The Salomon X-Drive 8.0 X is a perfect choice for the athletic beginner to solid intermediate skier. All-Terrain Rocker 2.0 will help you learn to carve a turn by having a rockered tip, camber underfoot, and a slight amount of rocker in the tail. A Wood Core and a Single Titanium Laminate will keep you stable when you start to pick up some speed, and has enough power to help push you through some light crud, should it start to form on the groomers. Salomon's Semi-Sandwich Construction has a vertical sidewall underfoot that grips firm snow, with a Monocoque Cap in the tips and tails that is forgiving, and will help you skid and slide your skis with control. The X-Chassis is made from a woven Carbon and Polyamide X-shape on the center of the ski that increases the torsional strength and responsiveness when you start to pick up some speed. A RKS (Rocker Stabilizer) reduces the wobble that some rockered skis get at faster speeds by adding extra 3D Composite Fiber over the contact points in the tips and tails. If you are ready to make the investment in a great pair of skis rather than renting, or you want a ski that will help you improve rapidly, the Salomon X-Drive 8.0 X makes a fine selection.