how stiff do you like your skis? personally, i dont think the blends are that stiff, medium tip and tail, stiff-ish underfoot. personally, i think its one of the best skis i've ever strapped on my feet. stable, grips on hard snow well, locks on rails and stable on jumps. plus it float pretty well in powder and is pretty quick and maneuverable when it needs to be. all said, i love them, i've had two pairs, with a third coming this year (although the 2011s have early rise)