Looking for a one ski quiver and think I have it narrowed down to the J Masterblaster and the Black Crows Daemon. Live in Pennsylvania, but ski one week a year in Steamboat and typically another week out of PA. This year, second week is Snowbird/Alta, but second week is more often VT. I haven't had much powder luck the last few years, so typically ski moguls, trees, and crud. I do like to lay down some GS carves as well, but that's not my focus. As I expect my powder luck to improve, I'm looking for something that can handle powder too as I don't want to have to rent fat skis. Thoughts on these 2? Or alternative? I also looked at Volkl Mantra and Faction Dictator 2.0, but from what I've read Mantra isn't as great in bumps, and Dictator doesn't handle powder all that well. Thanks
Both are solid all-mountain options. Daemon's reverse camber makes it easier to pivot around in tight spots, so if you stick mostly to moguls and trees, the Daemon will be a bit easier. The Masterblaster is more stable at speed and, in my opinion, is more energetic and fun on groomers. Daemon's reverse camber makes it feel more smooth than energetic on groomers.
And while the Masterblaster won't be quite as easy to pivot, it's still not a super demanding ski. Personally, I love the Masterblaster cause I think it offers a really fun blend of stability, pop on groomers and for jumping off stuff, all while not being as demanding as some more traditional directional all-mountain skis.
In terms of pow performance, the Daemon will float a bit better. Its wider waist and long, drawn-out rocker profile will help it plane above the snow better than the Masterblaster.
So I think it comes down to your preferences. If you mostly want a ski that's easy to turn and pivot, don't care too much about maximum stability and energy on groomers, and want something that will float slightly better in pow, then go Daemon.
If you want more stability and energy and a ski that's IMO more versatile across the whole mountain, then go Masterblaster.
Haven't skied the Mantra or Dictator 2.0, but Enforcer 100 might also be worth checking out.
Both great skis. I have a pair of Masterblasters and they are my favorite skis by far for East Coast no matter what the conditions. So fun and they rail!! Also, I give them the nod over the Daemons just because J dropped its new graphics three days ago and they're are some sick ones this year.
I've nenver been let down my my MBs whether it was VT ice or Squaw corn. Great versatile ski. I own a pair of Black Crow Corvus so I love BC as well, but I just can't say enough good things about the MBs. Unless you just want to ski in the park, you will not regret buying the the MB.
Biggest difference right off the bat is reverse camber profile of the Daemon vs. the rocker-camber-rocker profile of our Masterblaster. Having camber underfoot (especially in your typical East Coast conditions) is a huge advantage on those firmer days where you might find yourself washing out on the Daemon. Since we build and test all of our skis on the East Coast they're designed to be as versatile as possible, gripping and ripping from everything from sheer blue ice to your big 12" powder day. Granted, anything above 12" of fresh you'll definitely start to a decline in their ability to float, but the wide shovel tip does a great job of cutting through the chop and surfing through tight trees. You'll also find a lot more liveliness in the bumps because of the camber helping you bounce from mogul to mogul without fighting as much as you might on the Daemon.
As always feel free to reach out to us directly! info@jskis.com or (802) 585-1098