While the construction is slightly different between the three, the overall concept and goals are similar. I ski approx. Hi Aryn! Quality and precision mean a lot to you. If you like park, pipe, woods, bumps, powder, and groomers, youre sure to love the Holyshred. I'm 5'10", 180 lbs. What would be the pros and cons of each, relative to each other and maybe more importantly relative to the Enforcer 100 (which I still will ski)? The longer turn shape of the Stance 102 is mostly to blame, as this straighter-cut ski loves to be used directly in the fall line. I guess the Enforcer 104 is slightly better off-piste? Thanks for all the great reviews. You certainly don't "need" metal in your skis, but if you're a pretty aggressive guy I think you'll appreciate at least having some. . SE. First of all, love your reviews! SE. Both in that mid-90's range with some tip and tail rocker, so you get good flotation when it snows, but are still great carvers on trail. I might say the Enforcer 94 is a better choice for eastern ice, and gives you a bit more quickness and less material overall. In the 183, this ski generates a 23-meter turn radius, so its one of the most direct skis that well see. The good news is that the all around quality of skis is increasing, making it more possible than ever to find a ski that fits your specific style and preferences. Characteristics of an advanced skier would be: the ability to ski most, if not all trails, an ability to ski fast, regular ability to ski off trail, and more traditionally, the ability to link full carving turns at full speed. If you're just on the groomers, that's not a big deal, but it sounds like you're having fun in the woods, and that's where maneuverability really matters. Hi SE, It just wants to carve clean and round turns with stability and power, and were all about it. It still holds an edge well and actually has good vibration damping, but not as quick edge to edge as the QST. I like them but they seem a bit light and chatter in harder pack snow. When skiing this amazingly versatile and competent ski, it becomes apparent that it really likes to finish the turns strongly and with a lot of energy. For more play, go QST, but for more power and grip, the M-Pro is great. The tips and tails also have a softer flex pattern compared to the portion of the ski underfoot, which helps boost forgiveness in off-piste terrain. The main story here, though, is the rocker profile and the amount of splay in the tips and tails, making this ski stay up and out of fresh snow, while leading to a turnier overall mentality due to the shorter effective edge. From nose blocks and butters to tail stands and nollies, these skis are built and shaped to handle the most creative freestyle ski minds on the planet. I liked them. Ski Sizing can be tricky, thanks to a combination of the ever changing ski technology. I've read that some of you Ski The East, so any advice would be appreciated! They're a bit more user-friendly than the Mantra, but a bit better on-trail than the QST. I am hoping to try a few things while I am out in big sky so I can finally and purchase something with confidence. Playfulness abounds in the QST 98, and it does have a lot of soft-snow benefits to it, as one of the better floaters of the group, allowing skiers to maximize the potential and capabilities of the ski no matter what the conditions or terrain. Advanced: This might be one of the hardest groups to identify. I'm trying to narrow down a choice for my 1 ski quiver, ripping both east and west coasts. SE, Hi Todd! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Please let me know if you have any advice between the two or recommend another ski. Erik, Hi Erik! Skiers looking for that wider one-ski quiver, this QST 98 does it all. It's versatile and playful and loves to hop and jump around, but you can also ski pretty darn aggressively and fast on it and it really doesn't become unstable. It's going to hold an edge really well on firm snow, and it will respond to skier input really quickly. With the expansion of the Bent Chetler series- Atomic has decided to make a Chetler for every application. Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. Could the Kore 93 work? Hi Tom! SE. We usually pair skis of this caliber with either the Marker Griffon 13 or the Tyrolia Attack 13--both have strong performance. It doesn't have to be a super powder ski - I have atomic automatics for this - and I would really like it to carve well on piste. By thinning the vertical sidewall into more of a capped shape in the tips and tails, the skis are easy to pivot and get from edge to edge, even in tighter and trickier spots. If you're looking for a strong-carving ski in that 100mm range, I'd check out the Volkl Mantra 102 and the Nordica Enforcer 100. True all-mountain skiers who want something equally at home in the bumps and trees as it is on the groomers. I own a pair of Pinnacle 105, so I'm pretty biased. I am switching from Rossignol Scratch BCs from 10 years ago and demo'd the M5 Mantras yesterday and couldn't believe the ease in carving up groomers, but it's a much heavier ski than I'm used to. I don't want some chattery noodles when going fast but I also don't want lifeless sticks that will leave something to be desired for off-piste runs. Which length would you recommend: 1.77 or 1.84? I really like them, they are especially great in powder and a lot more forgiving and lighter than the Mantras. Was: $975.00. I'm 182cm (hair under 6ft) so feeling the 180cm size could be the one rather than the 'go-longer-dude' 188cm. It doesn't have huge amounts of rocker or early taper, so its shape isn't totally focused for soft snow, but it still performs really well even in deep conditions. The Black version is stiffer, and not much heavier, so that's a higher-performance option versus the regular 96. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Weight: Theres no easy way to say it, but skiers who are carrying around a bit of extra weight should consider staying to the higher side of the scale. Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The QST 99 is an absolutely awesome ski, and I also think it's one of the best in terms of blending east coast and west coast performance. Sometimes you just need to speak to a expert, so if you're still having trouble picking a size, please give us a call at (877) 812-6710. SoooooAtomic Chetler 100 and Blizzard Rustler 10 have come on my radar and I can get good deals on both right now. Im currently on 2015 bonafides in a 180 and ski them pretty well but they are a heavy tiring ski. I'd go 92 unless you want something a bit burlier and wider. One of the pinnacles of precision in this comparison, the Kastle MX 98 is likely the most confidence-inspiring ski on the wall. I guess there are three elements to my question: How wide--should I stay with the 90 mm class or would the 100 mm class be more appropriate given that I don't do many groomers? 6 watching. As always, there's a trade-off, and in this case, it's stability and damping, so be prepared for that. And should I stay around 90 or go with 100? It's not the most demanding ski, but it's also not the easiest. I'd go 177. Thanks a bunch and keep all the great ski reviews coming, you guys do a great job , Hi Pete! SE. Hi David! This year I purchased new boots and feel much more connected, but this has in turn made me feel as if I'm skiing at the limit of the K2 and also it's likely a bit short for my height/weight. Finding the proper length ski pole is important as ski poles too long will actually shift your center of balance to behind you, and a pole that's too short will put it in front of you. Specifically, I've been eyeing the Sky 7 and the QST 99. Im looking at the QST 99s, Rustler 10s, and Sky 7HDs but open to suggestions. Kids and a new wife have re-energized me and I got back out this winter, surprised how fast it came back to me, SUPER STOKED!!! You have some great skis on your list! The shape combined with the ski's light weight make it easy to maneuver. Hi Gian! A bit more demand out of the Rustler, as it has a partial metal laminate, while the Ranger only has metal underfoot for binding retention. He said the factory line isn't his preferred line like the 120s because Atomic wanted to appeal to a wider audience with the 100s, so they set the line to a spot that is very directional. Thanks so much, and keep up the awesome reviews!!! You may notice that a lot of the comparisons we made in the 90 mm article carry over to this 100 mm range, but we also start to see a little more variety in shapes and intended use as skis get a little wider. Needless to say, my skis are not at their best in these conditions! I think I am understanding that I am less concerned about ripping down groomers, although fun, and more interested in a ski that will be fun and more manageable in the trees, bumps and lighter for uphill touring. The sick days (104)float much better than the bc (100). However, I feel like that would have been a better ski for me in my 20s and 30s, but at nearly 50 years I found it pretty tiring at the end of the day due to the weight and not as quick as I'd like (or I'm no longer as quick as I'd like!). SE. This is the number that our ski techs will use to mount your bindings. Weve also found them to be better suited to firmer snow or fresh powder versus crud and chop, where having weight underfoot does make a difference in the stability and compliance of the ski. The Ranger 98 Ti offers the stability and vibration damping that aggressive skiers value, but in a weight that's light enough to justify using it as an alpine touring ski. Since its been a while. If you're holding the right size pole, you'll notice that your elbow forms a perfect 90 degree angle between your bicep and forearm. Like I said I loved the bonafides in comparison to the line chronics but am afraid I am going to lose all the playful and poppy aspect if I go the stiff charger route. Will, Hi Will! I'm a advanced skier from western Canada. This is what used to be referred to as Expert until rocker skis came along and let experts go back to over head ski lengths. Aggressive skiers who are looking for a stable carver that can plow through the crud and chop. I currently ride Salomon XDR 88 and im looking for something I can float better with and get a little more play/pop while still having good grip and maneuverability. Loving the new Salomon QST 98. At 100 mm underfoot, this is the widest Maverick, containing a poplar wood core and two sheets of titanal. Looking for something that floats well, turns easily, stability, good in woods. Sale: $479.93. Supremely versatile and well-rounded, the Ranger 102 FR is great for everything from floating to carving with park stuff in between. Hi Nishen! They prefer to be used at 30+ mph, and at that point, they really start to come to life. From the length I was thinking to 180cm. If you measure a Men's 8/Mondopoint 26, please select 26.5, for example. The Vantage 97 Ti shares a relatively similar shape to the Bonafide and M5 Mantra, but its construction is much more focused on weight savings than anything we've looked at so far. SE. Turns will be slow and steady, and at the end of your time as a beginner, youll be starting to tip your skis to turn rather than pushing yourself to turn with your heels. Tom, Hi Tom! Those were both near the top of my list, along with possibly the Kore. Have fun! Who it's For: You like the feel of a ski with metal laminates, but you want more maneuverability and forgiveness in soft snow conditions. The Ripstick 96 is another interesting option, with a strong on-piste as well as versatile personality. Kore 99 probably isn't the way to go, because that ski is actually very stiff. It uses their Ultra-Light wood core, which is supported by Innegra Mesh throughout the ski. Beginner: Chances are youll know if this is you. It loves to make quick movements and really reacts well to skier input. I like slashing through the trees and in moguls - so I need something that will turn quickly but also give me some float. Who's making that argument, you might ask? I'd say 180 is great! I usually ski bowls, trees, moguls, etc, but will find myself on groomers, run-outs, etc. The Kore (93 I'd recommend for you) is light but stiff. Cheers . Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The Sky will give you the same fits regarding edge hold and the Black Crows are nice, but lack the metal build of the Nordica. My brother has the benchetler 100s and loves them, Im currently leaning towards the qst 98s. I used to be expert and haven't skied a lot the last few years. In Stock Now: New 2023 Atomic. Power and precision on groomers, but also a surfy, floaty, fun feel in soft snow. Josh, Love the reviews guys and your youtube vids! For my curiosity, where would the Head Kore 93, presumably in 188, come in? Also, would you consider the Soulrider 97? I love the Blizzard Rustler 10 and the K2 Pinnacle 105 for soft-snow performance. Between the 92 and 99, the 99 has basalt in it as its damping agent, so you're getting more power out of that one. Now I'm confused, I'm looking for a ski like the Kore that will absorb the big blows in chopped up snow, vs throwing me. What would your recommend? I'm pouring over the choices in this category and am looking for your pro support to narrow down my choice once and for all. It's a heavier ski for sure, and while you could grow into it in terms of performance, it may be on the prohibitive side at first. Thanks, Jun Lee! (occasional Alps) and looking for a replacement to my Atomic automatics . You should also, just for the heck of it, ski the M5 Mantra. The mondo point size is the generic boot size that every boot maker uses it. It's all about compromise, right? Taking part in conversations generic boot size that every boot maker uses it on my radar and i can good. Stay around 90 or go with 100 widest Maverick, containing a poplar core!, run-outs, etc, but it 's also not the easiest, it just to! 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