2022 Mens Mid-90 All-Mountain Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2024
- 00:00 - Intro
1:55 - Volkl Revolt 95
6:10 - Head Oblivion 94
9:25 - K2 Poacher
13:00 - Line Sick Day 94
17:30 - Line Chronic
21:00 - Armada ARV 96
25:20 - Volkl Blaze 94
31:00 - Fischer Ranger 94 FR
36:30 - Rossignol BLACKOPS Escaper
42:30 - Blizzard Rustler 9
47:25 - Liberty Origin 96
53:30 - Head Kore 93
58:40 - Elan Ripstick 96
1:03:30 - Volkl M6 Mantra
1:08:40 - Salomon Stance 96
1:13:30 - Nordica Enforcer 94
1:17:05 - Atomic Maverick 95 Ti
1:22:15 - Line Blade
1:27:30 - Elan Ripstick 96 Black
1:31:30 - Black Crows Serpo
1:35:40 - Kastle FX96 Ti
1:40:45 - Stockli Stormrider 95
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
When skiessentials drops an hour+ video I know a lot of people skip around to the ski they're interested in, but I break out the popcorn and marathon the whole thing! I love these comparison videos; so much more insightful than any other review format on UA-cam. Great work as always, gentlemen, keep it up 👍🏼
Thank you so much! We try to be different than everything else out there and it means a lot to know you guys enjoy it.
Well said! Thanks for quality content.
I also watch beginning to end. The problem is with every ski shown, I think yep, those are perfect. Until the next one.
I figure I’m not going to afford anything in the second half of the video, lol.
Much more consumable on 2x speed
Thank you for making this awesome vid. It was super helpful in my deciding on the QST 92-177, and Sick Day 94-179 for 2022 season. Great content!!
So glad you found it useful!!
Hey guys! just wanted to stop and say thank you for the amount of work you put into your videos! I really enjoy you two talking about what obviously is a huge passion for the both of you and it really helps me deciding what I want to ski this season.
What would be great as well is if you could maybe end these big comparison videos with maybe 3-4 picks (like both of your favorite ones, best bang for the buck and overall objectively best).
Cheers from Switzerland and keep up the good work!
It's hard work, but it's fun work! Some of the comparisons we order by price, and I think we do a decent job of pointing out what we think is a good deal, but I do think that will work when we organize by stiffness or alphabet as well. As for favorites, we try not to point that out because what I think is best might not be that way for you. In our longer-form reviews, I feel that we let on how we feel a bit more--good or bad--but try to be objective no matter what. Have a great winter!
You guys make the best ski review videos hands down by far. Love the way you describe what the skis do in terms that real skiers use. You ski on them all and don't just parrot the manufacturers' marketing collateral. Good on ye for keeping it real. I am drooling over the Ripstick 96 Black Edition but they are $1300 in Japan. Greetings from Hokkaido! -- Chez --
Thanks so much Chez! I appreciate the feedback and love that you enjoy the videos!
Always fun to queue this up and learn yet more about skis!
Thanks for the awesome in-depth review. Will go for the Ranger 94 for sure once I go more off-piste
With reference to walking into a store and say "I want the Line Blade":
I did so this spring after seeing your (and other) reviews of the ski, and don't regret it for a second.
Fantastic carver if you put some power into your turns, and works well off piste too.
Very happy, and winter is just around the corner ❄🥽
Awesome reviews guys, keep ut the good work!
Awesome! Looking forward to spending more time on the Blade this season.
Great summery as usual. Highly underrated reviews. I wish more skiers would see your content. Helps a lot picking new skies for a new season. I point them in your direction.
Thank you Mathias! Much appreciated.
Nice reviews!! Last year I got the Enforcer 104s for my everyday ski, I got 135 days in Tahoe last year and they were great. Squaw open on Friday!! Hope you guys get the storm we just got a few days ago, it dumped 4 feet!!
Have fun! We still need temperatures to drop a little more here in Vermont, but it's coming soon! I've seen a lot of photos and video from that Tahoe storm. Wild!
Keep on forgetting to say thanks for adding in the ski weight information in the comparison videos. Now they're close to perfect!
It's been fun including weight! What's next? What would make them even closer to perfect?
Super helpful series you guys put out
Thanks Blake!
Great work as usual guys, thank you !
Thanks!
I just went from the Enforcer 100 to the new 94. Best decision ever. It is so powerful but yet playful a very responsive. It charges everything I throw at it. I found the harder you ski it the better it responds. Thanks for the review you guys do a great job.
Love the 94! Little quicker edge to edge than the 100, but still versatile too. I agree, Enforcers loved to be pushed. Glad you're enjoying them!!
Awesome…this is the one I was waiting for. Ski buying time!
Popular category for sure! Reach out if you have any questions.
Hey! Thanks so much for these reviews and comparisons, super informative and helpful, and I love being able to see the skis side-by-side. I'm trying to decide which skis to go for this year, in a 95-100 All-Mountain range, down to the following options -
Volkl Mantra M5
Stockli Stormrider 95
Elan Ripstick 96
Head Kore 99
I'll be skiing in the Alps (3 valleys). Trying to find something really versatile on & off piste that's stable at-speed / charging through mixed snow conditions and good at carving / on edge, but still nimble and 'floaty' enough to be fun in powder/tress/bumps and shorter turns as well. I'm roughly 170-172cm and 65-70kg.
From a few reviews I'd seen the Head Kore seemed like it could offer a nice middle ground between the stiff dampness of the Mantra and the nimbleness / playfulness of the Ripstick, and also the Stockli SR95 seems often hailed as the 'gold standard' of versatility/do-everything ski, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on those and what you'd recommend!
So, I guess I'll start by saying the M5 doesn't really feel nimble or floaty, so I think it's fair to rule that one out. It's fantastic as a carving ski, and works off piste too, but floaty and nimble just don't describe it well. Ripstick is definitely the most playful and most nimble, in my opinion. Kore 99 is right behind, but with its stiffer flex, it can be more demanding than the Ripstick when you take it off trail. Slightly more power on trail, but not as playful off trail. The Stormrider 95 definitely outperforms those two on groomers, better carving ski for sure. It's not as quick or agile off trail, but probably has the most even mix of performance characteristics of your whole list, and it's has that special Stockli feel. If you can justify dishing out more money for it, it's a fantastic ski and would likely work great for you. Hope that helps!
Howdy Guys...thanks for these...advanced skier here 6'4" 190lbs. I haven't bought a new pair of skis since my 2004 Fischer Big Stix 7.6 Ti 185s, which I loved. Because I loved them, I'm inclined to give Fischer another look all these years later. Circumstance and my young kids have kept me skiing only rarely over the last decade, but as they've aged into skiing better, I've gotten back out more. So the technology here is all new to me. At the same time, I'm less in the trees and bumps than my younger years, but still get there when I can. On groomers, like many, I've always been the type to quick turn down the sides at the top where it's crowded, then blast GS turns when it opens up down lower. Thinking about demo-ing Fischer Ranger 92Ti (maybe the 94FR?), Elan Ripstick Black 96. This is all going to be way wider than the 75mm I'm used to but are these skis of a similar caliber? Are there others to add to my sampling of the modern choices?
Hey Mike! Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Lots of comments right now! Love the Big Stix! I had a similar pair back in the day. If you can, I think it would be a great idea to demo both the Ranger 92 and 94. That'll give you a good sense of what two major segments of skis feel like. All-mountain skis with tip rocker vs all-mountain skis with tip and tail rocker. Then you can take that information and apply it to other skis to get a good understanding of your choices. Ripstick 96 Black is awesome too, more similar shape to the Ranger 92, but definitely worth trying. Nordica Enforcer 88, 94, or 100 would be good to try too as those skis have earned incredible popularity due to their versatile shapes. Hope that helps!
Thanks to you both for giving us the ultimate ski buying resource! Love to learn from these videos.
I’m an east east coast skier looking for something that can do it all. I love tight trees the most, and of course the powder when it comes. Really value something playful for jibbing around the mountain and some park time as well, but can perform on groomers (not hard charging). I’d say I’m advanced, comfortable just about anywhere and want to get better at freestyle/park. Also 5’8” 155lbs!
Could you please make a recommendation:
Atomic Bent Chetler 100
Armada ARV 96
K2 Poacher
Liberty origin 96
Fischer ranger 94
Hey Alex! I think the Ranger 94 or Origin 96 would be great skis for you. Both of those skis are incredibly quick and super fun in east coast trees. Two of my favorite skis for that application through all of our recent testing. Good shapes for powder too, not too catchy. Good energy and snap on a groomer, decent edge grip at speed too. Both can hang in the park too. The other 3 skis you listed are a lot of fun too, but the 2 I mention feel like they fit your description perfectly.
@@SkiEssentials Hi really appreciate the reply! I noticed you guys are really active and just want to reiterate how great it is for the larger community. No ski demoing where I’m from so you all are filling that hole in my ski heart❤️
I’m definitely leaning more towards the origin 96 as I understand it’s more playful/flexy than the rangers. If I can catch you again though, my biggest question is how do the origins match up to the BC100? That would be my other top choice, maybe just cause they are beautiful haha.
Look at the line chronics just got a pair I am the exact same skier as you described
Guys, you are the top notch ski reviewers on UA-cam, and nobody is giving more comprehensive gear talk than you. I enjoy watching your channel just a lot! Not to mention that I make my quiver decisions off your reviews. But I got one question: why the heck your website is not available in Russia? You just get a message that website is non existent.
Hello and thank you! To answer your question... I have absolutely no clue! I'll have our web developers look into that. This is the first I've heard of it not being available in Russia.
SERPO! Really want to try these out - BC’s creativity and design sensibility, totally dialed in 👌
It's a must-try for any Black Crows fan. Or really anyone. It's a really, really good ski.
Demoed the FX96 this weekend. It was everything I was hoping it would be. At 5’7 160lbs I found the 172 right on the money. Ripped and held an edge like my MX88’s with a slightly more playful nature. The 16m turn radius fits my style and these were plenty happy arcing huge GS turns at Mach speed. I thought it was great in the trees and bumps as well. I don’t mind working a ski a little harder in these conditions to maintain the hard snow and crud busting performance. Let’s face it, that’s what most of us are skiing 95% of the time. With these, MX 88’s in reserve and QST 106’s for surfy fluffy fun I’ll be fully covered!!! My two buddies are rocking last year‘s stormrider 95’s and they are happy as clams as well.
Awesome! Appreciate the feedback, Jeff!
so super specific ask - a heavy, big, and strong (6'4" 250+) kiwi used to charging all type of terrain except for tight trees. I hadnt skied in almost a decade but maxed out my local NC mountain very quickly in Volkl Mantra m5 demos earlier this year. I have previously had big heavy k2 Seth Pistol and before that Armada Tanner Halls that noodled really quick. I love charging but am realizing the value in finesse with a few more years on my legs. I was thinking Volkl Mantra m6s (191cm), Rossignol Sender TI (194cm), Fischer ranger FR102s (191cm), or K2 Mindbender 108Ti (193cm)
These comparison videos have been so insightful while I've been researching my next ski purchase - thanks so much for being so thorough. I've had a pair of intermediate skis for awhile (Head Rev 78) and I've definitely outgrown them so I'm looking for something to replace them as my 1-ski quiver.
I was hoping to get your opinion before I pull the trigger and order a pair. I'm 6'0", 185 lbs and would say that I'm a pretty aggressive skier. I'd also say I'm fairly advanced - I head out west multiple times a year and when I'm out there I love skiing trees, double blacks, doing side-country hikes and going off-piste whenever I can.
With that said, I do live in the East (Quebec) so I'm looking for something that still grips really well on ice and can be skied fast on hardpack with confidence.
I've narrowed it down to the BC Serpo, Ripstick 96 Black, Rustler 9 and Enforcer 94. I think I'm leaning slightly more towards the Serpo. What would you say is the best option for me out of these 4? (or is there a totally different one you'd recommend?)
Hi Matthew! Sorry for the delay getting back to you. We just wrapped up our annual Ski Test and things have been quite busy around here. Serpo would be a great choice. Really all 4 of those are excellent skis, but the Serpo does feel like it has a nice blend of performance for you. Not too demanding, grippy on firm snow, agile in tight terrain, and decent float for deeper snow too. Ripstick 96 Black would be good too. Similarly not too heavy and extremely versatile. Hope that helps!
Hello guys, another great video! Big fan of your channel - super informative and helpful!
I am 39 years old, 182 cm tall, 80 kg. I have been skiing for 10 years as a kid, then was a snowboarder for another 20 years and this season decided to switch back to skiing. Currently I have rental skis Dynastar Speed Zone 12 Ti (175 cm) and I am making quite good progress on them - would say I am already Intermediate with the appetite to become much better than that :-)
I already have my own boots Lange XT3 130 and now I am planning to buy:
- Blizzard Rustler 9 (172 or probably max 180 - hope you can advise here)
- together with Marker Duke PT 16 bindings
My idea is basically to do 60% on-piste (with fast downhill carving and maybe some elements of on-piste freestyle), 30% off-piste and something like 10% touring (nothing more than occasional 3-4h uphill trips)
I am hoping you could share your thoughts if the set I am thinking about is the right one for what I need/plan to do?
Thanks so much for your help!
Thanks!
You're not looking at a light setup here, and I hope that's okay with you, as it seems like the weight and application lines up well with your 10% tour. I would go with the 180 in the Rustler 9. You'll love the Duke PT 16 bindings--total confidence on the downhills for sure. Have fun!
SE
First of all you guys ROCK, amazing output and so in depth.
But I have a question how are the Rossignol sender TI for groomers performance. I’m thinking of picking them up for my everyday ski. Do you think they are too wide for that? Or should I look for something more of the mid 90’s for an everyday all condition ski.
I also ski primarily out west in Oregon and Utah.
No, for someone who lives out west like yourself, I think it's a perfectly reasonable daily driver. That's especially true if you're the type of skier who likes to seek out soft snow and off-piste terrain. If you stay on groomers most of the time, it probably makes sense to go narrower, but the Sender Ti still feels good on groomers. Not particularly quick edge to edge, but very strong, holds an edge really well, and feels relatively responsive out of a turn too.
Finally - the BIG SHOW for the for on-piste and the East Coast!!!
That's certainly how I think about this category!
Love your comparisons, well, all your videos frankly. One thing I wish you'd discuss more is why you group these together. I mean, I don't think that someone looking at a 94 would necessarily want to exclude all 92s. I know you need to draw the line somewhere and those lines might otherwise be very blurry (and you don't want to do 3 hour videos). One possibility is to do things like Blister and separate into sections like "All Mountain - More Stable" and "All Mountain - More Forgiving". I was on the fence between the Declivity 92 and Stormrider 95, which are, admittedly, quite different skis. I really wasn't sure if I wanted a super damp, speed daemon that could carve like mad but might be too tiring in bumps or if I wanted a still-pretty-great carver that was lighter, more playful and more forgiving. I settled on the Declivity, but would have loved a more direct comparison between these two from you since you've really earned my trust. Keep up the good work! Y'all must work your butts off all year. No idea how you manage your schedule.
Hey Joshua! That's great feedback, thanks. It's definitely tough deciding where to draw the line for these videos. Length and physical studio space are the typical constraints. We usually find ourselves with 3-4 skis we'd like to include, but just can't fit onto the wall or justify the extra length.
I also have no idea how I manage my schedule! If I figure it out, I'll let you know ;)
Lastly, we're both Declivity 92 skiers, so that's fun!
Oh boy is this great !!!
Picked up the Ripstick 96 black at the 172 length, I'm 5'6" and they have become my favorite ski after 6 days now. Unbelievable damping for how light and playful they are.
It almost doesn't make sense, right? It's one of those skis that forces you to stop and jus think... "how...?"
Yeah, I’m deciding between these and the Kastle’s.
The original Line Sick Day 95 was an amazing ski, poppy and light and very skiable in all conditions, even firm snow with proper technique, was my go to ski, still is from 2013 ish. The new SD 94 is a very fun and useable ski, great ski. Chronic a totally different ski, prefer SD for all around mtn.
I agree, I think most skiers will prefer SD for all-mountain over the Chronic.
So much info I have to take breaks, but great presentation
You can also skip around to certain skis you're more interested in. Thanks Susan!
Great information on these All Mountain Ski. You ever skied Mammoth out on the West Coast. The Volkl Mantra is the ski I would like to try this season.
Yessir! I (Jeff) lived there for a year and have been back a handful of times since. Mantra would be a ton of fun for ripping around Mammoth!
Hey. Great video. I’m about to pull the trigger on a new set of skis and debating a lot between the M6 Mantra and the Salomon Stance. I’m 6.1 and about 240 and am an advanced skier. Generally ski faster and harder but looking for that 1 ski quiver.
Both are awesome. Very similar overall, but we fin the M6 feels more precise, especially on firm snow, while the Stance feels a little more maneuverable, notably in soft snow. There's a little more freeride influence in the Stance design, which sets it apart from most skis in the mid-90 category with metal. Both will be supportive of your size, so just a matter of which ski matches your skiing style better.
Love the content you guys are the best. Maybe in the future you can add like a advanced -beginner / lower intermediate category or rating. Lots of stuff for more advanced skiers , kind of get lost in choosing something for me. With that said and looking at the reviews been looking at the armada 88c, rustler 9and the ripstick 88/96. What would say is a good ski for my level and to grow into but won’t be “ too much ski”. Would say 80/20 groomers to moguls/trees moving to more 50/59 as technique gets better. Lower New England mountains in mass, CT and Nh with a few trips to mount snow and hoping to get to Stowe this year. So grip on firm snow /ice is needed. Thanks guys
Hey Christopher! We'll certainly keep that in mind and I think it would be fun to do a video focusing on approachable skis for beginner/intermediate skiers. For your situation, I think the Declivity 88 C and Ripstick 88 are both excellent options for you. They both perform really well on groomers, but are approachable and not too fatiguing. They're also both a lot of fun off trail, so as you progress and spend more time in un-groomed snow, you won't need new skis. Rustler 9 feels a little heavy for your ability level and I think Ripstick 96 is wider than you need right now. Hope that helps!
I keep coming back to listen to the Ripstick segments. This ski is so intriguing to me, the way you guys talk about it. I am an intermediate skier who has a lot to learn and I like learning about the skiing techniques. I am kind of obsessed by it in the last few years that I've been skiing. Would the 88 or 96 RipStick be something for me? I mostly ski on groomers but I like to try out things and ski all over the place if possible. I was also looking at the Wingman CTI since I am pretty fit/strong ( and 1m83 / 80kgs) and like to go fast. But the Ripstick just (from your reviews) sounds like it is more fun. The 2022 Ripstick is also siffer with the extra carbon, so maybe thats my ideal ski. Thanks for all of your videos, I've learned so much from them.
Hello! If you're at the intermediate level and you're looking to progress, I think the Ripstick 88 would be an ideal choice. That width will still allow you to play around in softer snow and un-groomed terrain sometimes, but will be quicker edge to edge and a little easier to manipulate/control. Easier to achieve a higher edge angle on a narrower ski, which will help you learn new skills and become more confident. Someday down the road you can pick up a wider ski, but for now I'd stay with the 88.
Between the Ripstick and Wingman, it's a similar conversation. This time, however, it revolves around shape. The shape of the Ripstick is going to be more supportive of progression than the Wingman. More rocker and more taper gives it more maneuverability as well as more forgiveness, which for you is going to be important. You're going to make mistakes as you progress, and the Ripstick will allow for some mistakes without feeling too punishing. The Wingman isn't tremendously hard to ski, but certainly less forgiving.
Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Thank you so much for the reply. Keep up the good work!
These videos are a treasure trove. I am looking to make my first big commitment to a pair of skis, and I wasn't really sure where to start. I have always been a very aggressive skier, always on the edge of my capability (I ski mostly blacks, double black here and there), and enjoy trees and bumps a lot, but still rip on the groomers when I can (my home mountain is mammoth, so mostly the latter, but I always do off-trail if its there). I recently moved to the east coast, but I grew up west coast, and I'm going into my first season here. I have been eyeing the Nordica Enforcer 94
s, as they seem to be a good balance of the qualities I'm looking for, and people seem to agree they are quite good at fulfilling that one quiver ideal, but I am wondering what your recommendation might be. If cost was no object, I would jump on those ripstick black's in a heartbeat, but I was looking for something a little cheaper. Will I really notice a big difference between this group of skis? There are so many options it's a little overwhelming.
Hey Blake! There are certainly differences among all these skis. Sometimes those differences are very subtle, but they still exist. Will you really notice a big difference? Hard to say. I think yes, but maybe not between certain models. That said, the Enforcer 94 feels like an excellent choice for how you describe your skiing. Good at speeds and on firm snow, but versatile for trees and bumps too. Hope that helps!
Great preview as always - thank you. Did the ARV 96 get noticeably stiffer from last year? Close to as stiff as the poacher?! that one surprised me so wanted to check. thanks guys!
Not tremendously stiffer, no. The Poacher still feels stiffer to me. They're not too far apart, I suppose, but I do notice a difference between them.
Great review!!! Just start to learn some basic park tricks (switch and 180 on flat ground or on small bumps, doesn't want to do big jumps);
going to Colorado (need to ski the whole mountain) twice a year;
5ft6,120lb, which one is the best fit? (Revolt 95, Head Oblivion or else?) Thanks!
My first pair skis are 2014 Dynastar Serial 80, 148cm twin-tip which I can carve well; second pairs are 2018 QST85 (a bit too stiff for me).
Hi Harry! Love the idea of the Head Oblivion 94 for you. In my opinion, that ski is going to work really well for lighter skiers such as yourself. It has a relatively soft flex pattern and is pretty lightweight, so should work well for your size and ability level. It's also fun in the park and doing tricks, but its shape will perform well when you take it out west too. A good amount of float from the width, tip shape, and rocker profile. Go for it!
hey absolutely amazing video. expanded my knowledge about skiing so much! just a quick question; i am 5’8, 140 pound and i do most of my skiing in tahoe and the northwest. i spend most of my time on groomers, in the trees, and i am interested in becoming more involved in the park but i am kind of a beginner in that aspect. right now i am stuck between the poacher, chronic, and arv. do you guys have any thought?
I find a lot of skiers feel stuck between those 3 skis, and what's nice about that position is there's so similar, it almost doesn't matter which you choose. I say that because I almost guarantee you wouldn't be disappointed with any of them, but there are some differences. Chronic feels the lightest, Poacher feels the most stable at speed, with ARV somewhere in between. In the park, those differences don't matter too much, it's more how they feel around the rest of the mountain. Hope that helps you choose!
Thank you for another amazing video. You Guys are a ski reference for me. Two questions: 1) How does the BC Serpo compare against the Mantra?; 2) Can you elaborate a bit on a comparison between Line Blade VS BC Mirus Cor VS Line Sakana? You touched that in the BC MC review video and I might be wrong but I felt that at least Bob was a bit dismissive of the Mirus Cor. I am really intrigued by these new shape skis and dying to know more. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Both the Serpo and Mantra are very precise skis. They share that feel for sure. On the other hand, the Serpo feels lighter and a little more energetic, while the Mantra feels heavier, stiffer, and more powerful.
Mirus Cor is definitely the softest and most playful out of those skis. I don't think it worked particularly well for Bob's size because of the soft flex and short radius. I (Jeff), on the other hand, had a lot of fun skiing it. Blade is a little stronger, more supportive of bigger skiers and more stable at speed. it's also quite a bit wider. Sakana kind of takes that to the next level, especially the width portion. Maybe not quite as strong as the Blade, but close, and obviously much wider. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Many thanks Jeff. BW.
I moved out to Denver a year ago and it has been 20 years since I have skied out here. I bought a pair of 2016 Stormrider 88 177 demo skis. I did notice right away that when I really cranked on them in the hard pack that they would chatter. That might be because I am used to waist width of low 70s. I have also noticed that I hate being on the flats with these skis. Especially if it is powder on the flats. In the crud these skis seam to stick and my body likes to continue going down hill. I really do get worn out fast with these. I do have to mention in this paragraph that early season when 85% of the hill wasn't open yet. I wouldn't even bring these skis because I would use my skis that I used to race slalom and GS on just so that I could turn and avoid people.
What I do like about these skis is that they do haul ass.. They are amazingly smooth. When I go to bowls and chutes and there is a good solid base without the crud underneath these skis are amazing. We had a holiday here a couple of Mondays ago and I hiked away from most of the people and I found the best snow conditions and these skis rocked. They also seam to be built bullet proof. I have already hit a lot of rocks and haven't destroyed these skis. I do try to avoid the rocks but even traversing across the hill I might have to go over some rocks just to get to the good stuff.
One other thing that I should mention is that I am now getting validated that I am one of the Covid Long haulers. I still have all of my technique that I had from when I used to ski race but I just do not have the strength, flexibility, and stamina that I used to have. I am not really sure if that is going to come back or not. I am at this place in my recovery that I can ski hard for a couple hours and then I am wiped out. Last week the whole mountain was so beautiful that it was very difficult for me to leave one area of the mountain to do another area of the mountain.
I just want to know your thoughts about if I just need to give it time for me to get athletic enough for the skis that I am on or if there is some other skis that I should get. Should I be getting a lighter pair of skis so that I have more stamina? I keep hearing people that are smaller and lighter than me say that they like heavier skis because they go through the crud better but that hasn't been my experience. I try to avoid the crud or limp through it. I am 5.9 205 and I would really like to get down to 180. What size all mountain ski should I be using at both of those weights? Something tells me that I would use the same ski but be in better shape.
If you have any answers or discussion I would appreciate. Since I do hit rocks I would prefer to get demo skis. Thank you..
Hi Darin! It sounds to me like more time on snow is going to help you a lot in the long run. I don't think you need to worry about getting a lighter pair of skis, especially given your weight. Even at 180, sometimes a lighter ski can feel more twitchy, which doesn't necessarily translate to an easier skiing experience.
The other thing that jumped out to me in your comment is how you describe their feel on flats. That sounds like maybe your skis are in need of a tune and a good wax. They should glide really nicely on flats, rather than feeling like they're stopping and your body is still going. Take a look at your bases. Do they look beat up? Do they look like they're starting to get a little white near the edges, rather than a deep, rich black? Those are signs that you need a tune and/or wax.
Hope that helps! The Stormrider 88 is an amazing ski and I don't see any reason why you should switch to anything else.
Another one of your characteristically awesome comparison videos in a really important width category. But now I am curious: what does "rubber dust" do for the Stormriders?
Basically just adds vibration damping. A lot more companies are starting to use rubber, this application is just more refined. Same result, smooth ski, but lighter weight.
He guys - agree with all. Your reviews are amazing. Big fan. I am searching for a low/mid 90's ski. Life long east coast skier (40+ years, advanced skier. I have last years Deacon 84's and Enforcer 100's. Feel like the 84's are playful enough and the 100's are great for out trip out west and the occasional east coast power day. I am 6'0" and weigh 187 lbs. 52 years old with 2 teenage boys who I have to keep up with. Which do you recommend:
Serpo
Maverick 95'
Stormrider 95
or open to suggestions.
Thanks - before last year I skied on the older Enforcer 93's which I loved.
Hey Chris! Gosh, all those skis are so good. In theory, they could all fill that role in your quiver very nicely. Stormrider would be the best carver. It's so smooth. Like an Enforcer 93, but lighter and even smoother. Its shape, however, can get a little grabby off trail, so something to consider. The Maverick is definitely the quickest and the most agile. Best off trail, quickest in the trees, etc. Still a good carver, but not quite as responsive, or maybe not as precise would be a better way to describe it. The Serpo kind of falls in between those two. Not as good as a carver as the Stormrider, but certainly close, and not as agile as the Maverick off trail, but also not too far behind. It's a very well-rounded ski. I'm sure you were looking for a single recommendation, but it's hard to do that between 3 skis I really like. Hopefully that at least helps you feel more confident in your decision making.
The Blaze 94s for skinning may just find their way into my house this winter.
We're seeing a lot of them around northern VT as hybrid resort/AT skis. Great choice.
Thanks for the in depth review ! Im an east coast mountain skier looking to expand my skills beginning with uphill travel and hopefully expand to backcountry touring in the future. Currently I ski downhill bindings on Icelantic Nomad 95. I love this Ski’s range of ability . I plan to acquire touring binding (like marker tour, non Pin style) . Do you think another ski would suit me better for my entry into off piste terrain?
Thanks for your time
The skis are the easy part--the lighter the better for touring. Something like the Nomad, Head Kore 93, or Elan Ripstick 96 all fit the bill of a dual-use ski. The boots and bindings is what really separates different setups. Pin bindings and boots are lighter while the frame bindings like the Tour/Duke/Baron have a pretty high stand height that alters the downhill performance of the ski. If you don't mind, and just want to tour in alpine boots from time to time, they're fine, but any more of a commitment, and you should look more into a pin setup.
Atomic Crimson's were 10 years ahead of the their time. I just got new Volkl Blaze 94 179, look just like the Crimsons but with rocker.
This is my current ski...I love it and am wondering which of the ones in this video is the best evolution
@@tomasojonky I ski Squaw pretty fast I like the 94 179.
Thank you both for such wonderfully insightful reviews... I am struggling with my next step as I feel that I have outgrown my Fischer Progressor 7+'s (170) and looking for all mountains with wider underfoot.. I'm a stocky 5.7 (interm-advanced) and prefer to spend more time carving at speed but need skis that will plough through crud... any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Mantra M6 is a fantastic choice--very strong and powerful for both carving and crud. On the lighter side, the Kore 99 should be on your list.
Thanks again for this wonderful synopsis of the mid-90 segment. I am currently skiing on the 2018 Head Core 105s and I'm looking to purchase a new pair. My home mountain is Whistler/Blackcomb, and I've loved the 105s on pretty much every day. My question is: Do you think I should look at the Stockli Stormrider 95 or the 102? We usually have soft snow conditions on mountain and I do spend over 70% of my time on piste. The wonderful thing about the Core 105 was that is was a joy to ski the bowls and trees. Just wondering if the 102 might be a better one-ski quiver for me. Or is there any other ski you think I should look at? Thanks in advance.
Hey Tommy! I would go with the 95. The 102 is going to be quite close in overall performance to your 105. Different feel, but similar waist width. The 95 can still handle softer snow and un-groomed terrain, but it's going to be a better complement to your existing skis than the 102. With the 102, I imagine you looking at that next to the Kore 105 every day and being confused about which to take. With the 95, it will be obvious. Hope that helps!
Great video! I had a quick question. I’m a 5’8 165lb strong intermediate-advanced skier (still working on perfecting my turns) mainly on the east coast but will start heading out west much more. I pretty much want an all mountain resort ski that I mainly use on groomers but also off piste here and there. I like carving more than going super fast and hitting small jumps here and there. Will be skiing everywhere from blues to double blacks.
What would you recommend from the following:
Blizzard Rustler 9
Rossignol Escaper
Line Sick Day
Volkl Blaze
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Adam! I think Rustler 9 or Escaper will be the better skis for you out of this group. Both of those skis carve better than the Sick Day and Blaze, but are still versatile enough to take off trail from time to time. Between the two, the Rustler is stronger and more stable at speed, but also heavier, so can be a little more fatiguing. Escaper is lighter and easier to ski, but doesn't have the same vibration damping at higher speeds. Hope that helps you decide!
Hi Guys, such a great video! Really enjoyed the content! Question for you. I currently ride the Liberty Helix 88, enjoy twin tip like skis but feel the tail is too soft. Skiing mostly groomers, like going fast and large arching turns. Would you recommend Fischer 94 FR, Head Oblivion, or Elan Black?
I like the light weight feel on Helix 88 and they are surprising good at carving, maybe because of long effective edge and full sidewall but need a bit more stability and also feel like I can max them out on speed. I’m 6’ and 200lbs. Would love your insight!
Elan Ripstick Black will certainly give you the most stability at speed and makes some awesome big arcing turns. Ranger 94 FR would probably feel too light for your size, and I think the Oblivion might too, at least they wouldn't be major upgrades from your Helix 88 in terms of overall stability. Hope that helps!
Question addressed maybe more to others users who can provide their input. Of course Jeff and Bob can't review every ski made. However, here in Europe Faction skis are gaining a following and I am wondering where the non-metal directional twin-tip Faction Prodigy 2.0 21/22 (98mm width) might stack up relative to the other skis discussed here by Jeff and Bob. As a lighter skier (140lb, 5'9) I'm looking for something mostly frontside/tree, non-park for Scandinavian weather (similar to east coast) intermediate-advanced but not wanting a hard charger/metal and I think the Faction Prodigy 2.0 might be for me. Or am I off base and should think about the Candide 2.0 instead? Of course, the skis presented in this video provide me with other options, I am just hoping to explore all of mine. Cheers! 😃
First off...best ski reviews on UA-cam and I have seen them all. I wanted to get that out of way before I ask a silly question. I am 6 ft and 175 lb. and most of my skis fall into the 177-180 cm length. Is there any reason I should jump to the 183 (I think that's right) cm length in the Ranger 94 FR? I ski the entire mountain but I will dip into the bumps or trees anytime I can. Thanks so much!
We love silly questions. It's actually a 177 or 185 in the Ranger 94. The jump to the 185 might be on the big side, especially if you put emphasis on the trees or bumps. Are you presently uncomfortable on your current 177's? If so, then that gives more validity to sizing up. If you feel like the 177 is a good size, I don't see much need to push it, especially since they're pretty stable and sturdy skis. No wrong answer here, more a preference.
My skiing buddy pointed you guys out to me as I'm on the market for new skis. Mid 40's, 6'2", and about 215 lbs. I Demoed the Mantras and loved them but had a little trouble in the trees. Tried the Mindbenders and struggled a little getting the tips to engage and didn't like them as much on the groomers. But loved them in the trees. Probably obvious... Am I ever going to enjoy the Mantra's in the trees or should I go with a more playful ski and sacrifice that control on the groomers?
Hi! Sorry for taking a while to get back to you. Busy time of year over here. Have you considered the Enforcer 100? Enforcers engage a little more quickly than the Mindbenders, have similar on-trail capabilities to a Mantra, and are going to be more user-friendly in the trees.
Would you ever love the Mantras in the trees? Maybe. It's such a rewarding ski on firmer snow, I think you'd get to a point where you loved the actual ski, and would at least tolerate it in the trees, but there are certainly easier tree skis out there that will perform well on trail too.
Great comparison guys. I'm 180 cm, 75 kg, advanced skier (15 years) and I'm searching for some twin tip skis that will go well on groomers and piste (good carving) and a bit of all mountain but also give the flexibility to freestyle(natural and a bit of park). Any thoughts? I firstly thought about bash 86 or chronic but I am afraid they won t perform on the slope. Thanks
Hey Dan! Lots of good options out there. In general, I'd say you should stick to the mid-90 mm width range. You're going to find slightly higher quality skis there compared to the mid-80 category in the twin tip world. Chronic, ARV 96, Soul Rider 97, Poacher, Ranger 94 FR, Revolt 95... those are all great skis to start with. Let us know if you have any other questions or need help deciding between them!
how would you compare the ripstick 96 black to the black crows Serpo. Ive been between the two for a daily driver in New England. 6'4 fairly powerful skier with a racing background. Currently ride on the poacher and am looking for more of an all mountain ripper to add.
Oh boy, two great skis right there. In general, I find the Serpo feels more precise and more responsive, while the Ripstick 96 Black feels smoother and a little more versatile. As a complementary ski to your Poachers, the Serpo might make more sense. I'm basically focusing on shape in that assessment. The Serpo has less rocker and taper, which is where the precision comes from. The Ripstick is almost shaped more like your Poachers with more rocker and more taper. Obviously not a twin tip, but there are some similarities there. So, if I was in your position and wanted to get a ski to complement the Poacher, I think I would go Serpo.
Hey love the videos! I’m currently looking for my main pair of skis. I ski in Europe on mainly groomed runs but I love going off-piste too. I’m also looking for a nimble ski with which I can do short fast turns and typically like a more souple/light ski with a reasonable rocker in the tail. I’m 6ft and 150 pounds, would you have any recommendations ? Thank you !
Elan Ripstick 96 would be a great ski for you. Loves quick turns and definitely has enough rocker in the tail. I'd throw the Liberty Origin 96 into the mix as well. I think sometimes harder to get in Europe, but definitely would be a ski that checks all your boxes. That Fischer Ranger 94 FR would be a good one too... Hope that helps!
Hey guys great reviews.
I’m 6’0 73kg riding out of NZ. Im pretty lightweight and ride mostly off piste on the club fields but need something for the often hard and variable conditions we get over here. I’m thinking the blaze or ranger, possibly mantra or serpo. Any ideas?
Probably throw a shift on for side country missions.
Currently running some old Rossi souls which I’ll keep for powder days but tough riding on anything else!
Hey Finn! Mantra is probably too heavy for this. Doesn't feel like the best choice to me. The Blaze and Ranger would both be awesome choices. I'd throw the Ripstick 96 into that mix too. No need to get the Black edition at your weight, but the regular version feels like it would be awesome. Serpo could work too. I think the only ski I would rule out on your list is the Mantra... Hope that helps!
Hi guys - thanks so much for your reviews, always my go to for detailed and honest advice! I am looking to buy a new pair of all mountain twin tips but will not be able to trial any so am trying to do my research on here to make the best decision. I ski mainly in the Alps and am looking for a ski that carves and handles the groomers well, but is good at exploring the mountain, in between pistes and popping of jumps. Also something that can handle the odd powder day respectively. I no longer ski the park as much but will pop in occasionaly and like to ski switch sometimes also. I am 6ft and 75kgs so after watching your reviews it sounds like the Poachers (not a fan of the graphic!), ARV96s or BC Camox may suit - any thoughts on what you think would be a good ski (assuming no price range issues) and at what length? Thanks so much!!
Hi John! One thing that jumps out to me is your mention of carving and performing well on groomers. In my opinion, the Camox has a better feel on groomers than the Poacher or ARV. Both the Poacher and ARV lean more towards being park skis than the Camox, which leaves the Camox as a superior all-mountain ski. It's still capable in the park, but since you're not as focused on park, I think Camox is probably the way to go. Hope that helps!
Great videos! I noticed you said the Head Kore 93's were easier on the knee's than most of the other skis. I haven't heard anyone mention this before. I'm looking to purchase either Kore 93's or Enforcer 94's as an all mountain ski. Any comparison / contrast between these two ski's for a moderately advanced skier, skiing mostly the Park City area and Vail, and now with a knee problem?
A lot of that has to do with weight. The Kores are easier to manipulate with their lighter feel, and generally less punishing for skiers with knee issues. The biggest difference between those two skis is weight and vibration damping. The Enforcer is SIGNIFICANTLY heavier, but that does come along with more vibration damping, more edge grip, and better carving performance. It is, however, a more demanding and more fatiguing ski. Hope that helps!
Great video!
I’m having trouble finding the perfect ski for myself. I have always just rented all my gear so I’m sure I’ll be happy with almost everything. I live in Ohio so it’s pretty much groomers, some trees, and park. I enjoy the park and I would prefer twin tip skis, and something light and playful because I love hitting every little jump I see. Do you have any ideas?
(I also would like to have skis that do fine west when I go)
Here’s some I’ve seen:
1: Line Chronic
2: K2 Poacher
3. Faction Prodigy 2.0
4: Line blend
5: Armada bdog
6: armada ARV
7: Atomic bent 100
8. Line Sick Day
(Or any other recommendations you have!)
Thanks!
The Sick Day is pretty light and snappy, and while it has a turned-up tail, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a twin tip like the Blend. ARV, Poacher, BDog, and Chronic are all a big heavier but that will equate to more stability and fun on the groomers. I have a BC 100 and love it, but it may be too wide for your application and style. Check out the Nordica Soul Rider 87 as well. Have fun!
Slightly different idea, but would you guys do like a ski hall of Fame? Your favorite skis through your life. Skis that changed the game. Just sounds like a lot of fun!
See, this guy knows what I am talking about! We want to hear who is the best, not hearing someone describe how Gretzky skated and passed the puck.
@@MattShafter There are plenty of other sites that give their opinion on "the best" ski. I'm glad SE doesn't because there's no best ski in absolute terms. Everyone is different: size, weight, skill level, skiing style, snow conditions, etc. I find it much more helpful to hear in-depth reviews of skis, including subjective descriptions, so I can get a sense for which skis best fit what I'm looking for.
That would be fun, Ted! We'll add that idea to the rainy day list, so to speak. I think the hardest thing would be sourcing some of those skis...
Great reviews as always! I am in the market for a new ski this year. Cannon is my home mountain and ski 40-60 days a year . I'm 5'10 270 lbs expert skier looking for a good all mountain ski as I already have the rossignol elite 78 for the hard days. I'm looking for a hard charger that can handle my size and still perform on trail and off? I am intrigued by the stockli, Kastle and mantra? What are your thoughts? Thanks Jeff
I grew up skiing Cannon, moved to Tahoe a long time ago. I've been skiing on the Nordica Freeride 104s. I skied 135 days last year and used them everyday. You might like them.
Hello! You're on the right track here for sure. At your size, you're going to want a ski that's on the stable, powerful side of the spectrum. All 3 of the skis you listed are fantastic choices. I'd throw a Stance 96 and Enforcer 94 into the mix too. Those 2 skis will feel a little looser and quicker off trail, while still being supportive for your size and hard-chargers in their own right. For some reason, the ski that feels like it might not work as well as the others is the FX 96. The Hollowtech makes the shovel a lot softer, which some of our bigger testers notice. I'd stick with the Stormrider or M6 over the Kastle. Hope that helps!
Is the right hand side of the room much warmer than the left?
Haha, I was really cold that day. Temps are dropping quickly in VT right now!
Hey guys! Love the videos... keep going back and forth between the maverick 95ti and the black ops escaper. I gather from too much research that the maverick is drastically stiffer and the reason im leaning more and more towards the escaper. Reason being, I'm 5'5" and 145lbs. Upper level intermediate skier and I've outgrown my salomon s/force 7s. NEED to upgrade to all mountain as my skis now are useless off piste. Starting to love moguls and trees. Also am faster than my family who all snowboard now on piste alone, for now. So I definitely feel like i like to ski aggressively and enjoy going faster the better i get. Are the differences between the 2 as dramatic as I'm assuming? Also, are you guys familiar with the stiffness of the s/force 7? Thanks a bunch in advance!
Hi Greg!
The nice thing about the Maverick is that it's still pretty light, so you're getting the performance and dampness of the metal but in a lighter package. Escaper (Sender 94 Ti for 2023) is a whole lot of fun and has a surprising amount of energy, especially for 2023, but even the 2022 version has great energy and grip. I'd lean to the Rossignols, especially if you're concerned, because they have high-performance ceilings and are likely a better match for your stats and application. Have fun!
SE
Very torn between the origin 96 and the serpo. I’m 5’11 155 and love to ski trees and steeps on the east coast. From what I understand the origin is better suited to off piste while the serpo is better at carving? How does the origins carving performance compare to the serpo and other skis on the list? That’s really the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger one those because damn they are beautiful
The Origin still carves reasonably well. The tail isn't as strong as the Serpo, so it doesn't finish a turn with as much power and precision. The VMT 1.0 construction definitely improved the carving performance of the Origin over past models. It might not has endless edge grip at super high speeds on firm snow, but I also think it will satisfy most skier's carving demands, especially skiers who prefer skiing off piste whenever possible. Hope that helps!
Hey guys, great reviews as always! Quick question…I just switched from snowboarding to skiing, and I’m looking to pick up my first ski. I went out to our local hill in Oregon and they put me on a pair of 158cm rentals. I’m 6’1” and 195lb, so I felt these were really small! What size should I be on for a beginner, hoping to progress fairly quickly? Also for mostly groomed runs and some playing around the mountain I’m looking at Sick Day 88 or 94, ARV 96, or Volkl Blaze 94?? Thank you!
Yeah, shorter is easier for one day, but once you get remotely comfortable, that's very short. I like the sounds of the mid-90's skis, so I would suggest Sick Day 94 over 88. That and the Blaze have the most upside for a skier like you. I'd look to the mid 170's for lengths. Have fun!
SE
Hey guys thanks for the content right now I own the brama 88s for the hard and days I wanna charge and the k2 reckoners 102 for days with some soft where I wanna cruise around and have a lot of fun that’s super playful I’m looking for something that’s kinda of in between in width and playfulness can handle the east coast groomers but has some play to it any suggestions? I ride probably 40/40/20 on/off piste park
Thanks!
Lots of good options. Ranger 94 FR, Origin 96, Poacher... those skis all feel like they have a great mix of performance for what you're looking to do. All 3 can handle firm east coast conditions, are fun off trail, and can handle some park skiing too.
Hello guys and thanks for your input. Are any reviews coming up on the Black diamond Impulse series?
We will do our best to get on them! Mike Hattrup is a good friend and recently joined Black Diamond, so we have an "in" so to speak.
AMAZING JOB GUYS! Could you compare the Mindbender 99, Declivity 102 and Stormrider 95? The best all rounder for on/off piste ?? Thanks Nick
Hey Nick!
Hmmm... which one to start with. Let's go Declivity. That ski feels like somewhat of an outlier in your short list. Longer rocker profile, especially in the tail, so the Declivity has more of a drifty/surfy feel, while still retaining good stability and vibration damping. Mindbender 99 feels the stiffest, so probably most supportive for a heavier or really aggressive skier, but at the cost of some extra fatigue. Stormrider 95 is easily the most precise ski in that group with the shape of its tail and overall feel. Not as stiff as the Mindbender, but plenty of edge grip. The slightly softer flex is actually a lot of fun as it allows you to manipulate carving radius more easily.
Jeff looks cold 🥶
Haha, I was cold that day! Temps are dropping here in VT and I remember waking up and thinking it was fleece weather. Normally studio lights are too hot, but I guess I was running cold...
Head had in my opinion one of the best Allround skis I ever test and luckily I bought one of the last. The Head Monster 88 Ti
Great one the hardest groomers goes through carving turns like GS and offpist it is just one of the best ski in that category.
With a Duke Pro binding it is also great for touring evan it is a little bit heavy but I the way down it will pay it back the efforts
I, like you, typically have very heavy touring setups compared to most skiers. It's all about the downhill!
i own a 2020 faction candite 3.0 which i use for freeride/offpiste but i am not happy with the onpiste performance. So im searching for a second pair which i will be using for piste and chill trips with friends. I am thinking toward the bent chettler 100 but maybe that’s a still too focused on offpiste. Do you have any other ideas for a good secondary ski to my faction ones?
I expect you have a relatively playful skiing style? Probably not laying over super-high speed carves on steep groomers too often? I bring that up because I think the Bent Chetler 100 is probably just what you're looking for. It's not the best for railing high speed turns on demanding, steep, icy terrain, but it's certainly way more capable on firm snow than your Candides and still has a fu, playful attitude. Does that make sense to you?
I've been skiing the 2020 Vantage 90 ti for 4 days now and come to the conclusion that it definitely excels on-piste. Which is great, but I would be interested in the something that performs slightly better off-piste, with that added versatility while remaining relatively stiff and not having massive amounts of rocker. What would you guys suggest? Should I just give the Maverick a go?
I think so, and I'd even put in a recommendation for the Maverick 100, as it's still an amazing on-trail carving ski with just a bit more rocker and width for off piste.
When talking the Maverick 96TI, which 4 other skis in the 699 mark were you referring to?
Sorry for the confusion, the 3 previous skis were all at the $699 mark, starting with the M6.
Thanks for this fantatsic comparison, I'm wavering between the Head Kore 93, the Elan black and the Stöckli Sr95.... what would you recommend? Off pist / back mountain is definately a must! My "problem", I am lightweighted with 68kg at a size of 180cm. So I am not the most powerfull skier.
I think that lighter skiers generally gravitate to the Kore for good reason. They offer a ton of performance, but don't take a ton of effort because they're on the light side. The stockli and the Elan require a bit more power and commitment for skiers to obtain the best performance.
Very interested in purchasing a set of skis like the Volkl Mantra 6. I am a senior turning 65 next month. I currently have vintage Atomic Arc GS racing skis 185cm (from my more youthful days) and love to make big sweeping carved turns but also head off piste too. Heading into retirement I plan to ski a lot the Rockies and Alps and enjoy both on and off piste runs. My height is 5'8" (173cm) and weight 145 lbs (65.8 Kilograms) and have being skiing my whole life on and off piste and would consider myself an advanced skier even at my age. In the Volkl Mantra 6, what length would you recommend? Any other models you might recommend and their length?
Hi Andrew! It might sound short, but I would actually recommend the 170 cm length for you. That should provide plenty of stability and edge grip for your weight, while being less fatiguing, easier to ski, and more forgiving than the 177 or longer lengths. Coming off your GS race skis, I think the M6 Mantra is a perfect ski for you. You'll appreciate its strength and precision, while also enjoying and benefitting from its versatility in different snow conditions. Hope that helps!
Hi guys ( my english is not so good)
I want to know what ski is better for my Style, im between line sick day 94 and the arv 96.
I LOVE powder but in my country i dont have to much of that, i also like carving and skiing out of the pist, i also do like tricks like 180, jumps, doing helicópters.. i LOVE going un the middle of treeee.
What would u recomend me?
Thanks for that awesome reviews and videos
Hi Miguel! If you're doing some 180s (and probably skiing switch a bit too), I would go with the ARV 96. It's just nice having the twin tip shape if you're going to be spinning and skiing switch. It's also a great ski for trees. Sick Day is a lot of fun, but as soon as you bring spinning and skiing switch into the equation, the ARV is going to be the better choice. Hope that helps!
Last ski comparison withdrawal, time to start the outerwear comparisons. 😉
That would be fun! Curious, what are your favorite brands? We're always considering new outerwear brands...
Hi, I'm niklas and i come from germany. I'm going to go skiing in canada this season and still have to buy the perfect skis for me. I have been skiing for 15 years and would describe myself as an expert. I really enjoy driving on the slopes to carve at an high or slower speed. But since I also like to ski next to the slopes like forest or powder, so I am looking for a ski between 90-100mm. I did a lot of research on models and also watched a lot of videos from you and i finally came up with 3 models that I still have to choose between.
Salomon QST 98
Atomic Bent Chetler 100
Volkl BLAZE 94
Which one would you recommend to me? :)
keep up the good work!
Hi Niklas! Let us know if you need help deciding between those 3!
Hello guys, really love the video! Almost everything is in one place, just perfect!
I have a question and will appreciate your answer! I'm looking for my first pair of skis that will do it all. I'm looking for the most fun and versatile skis. There are no big mountains around me, groomers mostly. But I still want my skis to be able to ride some powder when I'll visit some big resorts :) I love going fast, and doing some carves, but also plan on learning some tricks. Out of the following list, which will be the better ones?
K2 Poacher
Line Sick Day 94
Fischer Ranger 94
Nordica SOUL RIDER 97
From what I've learned, I'll probably say that Fischers are the best option here, but I'm still a noobie, so I may be wrong :D
Thank you in advance!
Thanks, Foksey!
I'd say the Ranger as well. it's the most responsive, energetic and grippy with a ton of versatility built in. You have 4 great skis on that list, but I think the Ranger 94 suits your stats and needs the best. Have fun!
SE
Hey Guys, Unreal video as always.
I am looking at purchasing my first pair of skis, i like to describe myself as very intermediate, zero problems with blues slow on blacks skiing in the rockies of Alberta. i spend probably 90% of my time on groomers. 5'9 260 lbs. Any recommendations?
Thanks, Dylan!
If you're sticking to groomers at that rate, I'd say something like the Head Kore 93 makes a lot of sense. It's light enough to be maneuverable and quick while staying strong ands table to carve well for your size. Blizzard Rustler 9 is another great choice for a ski that cruises really well but also has versatility and playfulness built in.
You guys are the best! quick question... I own a pair of Rustler 10s for the snowier years. I'm curious if you think I should go with the enforcer 88 or 94 for my more groomer oriented ski. I ski in the Tahoe area out west.
I still want the ski to be versatile; capable of just about anything except for deep snow
Enforcer 88 feels like a good choice as it would complement your Rustler 10 a little better than the 94. Either would be fine, I just think I would make sense to get the narrower ski with more edge to edge quickness and precision on firm snow. Hope that helps!
So, you say that the new SR95 are stiffer AND a bit heavier than last year's model? And more powerful?
Man, I am SOOOOO sold!
Yup!
Excellent review. I finally decided to buy the Blizzard Rustler 9 skis but im not sure about the right length. Im 28 years old, intermediate to advanced level not agressive skier 179 cm tall and weigh about 90kg(about to drop down to 80kg in a few months). Should I go for the 180cm skis?
I think the non-aggressive side puts you into the 172. Shorter skis are just more fun if you're not a hard-charger. Still stable, though, so I think you'll get all you need. Have fun!
SE
Could u make a video with a handful of picks of ski socks (I’m lost so many options and pricing is all over the place)
Hey Jack! Would love to do a video about socks. We'll try to work it in over the next month or so. I personally am a big fan of Darn Tough and Le Bent and almost always use Ultralight thickness. We just started working with Falke too and I have a pair sitting on my desk to test. Looking forward to trying them as they look phenomenal. We also do quite a bit with Lenz heated socks, but obviously that costs a lot more.
I am trying to decide between the fischer ranger 94, the serpo and the blizzard ruster 9. I live in utah and already have a black crow noctas for the big powder days but want a fun, versatile ski for all other conditions-- groomers, boot deep powder, moguls, tree, etc . 6' 3" 175. lbs expert skier. Thoughts?
We were really impressed with the Serpo this past year. Nothing against the Rustler or Ranger, but the Serpo stands out as grippy, energetic, and with all-mountain versatility. I'd start there, especially if you're a fan of the brand--a lot of the general character filters through.
Hi there! Which of these skis would you consider to be the most approachable / best suited for an advanced intermediate skier (confidently ski all blues, most blacks, can carve but my technique probably needs honing)?
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Sick Day 94, Blaze 94, Escaper, Origin 96, Ripstick 96, Maverick 95 Ti... all of those are perfectly appropriate and approachable for a skier like yourself. All of them will allow you to progress you technique, while giving you access to off-piste terrain, softer snow conditions, etc. Of course there are differences among them in shape, feel, etc, but those would all be good options.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks so much for the recommendations! You guys are awesome!
Great comparison. How do you decide between the Ripstick Green or Black, does it depend on skier weight, or some other factors? Do you lose any of the snap and energy the green has in turns when moving up to the black edition?
I had the ripstick green last year and really loved it. Just got the blacks this year, I've had 6 days on them, and I'm amazed at the performance. They are basically the greens but do everything just a bit more and the tips are a bit less flimsy. I'm light but can still feel that I can push the blacks harder. I wouldn't ski the blacks as an intermediate/early advanced skier but I would the greens. If you like skiing all mountain hard, I'd go with the blacks, they don't like going slow though.
Like Jesse said, they're basically the same, the Black just feels more stable at speed and a little less flimsy. He's also spot on with the ability level assessment. The Black is a bit too much for an intermediate or less aggressive advanced skier, but the Green is great. That carries over to weight too, which is something Bob and I (Jeff) notice. I rarely push the Green past its limits, but Bob can do so more easily. He's about 70 lbs heavier than me, for reference. So, depends on skier weight, ability, and also level of aggressiveness. I don't think you lose any snap or energy in the Black, at least as long as you're an advanced/expert skier that can drive a ski.
@@jesseeng9598 Thanks for your feedback.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks Jeff!
As always, great reviews guys. Love these comparison videos! Which ski would you recommend to someone who’s mostly on groomers, carving long turns at a bit of speed, but enjoy skis with some playfulness that can handle going off piste and into the trees? I’ve been looking at the enforcers and the mantras, but from reviews they seem demanding, especially off piste. Are the ripsticks a good choice, or will they be too light and jumpy on the groomers? Thanks a bunch!
Ripsticks are fantastic. The more you keep them on higher edge angles, the better they perform. Also check out Black Crows Serpo as a good mix between the Mantra/Enforcer of the world and The Ripstick.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the input. Ended up buying the ripstick 96 180 cm. Can´t wait to hit the slopes in a couple of weeks!
Hello guys. First of all, I wanted to thank you guys for making such good quality videos. I have really learned a lot from you.
I am trying to find a good pair of skis to buy. I only have one season of experience with skiing, but I loved it a lot. To put my experience into perspective, I am comfortable on green trails and struggle with blue trails. I am 6ft tall and around 250lbs. I am interested in the mid 90's skis because, although I have never gone off trail, I am interested in doing so in the future. I was wondering if there are any specific skis you guys recommend. They don't have to be mid 90's, but whatever you think would be best for me. I also live in Vermont, I don't know if that makes a big difference. Thanks so much!
I agree, these are such great videos. I'm interested to hear SE's answer to your question, but my initial thoughts are that a mid-90 all-mountain ski may hinder your progression. A mid-80 is probably more appropriate for your situation and you can still take it off trail. Something like the Solomon Stance 84 since it's more forgiving yet has a sheet of metal, or the Line Sick Day 88.
@@nathanyork362 thank your so much for your response! Im definitely going to check does out.
Hi Jeffrey! I agree with Nathan, I think a mid-80 ski may be better for you. A narrower ski like that is easier to manipulate and achieve a higher edge angle, which will help you progress your skiing more quickly. A couple skis I'd add to the list would be the Armada Declivity 88 C and the Elan Ripstick 88. Both of those skis are very approachable, supportive for your size, and something you can grow into and continue to progress with over the coming years. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Thanks you so very much. I really appreciate the help!
Hello! Great video! I’m looking for a new ski! I’m 5’8 180lbs advanced not expert skier. I used to like the park and go through trees, but now I’m more “chill” lol I rather stay on piste, but occasionally I will find myself in the of trails and maybe just maybe hit the park again (nothing crazy) I ski 60% out east and 40% out west.. what would anyone recommend?? Thank you so much!
Hi Carlos!
Origin 96 stands out to me as a good option for trails, trees, and park. K2 Poacher leans more to park, but is a fantastic all-mountain option as well.
Amazing video as always!! I’m having some trouble picking out a new pair of skis, i’m an intermediate skier and i’ve been using my dads old salomon scramblers and i think it’s time for my own pair. I like to ski all mountain but i’ve been starting to do jumps and learn park tricks, and i’m definitely determined to become a better park skier. What skis would you recommend that are playful and will be good on jumps/park but are also good all mountain skis? I’d like to progress both park and all mountain skiing and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Also i’m 5’8, 140lb and ski at Whistler and Cypress in BC, Canada
Thanks, Mahan!
The nice thing about the more twin-tipped skis these days is that they totally rip on-trail, off-trail, and in the park. K2 Poacher, Liberty Origin 96, and Line Sick Day 94 come to mind as strong options for all-mountain skiing as well as park for intermediate skiers looking to improve and progress. Have fun!
hope atomic did not compromise the vantage's carving performance. still one of the best ski's for the average joe who wants to keep carving through variable ungroomed terrain imho :)
No, I think that's the key to the Mavericks. They carve just as well as the Vantage, IMO, but they're far more versatile too.
Hey guys. Awesome video as usual! Will you be doing an A/T ski review this year? I know you’ve mentioned a few skis that would work well with a Shift binding, just wondering if you’d do a comparison video for skis that would work well for the A/T application. Thanks!!!
Hey Stu! We are planning on it, yes! It will be sometime during the month of November.
Love what you guys do and just bought a new pair of Enforcer 94s from SE/Pinnacle based on your reviews. But I wonder why you led off nearly every review talking about weight when a) total weight or weight differences seems to have little to do with the actual ski performance differences like turn shape, smear vs. carve ability, getting skis across the hill, bumps and tree skiing, float and playfulness, etc. that you discuss in the rest of your reviews and b) the weight differences of 200-300g on an average 2000g ski in this category seem small, like somewhere between 0.8-1.2 lbs on a 7-8lb pair of skis, not including the weight of the bindings. I'd think skier technique and ski construction would matter a whole lot more in driving performance differences than weight. Does weight matter more in certain types of snow (fresh powder vs packed powder) or terrain (bumps/trees vs. groomed trails)? What am I missing about the emphasis you put on weight and its connection to performance? Thanks.
For me, weight is a crucial information. I guess the heavier you are, the less you care about low weights, but you still need something that will support you / your frame. Stiffness ofc not always comes from weight (e.g. 2 sheets of metal), but weight informations (especially important when it comes to touring applications) are somehow not always easy to find. There are more manufacturers that don't show this information than those who do. So it's an incredibly nice service here. And yes, i do feel the difference of 200 to 300g per ski after a day. On my ski shortlist 21/22, the heaviest ski is at 1900g, and by a good margin of 150g, the heaviest out of my list (i'm usually at least one lenght shorter then skis shown in the reviews, as length drops, weight does as well).
300 grams is a big difference and very noticeable when it comes to skis. You're right that it shouldn't change things like the turn shape and how surfy/carvey a ski is, and the better the snow is the less difference it will make. In worse snow momentum is more important; a heavier ski will generally track better, deflect less, feel less twitchy, absorb more chatter, and smooth out rough snow. The down side is they can be more physically demanding and take more effort to maneuver (and carry uphill if you tour). More weight is your friend for stability and rough snow performance, less weight will help with quickness and maneuverability.
More and more skiers are starting to care about weight, so we decided to include it in these comparisons. We also feel like it's a good place to start as it gives the viewer a quick snapshot of what the ski is like, or at least what it's like for Bob and I holding it in our hands. I agree with Steven that a 300 g difference is very noticeable. Everything you mention is really important too, of course, but if you take 2 skis with very similar shapes, but a 300 or greater difference in weight, those skis are going to perform quite a bit different.
Deciding between M6, Enforcer, Ripstick Black, or the Stormrider. Advanced skier, 48 yrs old, 5’9”225 lbs, skiing with my intermediate level kids. A lot of blue runs with some black diamonds. Tahoe area. What would you recommend?
Hey Ryan! Those are 4 great skis. I expect when you're skiing with your kids you're sticking to more moderate speeds? I bring that up because it might be a good factor to help decide what's best. The Ripstick Black and Stormrider are, in my opinion, the better performing skis when you're not going really fast. Between the two, Ripstick will give you more soft snow performance just due to its shape, although you lose some precision on firm snow. If you want a more stable ski at speed and aren't concerned with losing some performance on the slower end of the spectrum, go Enforcer or M6. Between those two, it's a similar conversation, Enforcer is more versatile for different snow conditions, M6 is more precise on trail. Hope that helps!
Hey Guys,
You already answered a lot of my questions, so I will have to ask for your help for the last time.
I recently skied the Stormrider 95 from last year.
I really liked how easy these were to ski in all turn shapes and their edge grip was also decent.
But at higher speeds they could’ve been a little bit more stable.
What would you think would be a somewhat similar ski with a little stiffer tip?
Thank you so much !
Hi! Bonafide 97 comes to mind right away. 2 sheets of metal, very strong, very damp, and certainly stiffer than the Stormrider 95. Salomon Stance 96 and Nordica Enforcer 94 should be in that conversation as well. Bonafide is stiffer, however. Then I'd add in the Volkl M6 Mantra. That ski is very precise and stiff like the Bonafide, but slightly easier to ski. Stance and Enforcers are a little looser overall. Hope that helps!
Thank you! Didn’t even think about the M6. The easiest and most forgiving while still stable ski, is probably the Stance right ?
Great reviews!
How do the sick days compare to the origin 96?
Not quite as snappy IMO. The Sick Day is really light and maneuverable. Super easy to maneuver through moguls, trees, etc. The Origin has a little more "oomph" to it, especially after they added the new VMT 1.0 construction. That gives it more stability at speed and little more responsiveness, although I think it's fair to say it's not as easy to ski as the Sick Day now.
Would mounting a set of Duke PT’s on a pair of Line blades be totally frowned up ?
I don't know if anyone would actively frown at you, but I also wouldn't really recommend doing that. The Blade is pretty heavy, and the Duke PT is also pretty heavy, so you'd have a hefty ski for the uphill. It would work, but would be a pretty weird combination IMO.
hey, this might be a longer question, but i'm struggeling a bit with what Ski i should go for. I am a very strong and hard skier who likes nothing more than charging hard. But i also love to go off-piste, swing by the park and just have fun on the mountain. Everything speaks for the Ranger 94 FR, but i'm really insecure if it might be too light and unstable for me. I'm 190 pounds and 6 foot ... i would also love to try the Mantra, but with that one i think it could be too boring for sth like sidehits and the occasional park lap haha
I think the Ranger 94 is great. It's a bit stiffer and heavier than I think it lets on. I'm 6'2 225 and skied it pretty hard and was impressed. If you're looking for a good blend of on/off-piste as well as park and fun, this is about as good as it gets in the mid-90's underfoot. Mantra might be too beefy for the playfulness, but it's a hard-charger all right! Have Fun!
@@SkiEssentials thank you so much!!
You guys convinced me to pull the trigger on the Liberty Orgin 96's.. I'm just about 6'1" 190 can't decide on the 176's or the 187's.. Any suggestions?
I'd go 187. They're light and maneuverable enough to warrant the larger size.