The result is a "boost" in the ski's power and stability, but the overall feel of the QST 99 stays more or less the same. You value confidence and quality and a quiet ski for high-performance ripping. I'm really leaning towards the QST 99, Bent Chetler 100 or Enforcer 100 - I'm not sure how to decide between the group nor 100% certain on the length - I think i was on a 181 last week, but I think i'd also be comfortable on the 188. Looking for something between 97-101 underfoot with a partial or full twin tip. I will use them most of the time in the resort but I often go off-trails. I would have a good deal on the Enforcer 100 (19/20), so not sure if the difference would be worth it. I read your bio without reading your ski choices and had QST 99 in my head. The Titanal Frame style of build in the 102 helps to not only achieve a high level of precision to the edges, but also lightens the load ever so slightly to deliver energy and agility to this already burly stick. I'm looking for a 1-ski quiver. If the number you see has a decimal, then youre probably looking at your Mondo Point size which isnt accurate enough to use when mounting bindings. SE, Hi SE, and the removal of Koroyd (yay again!). I've got a question where I'm not sure whether it's time for new skis this season. The Enforcer 100 starts to feel like a ski with more of an even mix of performance characteristics for different terrain than some of the skis we talked about above, but the important thing to remember with this ski is it still uses two sheets of metal. I'd say 180 is great! Atomic builds the energy into the ski through the positive camber underfoot, and the light weight wood core takes care of the rest. If you're a playful skier that likes to use the entire mountain as your terrain park, a ski like this is right up your alley. 177 felt pretty solid, but didn't get to try it on much soft snow for floatation (granted, primary need won't be using it as a pow ski, got the dps for that) Not quite the power of the M5, but it's certainly no slouch. Then rocker technology came along, and, long story short, theres way more room for preference and interpretation than ever before. Im venting a bit, but in reality, this Mantra 102 is very similar to the current M6, just in a wider-bodied format. These zones are filled with Salomons C/FX material to lighten and soften the blow a little bit, making the skis marginally more approachable for the everyday skier. What do you think would be a good fit? It's construction is very similar to the Ranger 98 Ti, although the 102 FR is a little bit heavier. Have fun! I think that on the 100 mm list, it sounds like you should stick to the narrower side, given your proclivity for shout turns and tree and mogul skiing. Ski lengths on our chart above will fall somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. the Atomic lineup is dialed these days. On the other end of the spectrum, they don't have quite the firm snow performance of the Bonafide, but they're much less demanding and a more forgiving ski overall. Kore 99 probably isn't the way to go, because that ski is actually very stiff. I was looking for an all mountain ski and I liked what you had to say about Salomon QST 99's. Ski area: Lake Tahoe, CA, 10-15 days a season It's going to hold an edge really well on firm snow, and it will respond to skier input really quickly. I am (6', 205 53 year old), have been skiing off an on for 45 yrs. 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. For that dual-coast one-ski quiver, the 95-100 underfoot range is pretty awesome. Rather than snowplow your way down blue squares, youre able to use the shape of your skis to make parabolic or carving turns. Sale: $479.93. They use their classic multi-layer wood core, a full sheet of titanal along the base of the ski, but the metal along the top of the ski is focused only along the edges of the ski and does not meet underfoot. I am looking for a dedicated tree/off-trail ski, so something wider and more forgiving in un-groomed snow, but can still grip given the ice that so often lurks in the glades of New England. Overall, you'll find more similarities than differences between these three. Weight: 170 lbs I plan a trip or two out west (Utah for sure) this year and possibly an excursion into New England. Keep in mind that there shouldn't be a decimal (ex. From what Ive read on the two skis, the turning radius of the 177 Mantra is similar to the 185 Enforcer. You want something thats both easy to turn and has a high-performance ceiling. It's not the most powerful ski and doesn't have the strongest torsional stiffness, but edge grip on really firm snow at speed definitely isn't the focus of this ski, that's why Atomic also has the Vantage 97 Ti. Seeking 2 ski suggestions. I usually stay away from groomers, or if I find myself on one, I'll cling to the edge and dip into the treeline as much as possible. SE (Jeff), Hi SE, It was soft snow but not powder and definitely not hard east coast stuff either. Much like the previous Kastle MX 98 on this list, the Enforcer 100 absolutely demolishes crud and chopplowing through it like its not even there. Amazingly, and finally, the stiffest ski on the wall is also one of the lightest. I currently own a pair of 2013 Rossignol Soul 7s, 186, and a pair of 2014 Volkl RTM 84, 177. I do get out west occasionally and will ski the entire mountain with a preference to ungroomed soft snow. I am 40 years old, 5ft 9inch and weigh 235lb. Trying to decide between the BC 100 and QST 98 and Im torn. You could argue that it's more modern construction, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better. Looking at Mantra M5 in 184 or Kore 93 in 180cm. Love your review videos. I don't think the bit of extra flotation you'll get is enough to sway the overall performance of the ski. Ive just had the 2018 and 2020 Rossignol sky 7 HDs in a row (which I absolutely loved btw) but fancy something ever so slightly stiffer. Carve, float, pivot and smear. Like the Ranger 99, the Kore gets narrower underfoot as the sizes decrease below 177 (and slightly wider in the 184 and 191), so take that into account in your decision-making process. No longer is the Bent Chetler brand synonymous only with playful powder skis, the whole Bent lineup is welcome anywhere on the mountain there's room for a freestyle mindset. No worries, our owner's name is David, so we'll just pretend that what you meant Basically the exact same construction between the 106 and 99, and you already know you like that feel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I've also considered the Armada Invictus 99 TI which is not on this list but probably compares? I felt the origin to be too soft and the rustler was great but I'm definitely looking for something more in the 100mm width category. For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710. Is there a reason it didn't end up on your list for me? SE. In your description of your skiing, I got the impression you spend a fair amount of time on groomers and like to ski somewhat fast sometimes (Birds of Prey is what comes to mind). I live close to a hill that has mixed conditions throughout the season in Wyoming but I also have a short distance to travel for resorts known for good powder. It uses a wood core made from silver fir and beech, sandwiched between two full sheets of titanal metal, and finished with carbon and fiberglass. I'm having fun throwing in Super G hills like Birds of Prey when in tourist conditions, but definitely no ambitions at racing, and I don't see myself out of bounds or heliskiing within the lifespan of the next skis. The QST is also more rockered than the M-Pro, especially in the tail, so it is a bit more playful, although not quite as powerful. Im stuck! Best Regards, HI Jesper! It does operate better when brought up to speed, especially when its not in fresh snow. I guess id be more toward the beginner side of intermediate. One thing you'll notice despite the wide range of ski testers is how similar the lists of top 5 skis are. The two skis Ive narrowed it down to are the Enforcer 100 in 185 and Mantra M5 in 177. With art and build design by ski legend Chris Benchetler and the Atomic Freeski team, this all-mountain ski is a slimmed-down version of the award-winning signature model, the Bent Chetler 120. Who it's For: You're not the most aggressive skier on the hill and you like to spend more time off the trail than on it. )Maybe the Black? I consider myself a strong intermediate skier on the edge of advanced. I have a connection that can get me any Armada ski at a discount, but wondering whether something like the Rustler 10s would be a better ski for me than the Tracer 98s? I really like the versatility/profile of the enforcer 100, but I'm worried about all the weight. Who it's For: Like the Ranger 102 FR, it's best on the feet of a relatively playful skier, or at least a skier that values soft snow performance. Do you think this would be an appropriate ski for me? You do not put limits on what youre going to ski on a given day. Looking forward to hearing from you! 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. It wasnt too long ago, after all, that a 102 mm underfoot ski would be considered an absolute boat, but now, the construction and shaping techniques are so good that 102s act like much narrower skisin a good way. On the slightly lighter and more maneuverable side, I'd check out the Fischer Ranger 94 FR or the Blizzard Rustler 9--both great all-mountain skis that can hold on ice as well. The QST 92 should be at the top of your list, as should the Blizzard Rustler 9. When solo I do like to blast through the chop and challenge my limits. Theyre not as smooth as the sick days on the groomers so Im hoping that detune will help because theyre definitely easier to throw around. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The Vantage 97 Ti is a perfect example of that concept. Im 6-1 and 205lbs. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Have fun! Is the 13 sufficient or should I go for a 16? The Bent 110 is designed with HRZN . 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. Hope that helps! For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710. Have you skied the Enforcer in the 193? I'm about the same size as you, maybe a bit heavier, and I found those two models and sizes to be just about right. Finding your Boot Sole Length (BSL) is easy. Hi Murray! I really like the Ti but can't find them in Canada. I am an advanced very aggressive skier (5'9'', 165-ish, 21yrs) who spends 100% of my time skiing in Austria. I am so glad one of my colleagues told me about your reviews on YouTube, because they have inspired me to finally replace my 2012 Volkl Mantras. Hope that helps! Good Day everyone! Free shipping. And it should be on the list of advanced and expert skiers who value maneuverability and carving prowess to go along with their soft-snow whims. I'm 5.9ft weight 185 lbs ski primarily in the Alps, all slopes and love steep offpist skiing, couloirs/chutes etc. Both have similar overall characteristics as the Enforcer, just without metal. I know r/skiing loves both of the Bent Chetler skis, but I really haven't ever found either are that exceptional. Because you're not skiing exceptionally deep snow very often, you really don't need to go wider than those skis. I have seen them not release to the correct newton meter values during torque testing, but only for really lightweight skiers. 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'm a snowboarder of 20yrs (hike, pop off features, no park etc), getting deep into skiing the past 5 or 6. Have fun! This winter, I've spent ~20 days at Taos, and am now skiing 75% ungroomed terrain, mostly blacks and doubles, with about 50% of my time on moguls or ungroomed bump runs and 30% in the trees. The MX 99 also has a full camber shape and doesn't use any early taper. However, I'm having a rough time in deep tracked powder and crud, which I know these skis aren't ideal for. Skill wise, youll be able to control your speed with snowplowing, wedging, or forming a pizza. Also, if you like bright orange bases that reflect in the snow, youre in luck. Bent Chetler 100 The M5 Mantra is a great ski. Looking for something that floats well, turns easily, stability, good in woods. On your ski boot, there will be a 3 digit number on the outside or inside heel of one or both of your boots. I'd narrow down to the BC 100 and the Ripstick 96 with the 100 being the more playful and the Ripstick being quicker and carvier. Elan Ripstick 96 2. Was thinking that the M5 might not be the best all rounder when I need to ski a bit slower with my young family on groomers. That's why I thought that I need something with a wide range and still all-mountain oriented, but as I am not an expert I don't know the maneuverability of new twin-tip skis. I own an 87 and use it pretty much every day here in Stowe. Looking for something a little lighter and more directional than the Bacons that I can have fun on on less than stellar days, improve my trad skiing skills on (lessons on Bacons is kinda counter-productive) and still practice some switch and jumps (hoping to nail 180 and maybe 360 this season). Let us know if you have any other questions. Besides a ski that will do well for lift service and also back country, would love a ski that would do a bit better in powder than the current 80ish underfoot I currently have and also allow me to play in the park on small (the smallest) features and ski backwards. SE. Someday that might change, but right now I don't have much personal experience on the new Sick Days. I am an advanced skier (5'10'', 170-ish, 31yrs) who spends 95% of my time skiing the North-East. Thanks so much for the feedback! Skiers who value stability and power over lightness and flotation. Any advice would be great! Your email address will not be published. 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. It would help your progress in moguls and trees, so if you wanted to focus more on that progression than firm snow, you could pick up a Kore. I am a stocky 5'10" at 215 lbs. Still have questions? Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. (re: my question below) So to summarize, with the two models you mentioned in the 90mm-class and in the mid-180s, we'd be talking about an Enforcer 93 in 185 or a Rustler 9 in 188, right? Thanks! Do you have a suggestion, including length for my size and weight? While they've served me well, I feel I've outgrown them. Need some advice on ski purchase. Think I need something stiffer. If youre truly an expert skier, you probably know it. 1 for deep powder days in resort and 1 for all mtn. I might say the Enforcer 94 is a better choice for eastern ice, and gives you a bit more quickness and less material overall. I also really liked the Salomon QST 92, so that's worth a look as well. Around the 100mm mark. If you're more 50/50 on and off-trail, I'd go with the 100, but if you're more off-piste than on, the 104 is a great ski. But currently I'm looking for a one-ski quiver that will be maneuverable enough for some quick tight turns but will also let me float a bit in the soft stuff and hold a carving turn or two at mid-speed when required. Would the extra flotation of the rustler 10 or QST 99 not be worth the loss of edge hold/carving ability since Im primarily skiing frontside terrain? A couple weeks ago we took a look at 15 different all-mountain skis in the 90 mm waist width range. For the weight, though, were impressed with the stability and energy out of the ski, as Heads use of carbon is pretty effective in generating an impressive strength to weight ratio. The first ski in this comparison that could be described as a twin tip, the Ranger 102 FR is another ski with some obvious freeski influence in its design and construction. I'm trying to narrow down a choice for my 1 ski quiver, ripping both east and west coasts. The Bent Chetler 100 has developed a great following over the years, and for good reason. The M5 Mantra is the most precise and the most powerful on firm snow, at the cost of some forgiveness and maneuverability in off-piste terrain. The shape of the tail in particular is quite a bit different. SE, Hey Jeff, thanks for the great reviews. Its a quick-turning ski, though, so a fantastic choice for woods and bumps, even with the stiffnessthe lightness more than makes up for it in the maneuverability department. If you love the power and precision of a dual-metal laminate ski, but want something slightly easier to ski, the Maverick 100 Ti is a great choice. Built with a poplar wood core and diago fiber mixed with fiberglass, these skis have a good amount of energy to them for sure. SE. For more stability at speed, that does come at the price of weight, the QST is a great ski for sure. Glad to hear you've got some new boots that are working well for you! Its pretty apparent when you click in and push off, that youre not only on a very precise and high-quality piece of ski machinery, but also a super high-performance one as well. 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. My buddy's kids all have the BC's (aged 12-20 and expert) and love them. The bad news, is that it can be a bit more difficult to do- but thats why were here. Im looking for a good all mountain ski that carves well, is quick and will help me improve my bump skiing. The Kore will be lighter and easier to ski versus the Mantra, but you also don't lose a ton of groomer performance. I would go with the 92 over the 99, as you'll get that quicker edge to edge performance you're looking for. A better choice for groomed terrain versus deep powder or tight trees, the Bonafide 97 is a fantastic crud and chop ski as well. 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