Hey Officer Friendly and davemac, Thanks for the response and advice, I am not brand loyal either, thanks to Ballofspray, I can read posts like this and try to narrow my search down a little. I am going to try as many skis as possible, although being from Ontario we do not have easy access to various skis from all manufacturers to try out. I will definitley try a Senate as well. Price is important, however I do want to buy the ski best suited for my style or lack of style, even if it is quite a bit more. Much like you davemac I have talked to Matt and read a lot about this ski being a great ski for any level of skier, and I am happy to hear your report that verifies this. I totally agree the most expensive ski is not always the best, and you have to get a ski that you are comfortable on and you can have some fun and hopefully improve. Now I have to find somewhere in southwest Ontario to try a few skis, or maybe book a holiday down south. Cobber