[Mike Andrew]

I agree with frequenting small businesses even for a bit more $ if the service is there. I do so regularly. Small shop in Bessemer, MI is my current boot & tuning guy and use a suburban shop for other stuff and have bought 3 or 4 pairs of boots from them over the past 10 years.
However, when they offer demo skis, they are making a profit for the demo use and at the end of the season when they sell them. If you want new skis and find them on the net, ask if they can match that price. If they can, or are close, buy them. Demos can also be a good deal if they have not been filled with Ptex because of abuse by people who treat them differently than their own skis.
Glad to see you are trying various brands to see what you like. I love my RTM 84's but there are lots of other skis out there.