2023 Men's Powder Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- We went from the narrowest of narrow last week to the widest of wide this week! We hope you enjoy our 2023 Powder Ski Comparison!
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
3:00 - K2 Mindbender 108Ti
6:45 - Armada Declivity 108 Ti
9:10 - Dynastar M-Free 108
12:25 - Nordica Unleashed 108
16:20 - Kastle ZX108
19:55 - Line Vision 108
24:27 - Fischer Ranger 108
29:00 - Volkl Katana 108
32:35 - Scott Pure Pro 109
35:55 - Atomic Bent 110
40:25 - Nordica Enforcer 110 Free
44:45 - Head Kore 111
49:10 - K2 Reckoner 112
54:00 - Salomon QST Blank
58:05 - Blizzard Rustler 11
1:00:27 - Line Blade Optic 114
1:04:55 - Black Crows Anima
1:09:10 - K2 Mindbender 116C
1:11:50 - Fischer Ranger 116
1:15:00 - Elan Ripstick 116
1:19:05 - Dynastar M-Free 118
1:22:15 - Rossignol Black Ops 118
1:26:05 - Atomic Bent Chetler 120
1:29:30 - Volkl Revolt 121
1:33:30 - K2 Reckoner 122
Quote of the day, "We are in the golden age of ski construction." So true. And more better to come for sure.
Guys, awesome comparison as always. Ski season is open here! Seems like all these companies are making really good and fun skis these days and I want at least 50% of this wall.
Excellent! I've been waiting for this.
I absolutely love these type of videos!
Love your reviews depth and generosity…thanks a bunch!
Great review! Helps that you guys are different in size and style so we get a better picture of the ski's attributes. Being out west I'm very tempted to buy from the list to add to my quiver. Just made my decision a little harder. Always like the grandfather (as you said many times during this video) Bent Chetler 120, but have heard so much about the Blank's that I'm leaning that way. Awesome job! Thank you!
The Blank is a really, really fun ski. Very intuitive and easy to ski, which I personally really like in a ski this wide.
you guys make the BEST gear review vids I have ever seen. Context and detail.
Thank you, very kind!
Great explanation of what tail rocker does in pow @ 17:40
Very informative. Gives me ways to consider skis that is helpful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the exhaustive review! Awesome job guys.
Our pleasure!
Surprised the Armada JJs didn't make this edition? IMO those are the ultimate Pow Ski.
Such wide skis, hard to fit everything we'd like to on the wall!! Haha. In all seriousness, you're right, it's an awesome pow ski and maybe we should've made a spot for it and taken out something else.
Totally agree
Ultimate? Just in this brand you got at least 2 better pow skis.
@@sebaut100 which two are you referring to?
I have the bent 120 and I know they are pure powder ski but they still feel great on groomers. U get a dump at a resort you can still ride them all day. No changing out in the afternoon. Love these skis. ❤
Yeah, they're quite unique in the sense that they're so wide, but can still be fun to ski on groomers. Obviously not quick edge to edge, but more rewarding and more responsive than most skis that wide.
agree..there are snowboarders csrving..looks at the width of those..too much emphasized..other factors matter more
Atomic bent Chetler 120 just came in, can’t wait to shred it
Thanks, alot of good information there!
Thank you!
picked up the qst blank this summer at half price can't wait to try it. el nino year!
That's quite a score considering the ski hasn't changed!!
Isn’t that La Niña?
I would be very grateful and excited if you guys test the Armada Whitewalker 116.
We would love to test that ski, especially in the intended conditions and terrain.
One aspect I feel should be way more emphasized in reviews is durability. For example the vision 108 is a super fun ski as you mentioned - but mine snapped after only 7 days. Unfortunately this is really common with this model as you can read everywhere online. As fun as it is, I wouldn`t recommend this to anyone anymore, because it`s just so fragile. I am sure you must have heard about this for at least some skis, right? Maybe you guys could encorporate this in the future since it is quite a big deal if you want to ski your gear for longer than a couple of test runs, espcially nowadays with skis getting lighter and lighter. Would love to hear your thoughts.
I hear what you're saying for sure. For us, that's a tough thing to test since we rarely ski on skis with a lot of days on them, and even then, they're not "ours" so it's hard to tell where certain models may lack in the durability department. The nice thing about us here at SkiEssentials.com is that we have a robust customer service department that does hear about customer issues with skis, so if you have a particular model in mind, like the Vision, I can just call down and find out if they've heard of or have gotten a lot of warranty claims on a certain model.
That's for you to research on your own, o ce you narrow down your top choices talk to people who own them.. It's hard enough for shop owners to ride every ski long enough to know how it skis and feel ....let alone to ride then long enough to evaluate durability
Awesome review. Interesting comments from Bob regarding the Bent 110. The Bent Chetler 100 is my go-to all-mountain ski, but it is not for deep powder. I would have thought the 110 would be a great powder ski for those who don't want the girth of a 120+ waisted ski. I'm guessing the lack of carbon together with Bob's large frame suggest the 110 is for smaller/lighter skiers.
Totally wish that 110 had at least the carbon backbone, if not slightly less rocker. But that's just me--I know a lot of other skiers who really enjoy it.
I have the Reckoner 122s, live in the PNW, and pretty much daily drive them. They are crap in moguls or at speed and struggle with chunder but carve better than I'd hoped, are great finding pow stashes in trees, and are just fun all around. Plus I work for the race crew at my local mountain so it's fun seeing the 122s next to some race skis at the start. We don't really get proper ice out here though, I'm sure it would be horrid on that.
Being able to get a fat ski like this up on edge is a lot of fun! With the flexibility, you can really access the totality of the sidecut, and that makes them carve surprisingly well. Ice, not so much--better take them to the tune shop for any prayer.
The Revolt 121 is my all time favourite ski. Get a good flow going and don't try to fight the ski's momentum; you'll be rewarded with an incredibly fun and uniquely satisfying experience (plus it's hilarious when you're out-carving people on dedicated frontside skis). I see them pretty regularly at Lake Louise, maybe not an eastern ski but they're a killer resort pow ski for the Rockies.
Thanks for doing these comparisons, helpful and entertaining!
Also, shout-out to the guy I sometimes see who has a Reckoner 122 with telemark bindings😆
Which side would reccomend me? im 174 cm. 177cm or 184cm?
@@tiagote99 I'd lean towards the 184 but either could work. The recommended mount point is around -3 from center, the 177 mounted on the line may leave you wanting more float/ski in front of your boots. That said you can safely mount them further back to fit your preferences (I have mine -2 from rec, I know people who love theirs -3 from rec, and I've heard of people going as far back as -5 from rec). The 177 is still an option but the 184 is the safer bet for powder performance
Great vid. Here on the ice coast the best powder ski is about 96mm. At least you can use it more than once 😊
@Bob You are correct Kevlar is Dupont's Brand name for Aramid fiber, note the Black Crows Anima Ski also has Carbon Fiber combined with Kevlar in a tape, it now my Powder Ski of choice when it deep in Southwest Colorado
Nice! And thanks for the backup!
Bummed you guys missed the Icelantic Saba Pro. 117 under foot, full rocker. Powder monster
Right now we don't have access to Icelantic, but you never know, that could change.
Have worked for a catski operation and they did provide pow skis if needed. Not everyone coming to cak/heliski places have pow skis as they might be making a trip from somewhere without good powder access. Like the last k2 on this list we provided pon2oons. Which like the last k2 on this list didn't have a ton of practical use outside of cat/heliskiing
Thanks for the feedback!
Hey I'm trying to decide between the Dynastar m free 108 and the Atomic bent 110. I will be doing a Fairbit of powder and between trees but I still need to be able to ski a fair few groomed slopes.
Also I'm 5.6 and 155lb what lenth ski would you guys recommend?
I love the "silly and interesting" comment at the end! You two are great! This is a go-to-video! p.s. in that vain of thought, I don't think a micrometer would be big enough to measure the Black Ops 118 tip splay. Just saying.
Thanks Ronald! Hope you're having a fantastic ski season.
You're probably right about the micrometer ;)
@@SkiEssentials p.s. Bob if you want to swap a Revolt 121 black or tan ski with me in the 191cm length let me know! I would love to have the same color on both sides too! I haven't bought them yet though!
There are heli tours that provide the skis. I've not been heli skiing, just seen the adverts.
You're right. Heli guides do tend to have a selection of demo skis. Many cat outfits too. I wouldn't be shocked to see some of these wider burlier skis at the base of Silverton for rent either. Me? I just bring along my JJs. But my JJ 2.0s are getting long in the tooth, great video showing me what's out there these days.
Thanks for the info!
Thumbs up to the golf game. :D
Hi, I have an RTM 84 that does not get much attention these days since I mostly ski Rockies, also a pair of Fischer Ranger 96s as my daily driver (love them in bumps, trees, and a couple of inches of fresh snow off-piste, they also do great on groomers as long as I am not cruising trying to go over 45 mph!, but I had a hard time with them at Alta after 2 feet of fresh snow), and am looking for a wider ski for powder days but being used to carving skis and loving to carve and be in control do not want to sacrifice stability and carving ability (grip) totally. On a normal day I ski on- and off-piste 50/50 (groomers, trees, bowls, bumps, ...) but when there is fresh snow I tend to gravitate towards off-piste terrains and look for untouched powder stashes in bowls, trees, ... . So, I'am looking for a mixture of good floatation, playfulness, carving, stability, and responsiveness trying to stay under 110 mm waist width (I ski 15-20 days max each season and do not get enough powder days to justify a dedicated wide powder ski). For reference, I'm 40, 6' 1" and weigh 175-180. I do not ski switch and am not into tricks anymore besides some small jumps here and there but ski aggressively sometimes (25+ years of skiing). Also, do not like the hefty skis on the heavier side with two sheets of metal anymore due to back and neck injuries. I have had my eyes on Ranger 108 but my hesitation is its crud and chop, and variable snow performance. How do they perform in inevitable variable conditions? What do you recommend?
Hello! Ranger 108 could actually be a great choice for you as it is quite well rounded. If anything, however, it leans more towards the stability, carving side of the spectrum rather than the playful side. It can feel a little heavy, which is great when you're charging, but can be a little tiring or demanding at times. It doesn't have two sheets of metal, but at times it feels like it could. Kastle ZX 108 is an interesting option. Great float, feels playful, but has some stability to it too. Salomon QST Blank is an excellent powder ski, and basically checks all your boxes. Tested a lot in Alta, so you know it's going to perform well there. Come to think of it, you could actually do QST 106. That ski has excellent float and stays under the 110 width you're looking for (Blank is 112). Feels like a really good option, actually...
Hi Guys, great job with these comparisons :) Question: I am a big fun of Volkl Shiro and I've been using them since 2013. Sadly they were discontinued in 2015/2016 season. What would you suggest as the current substitute regarding the riding properties and feel?
Loved the Shiro!
I'd say something like the Volkl Revolt 104 in the Volkl line, the Rossignol Blackops 98, and the Nordica Unleashed 98 and 108 all share similar characteristics, especially that 108.
Yaaaaaaassss
just in time, just finished the mid-100 video.
Much appreciated and excellent comparison! Thanks guys!
Great review as always. Thinking about your closing comments about powder skis in general... I have the M-Free 108 (I live in the UK so mostly skiing in the French or Austrian alps) but thinking about potential future trips to Japan and BC Canada - is it worth adding a super wide ski (i.e. Reckoner 122) to the quiver to make life easier/more enjoyable in those really deep conditions? Just how much of a difference would you feel between a 108 underfoot ski and a 122 ski in bottomless powder? I'm 6ft 75kgs for reference. Thanks!
I’m 5”11” and 75kgs. I ride an original soul 7 in Japan which is a similar width and it’s pretty good and still copes well.
That is one of the situations where, yes, I think you can easily justify a wide ski like the Reckoner 122. You never know how often you're going to have a chance to use it, but those (Japan and BC) are two places where you could absolutely benefit from a wider ski like that. Your M-Free 108 would still do great, but if you get lucky and time your trip with an epic amount of snow, it's nice having those super-wide skis.
How much do you like that feeling of floating on top of the clouds instead of through them? Then, how often do you want to feel that, and how easily accessible do you want it?
Ive grown accustomed to riding my blackops 118s as long as there's 3 or more inches of fresh snow. (also super fun for spring skiing). But if your just gonna use it a handful of times then renting sounds more economical. But if you have money and room to add to your quiver then definitely recommend getting a "powder stick". (Get something with sidecut and then you can get some use out of it on the groomers.)
Great review! I'm looking for something as playful, surfy and light as the DPS 112 RP. Which of your reviewed skis would come closest to the DPS in your opinion? Thanks in advance!
I'd put the Salomon QST Blank right up there with the DPS in terms of shaping and overall snow feel. Atomic Bent 110 has that light weight and surfy feel as well--probably more so than the DPS. Have fun!
SE
Great review, guys! I was wondering about Bob’s comment about how the snow pushes down on the back of a ski with more tail rocker or twin tip. If I’m looking for a ski that will make it easier for me to ski in powder, should I be looking at more of a directional ski with a flatter tail?I’ve also heard the guys talk about how having a lot of tail rocker makes it easier to maneuver, so I’m a little confused. Thanks for the reply in advance.
Generally, more twin-tipped skis also have more rocker, and they do this to balance the splay of the tail. Mostly, when we're talking about the maneuverability of the ski, it comes in the form of more sideways-styles of skiing. The more directional skis operate well in more of a fall-line format, and in this sense, they do not get hung up as easily. The shape of the ski does reflect the intended style of the skier.
Love your work guys! Can you please tell me how does the Anima compare with the Ripstick 116 please? Which one will you take to Japan?
The Anima feels like a stronger ski than the Ripstick 116 to me, but the Ripstick 116 is very bouncy and with great float. I think I'd probably take the Ripstick 116 to Japan just hoping to get the deepest conditions ever, then bounce and play. Either could work, I just think the RIpstick is a fantastic ski for the snow conditions I think about when I think about Japan.
Nice video. Great insights. Would you go for Declivity 108 or QST Blank? For powder days in Europe. And what length for 175cm and 225lbs strong advanced skier.
This one depends on if you prefer longer or shorter turns. The Declivity is more of a straight-line charger that simply motors through the pow and crud and chop. Blank is a better pure floater, and with more tip and tail rocker and a shorter radius, it's more adept at moderate speeds. Blank I'd go 183, and Armada 182. Have fun!
SE
I'm looking for a ski purely for soft snow and pow days in BC, good in the trees is a must. I'm 6'3 220lbs and was initially thinking bent 110 but this video has me leaning towards the blank. I'm an advanced skier and can rip on my bonafides but they just aren't as fun in the pow/trees just for reference. Anything else you think would be better?
I'm about the same size, an inch shorter and 5 pounds heavier--I love the Blank on its own, but when compared to Bent 110, there's really no comparison in my experience. I put the Blank up there with the best of the soft snow skis. Blizzard Hustle 11 also caught my attention this year, as did the Black Crows Anima. I just found the Bent 110 too soft for my size and style, but someone lighter and more playful/multi-directional would fit right in with that ski. Have fun!
SE
Just wondering why the line pescados or the line vision 118 aren’t up here specially when the 108s made it
Hey guys! Another fantastic overview. Just one question though: How come you didn't include the DPS Pagoda 112RP? Seems like a perfect fit for this group? PS. I'm currently looking for a powder ski and was seriously considering the QST Blank or 112RP. Any help here? Keep up the fantastic work.
Yup! I think that ski would have done great on the wall. I love the RP shaping with that long taper and rocker. A fantastic floater for sure. Our general problem is that we just don't have enough space or time.
I wondered the same thing. I am not seeing the DPS in my local shops this year either.
@@robertallen259 DPS is like Ferrari of ski world. High class, expensive, nonexistent artwork, uninspiring. Despite their performance capabilities, their detractors really don't make for a big seller compared to other brands. Our shop tried to sell them two separate times without success. Lots of tire kickers, and no sales.
Hey, Reckoner vs Blank... Do you think that blank is more on Mindbender site of performance? I am skiing k2 marksman and I am looking for someting wider and more stable for big drops but I am type of skier who jump everythink on slope sides. I tried qst 106 but for my It is boring skis (vs marksman).
I'd say Blank is more stable than Reckoner, but it's got a similar feel to the QST 106, so you may not like that either. I'd check out the Blizzard Rustler 11 or the Nordica Enforcer 110. Have fun!
SE
I almost made it to the end.. I am going to bed so that I can get up early to go skiing tomorrow.. I am going to bring my 2021 Kastle FX HP 96 x 180. I know there are going to be a ton of people and only 1 run open so I will see how well I can smear turns.. I will have to watch the rest of this later...
Jealous! It's still a bit too warm here in Vermont :(
@@SkiEssentials I just did a huge reply and it didn't save.. I loved my Kastle.. 49.5 mph with a ton of people.. I am cool with that.. Saw tons of people with DPS and tried talking to all of them.. Planning on bringing my DPS next week and if I can get 49.5 mph with a ton of people then I am good with that.. Skiing season is upon us.. I will try watching the rest of this video..
I did make it to the end..
I currently use the Fischer Ranger 94 FR (2021) as daily driver and really really love it. I also have the Rustler 11 as my powder ski, but barely use it as we don't get that much snow. I'm thinking of buying a powder ski that is a bit narrower (maybe 105-110mm waist). I like both the Ranger 94 and Rustler 11, but if I had to choose I'd lean towards the 94 (but maybe a bit more surfy). If you would recommend a ski from the wall based on my preferences, which one would you recommend? Thanks!
I'm a huge Ranger 94 fan as well. Keeping that same type of character in the 108ish range, but adding some surf, I'd take a square look at the Dynastar M-Free 108. So much fun in the soft snow, but a surprisingly sturdy feel on the trails.
Fischer Ranger 115 -GUT !!!
God video! But i missed the Head Core 117..
I (Jeff) tend to like the Kore skis more and more the wider they get. I would've loved to include those, but unfortunately we only had the 2022 ski here when we filmed this video, not the updated version. Looks like that's still the case now too.
what would you say is the biggest distinction between blizzard rustler 11 (180cm) and black crows anima (176cm)? which skis suits which skier better? Thanks!
The Anima has more positive camber underfoot and this gives it more energy than the Rustler, which is slightly more smeary and slarvy in character. If you're finding yourself wanting better edge grip and energy from groomers to technical terrain, the Anima suits that skier better.
Great comparison video, guys! I'm a 5'8" 66 year old male and weigh 150 lbs with advanced skills in all conditions, and I live in Utah. After this season of record snow fall, I'm now looking for a second set of skis on the powder end of the spectrum. Currently, I own the Volkl Kendo 90, which works well in all conditions, but now would like more of a powder ski that still performs well on the groomers and the crud. I was thinking of something that falls in the 106 to 110 waist size. I'm considering the Volkl Blaze 106, the Nordica Enforcer 104 and the Elan Rip Stick 106. Which would you recommend? Many thanks!
My eyes gravitate to the Ripstick. It's probably got the best blend of powder and groomer performance. The Blaze is a great floater, but isn't a whole lot of fun elsewhere, and the Nordica is on the powerful side. It's great, but is more demanding than the Ripstick. With the Elan, you can get a huge range of performance with less effort.
I'd love to see you guys review the ARG II UL
We'll try to get our hands (feet) on it!
What ski would recommend on here for an uphill ski weight and downhill performance combo? I have a black crows atris now
The Line Vision 108 jumps to the front of that conversation. Very light for efficient climbing and very fun and playful on the way down.
QST blank basically just wants to be sideways all the time. At low speeds in the trees on a pow day they feel like cheating, but out in the open in chop I find the slashy nature to make them harder/less confidence inspiring to ski at higher speeds. The more forward mount position is interesting to get used to as well if you're used to a more directional ski. Mixed feelings!! on a perfect day they're legend.
Great feedback, thanks!
Agreed. It's a really nice ski, but for aggressive skiers it might make sense to size up to make it less twitchy/hooky at speed. This ski wants to turn, which is great for trees and steep technical sections, but in open glades where you want to open it up - not as confidence inspiring - better I think in a little longer size. Happy with it, but would have been much happier w/ a 184 rather than 178. Its very versatile for a wide ski - great in all conditions and is actually very fast edge to edge in (softer) hard pack - remarkable for a ski this wide!
@@batman50ish More freestyle than freeride :) I'm 6'0 on the 184 and am not sure I'd want to go bigger. I don't have a lot of experience on different skis but it seems to me that you have to make a compromise. The skis that like big fast open turns, are very difficult to make fun slashy turns in the trees with. Everything is a compromise, so need to pick a ski that matches your riding style and terrain.
@@dougr550
whelp. as you suggest... every ski is a compromise - no doubt - and certainly every skiers needs and capabilities are different. But all I can say is that I have 3 other pairs of skis at 178cc... and they are spot on. This ski on the other hand... because it has a very short turn radius.. and less effective edge due to significant rocker... skis "short."
@@batman50ish 100%. On my 184 Blanks I feel more over the front than my narrower ski which is 2mm shorter. I figured this had to do with the slightly more center mounted freestyle design so have been trying to adjust my skiing style, or I could be completely wrong and that with the rocker profile of a pow ski I'm actually on too short of a ski. All I know for sure is that I skied them on a relatively low snow day and that I wouldn't want to be on skis that were even 1g heavier lol. My poor legs.
G’day guys, agree with Eli.. any chance of giving Liberty Origin 112 an honourable mention? Where it fits in the lineup etc.? Cheers
We searched the for Origin 112 in our warehouse and were surprised when we realized it's not here. I was bummed not to include it. However, I would say it skis similarly to the Rustler 11, but feels a little lighter and quicker. They're very agile and responsive for being as wide as they are, which I suppose is a consistent theme among the Origin line.
Not in love with my Enforcer 94s...looking for an easier turning ski. I was eyeing a Wingman 82CTI, Volkl Deacon 80, or Brahma 82. I'm mostly a front side intermediste skier if I'm being honest.
Hey John! Wingman or Deacon 80 would both be excellent choices. Brahma is a great ski, but heavier and on the stiffer side like your Enforcers. Easier turning, yes, but not as easy as Wingman or Deacon. Hope that helps!
Trying to figure out sizing for the Anima. I mostly ski numbers right at 180cm. This one is in between sizes for me. Would you generally speaking go up or down on this one? I’m 5-9 165 reasonably aggressive advanced skier.
If you're generally an aggressive skier, I'd think the 182 is fine. The last thing you want with a ski like this is the fear that you've left some performance on the table.
IMO a pure powder ski needs flat (not rocker) tails to facilitate planting the tails in the snow and kicking into the binding. Not as easy with a curved tail. After numerous heli and snow cat trips (with falls).this is essential to clearing the skis of powder and conserving energy at altitude.
Great take! Definitely see that in a lot of the directional powder skis, although the industry certainly has moved the needle to incorporate more twin-tippy designs in their wider offerings. A bit narrower, check out the Rossignol Sender 106Ti--I think this is a good example of what you're talking about.
Looking to buy skis after renting for 18 seasons in Europe. Id say I'm a decent standard and can ski the whole mountain but getting older at 52.... Although I'm 6.4 and weight training 250lbs. Always preferred wider underfoot but wondering about major differences between 104 to 108. I'd like a ski that can do everything as can't carry multiple pairs. So... Any advice on 180 to 190 length and something to suit my weight. The Armada, the black crow and Nordica look interesting but for my weight, size and ability I'd love your input. Cheers
Hi Graham! I wouldn't go crazy wide if you're going to use them as an all-mountain ski. The 104-106 range feels right to me, or maybe even narrower into 102ish. Nordica Enforcer 104 Free comes to mind as an excellent ski for someone like yourself. Strong and supportive of a bigger skier, versatile for different terrain, and can do just about anything you ask. Black Crows Atris would work too, especially the new one at 105 underfoot. With Armada, I would probably point you towards the Declivity 102 over the 108 as I just find it considerably more versatile and still a lot of fun in soft snow., Hope that helps and my apologies for the slow reply!
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 and mostly groomers. Thoughts???
If you're looking to maximize grip, Kendo 88 and Enforcer 88 are going to be the best among those skis. Mindbender 89 isn't far behind, but it's designed for a bit more versatility than the other two, and if you're skiing mostly groomers, that might be enough reason to bypass that one. You could, however, consider going a bit narrower? The trick around here, IMO, is to go further into the frontside world if you want true New England hardpack/ice performance. It might not be in the budget, but the Stockli Montero AR isn't much narrower and takes things up a couple notches on firm snow. I (Jeff) have the Montero AX for basically exactly what you're talking about. Firm snow day, that's the ski I take. Others too, of course, like Deacon 84 might be worth considering. Just a thought, but among the skis you're looking at, Kendo or Enforcer would be my recommendation.
Ive got a question. Do you think it will be overkill buying a 120mm ski when having a 100mm ski. Is the difference big enough to consider getting the wider variant as a deep powder ski? TIA for answers
Yes, it's worth it. While you may not have a lot of opportunities to use it, just having it and knowing it's there is a great piece of mind. When you do get it on that deep day, it'll be pretty clear why they make skis that wide.
Oh boy is this great!❄️⛷
What are the differences between the Faction CT 5.0 and the K2 Reckoner 122?
Maybe the biggest difference is the amount of early taper. The Reckoners use considerably more taper than the CT skis, which basically don't have any. Candide is somewhat unique in his preference for giant, super wide tips and tails. Reckoner will feel a little quicker, or will pivot/butter more easily, while CT provides a little more stability in its extremities. Candide skis super fast, so his skis need to be a little more supportive than some. Hope that helps!
Great info, have your ever tested Icelandic Natural or Nomad or other?
Not yet, but the next time we're at an industry on snow demo I will jump on Icelantic.
I just picked up the 2022 Black Crows Serpo in a 186, I'm a 6'2 & 240lbs expert & aggressive skier and so far absolutely love them. I moved to Seattle and used them to replace an aging pair of Kendos I previously had as my daily driver. The other ski in my quiver is a ~7 year old set of Head WC Rebels iSL in 165 that I absolutely love to get out on a crispy day. They have served me incredibly well as a ski that when it's hard I can just stand on them are carve with confidence and when it's soft and bumpy I can get them swinging around no problem. Now I want to figure out the right powder ski, the Anima seems like an intriguing choice for me potentially as it sounds like it wants to present an edge, but is still able to be a floaty and buttery ski which is exactly what I am trying to find. Any other skis I should look at?
If you're looking in the 115ish range, the Anima is awesome. I'd also say that the Blizzard Rustler 11 and Salomon QST Blank are worth a look in that zone.
Hei.
What ski today is like a GS ski? But low rocker, bigg camper and 100mm to 110 under fot. Big turn radius like 27m+ is optimal.
Check out the Liberty Evolv 110, Salomon Stance 102, Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise, and Armada Declivity 108 Ti. Some good options here!
I thought the unsinkable ski, Black Crows Nocta, would be on this powder ski list...Saddly it didn't make it.
Totally a great powder ski. We did not buy any this year so did not have it to show, sadly.
I'm 5'6 (167cm) and looking at those K2 Reckoners as a pow ski, I have a pair of Rustler 10 in 172... Should I look at the 170 or 177?
I'd say the 170 is the better choice than the 177, but if you know you like longer skis, don't let me talk you out of it!
oh shii..... here we go.
Trying to narrow down here, 6’3 and 215lbs, only ski Tahoe resorts at intermediate level, I have narrower skis for other days but looking for powder skis. I think I have it narrowed down to Blanks, Kore 111, or Pagoda RPs. I assume I can’t really go wrong but any advice to that? Thanks
The Pagoda is the easiest to turn, the Kore is the stiffest, and the Blank is the most well-rounded. If you're looking for easy float, I'd lean to the DPS with the Blank not far behind. The Kore is pretty specific--not usually preferred by the intermediate crowd due to the combination of light weight and stiff flex.
@@SkiEssentials awesome thanks guys you rock
Guys I got nordica enforcer free 104 at 179cm which are awesome in my opinion then I saw unleashed 108 bought them hoping for better float than my enforcers and while I'm not disappointed with them I'm not sure if it right for me so I started looking back on enforcer 110. My question is. Is there a really noticeable difference between enforcer 104 and 110? I feel like unleashed 108 is harder to steer in deeper snow than my 104.
Yeah, what you're feeling between Unleashed and Enforcer Free is very normal. Longer rocker lines on the Enforcer 104/110, so even though they're heavier/stiffer, in soft snow they also feel surfier and a little more maneuverable. I do think there's a noticeable difference between Enforcer 104 and 110. The 104 feels like something I can ski every day, the 110 feels more like a dedicated powder ski to me. More float, not as snappy on firmer snow.
104 is my daily driver 80-90% of the season. You can them them anywhere. I used my unleashed 108 this past Saturday 3/4/23 when we got that fresh pow it was fun to ski on them but I got few times when tips more or less dived on me so I had to sit back on them a little more and steering seem little tougher too. Next day Sunday I swtich back to my enforcer 104, and I felt like they float and stear easier while my legs weren't getting as tired. I demo 110 a couple of years ago. I feel in love with it. I almost bought it, then 104 came out. I still wonder if I would be happier with enforcer 110 or unleashed 108 as my powder skis.
Ah superb very nice breakdown and super pretty skiing Jeff on the 108 Declivity. Some PNW feedback vs my east coast brethren on the goofy end of the wall. First the Black Ops 118 is perhaps the best carving (sounds funny i know) ski above 115 imho on your wall. With a crud and skied out groomer stability factor unequalled. The very shape of 146/118/140 with race room materials and construction yes make it a beast. It will wear your legs out but what a blissfully charging good time before calling it a day. All skis I refer to I have bought and skied some more extensively than others. The big Bent Chets I have owned are bouncy, slashy and super floaty in maritime snow and seem to hold ok just be patient. It does not hunker down and blast through chop or carve like the Rossi B.OPS … the Reckoner 121 was a great floater but lacked back bone in run outs and the Atomic aced it in this area adding a bit more stability but floats just as well and was quicker too. Finally prolly my PNW favorite Pow Ski of all time or at least right at the top is the Volkl Revolt 121. Gets you up on top of the pow quickly and allows both the sensation of carving in powder and or rolling off your edge to slash or pivot quickly. Stability on run outs much better than either the Reckoner or or the Bent Chetler. Revolt won’t thrown down carves like the B Ops but it charges none the less for what it is. A quiver ski for sure. Just one old man’s opinion from the PNW.
Have an incredible winter everyone.
Thanks for the feedback!
What difference do you find between revolt 104 and free 108?
The 108 has a surprising amount of grip and pop to it, while I wouldn't say the same thing about the drifty and smeary 104. The 108 is also drifty and smeary, but it also has more camber underfoot, and that gives it a very unique energy. For most conditions, including soft and not soft, I personally prefer the Dynastar.
Can you guys try to get a faction mana 3.0 in one of these lineups :)
We really wanted to include the Mana 3! Our Faction order hasn't arrived yet, but it would've been a really fun ski to include. You can expect a good amount of Faction reviews this coming season, however!
What about the bent 110? Im tossing up the blank or bent 110 with some shift bindings
There are downsides to either ski as a touring setup, but not major downsides. The QST is a little bit heavy for touring, depending on the application. Short tours, infrequent tours, etc, it's great. If you're touring A LOT, you might want something lighter. The Bent 110 is lighter, but the shape isn't the best for touring. Not the best skin attachment, but it would work. I think most people prefer a longer effective edge when going uphill, but it's not the end of the world, and one of the best choices if you specifically want a twin tip shape. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Thank you so much for your response. About 80% side/back country in Japan, 20% touring. Im getting a bit older these days and care less about freestyle. Just like the playfullness of both of these skis in the powder, yet hold their own on the groomers/crud. Thanks again!
@@Tom-cr7qt what did you buy tom? I'm an Aussie and the majority of my overseas skiing will be in Japan at all the resorts. Just trying to find something that's going to make that kind of skiing as fun as possible.
@@evrich I went with the Blank. Such an awesome ski! I was so impressed (so are friends with them). The blank does fine on Japan groomers, even better in the crud, and obviously the best in the powder. Super fun ski
@@Tom-cr7qt Amazing! Thank you for the reply :)
Bent 120 or an anima black crow? For playful? Thanks guys I have the Atris
For playful, go Bent 120, for more of a business-like experience, the Anima is amazing.
do yall have a recommendation for 5,10 145lbs advanced skier ski for japan snow? im on the bent 100s at the moment
If you like the lighter weight of the Bent, you could just size up and go with the Bent 110's. For more of a sturdy feel, the QST Blank is awesome, and sturdier, still, the Black Crows Anima.
I know the Rossi Sender 106TI + features elsewhere but how does it compare to the Katana 108 in powder, soft chop, hard chop, groomers, moguls and trees? (my priority order). I'm 215lbs and ski pretty aggressively!
The Rossignol is friendlier in all categories, but not necessarily higher performance or more aggressive. I like the smoothness of the Sender as I find the Katana to be quite a challenge. That's just me.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks - I'm really zooming in on the Rossi Senders.
So how does the Nordica Enforcer 110 Free stack up amongst the 106TI+ or the newer Sender Free 110?
Jeff, do you prefer the Kore 105 or 111?
Personally, I weirdly prefer the 111. It's all because of the shape. I think I'm a bit too lightweight and (sometimes) too lazy for how stiff the Kores are. There's basically a direct correlation to how wide they are and how much I like them, which I think is mostly due to the increased rocker as they progress wider. That said, I did have a surprising amount of fun on the Kore 87 this season!
what size Declivity 108 was Jeff skiing in the video?
182
which are the easyest to ski for freeride (not park) ?
I'd say the Elan is right up there with the easiest skis here, also the K2 Mindbender 116.
How does the ranger 108 feels compared to the black crowes atris 21/22?
To me it feels a little more study. Smoother, more vibration damping, but not quite as quick as the Atris. It's an even bigger difference with the new Atris being narrower and even more agile, but I still feel the same difference between Ranger 108 and the previous version, it's just not as big of a difference.
It’s SQUAW VALLEY and will always be SQUAW VALLEY.
I believe they're going by Palisades Tahoe these days.
Is the k2 mindbender to fat of a ski? Looking for something for japan powder but also ability to ski chop and pieste when not much snow around
Real Japan powder? Like IN powder? 6" or 2 ft? 108 certainly won't be too much if you like sidehits and searching out stashes.
Which one, the 108 or 116? For pure powder, the 116 is wonderful. It's not the best when it gets cut up because it is pretty light. The 108 excels in choppier conditions, but with new rocker profile, it's a pretty good floater as well.
Katana 108 looked like lift line at waterville
Good eye!
Im just curious guys but why didnt the Nocta made it up the wall?
We did not have the Nocta in house for this review. It' made last year's wall and would have been up there if we had it. The big thing about the Nocta is that it's one of the few fully-rockered skis left, so that certainly sets it apart.
1:25:00 and at 25 meters..... so not quite the famous Rossi "auto turn rocker"...or at least a rather wide version of it. "There's nothing particularly easy about this ski".
does rossignol have a cockerel logo while rossignol means nightingale?that messes with my head
Deep thoughts!
Mike Weigele provides skis if you want them. FYI.
Thoughts on the faction dancer 4 ?
It's an interesting ski because it's very wide for having two full sheets of metal and some decent camber underfoot. As a result, it's one of the best turning skis in this zone, but it's not one of the most playful, so it definitely leans to one side of the spectrum, especially when put up against more drifty and surfy skis like the QST Blank or the Reckoner 112.
I agree about the last bunch of skis. They really are only useful for very rare / special conditions. Occasionally you someone with those skis on and you just wonder what they are thinking -even in the West.
Those rare occasions are certainly special, though! Nothing like having the right tool for the job at hand. But yes, for the most part, a 122 is very much overkill most of the time.
I’m surprised season forma didn’t get put on the wall
We are not currently a dealer so we have limited access to those skis. We'd love to get on them in the future!
I really liked this video, thank you. I'm getting back into sking after 40 years, so trying to understand this fat ski thing ha ha.
Ha! They're a lot of fun when you're in the right conditions!
SE
1:13:52 guy on the right getting triggered
Pains me to say I will most likely never need a ski this wide
Right? Powder days in the Poconos? Haha.
deathwish 112?
I'd love to include Moment in these comparisons. Right now we don't really have convenient access to the brand, but we're always looking to add more.
I feel bad for you guys only 4 real pow days in Stowe?? Damn....
I only ski 116 under foot skis from late January to early March
All the Japow
Yeah but those 4 days are REALLY fun!
4 K2 skis and no liberty origin 112 :'(
We were bummed too. Origin 112 is a great ski, but for whatever reason, we've only received the 96, 101, and 106 so far. Bob and I were both surprised when we realized it's not physically in our warehouse. :(
Oh well, I still love these videos! Always so informative and you guys seem to have a blast doing it. Thanks!
You don't need a micrometer to measure the splay on that Revolt 121 lol!
Macrometer!
Missing the K2 Pon2oon xD
It would certainly fall on the fat side of the wall!
Moment wildcat 116?
Moments and 4frnt generally don't get much love in these line ups, despite their popularity. Those companies sell direct and don't 3rd party retail, so you won't find them I'm the ski essentials store, so it makes sense they wouldn't spend the time reviewing them I think. It's understandable, they are running a business and these videos support that business in a way.
@@CaffeinatedDoggo that's pretty spot on, although we really would love to include them, and I (Jeff) personally like to review and talk about skis even if we don't sell them. It's kind of backwards from a business sense (creating content to sell skis for other people), but I just like skiing and talking about skis, so don't get too hung up on that. I went to college with the guys running 4FRNT right now, and they're relatively local, so 4FRNT would actually be relatively easy to add to the mix someday. We've reached out to a handful of DTC brands recently and are hoping on giving them some attention this season. (4FRNT, Peak Skis, whatever Candide is up to, Season Eqpt, etc)
@@SkiEssentials yeah that's understandable from the business perspective, if you can't sell them in stores... Despite that, I would enjoy hearing your reviews on skiis from moment/4frnt etc/where to place them in relation to a group of powder skiis, as I always find the big reviews and comparisons you guys do to be quite informative 👍😊
Some of these 108 underfoot skis seem like such an odd choice for this video, maybe for an east coast skier but imo 108 can and should be all mountain
Appreciate the feedback. Are you thinking most of the 108 mm skis couldn't be used as daily driver/all-mountain skis for a western skier or could? I think many of them could depending on skiing style, but very interested in your opinion!
I think he's saying 108s are all mountain daily drivers out west, not pow skis. I agree btw, don't think the pow skis category really starts until you get to about 115 to 120 underfoot at least
@@SkiEssentials howdy! Yes, I meant to say that the 108 underfoot category is a western all mountain ski, rather than a powder ski. I’m not saying they’re not great in soft snow and couldn’t be a good powder ski for someone who lives somewhere with less snow!!