Neither as thrilling as the Ripstick nor as versatile as the Amphibio 88 XTi, the Amphibio 84 XTi occupies a compromised position in this family of carving skis.  If you really want to pull g’s on hardpack, the Ripstick is the ticket.  If you envision an Amphibio being your everyday ride regardless of conditions, the extra girth of the 88 is an advantage in every off-piste condition but moguls, and it’s actually no worse in bumps than the 84.  If this makes the Amphibio 84 XTi sound like a lost child, it’s not.  Like all 84’s of its ilk, it rides like a wide Technical ski, preferring groomed terrain where it can maintain snow contact on its sinuous edge.