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HELP ME CHOOSE A POW SKI!!! (detailed info inside)

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DG.3
Posts: 794 - Karma: 288
hey ns. heres my story. i had 2011 bacons in a 172 last year. loved them, but grew out of them, looking for something new.

I primarily ski whistler, BC, 90% freeride, big mountain, powder, sidecountry, etc. I am 5'10", 150 lbs. I want a pow ski that is light, nimble, softish nose and decently stiff tail (and underfoot i guess), can land switch in pow, early rise in tip (and preferably tail), camber or flat camber underfoot, good swing weight. i also want it to be playful enough to butter and play around on the groomers and in the park. obviously im not expecting park or groomer performance, just something thats still fun on piste, as my bacons were.

obviously im being really picky, but i am just trying to convey to you the kind of ski im looking for. priorities: light, nimble, playful, rockered tip/tail.

length: 175ish-185ish. width: 110ish-120ish

i am considering: 4frnt crj, atomic blog, salomon rocker 2, k2 obsethed, line opus, armada tst. i have tried the armada jj, and i did not like it, so dont suggest that. the s7 looks sweet, but i think it is too directional.

heres an example of the skiing i lik to do:



sparknotes: loved the 2011 bacons. looking for something stiffer but still playful, maybe a little narrower, and in a longer length
Oct 24 2011 1:38AM
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rudager
Posts: 11332 - Karma: 4,597
Might I suggest 184 Surface New Lifes or 181 Live Lifes?

They're in the wider end of things.
The New Life is fat (122 waist), symmetrical, rockered, no camber and a little on the stiffer side.

And the Live Life has more of a traditional powder rocker shape. Softer in the nose, stiffer underfoot and tail, regular camber, 110mm in the waist at 181cm.


I'd also look into the 4FRNT YLE.
Also symmetrical, spins like a park ski. 118-119 in the waist (depending on size you go).
It looks like an amazing BC jib/ Big mountain ski. And I'd really like to try out a pair this winter.

Other recommendations include
- Faction Royale
- Moment Bibby
- Moment Jaguar Shark
Oct 24 2011 2:00AM
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Line_Skis
Posts: 1983 - Karma: 37,398
Opus is a great step up from the SFBs you got!
Oct 24 2011 2:40AM
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rudager
Posts: 11332 - Karma: 4,597
I was also going to suggest the Opus, but I realized you had already considered it. I'd choose the longer length though, just given your height, weight and thy video. I can see that the longer length is what you want and will help you excel in your style of skiibg
Oct 24 2011 2:49AM
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Pool.
Posts: 2820 - Karma: 662
from what ive heard the s7 skis alot like the jj so i dont know if you'd like it very much.

i used atomic bentchetlers in british colombia heliskiing last year and they were fun as shit, i know theyer not on you list but they have all the qualifications youre asking for.

theyre pretty soft so you can jib around the bc, the swing weight to me was pretty low, just an all around fun ski

if i were you i would go somewhere were i could demo different pow skis though, although this might not be an option for you
Oct 24 2011 3:08AM
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SlurrP
Posts: 172 - Karma: 26
4FRNT CRJ sounds like the ski for you. swing weight is super comfy, it's the perfect weight for someone of your stature to enjoy for a few laps in the park and then also hitting up some bigger stuff out back. i have a pair of last years that I have spent 130 days on and they have also held up really well. 4FRNTs big mountain and pow skis are extremely durable and can take almost anything you throw at them.

also another suggestion I think might be up our alley is the Moment Night Train. It's a big ol jibstick with zero camber underfoot that is as comfortable switch though anything and everything. it'll definitely be one of the beefier skis you're looking at but if you have the option to demo definitely give it a go. personally i wouldn't get the BP or the JS by moment because I think they'll be a bit stiff for your size, and the JS is almost a directional ski.

hope this helps dude!
Oct 24 2011 12:39PM
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yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
You have tons of good advice here so without getting into it (can't type worth shit on mobile lol) get the opus. That ski looks fucking awesome for lots of reasons
Oct 24 2011 1:04PM
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Danoo
Posts: 77 - Karma: 146
First of all, props on the video. And if you like Line gear why not stick with it? I tried the JJ's before I bought the SFB and I didn't like them either. I have last year's SFB and I'm getting this year's Opus because I trashed mine in the BC. It seems like a really solid ski.
Oct 24 2011 4:09PM
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NWlife.
Posts: 179 - Karma: 14
if you loved the SFB as much as you say, jump up to the mr opus
Oct 24 2011 9:28PM
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MothaHucker
Posts: 4678 - Karma: 2,589
liberty double helix, fits your descriprion perfectly. it is a bamboo core ski so it is super light, nimble and playful yet relatively stiff in the tail and underfoot. i suggest you check em out
Oct 24 2011 9:38PM
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DG.3
Posts: 794 - Karma: 288
thanks for all the help guys!

yea the live lifes look really awesome, ill definetly consider those. ill also look at the helixes

i do most of my skiing foreward, so i dont think im gonna go with a symetrical pow ski.

the opus and 2012 sfb look awesome, does anyone know which one is stiffer?



Oct 25 2011 1:59PM
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4FRNT
Posts: 434 - Karma: 6,117
Along with the CRJ, you should look into the YLE. Symmetrical, yes, but it skis great going forward still. Wiley also used it as his park ski this year, so that should tell you a little bit about it's non-pow performance.
Oct 25 2011 2:26PM
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DG.3
Posts: 794 - Karma: 288
ayone have some insight on the rocker 2?

also, does anyone know if the sfb stiffened up from last year?
Oct 26 2011 10:13PM
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monkatizer
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 1,518
check out bluehouse districts there 110 or somthin underfoot and mad cheap, not to mention great customer service and quality
Oct 26 2011 10:40PM
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Danoo
Posts: 77 - Karma: 146
The SFB is stiffer from what I've heard.
Oct 27 2011 1:24PM
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rudager
Posts: 11332 - Karma: 4,597
Go for the Live Lifes! It's just what you're looking for
Oct 27 2011 1:54PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
The blog is super fun and playful. It floats well and is very nimble in the trees, its the best dual camber ski ive ever ridden. The one dow side for you might be how soft it is, however if you get the 185 that migh balance out for you.

The S7 is an ok ski, but nothing special, the super 7 is better if you like that shape.

The new life is a little more in the purepowder category, they are the most fun rockered ski I've tried. Similar dimensions of the old hellbent but stiffer and much lighter. Despite being symetrical theh ski forward exceptionally well, if youre in soft snow 90% o the day, this is the ski.
Oct 27 2011 2:28PM
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El_Barto.
Posts: 11630 - Karma: 24,465
killing it in the vid OP. good work
Oct 27 2011 2:58PM
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mountainviper
Posts: 1931 - Karma: -3
Yeah the sfb is stiffer this year and is an all round slayer. You get that thing in a 178 and you won't be sorry. But that said I too rocked last years bacons and loved them. So I got the opus. The opus is like all the best attributes of last years sfb and the pros but even better than either. They actually feel stiffer and more stable than last years sfb if you can believe that. Edge to edge is stellar and you will probably poop yourself at how well they rip groomers. Now this years sfb is like a bacon/crypto hybrid. That's not a bad thing. I initially thought it was but after hearing how sick it is from friends/reviews/etc, I had to get a pair of those too. So I'm 6'1" and 185-190. I got the 185 on the opus and the 178 for the bacons. If you only get the bacons you may want to consider the 184. I went shorter because I'm intent on using the bacons as an everything ripper and want the maneuverability. When I need stability I'll revert to the opus. Either one of those you'll be stoked with though. Hope ya have a good season.
Oct 27 2011 5:43PM
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jon@wh2o
Posts: 314 - Karma: 158
If you're not set on those skis, or a big brand, I would put in a high recommendation that you take a look at epic planks skis (http://www.epicplanks.com). I skied the crop dusters all season last year and they shred everywhere and everything. I haven't skied the opus myself, but from what I've felt and seen looking at them/ read about them they are very similar. The opus' whole concept of a "flatter" rocker and minimal tip is what epic planks started doing and refined over the last 3 seasons.
I'm 5'8 and skied the 175 for similar stuff to what you had in your vid, but if you outgrew a 172, the 185 might cater better to your skiing.
If you are gonna be in whistler, I know a couple people there who ride these skis (and hard too) who could show you the skis.

Just so's you know I'm sponsored by these guys, so I may be biased, but I'm also obsessed with gear and these skis have lived up to my every expectation. On the plus side this means that if you're interested, I can get a 10% discount code for their online shop.
Oct 28 2011 1:58AM
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Rextski
Posts: 124 - Karma: 13

i think you might want to try a volkle gotama

Jan 21 2012 5:28PM
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CDdesign
Posts: 1015 - Karma: 92
atomic blog.
Jan 21 2012 5:31PM
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
you didn't like the JJ?! I've had the 195 for 3 days and I'm in love. Ski charges so hard its unreal.
Jan 21 2012 5:35PM
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Woodhouse
Posts: 390 - Karma: 160
I would usually spam the Bentchetler into a pow ski thread, but what it sounds like is that you need a Moment Bibby Pro. Seems to fit your bill. It's stiff in the tail, softer in the shovel, tip/tail rockered, and provides a poo-load of flotation
Jan 21 2012 5:56PM
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wrichmond
Posts: 562 - Karma: 369
186 cm Fat-ypus I-Rock
158-126-148

Slightly bigger than what you asked for, but fits your other specifications.
I ride PNW, so I can say it kicks ass in the heavier west coast snow.
Charges when desired, and super poppy and playful the rest of the time.

Here's my full review
Jan 21 2012 7:13PM
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ARMADAR7
Posts: 401 - Karma: 36
You depress me with vissions of powder that is non existant here in the ice coast but i will help you If you have any sortmof chance to get youre hands on a pair of dps wailer 112rp buy them, they are difficult to find and from what i have read and heard they would be perfect for you, if you are willing to speand more you can get the carbon core but if you dont want to speand over a grand the wood core version seems like youre ideal ski, plus they are dps so you know they will be good, google dps for more info that i am to lazy to typye on a touch screen
Jan 21 2012 7:31PM
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rudager
Posts: 11332 - Karma: 4,597
Check the date...
Jan 21 2012 7:38PM
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,334
I have been riding next years Jeffery, and love it to death. If you are looking for a fatter ski, then think about the Caylor. Caylor is a little more chargy IMO, but still real playful at the same time.
Jan 21 2012 7:38PM
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travman39
Posts: 1060 - Karma: 28
ep pros opus bacons or line elizabeths
Jan 21 2012 8:26PM
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jahhhvis
Posts: 94 - Karma: 28

You might look up the ARTificial nature series. its a brand new company that started this year, with only two skis, but they are really sweet. bamboo core, so they are light and poppy, and stiff so they rip the groomers and dont flop around everywhere. their owner tyler williams was shredding at my mountain white pass last weekend and he could rip around on his natures everywhere. 117 underfoot, and they only come in a 185, but you can handle them cuz they are so light

Jan 21 2012 8:37PM
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-GL-
Posts: 1696 - Karma: 35
I have the JJ and I have only really been to use them for a few runs due to the weather but they were really fun even on groomers you can slosh around on the turns and in fresh they do turn like a dream. I wish I had more info on them but once we get some snow I might be able to help you out more.
Jan 21 2012 8:38PM
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
why doesn't line make skis for tall people? I love the opus but it would have to be at least a 190 for me to consider buying.
Feb 4 2012 8:00PM
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ski4g
Posts: 28 - Karma: 22
Enter your details and preferences into the program at www.skigenie.com for some ski matches for some west coast pow matches

Feb 4 2012 8:08PM
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Dr.Gnar
Posts: 896 - Karma: 197
The Opus is dreamy in pow for sure. I'm 6'4 but I like the 185 cause it still shreds in tight trees.
Feb 5 2012 12:20AM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
Caylors, Night Trains, Bent Chetlers, Opuses, Bibbys, Jefferys, Obsethed, Hellbents, Pettitors, Bacons, Blogs, Rocker 2s, Klint Kryptos, YLE's, CRJ's, Magic J's. All of these would potentially work for you. Now do some demoing and find what you like best.
Feb 5 2012 2:30PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
ON3P Caylor.

/thread

Anybody that owns or has skied them will agree with me.
Feb 5 2012 5:06PM
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Dr.Gnar
Posts: 896 - Karma: 197
nice
Feb 5 2012 5:30PM
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Mr_pretzel
Posts: 4616 - Karma: 1,289
181 caylor or 185 opus.
Feb 5 2012 5:32PM
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