Help with ski hire

This year I am going to hire skis mostly due to BAs carriage charges,so I have to decide what skis would be good for my ability.
I have skied 14 six day trips & can ski all colours but have kept away from moguls & true off piste.

My own skis are Fischer plasma DRS carvers,I have used them for my annual trips for the last 10yrs so maybe its time for a change.
I mostly ski on piste & on occasions off piste alongside & from one run to another,I usually go in March & snow conditions are always heavy going,chopped up,mash potato & similar unsavoury conditions,so what I am looking for is a ski that will deal with these conditions better than the carvers I've been using.
One ski that's sounds quite good in the reviews is the Salomon x wing 8,so has anyone any knowledge of these skis to help me decide before booking them,or can you recommend any other skis you think would be suitable in your own opinions.
I trust the advice given by members of this forum over any reviews posted by the hire companies as you are helpful & they are just shifting stock.

Thanks in advance

Brooksy, the ski you're considering seems to be a carver. It has a 74mm waist, it's a big marketplace and I'm not sure why that ski has grabbed your attention, unless you like a really heavy ski?

My suggestion to you is that you choose a rental package that allows you to swap skis as many times as you want, so you can test out a few brands. Mostly, if you turn up with a specific ski in mind, the shop never has them on the rack, and they will try and fob you off with some noodles :roll: To counter this, make a list, which will give the techie a lead in judging the sort of ski you want. I've done this when testing, and been pleasantly surprised.

For skiing the conditions you are describing, you could go a little fatter underfoot, without losing carving capability. Start looking out for skis with a wood core, which will be give you more feedback underfoot, be lighter and more responsive IMV.
Your destination skiing country, will play a significant role in the brand, range (and to some extent type) of ski available to you.

Hi Bandit
Thanks for your reply,this is exactly why I posted the question,I have no idea when it comes to skis.
I am going to Engelberg on the 6th of March & I believe you are well acquainted with skiing in that area.
I looked at the snowbrainer site after someone mentioned that they had used them to their satisfaction on another thread,they in turn recommend 4 seasons ski hire.
When looking at the ski range on there they give you a list of supposedly available skis with a short description of what type of skiing they are best suited for,also a couple of reviews.

The description for the x wings stated 70% on piste 30% off piste good all round ski suitable for skiing all types of snow conditions.The reviews backed this up & more,they are in the gold range & cost £88 for the 6 days.
What you said makes perfect sense in making up a list but are you talking about ski types or personal traits? I wouldn't know a wood core ski from any other.
To get the discount you have to book & pay online so ski selection or group has to be decided on before you go, from the limited range they show,so no way round that.
From what I have told you do you have any suggestions on skis I should be trying by name, to give me an idea of what to look for.

Thanks again for your time spent on helping me.

Brooksy, Snowbrainer is an intermediary, they will do bulk price deals with rental shops in resorts. They will recommend the store that they dealing with, it's not impartial.
If you want to pre-book your skis, you will get what they have left for you when you arrive, and as you have already paid, there is not the option of trying another store. I have never received the skis I thought I'd booked when pre-booking. If price is your No 1 priority, then pre-book.
For reviews, I would want to use an independent source, not the rental co. or their intermediary, just personal preference having been sucked in by the hype that the ski mfrs write about their kit, which sometimes is cut and pasted onto rental sites verbatim.

If you want to use the time to test out some modern kit, then for Stockli I'd suggest the Rotor 76. Here is the link to their stores with the rental prices in CHF.
http://en.stoeckli.ch/main/rental/

For other brands, not having seen you ski, it's hard to know what to suggest. Off the cuff I'd say:

Movement Yaka
Scott Neo
Fischer Watea 78
Head Peak 78
Dynastar Legend Sultan 80

All of which are happy on piste and can be considered All Mountain skis. I used the Stockli store at the Titlis Gondola station. Stockli only rent out their own skis, and jolly fine they are too :D

Thanks Bandit for all the info,have made notes on the skis you listed & yeah your right tying yourself down to one shop without knowing what's actually available is a nobrainer.
I have looked at the stockli site & I assume these would be classed as vip skis 140 chf,bit more expensive but why risk your skiing enjoyment for an extra £20.
Don`t suppose its worth asking Tony if the NEOS are any good,proberbly never heard of them :lol:

Thanks again for the effort you have put in to help me out much appreciated.

Scott Neo's.
Good night :wink:

Did someone call your name Tony :lol:

Would it be asking to much to borrow yours if I promise to bring them back :roll: