especially if you are a 3. They’ll ski switch but nothing like a real twin. Neither of those skis are gunna ski switch or “backwards” very good. I was looking at a 169 but is that too small still? I think the 180s would be a bit too high for me. Do you think jumping to a 177 would be a huge change for me? The reason I stayed with a smaller ski is that I enjoy doing quick turns and such. I was looking at the Enforcer 93 and the Salomon QST 92 but will take a look at the list you provided.
I was looking to stay in the lower 90's since I mainly stick to east coast skiing but if everyone is recommending something a bit higher, I will look into that. I do enjoy hitting side jumps and stuff like that on groomers, but going over big jumps in the park is not for me. Moist_OatmealThank you for the reply, this was very helpful. Revolt 95, Line Chronic, K2 Poacher, Dynastar Menace 98, ON3P Woodsman or Jeffrey 96 etc would all be fun, playful skis that can still carve a turn. You say you don’t go in the park but do you like to hit side hits on the groomers, hit moguls and have a bit of a freestyle bias to your skiing? If so, you can move to one of the many All Mountain freestyle skis out there which are fun all over the mountain and you just don’t mount them as far forward like a person hitting the park would. You asked about the Enforcer 93 which is a great ski which I have owned but it will be less playful and fun and more serious compared to what you’re used to.
Will feel strange for the first few hours and then you’ll wonder why you suffered with short skis for so long! Mid 90s width will be a good daily driver for you that also wouldn’t be bad in a bit of snow out West. A slightly wider and longer ski will be slightly more work to put on edge but the stability and edge hold will be on another planet as you will have so much longer effective edge.
Think some of the options mentioned would be good ideas as your biggest current issue is your ski length which should definitely be in the 180cm plus range. Not a deranged skier but I’m on all 3 ski forums here at your service.lol