Both skis are going to have chippy topsheets, but k2 bases are by far much stronger. They weigh quite a bit, but honestly I wouldn't worry about it. Basically it comes down to: eps= absolute ecstasy in pure powder, kill yourself in crud, ok on groomers. Hellbents= great in powder, though not quite as fun as eps, way more manageable in crud, and the same on grooms. Eps are lighter, bents are more durable. Your choice. Btw, als ski barn aka untracked.com has 2010 bents and 2010 ep pros for around 420-450 new