During the season of 2002 I rented about 6 different demos from various manufacturers. When I rented the fr21 I was not to crazy about its looks but it was by far the best ski I tried. At the time I hadn't tried wasnt anything that really thrilled me but after a day in Big Ski running some steeps, I was ready to purchase them. I am a strong intermediate who wanted an all mountain ski. The fr21 turns easy, is stable and holds good in icy conditions too. It's just a fun ski and very versatile. When riding chair lifts with others I get a lot of positive remarks too about the Blizzard company. Some have been from ski instructors and others in the ski industry.