A local shop here agreed to carry their full line this year -skis and outerwear, a very large order. After 9th cancelled their clothes line and have still not been able to get their skis to the US (by December) no one at 9th can answer questions or return phone calls. This caused the shop to completely drop the line. Very Bad Business
4frnt, I've seen too many pairs fall apart. And besides, Sterbenz is a dick. I know I'll probably get tons of little COC kids claiming "omgzzz he was my coach, he is soooo cool" but he's not, he's a dick. I've had friends try to deal with him about numerous issues involving the skis and warranty issues and he's told each of 'em to fuck off.
i can't really say b/c i haven't rode every ski that every company has to offer, but i can say that i'm not a fan of foam cores or feather light skis, so in that case salomon comes to mind, just a personal preference though...
i dont think i would ever buy elans. just seem like shit to me...but i think i would buy a pair of ninths...just to see if they are all hype or if they are shit skis. i think i would more try them than buy them.