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March, 2024

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Kartels size opinions

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mapawluk
Posts: 7 - Karma: 19
Hi, new member here. A bit of fact first. I'm 34, 6'3", 205-210#. Home region is Chicago, and get out on the trash hills regularly, but not as often as I'd like. I've been snowboarding for the last decade, and decided recently that I wanted to get back into planks. My last pair of skis were straight, unshaped dynastars in 195cm. A lot has changed over the time I've been gone, and its a bit overwhelming to research.

In my research I've learned a ton about boutique builders, and I dig the effort and care that ON3P puts into their product. From their available ski lines, the Kartels seem to fit my on snow style. My question can be broken down into 3 parts;

1) score some 2015 k98's in 186 (too short?)
2) score some 2015 k106's in 191 (too wide for midwest?)
3) wait the summer and repeat same questions for 16/17 models

I am generally of the philosophy that you buy once, and cry once. I'd be relearning any ski I buy, and I do take 2 weeks out Denver/PNW way each year. My on snow style is to seek out natural features to pop off of, but would totally like to get more park time in, ideally 80% all mountain, 20% park. Would love to hear from the groups opinions.

Thanks,
Mark
Mar 24 2016 11:13PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Hey Mark, I'd say 186cm K106's would be the ticket. Shaped skis are honestly going to be enough of a transition that you should throw relative length out the window, since mount position, swing weight and edge to edge transition are all going to be changing for you, and drastically. Kartel is definitely the sort of ski that you want, but I would plan on mounting at the line or maybe even back from recommended 1-2cm on the 186cm. 1 & 2, the other options you list ski wise are good, but I think your ideal is what I'm recommending.

Next ski line I would be considering at your age/height/characteristics would be the Wren. It'll ski the 80% all mountain incredibly well, but the 20% park will suffer and you may need another stick to rock the complete quiver.
Mar 25 2016 2:23AM
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mapawluk
Posts: 7 - Karma: 19
Thanks for the advice Rudy. Didnt even consider the 186cm 106, as everything pointed at longer is better for my height. I'll look around for some of those.
Mar 25 2016 10:33AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 8900 - Karma: 57,255
the 186 is a tiny bit shorter than you, but depending on your skill level and what you ride most of the time, that might be fine. though it's worth noting that the kartels have some rocker (right?) so that makes them feel a bit shorter as well

the 191 k106 would be a great ski if you weren't in the midwest. i think it'd be a little much for the small hill scene... though itd be dope for your trips out west haha

i dont know anything about what will or will not change next year so i cant comment on that
Mar 25 2016 10:56AM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,883
The 191 Kartel 106 is a metric fuck-ton of ski - meaning they're a lot to handle. Down the line, that'll be the size of ski you're looking for, but being that you're just coming back to skiing after 10 years, you don't need that much ski. The wider platform and stiffness of the Kartel 98 will be plenty to hold you.
Mar 25 2016 12:56PM
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,329
I used to be all about the 191 in everything that ON3P does. But Scott talked me off the ledge with the Kartel 116, and I previously downsized from a 191 to a 186 BG. An ON3P 186 will still be more ski than most brands.
Mar 25 2016 1:06PM
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mapawluk
Posts: 7 - Karma: 19
Thx all. Probably going to pull the trigger on the K98s in 186 tonight. From those with experience, any chance ON3P puts them on sale less than $519 in a few months?
Mar 25 2016 7:09PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,883
mapawlukThx all. Probably going to pull the trigger on the K98s in 186 tonight. From those with experience, any chance ON3P puts them on sale less than $519 in a few months?


Probably not, they retail at $649, once the price drops its usually there until they sell out (which, given history, they will - so there's no need to drop the price further). $519 is a great price on those skis, you'll be happy you spent the money.
Mar 25 2016 11:38PM
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Mr_pretzel
Posts: 4616 - Karma: 1,289
SessionI used to be all about the 191 in everything that ON3P does. But Scott talked me off the ledge with the Kartel 116, and I previously downsized from a 191 to a 186 BG. An ON3P 186 will still be more ski than most brands.


So you are not riding the 191?

I have old 191 caylors looking to replace with the 116 and was just going to go 191 again, but you think 186 would be okay?

I have old 186 jeffreys that dont feel big at all
Mar 26 2016 6:16AM
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,329
Mr_pretzelSo you are not riding the 191?

I have old 191 caylors looking to replace with the 116 and was just going to go 191 again, but you think 186 would be okay?

I have old 186 jeffreys that dont feel big at all


Nope, mine are 186. I was going to go 191 too because I used to ski 191 Caylor's. But 186's didn't exist. the 5 centimeter length doesn't seem like a lot when you think about it coming from tip AND tail. I think the new profile planes better than the Caylor did.
Mar 26 2016 11:38AM
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mapawluk
Posts: 7 - Karma: 19
Well, PNSkier hooked it up in the sales forum. Got kartels for $475. Now the long wait for winter.
Mar 26 2016 2:26PM
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