Non-powder day ski for Whistler

Posts: 1 - Karma: 13

Feb 19 2018 7:41PM

I'm a Whistler semi-local, and I'm looking for a new set of skis for non-powder days. I have Volkl 10eight for deep snow days, and I have 2010 Mantras for "other" days (and some ancient GS-style skis for when I want to do that). Anyway, 2010 Mantras are delaminating, and skiing on them after 10eights showed to me how much of sinkers they are - the tip just dives under any fresh snow, unless its something wet and heavy or unless going extremely fast.

So now I'm looking for a new partner for 108s - something to be better on skied out bumps, tighter glades while hunting for remaining powder, and an occasional groomer run or a skicross trail run (just against friends, not really competitive).

I'm a 5'9", 150lbs, very athletic but with an injured knee which hurts from pivoting heavy skis all day, hence light 108s for powder, can get down any run with good speed, but sometimes lack finesse, particularly in moguls

So I'm thinking what to do:

1. get something all-condition west cost and reserve 108 for fresh powder days

2. get something more front-side specific and use 108 for any conditions besides icy

I considered the following:

current Mantras - possibly too wide and too powder-focused now?

Kastle FX95 - very interesting but possibly too heavy?

90eight - tempting that they are so light, but will they hold up at higher speeds on groomers?

Blizzard Bonafide - seem like a good alternative to the current Mantra

Nordica Enforcer - same as above

Volkl Kendo - interesting if going narrower?

I would appreciate any ideas

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JaquinGuzman

Posts: 112 - Karma: 350

Feb 19 2018 11:04PM

ON3P Kartel 98 or wren 98 my dude

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Greg_K

Posts: 947 - Karma: 2,718

Feb 20 2018 11:15AM

The Volkl 10eight(and 90Eight) are light, stiff skis that do well all over but their stiff tails are not forgiving or playful. Most of the skis you have listed are metal reinforced skis that are will be nice and damp but not a lot of fun in bumps or glades.

More narrow Freeride skis that are stiff underfoot but a little softer tip and tail would provide good harder snow performance but be way more fun in bumps or glades. The 2019 Bent Chetler 100, Blizzard Rustler 9(94 underfoot), Head Kore 93 or 99, ON3P Kartel 98/Wren 98 or maybe even the new Line Chronic(95mm) and Volkl Revolt 95 would fit the bill. Their more forward binding mounts, tip/tail rocker, combined with a light binding would make them easy to pivot and on your knee I'm sure. The new Volkl M5 Mantra is narrower with far less metal, more forgiving flex, tip/tail rocker and camber under foot. It would also be far more playful and versatile than your old version but still solid and damp.

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Cade2

Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,704

Feb 22 2018 1:35AM

TGR ALERT

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skidemon22

Posts: 4418 - Karma: 1,941

Feb 22 2018 2:08AM

Shameless plug: Faction Dictator 2.0

Seriously though, it’s a fun ski, and more playful than kendo or Brahma

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