Agreed on the inserts, weakest point on the skis... I have ski'd on both the Revocc and the 9970cc, previously on the Rev6 for several years and had tried but then came off the Revolution, back to Rev6. I run mid way through 38 off. The 9970CC is a terrific ski, a definite keeper. Some skis feel great right away then go away from me after a week or two. Not this, it is getting better and better as familiarity builds, about 4 weeks now. My 35s are better than ever and my %pass rate is definitely higher, when I have shortened to 38 off I have been to 5 ball in good shape, just got over excited and pulled long... so it is fast with moderate effort, rides deep and feels very secure, edges outbound exceptionally, has very easy tip tail balance, has transformed my poor on side turn 2 4 6, as I am earlier arriving in the pre turn and better balanced over my feet. It is much earlier in the course at 1 ball and I keep that all the way through. I can move the ski out earlier into my off side and arrive more slowly at 1 3 and 5, turning more at will than turning when I have slowed the ski down enough! Then holding edge a little longer to my onside and making sharper radius turns from an early wide balanced position.. I love the ski and really reccomend folks give it a go!!