I rode the pocket rockets last year and they kill everything. seriously, they are not that soft. and yes, everyone has them becuase they're a good ski..as well, they're the fat ski that most people will demo and rent this year, so if you see someone on pocket rockets that doesnt look like they should own that ski, they could just be renting it...not alot of motherships for rent out there! i have the seth pistols now, and they're off the hook...i'd either get the pocket rockets or seth pistols...both are sick skis.