I used these all last season with Freerides. The first thin you need to know is that these are quite stiff, so if you are not a fast and aggressive skier or tend to get lazy, look elsewhere. That being said, these are the best boards I have been on for steep and challenging terrain. They held an edge increadibly well and were happiest in long, powerful turns in everything from curd to crust to ice. They floated through powder very well, but required quite a bit more speed than I was accostomed to (my last boards were Janaks) The downsides are that Havocs need to be up to speed to turn well. Additionally, they are not short turning skis and because of this they weren't quite the multi pupose ski I was hoping for. There was just too much swing weight for moguls and trees. I was on 183s, so my experience might have been a little different on 173s. But the bottom line is that compared to Janaks, the Janaks turn better in all around conditions. On the touring front, they worked as expected; not the lightest out their but thats not what you are getting them for. They are great for resort accessed backcountry riding.

Great for skiing here in the East. I love the input these skis have, they simply snap out of turn transitions. Not super great on slower rollers, but steep and fast terrain the fun factor increases ten-fold. They do great in the tight winding trails at Sugarloaf in Maine. These skis love to go fast, very good for aggressive, skiers who turn with power. Lower margin for laziness.

If you're not an aggressive tele skier, these skis might school you. They can make you feel like a super hero if you're on it, or a super chump if you're not. All you double-pole planters and fakemarkers out there need to check out something else, (or take a lesson...) Groomers? These skis can haul and carve nicely too. Bumps? Not too stiff, not too sloppy. Trees? Nice and responsive for quick little turns. Pow? They float a lot more than I expected and they just plow through the crud like it's butter. This is a great all around ski for the East, non-powder day ski for the West.

My last skis were Volkl Gotama's and I want them back. The BDs are junk in the steep, junk in the tight and are not good at high speeds. NOT STABLE I said. I'm not sure what the last reviewer is talking about 'cuz the edging is really suspect; they are durable edges but that is it. On a perfect day, with perfect fluff the skis work perfectly, whatever. Waste of money is the verdict here. "Good for the East" equals waste of freakin' money.

This ski is incredible in the crud and deep powder. Point it down hill and enjoy the ride. Very easy to turn, will go through a wall. I have this in a fixed heal set up, Marker. Stay off groomed slopes, the ski is a nightmare it goes anywhere it wants, difficult to turn on the easiest of slopes, I felt like a beginner. My legs still hurt from trying to get an edge and I am over 200lbs and don't get back on your heals these babies will take you for a ride. I recommend this ski highly for ungroomed slopes. I had a blast in the backcountry of CO.

If you've been dropping the knee for awhile these skis will adapt to all conditions and terrian. An improved wood core makes these skis a bit more controlled at high speeds and adds life. Can't wait to point them downhill and cause all sorts havoc!