I'm a 2023 Origin 101 owner, I ski Tahoe. I have to say, I really regret not getting the 106. At the time it was going to be my one ski quiver, and if you live in the Rockies where the snow doesn't melt and refreeze, it probably is great at that. The Origin is THE BEST in soft snow. It is so incredibly fun and accessible. There is no better ski to learn how to handle powder or try your first lines through the trees. But whenever the snow is not nice, it falls FAR behind the all mountain competition. It's more stable than a Rossignol Soul 7, but that's not saying much. Early morning groomers are handled well by the VMT, but as soon as the mountain gets a little bit cut up, you become the slow skier. It does not handle chop well at all. I ended up getting a used set of Declivity 92's, which are about as stable as a "lightweight" ski can be, and means my Origins are still relevant (because I'll take them out any time its fresh snow or spring slush), but the 106 would have been a better choice for me - not a dedicated pow ski, but the extra 5mm wouldn't take away anything and it would add a lot. I don't think 101 is right for you unless you ski somewhere the snow stays soft for days, because in that environment the 101 width gives you the perfect balance between on and off piste performance. But If you are going to have a dedicated groomer/firm snow ski, you're better off on a 106. And if you're not going to have a dedicated firm snow ski, you may want to consider an all mountain ski that's a bit more capable. Kudos to Liberty for the soft snow feel though... I really think they're even better than the bent chetler line for soft stuff.
Hi team, great review and torn between the Qst 98; Dynastar 99 and the liberty 101. Ski mostly north Utah and niseko. I love to play on the mountain but sometimes during the day I have to ski with the wife and kids so stuck on groomers. Any recommendations as no way to demo any of these. Advance skier, 177cm tall for 74kg. Close to 50 do my days of jumps and tricks are gone but enjoy finding left over stashes, trees and side of groomers etc… Cheers in advance
The QST and the M-Free 99 make the most sense to me as they're just a bit sturdier than the Origin. The QST is more directional and on-trail oriented than the M-Free, but the M-Free is incredibly fun and versatile. Mainly, the QST is a very safe and predictable choice while the M-Free and its more twin-tipped shape bring a bit of creativity to the mix.
I'm a 2023 Origin 101 owner, I ski Tahoe. I have to say, I really regret not getting the 106. At the time it was going to be my one ski quiver, and if you live in the Rockies where the snow doesn't melt and refreeze, it probably is great at that. The Origin is THE BEST in soft snow. It is so incredibly fun and accessible. There is no better ski to learn how to handle powder or try your first lines through the trees. But whenever the snow is not nice, it falls FAR behind the all mountain competition. It's more stable than a Rossignol Soul 7, but that's not saying much. Early morning groomers are handled well by the VMT, but as soon as the mountain gets a little bit cut up, you become the slow skier. It does not handle chop well at all. I ended up getting a used set of Declivity 92's, which are about as stable as a "lightweight" ski can be, and means my Origins are still relevant (because I'll take them out any time its fresh snow or spring slush), but the 106 would have been a better choice for me - not a dedicated pow ski, but the extra 5mm wouldn't take away anything and it would add a lot. I don't think 101 is right for you unless you ski somewhere the snow stays soft for days, because in that environment the 101 width gives you the perfect balance between on and off piste performance. But If you are going to have a dedicated groomer/firm snow ski, you're better off on a 106. And if you're not going to have a dedicated firm snow ski, you may want to consider an all mountain ski that's a bit more capable. Kudos to Liberty for the soft snow feel though... I really think they're even better than the bent chetler line for soft stuff.
Hi team, great review and torn between the Qst 98; Dynastar 99 and the liberty 101. Ski mostly north Utah and niseko. I love to play on the mountain but sometimes during the day I have to ski with the wife and kids so stuck on groomers. Any recommendations as no way to demo any of these. Advance skier, 177cm tall for 74kg. Close to 50 do my days of jumps and tricks are gone but enjoy finding left over stashes, trees and side of groomers etc…
Cheers in advance
The QST and the M-Free 99 make the most sense to me as they're just a bit sturdier than the Origin. The QST is more directional and on-trail oriented than the M-Free, but the M-Free is incredibly fun and versatile. Mainly, the QST is a very safe and predictable choice while the M-Free and its more twin-tipped shape bring a bit of creativity to the mix.