BIRTHRIGHT | A Beau James Wells Film is Now Live!

Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Looking for a good aggressive ski

profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
I've been searching for the best aggressive mogul bump ski that also handles off piste and steeps. I'm 6'4" 230 lbs and I like to spend the first half of my day skiing the bumps (70% of the day) and then I like to finish off the day on the steeps (30%). I spend most of my time skiing Mammoth, CA. But I do get a couple of weeks a year skiing either Alta and Snowbird in Utah, or Winter park in Colorado, or Whistler, B.C. I have the old Volkl AC4's and I absolutely love them, so last year I figured it was time to upgrade and in talking to a couple of people I decided on getting the Volkl Mantra's. My first time out on the Mantra's I absolutely hated them. They were too stiff and I didn't find them aggressive enough. I really like to push it in the bumps and definitely in the steeps. The problem I have is my hight and weight. At 6'4" and 230 lbs a lot of the bump ski's out there are to soft for me and also I'm an aggressive skier so I will physically destroy a soft ski. However I also don't want a stiff ski to just Slalom or GS the power runs and definitely not the groomed runs.

Any recommendations?
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Biffbarf
Posts: 7463 - Karma: 79,938
I have a badass pair of brand new custom 189cm on3p wrenegades 108's for sale. Not necessarily a bump ski by any means, but I'm a big ass dude too and they're absolute hammers that crush everything.
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Rum_Ham
Posts: 1449 - Karma: 4,483
I’m not sure what you want. You said the mantra is too stiff but not aggressive enough. How so? Was it not stable at speed or too tight of a turn radius?
6 years ago
3 0
profile picture
LineSkier
Posts: 243 - Karma: 446
It's hard to understand what you mean by too stiff and not aggressive enough. Aggressive skis need a reasonable amount of stiffness (preferably a lot). Is it possible that what you want is dampness and not stiffness? Dampness is basically the ski's ability to absorb uneven terrain without sending the impact into your legs. Also it would help if you could give an idea of what waist width you want. Finding something performant in both bumps and steeos is a tall and arguably impossible order.
6 years ago
4 0
profile picture
NewWave
Posts: 101 - Karma: 186
Are you a type III or a type III+?
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
LineSkier
Posts: 243 - Karma: 446
Also if you liked the AC40 so much then perhaps you should just go buy its successor, the RTM 84.
6 years ago
3 0
profile picture
tomPietrowski
Posts: 7294 - Karma: 18,716
K2 mindbender 108ti 193. That will be perfect for you.
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5098 - Karma: 18,692
tomPietrowskiK2 mindbender 108ti 193. That will be perfect for you.


Isn't the 99 stiffer and arguably "more aggressive" as well as being a better width for bumps?
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
tomPietrowski
Posts: 7294 - Karma: 18,716
mystery3Isn't the 99 stiffer and arguably "more aggressive" as well as being a better width for bumps?


Nope the 108ti is the stiffest of the pack. It uses a core with slightly more mass and has the most metal of all the range. The 108 can be a real charger but still controllable.
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 963
So you want a metal ski, with no metal thats stiff but not too stiff?
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Greg_K
Posts: 963 - Karma: 2,791
The Mindbender 99ti is the stiffest and the heaviest ski in that lineup. The 184cm 99ti weighs over 100grams more than the 186cm 108ti does. Blistergear comments-“Compared to the Mindbender 108Ti, the Mindbender 99Ti is stiffer at both ends of the ski. The Mindbender 99Ti’s tips start stiffer and stiffen up quicker than the Mindbender 108Ti’s, and the Mindbender 99Ti’s tail is significantly stiffer.”
The 99ti is the on piste Charger of the group. Haven’t skied any of them but they are getting lots of rave reviews.

One ski that popped to mind because I own it and love it all over the mountain and it’s fantastic in moguls is the Blizzard Rustler 9. I’m 6’2”/175 and have the 180 and it rips. Much stiffer than the rest of the Rustler line and less rocker too. For you the 188cm would be great and the perfect ski in moguls. One sheet of metal underfoot so it’s very solid carving but the metal sheet tapers near the tip/tails so they are more playful and forgiving. So it’s solid like an M5 underfoot but more playful tip/tails. Floats very well for it’s width too. I’ve moved my mount up a bit so it’s even more playful and take mine into the park off jumps and it’s great.
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tomPietrowski
Posts: 7294 - Karma: 18,716
Greg_KThe Mindbender 99ti is the stiffest and the heaviest ski in that lineup. The 184cm 99ti weighs over 100grams more than the 186cm 108ti does. Blistergear comments-“Compared to the Mindbender 108Ti, the Mindbender 99Ti is stiffer at both ends of the ski. The Mindbender 99Ti’s tips start stiffer and stiffen up quicker than the Mindbender 108Ti’s, and the Mindbender 99Ti’s tail is significantly stiffer.”
The 99ti is the on piste Charger of the group. Haven’t skied any of them but they are getting lots of rave reviews.

One ski that popped to mind because I own it and love it all over the mountain and it’s fantastic in moguls is the Blizzard Rustler 9. I’m 6’2”/175 and have the 180 and it rips. Much stiffer than the rest of the Rustler line and less rocker too. For you the 188cm would be great and the perfect ski in moguls. One sheet of metal underfoot so it’s very solid carving but the metal sheet tapers near the tip/tails so they are more playful and forgiving. So it’s solid like an M5 underfoot but more playful tip/tails. Floats very well for it’s width too. I’ve moved my mount up a bit so it’s even more playful and take mine into the park off jumps and it’s great.


Interesting write up from blister. It’s true to say the 99 is the most hard snow orinatated but te108 skis stiffer. I allows you to push harder on the ski in more variable conditions whereas the 99 tip flex can get more out of control in variable snow. How a ski flexes in Te hand or in paper does not always equate to how it skis. Each of the mind bender skis was tuned for what It is intended for, that’s why we change core and torsional strengthening methods between the skis. The 99 is no soft noodle but for hard charging in variable conditions the 108 is where it’s at.
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
Rum_HamI’m not sure what you want. You said the mantra is too stiff but not aggressive enough. How so? Was it not stable at speed or too tight of a turn radius?

I found that it would not respond well in the bumps when I needed to make quick turns. A high speeds if I ran the groomer yes it would hold an edge, but I am looking for something that at high speeds is able to jump very quickly side to side. In the steeps it didn't respond well when I needed to suddenly make alterations or change my mind as so often is needed in the steeps. My AC4's were very responsive and the faster I ran them and the harder I pushed them the better they got, that wasn't the case with the Mantra's. I found them to be tanks made for groomers or just plowing thru powder.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Rum_Ham
Posts: 1449 - Karma: 4,483
are you driving the tips or tail gunning? Would you say you’re an expert skier or just advanced? Rossi soul 7 might be right up your alley
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
LineSkierIt's hard to understand what you mean by too stiff and not aggressive enough. Aggressive skis need a reasonable amount of stiffness (preferably a lot). Is it possible that what you want is dampness and not stiffness? Dampness is basically the ski's ability to absorb uneven terrain without sending the impact into your legs. Also it would help if you could give an idea of what waist width you want. Finding something performant in both bumps and steeos is a tall and arguably impossible order.


By not aggressive enough I mean they weren't responsive the more I pushed them. I need to be able to make very quick turns at high speeds or be able to quickly make alterations to my direction. Yes they did hold well at high speeds in the groomers and did hold an edge well, but that is not what I'm looking for. You bring up a good point about waist width. This my first time on a ski this wide (100). As for finding something that does well in the bumps and steeps that is what I had in my old Volkl AC4. The harder I pushed them in the bumps or the steeps the more responsive they became. Am I to take it that based upon your comment they don't make that type of ski anymore!
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
NewWaveAre you a type III or a type III+?

I guess I would say type III+. I've been skiing at that level for over 40 years now.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
LineSkierAlso if you liked the AC40 so much then perhaps you should just go buy its successor, the RTM 84.


Thanks that is very helpful. Every time I've asked what is the comparable ski to the old AC4, nobody could tell me. This time I'll definitely demo before I make any purchases. thank you!
6 years ago
0 1
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
tomPietrowskiK2 mindbender 108ti 193. That will be perfect for you.

You are the second person in recent days to recommend the K2 mind bender. I'll definitely have to demo them. Thank you very much, this is exactly what I'm looking for when I posted this thread, suggestions!
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5098 - Karma: 18,692
This may sound strange to most on this site but ha ve you looked at Renoun skis? I don't have much info off the top of my head but they make the Citadel which is 106? underfoot and another more carving oriented ski which I think is in the mid 90s waist. Look them up on blistergear.com
6 years ago
0 1
profile picture
Greg_K
Posts: 963 - Karma: 2,791
Think you need to keep the ski somewhat close to the width of your old skis as wider skis are not going to be as quick edge to edge of course. Think what you’re you’re calling “aggressive” is actually “responsive” and quick edge to edge. Mogul skis are still in the 60-70mm range still and there are some out there that are stiff but not very versatile on the rest of the hill.
RTM 84(Deacon instead of RTM next year) would be similar to your old skis and the Brahma 88 would be another fantastic ski in that width range. Blizzard doing a Brahma 82 next year too which would be a great ski for a Charger in the moguls. Very responsive and quick on their feet and very good everywhere. Still think the Blizzard Rustler 9 is another to consider as it’s a more playful and slightly wider Brahma feeling ski.

Mindbenders in the lower widths if you want to prioritize moguls and wider if you are going off trail more.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 963
xbuilderThanks that is very helpful. Every time I've asked what is the comparable ski to the old AC4, nobody could tell me. This time I'll definitely demo before I make any purchases. thank you!


Ski construction has changed a lot since you AC4's, hence why people struggle to give you an answer, people forgot how to actually ski and hence the craving/ all mountain system ski has kinda died off greatly, also wider width skis are made to allow easier craving and more versatility. I would also maybe check out the head monsters.
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5098 - Karma: 18,692
B.QuincySki construction has changed a lot since you AC4's, hence why people struggle to give you an answer, people forgot how to actually ski and hence the craving/ all mountain system ski has kinda died off greatly, also wider width skis are made to allow easier craving and more versatility. I would also maybe check out the head monsters.


Wider skis are easier to carve? Are you sure on that one?

There are still a lot of 67mm waisted piste skis our there, and a ton of 75-85mm all-mountain skis there just a lot more variety to go with these days.

OP should hit a solid demo day someplace and figure out what skis line up with his goals. Always have an open mind when trying out different skis, the worst thing that happens is the ski feels awful, one run and done.
6 years ago
0 1
profile picture
LineSkier
Posts: 243 - Karma: 446
xbuilderBy not aggressive enough I mean they weren't responsive the more I pushed them. I need to be able to make very quick turns at high speeds or be able to quickly make alterations to my direction. Yes they did hold well at high speeds in the groomers and did hold an edge well, but that is not what I'm looking for. You bring up a good point about waist width. This my first time on a ski this wide (100). As for finding something that does well in the bumps and steeps that is what I had in my old Volkl AC4. The harder I pushed them in the bumps or the steeps the more responsive they became. Am I to take it that based upon your comment they don't make that type of ski anymore!


It sounds like you want a ski which is long (stable at speed), damp (stable in variable conditions) , has a relatively aggressive amount of sidecut (quick edge to edge, good edge hold), and a waist width under 100mm (good bump performance, lower swing weight). Definitely something with a wood core, possibly a sheet of titanal depending on how much dampness you want.

Lots of options with length, sidecut, waist width, and wood core. Fewer options for dampness but then again the AC40 was only moderately damp.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 963
mystery3Wider skis are easier to carve? Are you sure on that one?

There are still a lot of 67mm waisted piste skis our there, and a ton of 75-85mm all-mountain skis there just a lot more variety to go with these days.

OP should hit a solid demo day someplace and figure out what skis line up with his goals. Always have an open mind when trying out different skis, the worst thing that happens is the ski feels awful, one run and done.


Not what I was saying, wider waisted skis have become more versatile look up any ski in the "all mountain east" genre and see how they have changed and shape rocker, and material construction has changed. Additionally yes, on piste skis are definitely a thing still... but compared to 10 years ago where the majority of the market was on system skis ranging from 65-85 underfoot a shift has occurred to a wider ski being common place (think 80-100) and non system which has reflected in the skis that manufactures produce....
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5098 - Karma: 18,692
B.QuincyNot what I was saying, wider waisted skis have become more versatile look up any ski in the "all mountain east" genre and see how they have changed and shape rocker, and material construction has changed. Additionally yes, on piste skis are definitely a thing still... but compared to 10 years ago where the majority of the market was on system skis ranging from 65-85 underfoot a shift has occurred to a wider ski being common place (think 80-100) and non system which has reflected in the skis that manufactures produce....


Agreed, I think I misunderstood what you were trying to say.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
xbuilder
Posts: 7 - Karma: 16
LineSkierIt sounds like you want a ski which is long (stable at speed), damp (stable in variable conditions) , has a relatively aggressive amount of sidecut (quick edge to edge, good edge hold), and a waist width under 100mm (good bump performance, lower swing weight). Definitely something with a wood core, possibly a sheet of titanal depending on how much dampness you want.

Lots of options with length, sidecut, waist width, and wood core. Fewer options for dampness but then again the AC40 was only moderately damp.


I have to say that I'm very pleasantly surprised by this forum. Most forums as just a waste of time, but all of the feedback I've gotten has been invaluable. I was clearly being naive when I initially made my ski purchase last year. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that a lot of the major sports chains have driven the mom and pop ski stores out of business and they always had the right amount of expertise to have an educated conversation with you that tailored the ski to your needs. Anyway enough with the maundering, what I'm trying to say it Thank You. I've already got seveal ski's and types of ski's I'm going to demo. Heading up to Mammoth today, they got over 10 feet of snow in just a couple of days so, looking forward to some great conditions.

Thank you everybody, I mean it, this has been very helpful!!!
6 years ago
5 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 3:37PM