Looking at a ski to be the best is tough - I think you need a quiver with several pair because the snow changes and one ski won't fit all conditions - think at least 2, if not 4, pairs of skis. Not all of them have to be the latest design. Many times just the top plate changes and the technology is still the same. And shop around - there's some great deals out there. I totally agree with the demo approach.. how do you know unless you try - like buying a pair of shoes.
Over the last 4 years I've collected a few pairs of skis to play on - I'm in the Pac NW in the Cascade Crud area. Sometimes we get great ppppow and other days we have crust with death cookies.. just depends. I run a pair of Volkl AC30s, K2 Phat Luvs, Line Celebs, and my latest addition Armada VJJs are in my main quiver. You can see the variety but each type serves its purpose - more often than not, I bring two pair to play because the snow is different in the afternoon than it is in the morning..
Do the demo thing - watch for demo days on the mountains and take advantage of playing on several pairs.
Hope this helps.
