Replying to 2018 Salomon QST 99, 2018 Volkl 90eight, 2019 Bent Chetler 100
Hi all, first time poster, long time lurker. Much thanks in advance over the last two season with tips, tricks, and good knowledge. After many years of riding demo rentals, I'm now in a place where I can get many more days in this winter and also want to really get into touring.
I am 37, 5'6", 175 lbs, advanced intermediate to expert who likes to ski Tahoe and Mammoth. For this season, I'm looking for a good 50/50 frontside and BC ski that I can log a lot of time with before purchasing a dedicated touring ski. At that point, I'd move this ski to a dedicated frontside ski, or swap out for a better charger like the Mantra. Goals for this season are Tallac, Dick's Peak, Castle Peak, and Mt. Shasta.
I have Dalbello Lupo AX120 boots, which I've been taking them to the back bowls of Sugar Bowl the past few weekend on rental touring skis. The boots are working really well for me, and now its time to complete the set up.
Skis I've liked in the past have been the Volkl Mantra, Kendo, and K2 Shreditor (102). Been on the Enforcer 100 which I didn't enjoy as much. For downhill, I like the 170-175 length.
Really looking for a nice entry level all-mountain ski to grow and get better with before really shelling out for separate dedicated touring and frontside skis.
I'm deliberating between the 2018 Salomon QST 99 (174cm) and 2018 Volkl 90eight (170cm), which for perfect for my goals at the moment. I'm also intrigued by 2019 Bent Chetler 100 (172cm). I'll be fitting them with marker kingpin 13 AT bindings. Budget-wise, these are all in the ballpark of where I want to be for skis at the moment.
I gather there are more similarities than differences between these three, and hoping to get a sense of the nuances to come to a final decision. Also open to any suggestions on length or width or other skis that I should be considering.
Thanks!
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