So many people overlook a slalom cut ski, you don’t need World Cup / Racers…a solid slalom ski fits the snow and terrain most people ski. Save those 95-105mm for those special freshies/pow days.
I have both the 2023 Elan 96 RS Black in 172 and the Atomic Maverick 95tis in 180. I'm a solid intermediate (5'11" 190LBS) middle aged male doing 3 trips out West and 6 weekends up to Vermont. I'd like a better choice for the Vermont/NH hard pack/ice. I've been looking at the K2 Mindbender 89s, the Nordica Enforcer 88s, Volkl Mantra M6 and the Kendo 88s. Whatever I get will be strictly for the East Coast. Thoughts???
I think you mentioned a few great options that would perform well on firmer conditions we experience in New England. If you are a fan of the user friendly design of the RS 96, it would be worth looking into the Wingman series, specifically the 86 CTI. I found it to be a blast on refrozen groomers without being sluggish in variable conditions. Otherwise skis like the Kendo 88 and Brahma 88 from blizzard have been proven year after year on hard pack conditions.
@@winteriscalling3063 Thanks for the quick, informative reply. I'm going with the Kendo 88s because of all the great feedback I've received and the positive reviews. Love your content here on youtube!
These all seem to be a bit on the wide side for an east coast ski roundup. Getting into the 90s (or Bent Chetler 100) (except the Black Crows Vertis), this is really for the advanced - expert skier on the east coast. Maybe not so much out west where everything is softer and getting on edge, and holding an edge, takes less work. Great group of skis, but really for people who are already pretty skilled.
I agree with your assessment. Some of the widths recommended as possible skis for intermediate skiers are more challenging to tip up on edge and result in lots of sliding and skidded turns on the typical firm snow conditions that are common in New England.
Been an eastern skier since leather lace boots, skied it all. My favorite has been my slalom race cut skis. The Elan SLX with 66 under foot is amazing on trail, so quick from edge to edge, carves groomers like a scalpel on the thanksgiving turkey. However 98 underfoot all mountain Elan Apex summit cuts the crud……yes I get pro formed Elan skis, so that’s my ride, but all major brands have super skis, if you can afford them…..ouch!!!
I’m in NH and at 6’ and 170 I ski a Head WC Rebel 158. Yes shorter than I “should” have but that helps me drive a stiff performance ski easier than the length I “should” be on. The racing blocks make it easier to put them over on edge. Very agile in tight slopes with hard pack and icy conditions. 90-100mm underfoot is too wide for me in NE except under the best conditions (which we get one out of every four years). Buy equipment for the conditions you ski, not the conditions you hope you ski or what the industry is trying to push from a market driven by folks out West.
I watched the video because I saw the bent chetler 120 in the thumbnail, and the title, and thought... oh really? Glad to see you aren't actually recommending that. I live in Hokkaido, Japan and have the BC120 but even here in the snowglobe it only makes sense as a second ski.
Black crows Serpo?? Could that be a candidate for this list? Please let me know your thoughts as that is a ski I am considering for my New England all mountain ski……
My man really said tie 😶 Great video but would have loved to see the mid-80's range get some more attention. I have a pair of qst 85's that I use as my daily driver here in new England and if I'm being honest I have more fun on my qst's than my park skis most days, especially in spring mashed potatoes conditions 👍🏼
Thanks for the review. I am skiing the K2 MindBender 90Ti at 177 and I am tired by 3:00pm. BTW I am 5.9 210. Just for giggles I jumped on my much shorter lighter friends Nordica navigator 78’s @ 165 and I was giggling having a great time for the rest of the day and looking for moguls and trees. Can you recommend a shorter lighter bump/tree ski for east coast firmer snow?
They would be a good ski if you are looking for an all mountain option including the park. If you are more of a park skier exclusively I would check out Armadas new line up
k2 poacher is a great twin tip option that has surprisingly a good edge hold and power. thoughts on elan ripstik black 96 vs 106? can't quite decide yet
Chronic is a bit more freestyle focused in our experience and wouldn’t fall into this list. The Captis from black crows is similar to the Chronic with a bit more versatility
Hi, I am looking for new skis. I tried last winter Elan Ripstick 96 and it was great. How would you compare Ripstick to Ripstick Black Edition, how you see the pros and cons? Rgds, Heikki
The black edition is going to be stiffer and a more stable at higher speeds/on firm snow. This would be a better option for an aggressive or heavier skier. I found the original 96 to be more playful and more forgiving in bumps/ungroomed snow
@@winteriscalling3063 thank you. Couple of months ago I was confident that it is going to be Ripstick Black Edition, but now I am not sure? Then we have also Atomic Maveric. How do you find them against Ripstick? I am looking a playfull easy to turn skis that works on groomers and ice. And when you get a dump of 20 cm of snow, you can still go skiing. What to choose?
No way to really make a recommendation about boots. You should NEVER buy a boot without trying it on and being fitted. Coming from someone who has been fitting boots a little over a decade.
I’m looking at getting the bent chetler 100. I ski in the rockies and mostly stay in the trees, moguls, and side jumps of runs. I’m an advanced skier and am 5’10 165. Do y’all recommend the 172 or 180 cm length?
I personally like a shorter skis in the bumps and trees… but we ski mainly in the east . I think the 180 would float slightly better and will be easier to charge in ungroomed terrain.
Recommended is where we tested these. Those who come from more of a freestyle background or prefer a more upright stance may want to mount a bit forward from the recommended line
Check out the Volkl Blaze 94 or 106 with a Marker Duke PT or Salomon Shift binding. Go to ski essentials on UA-cam for an in-depth professional review.
The QST is a much surfier and softer snow oriented ski where the maverick is going to have a stiffer tail and more edge control. The QST makes an excellent ski for ungroomed conditions
I have been in the ski business since 1975 here in New England. Your choice of skis fits a certain demographic but ignores the fact that we don’t get 300 + inches of snow in many ski areas. You totally ignored skis in the 88 mm range like Brahma 88, Kendo 88 or Deacon 84. Also in the mid 90’s how can you not list the new Volkl M6. One of my personal favorites is the Rustler 9.
85-100 seems to be the best fit for most of New England depending on skiing style/ ability. These are the models we enjoyed the most for a variety of turn shapes, conditions, and other variables.
100% agree with Thomas. Respectfully, these are absolutely the wrong East Coast skis to recommend especially the softer skis like Black Crows. Average skier on the east coast could maybe get 2 days on these a season and still there are so many other better suited skis as the ones Thomas mentioned.
@@winteriscalling3063 Vertis has very soft tip so it's harder to engage early edging for intermediate skiers. I tried it at Snow Bird, they are great skier for lighter fluffier powder
@@winteriscalling3063 How can you leave the Volkl M6 , Volkl Kendo 88 and Blizzard Brahma 88 off the list? We have to constantly reorder these models and the Enforcer 94 at my shop in NE.
@@thomasmedeiros5722 the most popular option is not always the best option. I have found that the the skis you mentioned are excellent at skiing hard pack conditions.. to me that is not what an all mountain ski is. The skis I’ve mentioned all have a bit more of a rockered profile, allowing them to be easier to ski in variable terrain, not just powder. I think we will have more agreement for ski choice when we do our picks for the top frontside skis for NE
so you would take the Black Crows Vertis over the Divus ?
My son and I had Enforcer 93’s, sold them and both got the 94’s for 22/23 season! Can’t wait!
So many people overlook a slalom cut ski, you don’t need World Cup / Racers…a solid slalom ski fits the snow and terrain most people ski. Save those 95-105mm for those special freshies/pow days.
I have both the 2023 Elan 96 RS Black in 172 and the Atomic Maverick 95tis in 180. I'm a solid intermediate (5'11" 190LBS) middle aged male doing 3 trips out West and 6 weekends up to Vermont. I'd like a better choice for the Vermont/NH hard pack/ice. I've been looking at the K2 Mindbender 89s, the Nordica Enforcer 88s, Volkl Mantra M6 and the Kendo 88s. Whatever I get will be strictly for the East Coast. Thoughts???
I think you mentioned a few great options that would perform well on firmer conditions we experience in New England. If you are a fan of the user friendly design of the RS 96, it would be worth looking into the Wingman series, specifically the 86 CTI. I found it to be a blast on refrozen groomers without being sluggish in variable conditions. Otherwise skis like the Kendo 88 and Brahma 88 from blizzard have been proven year after year on hard pack conditions.
@@winteriscalling3063 Thanks for the quick, informative reply. I'm going with the Kendo 88s because of all the great feedback I've received and the positive reviews. Love your content here on youtube!
winteriscalling.com/products/volkl-kendo-88-skis-2023?variant=41709636976805
These all seem to be a bit on the wide side for an east coast ski roundup. Getting into the 90s (or Bent Chetler 100) (except the Black Crows Vertis), this is really for the advanced - expert skier on the east coast. Maybe not so much out west where everything is softer and getting on edge, and holding an edge, takes less work. Great group of skis, but really for people who are already pretty skilled.
I agree with your assessment. Some of the widths recommended as possible skis for intermediate skiers are more challenging to tip up on edge and result in lots of sliding and skidded turns on the typical firm snow conditions that are common in New England.
My thoughts exactly
Been an eastern skier since leather lace boots, skied it all. My favorite has been my slalom race cut skis. The Elan SLX with 66 under foot is amazing on trail, so quick from edge to edge, carves groomers like a scalpel on the thanksgiving turkey. However 98 underfoot all mountain Elan Apex summit cuts the crud……yes I get pro formed Elan skis, so that’s my ride, but all major brands have super skis, if you can afford them…..ouch!!!
Nothing like a slalom cut on those fresh cords and our firm conditions. Good to see the east skiing better with our recent storm!
I’m in NH and at 6’ and 170 I ski a Head WC Rebel 158. Yes shorter than I “should” have but that helps me drive a stiff performance ski easier than the length I “should” be on. The racing blocks make it easier to put them over on edge. Very agile in tight slopes with hard pack and icy conditions. 90-100mm underfoot is too wide for me in NE except under the best conditions (which we get one out of every four years). Buy equipment for the conditions you ski, not the conditions you hope you ski or what the industry is trying to push from a market driven by folks out West.
You Should do a best snowboards for New England as well!
Coming soon!
Just ordered my Bent Chetler 100, want to do everything with them, good choice??
You won’t find much that the BC 100 can’t handle. Awesome choice
I have got them too, waiting for bindings... and snow. They are surprisingly light, it can be an issue on icy slopes
@@jask320 Yeah, I have a pair of Armada arv 86 and those are heavier than Bent Chetler, I was surprised
I ordered a pair yesterday 😁
@@sebastian2931 it’s cause the bent Chetler doesn’t have metal which keeps it super light and flexible
Little wide for a “east coast” all mountain ski. None of these are gonna rip the front side.
I actually denied the enforcer this weekend in 94 and 100. Both crushed the groomers and especially the crud. A little heavy, but totally worth it.
What about a Atomic Maverick 88 ti. Was thinking about buying them but just looking for your opinion.
I watched the video because I saw the bent chetler 120 in the thumbnail, and the title, and thought... oh really? Glad to see you aren't actually recommending that. I live in Hokkaido, Japan and have the BC120 but even here in the snowglobe it only makes sense as a second ski.
Black crows Serpo?? Could that be a candidate for this list? Please let me know your thoughts as that is a ski I am considering for my New England all mountain ski……
My man really said tie 😶
Great video but would have loved to see the mid-80's range get some more attention. I have a pair of qst 85's that I use as my daily driver here in new England and if I'm being honest I have more fun on my qst's than my park skis most days, especially in spring mashed potatoes conditions 👍🏼
Tie 🤣
Thanks for the review. I am skiing the K2 MindBender 90Ti at 177 and I am tired by 3:00pm. BTW I am 5.9 210. Just for giggles I jumped on my much shorter lighter friends Nordica navigator 78’s @ 165 and I was giggling having a great time for the rest of the day and looking for moguls and trees. Can you recommend a shorter lighter bump/tree ski for east coast firmer snow?
I'm less optimistic about finding fresh snow at the mountain in New England. 84 under foot is plenty enoungh
k2 pon2oon is the best beginner east coast ski
Rustler 9 best all round east coast ski imo
Would the bent chetler be a good park ski?
They would be a good ski if you are looking for an all mountain option including the park. If you are more of a park skier exclusively I would check out Armadas new line up
The bent chetlers are way to fragile to ski park. You should look at armoda bdogs, volkle bash 86 or atomic punx 5
k2 poacher is a great twin tip option that has surprisingly a good edge hold and power. thoughts on elan ripstik black 96 vs 106? can't quite decide yet
My daughter skis on K2 Pouchers and loves them. Ripstik 96 is a great choice on the east coast for an intermediate or better skier.
For the east the 96 is more versatile. The 106 is a blast but would make a better second ski for the deeper days
Surprised to not see the icelantic pioneers on this list
How does the line chronic stack up?
Chronic is a bit more freestyle focused in our experience and wouldn’t fall into this list. The Captis from black crows is similar to the Chronic with a bit more versatility
Its actually the Rossignol Bandits .
Hi,
I am looking for new skis. I tried last winter Elan Ripstick 96 and it was great. How would you compare Ripstick to Ripstick Black Edition, how you see the pros and cons?
Rgds,
Heikki
The black edition is going to be stiffer and a more stable at higher speeds/on firm snow. This would be a better option for an aggressive or heavier skier. I found the original 96 to be more playful and more forgiving in bumps/ungroomed snow
@@winteriscalling3063 thank you. Couple of months ago I was confident that it is going to be Ripstick Black Edition, but now I am not sure? Then we have also Atomic Maveric. How do you find them against Ripstick? I am looking a playfull easy to turn skis that works on groomers and ice. And when you get a dump of 20 cm of snow, you can still go skiing. What to choose?
I think the Ripstick is your best option
La descripción de Ellan ripstick 96 2021/22
Can u please make a vid about boots too? dont know what boot im going to buy (to atomic bent chetler)
No way to really make a recommendation about boots. You should NEVER buy a boot without trying it on and being fitted. Coming from someone who has been fitting boots a little over a decade.
I’m looking at getting the bent chetler 100. I ski in the rockies and mostly stay in the trees, moguls, and side jumps of runs. I’m an advanced skier and am 5’10 165. Do y’all recommend the 172 or 180 cm length?
I personally like a shorter skis in the bumps and trees… but we ski mainly in the east . I think the 180 would float slightly better and will be easier to charge in ungroomed terrain.
It’s interesting that you say that the Enforcer line is for rising intermediates. No one else says that.
It is surprisingly accessible given the correct height is selected.
Bent Chetler 100...what mounting point did you use like...recommended line or +?
Thanks
Recommended is where we tested these. Those who come from more of a freestyle background or prefer a more upright stance may want to mount a bit forward from the recommended line
what is the best ski for powder and touring in Swiss alps for you?
Check out the Volkl Blaze 94 or 106 with a Marker Duke PT or Salomon Shift binding. Go to ski essentials on UA-cam for an in-depth professional review.
What do you recommend for a moderate Rocky Mountain skier? The qst 98 or BC/maverick 100?
The QST is a much surfier and softer snow oriented ski where the maverick is going to have a stiffer tail and more edge control. The QST makes an excellent ski for ungroomed conditions
@@winteriscalling3063 thank you :)
sender 104, Escaper 94 Crush the Rocky Mountains….
but I guess the shop doesn’t carry Rossignol
I have been in the ski business since 1975 here in New England. Your choice of skis fits a certain demographic but ignores the fact that we don’t get 300 + inches of snow in many ski areas. You totally ignored skis in the 88 mm range like Brahma 88, Kendo 88 or Deacon 84. Also in the mid 90’s how can you not list the new Volkl M6. One of my personal favorites is the Rustler 9.
85-100 seems to be the best fit for most of New England depending on skiing style/ ability. These are the models we enjoyed the most for a variety of turn shapes, conditions, and other variables.
100% agree with Thomas. Respectfully, these are absolutely the wrong East Coast skis to recommend especially the softer skis like Black Crows. Average skier on the east coast could maybe get 2 days on these a season and still there are so many other better suited skis as the ones Thomas mentioned.
@@ssk2976 the black crows Vertis is a full camber shape at 85 underfoot. Not enough for hard pack conditions?
@Jason Webb yes! Totally agree!
@@winteriscalling3063 Vertis has very soft tip so it's harder to engage early edging for intermediate skiers. I tried it at Snow Bird, they are great skier for lighter fluffier powder
Seems a bit wide for the East Coast. 75-90 with would be better options.
I feel like these are more west coast skis for BC /Alberta you definitely don’t see people on These widths much in the east
Maybe some areas of New England might be better with a narrower ski. Our most popular options in New Hampshire have always been 85-100 underfoot
@@winteriscalling3063 How can you leave the Volkl M6 , Volkl Kendo 88 and Blizzard Brahma 88 off the list? We have to constantly reorder these models and the Enforcer 94 at my shop in NE.
@@thomasmedeiros5722 the most popular option is not always the best option. I have found that the the skis you mentioned are excellent at skiing hard pack conditions.. to me that is not what an all mountain ski is. The skis I’ve mentioned all have a bit more of a rockered profile, allowing them to be easier to ski in variable terrain, not just powder. I think we will have more agreement for ski choice when we do our picks for the top frontside skis for NE
I wouldn't call any of those 'intermediate' or 'anyone can ski' type ... advanced to expert or you'll be doing figure 11's til the yard sale begins 😉