How much taper do I actually need?

It depends on how deep your powder typically is and how much groomer performance you need. 8–12mm of taper provides noticeable float improvement while remaining competent on groomers—ideal for riders who split time between powder and hardpack. 15–20mm of taper delivers excellent float for consistent deep snow but will feel vague and unresponsive on firm snow. 20mm+ taper is for bottomless conditions only and will be a handful on any hard surface. If you're unsure, start with moderate taper—you can always go more specialized later.