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Tracer 118 vs Mindbender 116 vs Rustler 11

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felixjpettersson
Posts: 16 - Karma: 19
Hey everyone

Looking to buy new off piste skis.
I mostly ski in the french and swiss alps and mostly ski offpiste/backcountry, though l also enjoy some resort shredding, jumping small cliffs etc.
Im looking for a ski that floats well but that can also charge and be stable in harder conditions in times with no new snow. I would also like something poppy/playful.

I think i narrowed it down to these 3 but would love some insight to the pros and cons of these skis or any other ski i should consider

thanks :)
Feb 4 2020 4:26PM 1 0
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1374 - Karma: 8,109
Mindbender 116: Great in soft snow but a bit too light/soft for hard snow or crud performance. It is pretty playful for a directional ski though.

Tracer 118: Never skied it but have skied the 98 and 108. These are probably to light/tapered to do great in funky alpine snow.

Rustler 11: Just get these. Light enough to tour but have metal and can still rip.
Feb 4 2020 4:45PM 4 0
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Cade2
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 2,670
Ask TGR
Feb 4 2020 4:53PM 1 3
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,034
I have the JJ UL and my buddy has the Tracer 118. Skiing them back to back, his ski is much more capable in crud and hardpack or days when the mountain hasnt received fresh snow. It's stiff enough to charge while not being punishing. Still playful and floats in the pow.
Feb 6 2020 2:04PM 1 0
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felixjpettersson
Posts: 16 - Karma: 19
Thanks for the replies guys
Feb 7 2020 11:37AM 0 0
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scratchskier321
Posts: 2386 - Karma: 1,012
freeskibum82I have the JJ UL and my buddy has the Tracer 118. Skiing them back to back, his ski is much more capable in crud and hardpack or days when the mountain hasnt received fresh snow. It's stiff enough to charge while not being punishing. Still playful and floats in the pow.

does the JJ UL buckle at high speeds?
Feb 7 2020 8:41PM 0 0
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,034
scratchskier321does the JJ UL buckle at high speeds?


It definitely has a speed limit and can get easily thrown around by heavier snow. It’s all manageable if you know how it reacts though. It’s slightly softer than my mordecai but definitely more playful in pow and jumping off pillows
Feb 8 2020 5:54PM 0 0
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Distancedave
Posts: 22 - Karma: 42
Why not the Black Crows Anima?
Seriously good skis and match what you're looking for
Feb 9 2020 6:21PM 0 0
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felixjpettersson
Posts: 16 - Karma: 19
Will look into that one, ty :)
DistancedaveWhy not the Black Crows Anima?
Seriously good skis and match what you're looking for
Feb 10 2020 8:24AM 0 0
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tcurle
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 4,998
Out of the three the Rustler doesn't suck
Feb 10 2020 2:18PM 0 1
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