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March, 2024

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Big Mountain ski advice

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mandem95
Posts: 5 - Karma: 33
I'm currently using my atomic vantage theory (95mm), which I love as they can simply take on any conditions without too much work. But I'm now ready to buy a proper powder ski as off piste/ backcountry really is where I'd like to do most/ more of my skiing. With the end of the season approaching I'm wanting to snap up a bargain on a pair so would love some suggestions suited to my riding style:

- I'm big and heavy (6'2" and 102kg) so would want something on the stiff side
- I don't care about doing any tricks, just want to send cliffs, therefore more directional
- Would quite like something that can float very well but get me back down the groomers in one piece at the end of the day, so some camber
- Waist width ideally 110-120mm

The atomic automatic 117 and the faction elevens (115mm) are winning at the moment as they have great reviews and have found both pretty cheap, anyone had experience using either of them?

I also found the apo Ron for a VERY low price and am considering it but can't find much about them.

So please comment with experiences using these skis and/ or alternative suggestions!

Cheers
Mar 26 2016 8:56PM
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marrows
Posts: 399 - Karma: 656
Are you looking for tail rocker?
I'm on armada norwalks. They are pretty much directional JJs, maybe a little stiffer, and no tail rocker.
They charge in everything and floated in the deepest japow
Mar 26 2016 9:33PM
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MountainInMyMind
Posts: 349 - Karma: 3,491
Atomic Bent Chetler
120mm waist, carbon insert underfoot keeps em stable on groomers, boat hull shaped tips keeps em floating on top, super playful and my go-to ski for big mountain comps and any powder day
Mar 26 2016 11:29PM
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Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
Check out the Moment Bibby Pros. Pretty stiff, 118mm waist, tip/tail rocker, and can handle the groomers. If you check out Blister Gear Review, they have a bunch of things to say about the Bibbys (Just don't get last years model, they bad)
Mar 27 2016 12:22AM
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Session
Posts: 5316 - Karma: 21,349
I can see none of you fucktards actually knows what a Big Mountain ski is.
Mar 27 2016 1:45AM
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hlaloud
Posts: 352 - Karma: 313
I think a 4Frnt kye 110 would be a solid ski for you, and if you want to get serious about touring, its lighter next year with the ski being unchanged
Mar 27 2016 2:02AM
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Mr.Penguin
Posts: 207 - Karma: 165
Sounds like you're looking for a cheaper option but the DPS Lotus 120 is solid all around powder charger. 4frnt Kye 110 was already mentioned, it runs a little stiffer than it's bigger 120 counterpart. Also the 4frnt Hoji/Renegade if you're into full camber. I'd also suggest the Kastle BMX 115, Kastle seems to go on sale frequently here in the states as they're not as popular, but don't be fooled they make some unreal skis.
Mar 27 2016 3:05AM
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csteezy
Posts: 139 - Karma: 330
Came here to third the kye/4frnt recommendations. I bought a demo pair of kye 110's a few weeks back and they are really fun skis. Super directional and floaty in some pow. We had a great storm system come through northern MT and the tree skiing has been epic. My kyes have been handling the skiing extremely well
Mar 27 2016 10:25AM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
SessionI can see none of you fucktards actually knows what a Big Mountain ski is.


You're looking for something stiff, wide, and with a fairly long turning radius.

I like the Blizzard Bodacious for that spot in the quiver.
Mar 27 2016 12:03PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8625 - Karma: 32,399
Never rode the Kye 110 but I have heard amazing things about them. You could look at the ON3P Billy goat as well. I just picked some up.
Mar 27 2016 2:29PM
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cozyco
Posts: 360 - Karma: 825
True Big MTN skis are stiff, directional, not made for riding anything switch (who rides an Alaska spine switch?), not too much rocker and big turning radius.

I am riding the old BMX 108 which is a pretty fun ski for charging open stuff. About 30-35m radius, stable, early rise in the tip, flat tail, stiffer, burlier and more.. stubborn than the new 105HP which is suppposed to appeal to more consumers.

Wanna go wider? Get the BMX 128. Radius of 40m, Billy Goat, Norwalk, Bibby etc. are noodles compared to this. I rode it for two runs at a demo day, which was enough.

I would recommend you the BMX 108 or 128 if you wanna ride serious Terrain and looking for sth. cheap.

I can't recommend you any other Big Mtn. skis because I haven't skied anything else than the BMXs in this category.

A ski I never managed to ride but its stats are definitely blowing every other Big Mtn. ski away:
Faction Thirteen/13. Radius: 46 meters, length: 194cm, tip rocker, flat underfoot, flat tail and stiff. Really stiff. Really fucking stiff. 46 meters (!!!) turning radius bro. (I realized I need this fucking ski)
Mar 27 2016 7:11PM
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qazwsxedc34
Posts: 2886 - Karma: 2,252
Blizzard, DPS, Black Diamond have some nice Big mountain skis, K2 does as well. I'm not too sure on specific ski advice honestly, although I know a lot of people here will know
Mar 27 2016 7:58PM
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mandem95
Posts: 5 - Karma: 33
Thanks so much for the help guys! I had a look at the moment bibbys, kyes they both look awesome but are out of my price range unfortunately! The faction 13 looked incredible but they have sadly been discontinued and replaced by the faction 11, which is similar.

But in the end i went for the atomic automatic 117 as it was soooo cheap (£230!), and offered what i wanted: stiffness for the big mountain stuff and enough rocker to have fun on a powder day.
Apr 3 2016 6:35PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,564
No one has mentioned the ON3P Wrenegades which surprises me. Try and bag the 112 shape, before ON3P put it on a diet for the 16/17 season. I personally ride the slightly older 113 shape from 2013, it's a absolute beast, I'd highly recommend it
Apr 4 2016 3:33AM
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