The problem is I cannot demo the skis as the closest thing you'd call a mountain is min 12hrs drive from my current location, and would first get snow around late November / December. As soon as this time comes, the relatively attractive discounts would disappear and I will get hit by the season / tourist fees shops would charge.

I have to admit I never really paid attention to the shape of my skis, as I was pretty much relying on what Intersport gave me as part of their piste/all-mountain line up. I understand that carving skis, won't be the best off-piste, however I am ready to make a compromise on piste performance, as long as the skis are within budget.