Oh, what you say totally makes sense... As it's the exact opposite of me, from the DH point of view...
For deep snow xcD, I prefer the Epoch over the S98 because of that softer flex... While I prefer the S98 for harder / uncertain snow... But hey, not having alpine style rocker tips on these 20yo models is quite retarded. They are not great at XC anyway, why not make them awesome on the downhill.. While I wouldn't use either for long distance, that range of skis is pretty much my desert island skis. Now if only they could add a sweet rocker and make the flex even rounder, like a skinnier Objective, it would be THE very finest XCD ski on the planet..
OH WAIT!! I think it's exactly what the new RABB 68 is all about!!!
It's even a few millimeters wider at the tips than the Storetind... With a bit of snap underfoot, it could be the perfect ski we are waiting for, for both turning and touring... I expect it to be around XC 50% / DH 120% on Gareth's Scale...
Can't wait for November...!