i used to race, and i own the 4frnt MSP. I was looking at most of those skis like the prophet 90, bridge, etc but i settled on the MSP. Having raced, i would say that i am an advanced skier, and I wanted something that could handle speed. The MSP is stiffer than most of those skis, and chatters only a little bit. It'll cut into the ice, and allows me to make long GS turns on the steeps. I just got back from CO and had spent a couple of days at beaver. In the three feet of snow we got over a three day period, (thank you god), the MSPs bounced through the powder. I took them in the glades and the upper chutes, and they floated nicely through the snow. Being narrower than a ski like the mantra,they didn't float perfectly, but if you know what you're doing, you can have a great time in the pow. Nevertheless, it all comes down to what you're looking for. If you want to be able to ride the pow a little less than half the time, but really want something that can fly and bite into a steep, pick up the MSP. If you're thinking about riding pow the majority of the time, i would get something a little softer and wider. If you are a beginner, i would recommend the bridge or prophet 90. I would wait on the mantras cuz they are wider. also, the mantras won;t be nearly as fun on a groomer.