AMA: this year's skis (and some from next year)

[Verve]

Hi all,

I meant to do a write up of the skis demoed so far this year but, because I’m heavier & taller than average, I’m often in the “unisex” ie. dude version of skis when I’m personally skiing them so maybe an in depth reviews is of limited utility to this forum (but hit me up, 6’ tall, 180 lb friends ).

I do, however, work at a shop in VT that demos a bunch of the beloved women’s skis (or shorter skis, however you want to look at it). I get feedback from all types of female skiers about how these perform and we’ve had a great range of conditions to test in. I also love the nerdy minutiae of ski construction and will happily do the research and filter out the marketing noise.

So, in case anyone is thinking of a ski purchase this spring as things come on sale, I wanted to offer myself as a resource (and the combined wisdom of this forum, which is much greater).

I’m very familiar with: blizzard, Volkl, Nordica, black crows and Salomon/Atomic. Passingly familiar with Kastle, Rossignol and Armada from testing days.

Let me know if I can answer any questions!

 

[Aerlind]

Black Crows: I get the sense they’re a “softer” ski, in the same vein as Armada. Is that true? For context, I’d consider a “stiffer” ski most that Nordic and Blizzard have to offer.

Volkl: what’s the difference between the Blaze and Mantra? I have friends who rave about both. I’m going to see if I can demo one this weekend at Jackson, but it’s through their general “Pay $15 and try skis for an hour” demo tent so I’ll have to pick one or the other. When I was demoing to buy skis, the (then) Secret was recommended but I couldn’t find one to try, so I’ve always wanted to (even after choosing and loving my Santa Anas).

Lastly, I actually AM interested in what you personally like, as you’re roughly the same height/weight as my SO. He’s tall and skinny-for-a-dude. He’s in the market for skis, and it’s hard for us to demo multiple models (hence the Jackson trip). He likes a stiffer ski because he likes to ski fast, but a lot of the men’s skis in the his preferred length (185ish) seem to be built for much heavier dudes.

 

[Verve]

@Aerlind thanks for the great questions!

Black Crows: yes, softer skis generally - but perhaps not as soft as the softest Armadas. The schtick with BC skis is that they're intentionally free and fun oriented and have a distinctive "poppy-ness" - with the majority of their designs having zero metal (with the exception of the Serpo). Some of their skis manage to have pretty surprising lateral stiffness because of the way they use fiberglass layers alongside light, poplar cores - so a ski like the Camox (Camox Birdie for their womens lengths) actually has decent edge hold and isn't a noodle. Their Captis Birdie is my go-to recommendation for progressing intermediates who seem more hesitant. I would pass on the Sato but otherwise think all their skis have a place but don't love the price point.

Volkl: the Blaze and Mantra have very similar shapes (you'll notice this a lot within brands because the machining that goes into cutting the layers of the skis is the most expensive part of the manufacturing process). But the construction of the Blaze is WAY lighter, with just a small section of metal where the binding mount is - making for a ski that is easy to turn, maybe even without perfect technique. In contrast, the Mantra line has a bunch of titanal throughout and in the "frame" around the edge of the ski, and carbon in the tips for an overall much stiffer ski. They're easy to make all sorts of turn shapes with *if* you're good at your edge angles - but they can overpower less experienced skiers or just not be a good fit for those who want to prioritize bumps and trees. The upsides are incredible edge hold and a very smooth ride - think of all that metal acting like the suspension in your car. Both excellent lines of skis for certain people - I recommend the blaze to a lot of lighter weight women working on bumps and trees and the Mantra 84W to those prioritizing perfecting their turn shapes on groomers. The wider mantras are a favorite of ex-racer types or anyone who wants to carve it up regardless of the conditions.

What I like: yes, I think weight has a TON to do with it, alongside skier aggressiveness. I *can* ski an Enforcer, or a Mantra M7 but I'm not getting the same flex out of them that a 200+ lb man is so I don't think I'm really experiencing the same ski. I also don't need all that metal, because I'm not putting the same forces on my skis so I don't find I get a ton of tip chatter, which I hear about all the time from heavier male clients. So my favorites for an all mountain ski tend to be the middle of the road skis, with some metal - Rustler 9 and 10, Kastle Paragon 93, Salomon QST 94/100/106, my Stockli Nela 96 (like a less stiff version of the Stormrider). A surprise standout for me this year was the Blizzard Anomaly 94 - like a stiffer Black Pearl - I'd be curious if your SO would like them!

 

[Aerlind]

Very helpful, thanks! My favorite thing about my Santa Anas is their stability in many variable conditions, which had helped my confidence so much. I also have their Unlimited version and am not nearly as confident on harder snow with them, and will be transitioning them to my touring ski as soon as I can find a binding. I’ve done some boot pack and powder days with them and they’re lovely there. I’d be really interested in the BCs for backcountry, especially if they can give me a little extra stability while remaining light. Hmm.

It sounds like I’d prefer the Blaze: I’m a very light, not aggressive skier and I never learned how to carve and am literally just beginning to play with the concept this year since we have no snow for anything but groomers out west. Before this year, groomers were for warmups, cool downs, and to connect the fun stuff (like bumps and trees) together, so I never needed to carve.

I will pass along your suggestions. I can definitely get him to try the Solomons as they’re participating in a free demo day we’ll be around for (at Alyeska!) but I’ll see if I can talk him into an Anomaly. He insists he doesn’t want “the same ski as everyone else” and scoffs at the Rustler and Enforcer for that reason alone…like really dude, ski on it before you judge. The Kastle is also a possibility, not sure we’ll find one to demo though!

 

[beane]

Hi all,

I meant to do a write up of the skis demoed so far this year but, because I’m heavier & taller than average, I’m often in the “unisex” ie. dude version of skis when I’m personally skiing them so maybe an in depth reviews is of limited utility to this forum (but hit me up, 6’ tall, 180 lb friends ).

I do, however, work at a shop in VT that demos a bunch of the beloved women’s skis (or shorter skis, however you want to look at it). I get feedback from all types of female skiers about how these perform and we’ve had a great range of conditions to test in. I also love the nerdy minutiae of ski construction and will happily do the research and filter out the marketing noise.

So, in case anyone is thinking of a ski purchase this spring as things come on sale, I wanted to offer myself as a resource (and the combined wisdom of this forum, which is much greater).

I’m very familiar with: blizzard, Volkl, Nordica, black crows and Salomon/Atomic. Passingly familiar with Kastle, Rossignol and Armada from testing days.

Let me know if I can answer any questions!

Would love a head to head of the Maven 94cti vs QST 94/100!

 

[Verve]

He insists he doesn’t want “the same ski as everyone else” and scoffs at the Rustler and Enforcer for that reason alone

Haha I mean, I'm guilty of that, too. I don't see as many Anomaly skis out here as I would expect but I'm not surprised they're popular.

Another one to maybe seek out for him to demo might be the Armada Declivity 92 (this year rebranded at the Antimatter). It's got a pretty ugly topsheet this year but last year's is nice and anonymous - like all black.

 

[Verve]

Would love a head to head of the Maven 94cti vs QST 94/100!

@beane good one! I canNOT get a woman to pick the Maven 94cti no matter how I try and I can't quite pin down why - all signs point toward it being a cool option. I think it's in an odd position in my market because it really shines on groomers but is pretty wide under foot for an East Coast ski so the people who are going for that are focusing on narrower options and it's sort on an intimidating underfoot width for folks coming off of rentals. Also the top sheet is a bit love it or hate it. I've skied the mens version, the Maverick 96cti - it is a good balance of damp but light and it is easy to initiate turns on (that "hrzn tip" that all the Atomic's have definitely does something). Yet somehow I felt "meh" - which is a thing that happens for me a lot when a ski is trying to be an everything ski - good on bumps, good on groomers, good in soft snow - it's capable but uninspiring (for me).

The QST on the other hand definitely have a point of view and a lot of "pop" from the fiberglass and end to end metal stringers. I've skied both the 94 and 100 in lots of bumps at Mad River Glen and they shine there. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from shorter, intermediate to advanced women on the 94 for a mix of groomers, trees and bumps. The 100 appeals more to people who will sacrifice the groomer performance for off piste lines as it has a much more upturned tail which makes pivoting on the flat of the ski in tight terrain so easy but doesn't give you the same support arcing turns on groomed terrain. In cases where the same woman has taken out both back to back, the 94 has typically came out on top but that's probably more about our conditions here than anything.

 

[beane]

@beane good one! I canNOT get a woman to pick the Maven 94cti no matter how I try and I can't quite pin down why - all signs point toward it being a cool option. I think it's in an odd position in my market because it really shines on groomers but is pretty wide under foot for an East Coast ski so the people who are going for that are focusing on narrower options and it's sort on an intimidating underfoot width for folks coming off of rentals. Also the top sheet is a bit love it or hate it. I've skied the mens version, the Maverick 96cti - it is a good balance of damp but light and it is easy to initiate turns on (that "hrzn tip" that all the Atomic's have definitely does something). Yet somehow I felt "meh" - which is a thing that happens for me a lot when a ski is trying to be an everything ski - good on bumps, good on groomers, good in soft snow - it's capable but uninspiring (for me).

The QST on the other hand definitely have a point of view and a lot of "pop" from the fiberglass and end to end metal stringers. I've skied both the 94 and 100 in lots of bumps at Mad River Glen and they shine there. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from shorter, intermediate to advanced women on the 94 for a mix of groomers, trees and bumps. The 100 appeals more to people who will sacrifice the groomer performance for off piste lines as it has a much more upturned tail which makes pivoting on the flat of the ski in tight terrain so easy but doesn't give you the same support arcing turns on groomed terrain. In cases where the same woman has taken out both back to back, the 94 has typically came out on top but that's probably more about our conditions here than anything.

ok thanks! I think i can demo both. The reviews of the Maven I've read are mostly great but I agree they seem unpopular--maybe the "uninspiring" that you felt is why.

 

[Verve]

ok thanks! I think i can demo both. The reviews of the Maven I've read are mostly great but I agree they seem unpopular--maybe the "uninspiring" that you felt is why.

Ooo please let us know what you think if you demo the QST 94/100

 

[Aerlind]

Ooo please let us know what you think if you demo the QST 94/100

I plan to demo those at Alyeska so I’ll also report back!

 

[Verve]

I plan to demo those at Alyeska so I’ll also report back!

Excellent. Would love all the perspectives! I’m not usually super sensitive to length but I have to choose between a 172, which feels short, or a 180 in those so probably not getting the optimal sense of them, especially on groomed.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I'm in a quandary about which of my existing skis to choose. I tweaked my knee last weekend and I'm babying it. It doesn't really hurt when I'm skiing - just when I'm walking. Better than the other way around, in my book.

Anyway, I have my Stockli AS (78) which are narrowish and easiest to get on edge, but very heavy and damp. Then there's my Blaze 86s which are much lighter and more forgiving. I also have the Black Crows Vertis Birdie (84) which are fun and poppy and also light and forgiving.

Anyone have a "feeling" re which skis would be best to coddle a sore knee?

Postscript: I'm not going to have the knee looked at b/c I don't want any medical professionals telling me not to ski.

 

[contesstant]

I'm in a quandary about which of my existing skis to choose. I tweaked my knee last weekend and I'm babying it. It doesn't really hurt when I'm skiing - just when I'm walking. Better than the other way around, in my book.

Anyway, I have my Stockli AS (78) which are narrowish and easiest to get on edge, but very heavy and damp. Then there's my Blaze 86s which are much lighter and more forgiving. I also have the Black Crows Vertis Birdie (84) which are fun and poppy and also light and forgiving.

Anyone have a "feeling" re which skis would be best to coddle a sore knee?

Postscript: I'm not going to have the knee looked at b/c I don't want any medical professionals telling me not to ski.

Hard to say, I'd go with the best ski for the conditions for the day. Neither are so wide that they should be difficult to edge. Also, if you ride lifts with no footrest, I'd skip a heavier ski. (Says the woman who is nursing a torn meniscus in both knees right now!) I also cannot ski a binding with much delta right now with my knees being tenuous.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

That's a good point, @contesstant. I'm probably going to stick w/mellower terrain and the chair for those runs has no footrest.

 

[diymom]

Anyone have a "feeling" re which skis would be best to coddle a sore knee?

When I was still making friends with my new ACL I skied my Blaze 86. I found them easy going and especially appreciated the lightness on the lift.

 

[beane]

@Verve did you ski the new armada antimatter?

 

[Verve]

@Verve did you ski the new armada antimatter?

I did! Really enjoyed it. Can’t speak to offpiste performance bc it was a hardpack day but I found them very easy to make lots of turn shapes with, which often translates well into softer conditions. I also can’t directly compare with the Declivity but my coworker who owns the prior version said the changes weren’t notable to him.

 

[Verve]

@BlizzardBabe I know a bunch of folks have more direct experiences with recent knee rehab on skis so I’ll leave it to them hope you’re feeling stronger soon!

 

[Ms Mia]

@Verve Your offer of advice that might help a spring (or summer!) sale purchase is a dream come true! I live and ski at Mt Sutton, Québec, which is obviously very similar conditions to VT. There are two skis I really want to demo but can't seem to demo either of them anywhere close to where I live and I'd love your thoughts.

Im a strong, advancing intermediate. I'm 5'7" and 138lbs. My only pair of skis are Volkl Flair 79 which I love as a fun yet stable all-mountain, good on the hardpack we tend to have here. I'm keen to expand to a second pair, one that will be good on bumps and in trees as I build my confidence on black pistes and venture into glades (not off-piste!). I'm drawn to Volkl Blaze 86, and also enamoured by rave reviews of Fischer Ranger 84. You didn't mention Fischer in your list of brands you're familiar with so maybe you can't comment on those -- but I also NEVER see the Ranger 84 being skiied here at Mt Sutton so maybe that should tell me something?

Also curious about Black Crows but would have no idea what ski to look for.

Since I can't demo my wish list, I'd be buying based on reviews (lots of love for Blaze 86 on this forum, but also for the Ranger 84!) And also on deals. Grateful for any thoughts or wisdom you have!

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I’m not anywhere near as well informed as Verve, @Ms Mia, but I do own the Blaze, the Ranger, and the BC Vertis Birdie (superseded by a new model) if you have any questions.