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THE MOST DETAILED POW SKI THREAD HELP THREAD EVER!!!!!!!!!1111!!!!11!!!111!!!

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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
Sup NS, i made a thread similar to this but that wasn't very detailed and was pretty basic. The waves suck balls and my girlfriend's out of town, sooo i'm bored as fuck. Before we get started, some tunes

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/757217/The-Jimi-Hendrix-Experience---All-Along-The-Watchtower--Official-Audio-

I am 6'2", 185 and i ski fast and chargy, but i like to pop off shit and throw butters. Also, when it gets steep and scary i like to make small turns (balls of steel) so i'm not looking for a straightlining monster.

These skis will be for school next year, so the mountains that i will be skiing (dependent upon the school i attend) will be either Hood, Brundage/bogus basin, Mt washington, ALTA hopefully, Lake louise, or jay peak

When i am not skiing endless blower pow (95% of the time) i enjoy blasting through crud, popping off rollers, windlips, etc (like candide but much, much, much worse).

When i am not trying to be candide (45% of the time) i enjoy laying some trenches on the corduroy.

Before you guys go all "ZOMG 4FRNT DEVASTATOR/YLE" please read the list i've come up with.

So, here is the list i've come up with with my own pros and cons!!!

Surface Balance 194
o Waist 122, Turn Radius 17.9m
o 3 stage rocker, stiff as hell
Moment Bibby 192
o Waist 120, turn radius 25.5
o Rocker camber rocker, is this what I’m looking for?
Salomon Rocker2 122 192
o Waist 122, Turn Radius 26m
o Rocker camber Rocker, low swing weight
Atomic Bent Chetler 192
o Waist 120, turn radius 20.5 meters
o Rocker Camber Rocker, surfy, HRZN tech
Armada AK JJ 195
o Waist 120, turn radius 18m
o Rocker Camber Rocker, fun but can lay trenches
ON3P Jeffrey 122 191
o Waist 122, turn radius 27.0m
o Rocker flat Rocker, jibby as hell. Stiff?
4FRNT YLE 187
o Waist 119, turn radius 25m
o Rocker camber rocker, Fat park ski, too short?
4FRNT Devastator 194
o Waist 111, turn radius 25m
o Rocker Camber rocker, on the skinnier side, can rip park, too chargy?
Line Magnum Opus 188
o Waist 124, turn radius 17m
o Rocker camber rocker, surfy as hell, too light not chargy enough?
Volkl two 196
o Waist 124, turn radius 32.5
o Full rocker, straightlining bastard
K2 Pettitor 189
o Waist 120, turn radius slightly above 22m
o Rocker camber rocker, jack of all trades?
JSkis Friend 187
o Waist 114, turn radius 19.5
o Rocker Camber rocker, seems similar to pettitor, carve harder? Bombproof
o Too short?

I rode some regular JJ's in alta last weekend and had a blast, but for deep snow i need the longer size.

My top 4 from the list are, in no particular order, Moment Bibby, Armada AKJJ, Surface Balance and JSkis Friend.

If you've made it this far, I applaud you.

TL;DR need crud eating machine with a shorter turn radius that floats well
Feb 20 2015 9:07PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
The only thing on that list I have experience with is the 194 Surface Balance (formerly New Life's). Take that for what it's worth

They were my one ski quiver for a few years up until this year (I picked up some ON3P Jmo's in fall). This last weekend I finally brought out the New Life's for the first time this year (snow has been awful out here) just for kicks. Up until my first turn, I had forgotten how much I absolutely love these skis and why such a big ski could be used as a daily driver.

They hold an edge like they're on rails. They are stiff and poppy and blast through any kind of conditions. I have them centre mounted and they cruise just as well switch as forwards (the whole symmetrical thing). People will give you funny looks and ask all kind of questions about your huge, funny looking skis. Because of the massive rocker and huge tips/tails, they shoot up a rooster tail like nothing else out there. The rocker makes butters super easy.

If I lost one or both skis (broke, stolen, lost, etc), I would buy a new pair immediately. I don't think I would even consider any other skis.
Feb 20 2015 9:19PM
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junyawatanabe
Posts: 591 - Karma: 667
surface balance for sure they r sick
Feb 20 2015 9:23PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
saskskierThey hold an edge like they're on rails.


yup this is my biggest fear about these, but now that is assuaged these are my number 1 choice. someone prove me wrong
Feb 20 2015 9:23PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
geibsurface balance for sure they r sick


what's the durability like
Feb 20 2015 9:26PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
gapersarefriendsyup this is my biggest fear about these, but now that is assuaged these are my number 1 choice. someone prove me wrong


I should clarify. They are super adaptable to what you want to do. They can be super smeary and slashy if you want, but will also hold their own if you just want to rip turns on groomers. Despite the huge sidecut, I haven't felt them get hooky or anything when the snow gets deeper.

gapersarefriendswhat's the durability like


I've had mine for a few years now and haven't had any durability issues at all. Some topsheet chipping, but bases and edges are holding up great.
Feb 20 2015 9:44PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
saskskierI should clarify. They are super adaptable to what you want to do. They can be super smeary and slashy if you want, but will also hold their own if you just want to rip turns on groomers. Despite the huge sidecut, I haven't felt them get hooky or anything when the snow gets deeper.



I've had mine for a few years now and haven't had any durability issues at all. Some topsheet chipping, but bases and edges are holding up great.


sick man, thanks for all the input. these are my number one now, did they change anything from the new life to the balance? i actually prefer the latest new life graphic
Feb 20 2015 9:50PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
gapersarefriendssick man, thanks for all the input. these are my number one now, did they change anything from the new life to the balance? i actually prefer the latest new life graphic


I'm pretty sure they are the same except for the name and the graphics. I definitely like the new graphics better than what's on mine, but I still love them.
Feb 20 2015 9:55PM
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Bogs
Posts: 4296 - Karma: 1,361
Bibby.
Feb 20 2015 10:02PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
saskskierI'm pretty sure they are the same except for the name and the graphics. I definitely like the new graphics better than what's on mine, but I still love them.


sick, thanks my man, the help is appreciated

WattsBibby.


do you have experience on them? and which profile, current or old
Feb 20 2015 10:06PM
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PowPirate
Posts: 437 - Karma: 621
Disclaimer. i haven't skied any of the skis you've mentioned but i have been looking for ski similar for a year now so i'l share with you what i read/learnt from speaking to people and reading review.

i would generally take out all of the skis that are sub 118 underfoot. size wise don't go under 190 unless its a k2 or on3p

Bibby pro is going back to the OG shape next season (details in the catalog i posted in the 15/16 gear thread(i also posted the 4FRNT one as well)) so make your mind up about the what shape you like. if you haven't checked out any of the countless bibby pro views on blister gear review i would strongly recommend you do so. its properly the closest you can get to skiing it. if you can't find them i can send you a link.

im skeptic about the volkl two. just because the rocker starts at your toes so god know what its like heading back to the lifts.

Chetles sound very close to what your looking for. good at all speed and the turn radius isn't to big. again blisters did a good write up on it.

AKJJ from what i read its good in pow but not as good on hard pack or crud. a bit softer then the atomics or bibbys.

Pettitor would be a good shout. on paper it looks good but i don't know a awful lot about them. the 189 will seem like a 193 just because of the way k2 measure.

i don't mean to add any more skis into the mix but you mention several times about candide but you don't have the 4.0 on the short list? maybe worth looking into. also the icelandic keeper is a hard charger with a short turn radius.

hope that helps. just my 2 cents worth.
Feb 20 2015 10:13PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
PowPiratehope that helps. just my 2 cents worth.


thanks for the help man, i did look at the candide 4.0s but they're so expensive, and also look too light/too much rocker...but then again its what candide skis. just so many options i don't know what to do.

I'll check out blister for sure, appreciate it!
Feb 20 2015 10:26PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
Jeffery 122. I've been riding the Caylor (old Jeffery 122 essentially) for years and it's my favorite ski for everything you said you ski
Feb 20 2015 10:27PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
Blake.PJeffery 122. I've been riding the Caylor (old Jeffery 122 essentially) for years and it's my favorite ski for everything you said you ski


whats the flex pattern like
Feb 20 2015 10:44PM
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PowPirate
Posts: 437 - Karma: 621
no worries dude. glad i could help. i think I'm gonna pick up the bibbys next season.
Feb 20 2015 10:56PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
PowPirateno worries dude. glad i could help. i think I'm gonna pick up the bibbys next season.


Bibby pros? Or the current shape
Feb 21 2015 2:06AM
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Ghini
Posts: 2229 - Karma: 2,883
+1 for Bibby Pro

Next years or last years if you need a good deal..
Feb 21 2015 3:50AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
gapersarefriendsthanks for the help man, i did look at the candide 4.0s but they're so expensive, and also look too light/too much rocker...but then again its what candide skis. just so many options i don't know what to do.

I'll check out blister for sure, appreciate it!


If you're concerned that the 4.0 will be too light, look into the 190 Royale. SAC had them on sale for $400.
Feb 21 2015 8:43AM
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PowPirate
Posts: 437 - Karma: 621
gapersarefriendsBibby pros? Or the current shape


the OG version. I'm pretty a directional skier when it come to pow. plus its just a better all mountain ripper.
Feb 21 2015 9:31AM
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B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 963
Magic j's, i love mine and the do everything you want without being straightline monsters, also solve the issue of flotation in deep pow.
Feb 21 2015 12:50PM
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Session
Posts: 5316 - Karma: 21,347
B.QuincyMagic j's, i love mine and the do everything you want without being straightline monsters, also solve the issue of flotation in deep pow.


Except even the 190 is not even close to 190cm, and they are pretty weak in the tips and tails.
Feb 21 2015 2:19PM
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Session
Posts: 5316 - Karma: 21,347
Really the problem with most of these ski's is they are fucking floppy as shit. Honestly if you want a ski with backbone grab a Jeffery 122. It's predecessor (Caylor) is one of my favorite ski's ever. It is surfy and jibby, but has the ass to back you up when the conditions turn variable and cut up. Not to mention the extra thick base and edges. You're a man size skier....get a mans ski.
Feb 21 2015 2:23PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
PowPiratethe OG version. I'm pretty a directional skier when it come to pow. plus its just a better all mountain ripper.


what's the flex pattern on the og's like?

B.QuincyMagic j's, i love mine and the do everything you want without being straightline monsters, also solve the issue of flotation in deep pow.


i think anything above 122 underfoot is too much for being a daily driver

SessionReally the problem with most of these ski's is they are fucking floppy as shit. Honestly if you want a ski with backbone grab a Jeffery 122. It's predecessor (Caylor) is one of my favorite ski's ever. It is surfy and jibby, but has the ass to back you up when the conditions turn variable and cut up. Not to mention the extra thick base and edges. You're a man size skier....get a mans ski.


yeah i'm pretty decided that i need a stiff(er) ski, sounds like the jeffrey and balance/new life are the ones for that
Feb 21 2015 2:34PM
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Pow_pillows
Posts: 21 - Karma: 72
have you considered the atomic automatic 109's
Feb 21 2015 2:51PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
Pow_pillowshave you considered the atomic automatic 109's


nah, too skinny
Feb 21 2015 3:00PM
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PowPirate
Posts: 437 - Karma: 621
gapersarefriendswhat's the flex pattern on the og's like?


more or less the same as this years one but the sidecut and rocker profile have changed. the current one is a bit more surfy and jibby but still stiff
Feb 21 2015 3:23PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
PowPiratemore or less the same as this years one but the sidecut and rocker profile have changed. the current one is a bit more surfy and jibby but still stiff


hmm alright, thanks for all the info!
Feb 22 2015 6:03PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
I would say pettitors or chets.
I'm 6'2", 175 lbs and have the 189 pettitors and absolutely love them. They float great, are nice and stiff underfoot but soften up a little in the tip and tail. I was also really suprised how well they did on groomers. I was expecting to just kind of slide my way back to the lift line, but its actually pretty easy to roll them up on edge and rip turns.
Feb 23 2015 1:39PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
bieberhole69.I would say pettitors or chets.
I'm 6'2", 175 lbs and have the 189 pettitors and absolutely love them. They float great, are nice and stiff underfoot but soften up a little in the tip and tail. I was also really suprised how well they did on groomers. I was expecting to just kind of slide my way back to the lift line, but its actually pretty easy to roll them up on edge and rip turns.


i've heard weird things about k2 sizing, do they measure short or long?
Feb 23 2015 7:35PM
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PowPirate
Posts: 437 - Karma: 621
gapersarefriendsi've heard weird things about k2 sizing, do they measure short or long?

Well they seem bigger but they're accurate. If its a 189 it is a 189 if you took a tape measure and measured from top to bottom they will be 189 whereas other brands sometimes come up shorter. A 189 in another brand could be 3cm shorter. Thats why all good ski reviews measure and weigh the ski themselves. On3p are similar to k2 in the way they measure.
Feb 23 2015 8:17PM
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NigelStein
Posts: 466 - Karma: 455
Why not look at a 190 Candide 4.0? Stiff and chargey but the rocker profile allows for some buttering.
Feb 23 2015 8:22PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
gapersarefriendsi've heard weird things about k2 sizing, do they measure short or long?


Huh, I always figured they ran a couple cm long cause that's what I heard but I just measured mine and they are 189.5 cm MAYBE 190.

But yeah I'm same age as you, same height, and 10 lbs lighter and they work perfectly for me
Feb 23 2015 9:57PM
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theVan
Posts: 204 - Karma: 225
AK JJ 2.0
Feb 24 2015 12:13AM
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ski_free_17
Posts: 56 - Karma: 211
I have 190 Bibby Pros from 2013 that I picked up based on the blister reviews and couldn't be happier. I'm a little bigger than you (6'5", 210) but I've never been on a ski that could charge this hard and still be maneuverable at lower speeds in tighter trees. Surprising edge hold too for a 118 mm ski. They're so fun even on firm days that I barely use my daily drivers anymore
Feb 24 2015 2:27AM
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-wakes-
Posts: 358 - Karma: 201
Id look at the Jeffery 114 or 122. That ski is big, but you can push and smear them so easily they don't seem overly big. Plus it depends on where you are skiing. As a Schweitzer/Brundage guy you don't need anything super huge in this area. IMO 114 would be killer in the northwest.
Feb 24 2015 2:50AM
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dustin13
Posts: 35 - Karma: 71
Check out the blizzard gunsmoke, stiff and stable, powerful ski. Fun for everything. Great ski.
Feb 24 2015 1:04PM
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toastyteenagers
Posts: 1834 - Karma: 6,793
Not every day is a powder day in Utah, invest in some old pocket rockets, or sick days 95's
Feb 24 2015 1:19PM
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Dobber
Posts: 1698 - Karma: 9,834
Can't go wrong with J Skis. I have never heard a negative comment about them. If you don't like them, you can return them within 30 days...So why not try them out? You won't lose any money if you send them back. And they look dope.
Feb 24 2015 3:28PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
ive skiied the new life for one run (friends ski) spent a day on the lab 001's, own a pair of one lifes(outsider this year) and demoed a pair of jeffrey 122. I liked the jeffreys the least, they're great skis, haul ass through everything, but just too dead feeling for me, not nearly as fun as i was hoping.

The lab is probably the best powder ski ive been on, and actually carves great on hardpack.
the one lifes in a 179 are too short for me for deep powder, but they're probably my favorite all around ski. super poppy, stable, yet butter really well. the 189 would be amazing in powder.
the new lifes are like a cross between the lab and the one life. stiff, stable, super poppy and lively, yet still feel buttery. didnt ski them in powder though. i felt like they were as good as the jeffrey 122 in terms of charging through stuff and stability. while feeling way more lively and responsive.

If it were me it'd be between the new life and the shredditor 120 (never skiied it but seems awesome)
Feb 24 2015 6:01PM
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rballs_
Posts: 709 - Karma: 2,992
Salomon Rocker 122 is a FANTASTIC Lake Louise ski. My coach has them and we go to the Lake every weekend. He uses them everyday and I tried them out and they were great. Sick for charging and stuff but also super playful.
Feb 24 2015 6:45PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
toastyteenagersNot every day is a powder day in Utah, invest in some old pocket rockets, or sick days 95's


yeah i know that, i just really enjoy skiing fat skis in all conditions

XtRemE11ive skiied the new life for one run (friends ski) spent a day on the lab 001's, own a pair of one lifes(outsider this year) and demoed a pair of jeffrey 122. I liked the jeffreys the least, they're great skis, haul ass through everything, but just too dead feeling for me, not nearly as fun as i was hoping.

The lab is probably the best powder ski ive been on, and actually carves great on hardpack.
the one lifes in a 179 are too short for me for deep powder, but they're probably my favorite all around ski. super poppy, stable, yet butter really well. the 189 would be amazing in powder.
the new lifes are like a cross between the lab and the one life. stiff, stable, super poppy and lively, yet still feel buttery. didnt ski them in powder though. i felt like they were as good as the jeffrey 122 in terms of charging through stuff and stability. while feeling way more lively and responsive.

If it were me it'd be between the new life and the shredditor 120 (never skiied it but seems awesome)


interesting that you've skied my top two choices, what did you not like about the jeffrey? not poppy enough?

Adolf.HitlerSalomon Rocker 122 is a FANTASTIC Lake Louise ski. My coach has them and we go to the Lake every weekend. He uses them everyday and I tried them out and they were great. Sick for charging and stuff but also super playful.


how so? how do they perform in variable/hardpack?
Feb 24 2015 7:59PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
gapersarefriendsyeah i know that, i just really enjoy skiing fat skis in all conditions



interesting that you've skied my top two choices, what did you not like about the jeffrey? not poppy enough?



how so? how do they perform in variable/hardpack?


The flex of the jeffrey and new life was pretty similar, if anything the new life might have been a smidge stiffer. it felt stiffer just skiing it and hand flexing it. but if you wanted to flex the tails or nose some, you could easier on the new life. Im guessing its something with their 3 stage rocker. the new life actually feels like a buttery ski, somehow.

The jeffrey was poppy, both skis are very poppy, with the new life maybe being a tad better, it just felt more lively, like you have to really force the jeffrey to do something, its a playful ski if you force it to. where the new life wants to pop and jump and slash around just naturally.
Feb 25 2015 2:37AM
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rballs_
Posts: 709 - Karma: 2,992
gapersarefriendshow so? how do they perform in variable/hardpack?

Lake Louise has lots of terrain and not always the best snow, so lots of chopped up stuff and hardpack. Another thing Lake Louse has a lot of is moguls. the Rocker stays super stable at high speeds through chop and hardpack while maintaining playfulness. My coach rips through anything, kinda like Candide. His name is Drew Wittstock. He was in Sculpted In Time.
Feb 25 2015 7:45PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
Adolf.HitlerLake Louise has lots of terrain and not always the best snow, so lots of chopped up stuff and hardpack. Another thing Lake Louse has a lot of is moguls. the Rocker stays super stable at high speeds through chop and hardpack while maintaining playfulness. My coach rips through anything, kinda like Candide. His name is Drew Wittstock. He was in Sculpted In Time.


thanks for the info man
Feb 25 2015 8:05PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
JJs are soft, K2s are soft, Same with volkls, salomons and j skis.

Bibbys are a real ski for sure. I think they ski more stoutly than my 191 on3p caylors.

I ride HOJIs everyday at j-hole and love them from the park, to laying trenches, to deep pow to heavy manky chop. Full rocker imo is the way to go, just have to keep up on the edges if youve been crushing hard ice day after day. I choose them over the devastators too.
Feb 25 2015 8:44PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
japanadaI ride HOJIs everyday at j-hole and love them from the park, to laying trenches, to deep pow to heavy manky chop. Full rocker imo is the way to go, just have to keep up on the edges if youve been crushing hard ice day after day. I choose them over the devastators too.


interesting about the hojis, how do they ski switch? How playful are they
Feb 25 2015 9:27PM
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rballs_
Posts: 709 - Karma: 2,992
gapersarefriendsinteresting about the hojis, how do they ski switch? How playful are they

They're a directional ski, but a kid on my team has them and he skis switch fine
Feb 25 2015 10:30PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
I just read the bibby pro review on blister and it honestly seems perfect. Is the difference really that large between bibby pro and the current bibby?
Feb 26 2015 2:20AM
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Severinsen
Posts: 12 - Karma: 23
If not the 107 Automatic, which you declined, then what about the 117 "OG" Automatic. Of the skis you mention, I've only been skiing the JJ's, which have a completely different feel to the 117 auto's. The autos are notably stiffer (read: very stiff) and the is much more of a directional ski. It isn't the best for butters and switch due to forementioned directional shape, however it really does lay down in both deep, crud and chop. They can hold a decent edge on groomers, but the do without a doubt belong elsewhere. The stiffness gives it the ability to, should you want it, straightline, but even for it's 193 length, I'd say it's still maneuverable to throw some tight turns on. Super fun ski that feels well balanced in the air. Again, check Blister's review of it (Although it is for the '14, which is some 10% softer than the '15's).

Otherwise, if heard nothing but good about the Bibby's - and Moment has been listening to everybody and will bring back the praised OG shape for next year.

Good luck on your purchase!
Feb 26 2015 3:08AM
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NigelStein
Posts: 466 - Karma: 455
gapersarefriendsI just read the bibby pro review on blister and it honestly seems perfect. Is the difference really that large between bibby pro and the current bibby?


Next year's Bibby is the same as the OG one (the one on Blister)
Feb 26 2015 6:50AM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,269
NigelSteinNext year's Bibby is the same as the OG one (the one on Blister)


How playful are the og's?
Feb 26 2015 11:29AM
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