[jyl]

Last year I returned to downhill skiing after 8+ years off. I spent the year on the bunny hill teaching my daughter, but now she's a the point where I'll be able to do semi-serious skiing more often.

So, naturally, I'm thinking of upgrading my equipment. After all, I'm going to be a worse skier than I used to be - I'm 15 years older and don't have the time to ski 30 days a year anymore. So it seems only fair that I get some technological assistance.

My current skis are among the last of the old-style straight-sided (conventional sidecut) skis, K2 "Extreme" in 195cm. These were K2's "all-mountain expert" ski back in the day.

What I wanted then, and still want now, are skis that will (1) hold fast medium-radius carved turns on steep slopes, (2) be quick-turning and not too stiff for the bumps, (3) be at least passable in crud, and (4) be tolerably stable at higher speed, but needn't be a GS ski or an autopilot cruiser.

I "think" this means that I want today's version of the "all-mountain" ski. After some reading, I'm thinking about the Volkl SuperStar 5 and 6.

Can anyone give me some advice? Do you ski the Volkls, or another ski that would meet my needs, that you can recommend? What ski length should I consider (I'm 200# and used to be a good skiier, hopefully I'll work my way back to "decent").

P.S. They have to look good on a 911 too.