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

[jthree]

@diymom yes so excited to have you all here! I'm sure I'll be working some of those days but should be able to join for at least some of the skiing (and apres ). I've been thinking how to facilitate a divas only demo day when we're at Sugarbush too! More to come

Just seeing this now, but a demo day would be AMAZING!

 

[skibum4ever]

I should have asked which version of the Pagoda you have! DPS's way of naming their skis is honestly a headache because they've changed it several times and small differences in names can mean very different skis. I assumed the Pagoda Tour - 112 underfoot and a lot of carbon in the construction.

The Blaze is a go-to recommendation for those who want a light ski - either to set up as a hybrid touring and resort ski or just because they enjoy light skis. When I think of smoothness in a ski ride, my mind goes to skis with some metal in the construction - so a little heavier than a touring-oriented Pagoda or a Volkl Blaze which is primarily a light wood stringer construction with a very thin metal plate where the binding is mounted. But since you've tried many skis, you may have a better sense for what equals smooth performance for you!

I second the Blaze. I've been skiing on it since my really bad fall several years ago. I demoed it and bought it the same day.

If I were in the market for a new ski I would purchase something similar. Hopefully I will ski a lot this season and will be looking to buy a new ski.

 

[Verve]

It's the Pagod 100 RP shape. I have Pivots on them too.

Sweet yes. I am pretty familiar with that one bc it's the evolution of the Alchemist line - so there is some carbon in the mix and the "rp" is the playful, more rockered version, easy turning model. I think the next big question is how much narrower you want to go - how much more "on piste" oriented.

You could consider a slightly narrower ski that still keeps some of the characteristics of that Pagoda - like a tapered tip and rockered profile. Have you had a chance to demo the Salomon QST 94? K2 also makes a carbon version of the Mindbender 90c that has some similar qualities. I'd put the Blizzard Sheeva 9 in that category too.

DPS skis are or were made in the same facility with Voile so you can find very similar shapes from both brands (and Voile is way cheaper ;)). The Vector is 90 mm underfoot and more "carving" oriented. The V6, which I own in the scaled, touring version is more surfy like your Pagoda. Because they are a touring oriented brand, their skis tend to be lighter, like your Pagoda, but you can definitely put a downhill binding on them and have a great time. I've avoid their super light "hyper" models but the standard ones work fine for downhill.

If we're talking much narrower - and more of a compliment to the Pagoda than a replacement, that is a whole world of skis. Blaze 84 has been mentioned here and I know it is a forum fav. I personally like more metal in a narrow frontside ski and would lean toward the Volkl Mantra 84 instead but that's preference for you.

More expensive, but definitely in the "smooth" category would be a Stockli - like a Nela 86.

 

[Bookworm]

It’s weird, because I have never liked the Sheevas. They are too surfy for me. I’m interested in the Mantras. I’m not familiar with Voile. Always interested in demoing skis. I’ve tried the Mindbender but it’s been a while. I remember liking them. I think it was the 98?
I’m thinking of high 80s low 90s width to give my legs a break. I do have a pair of Blossoms, AM 77 and they are real carvers-fast too but I rarely bring them out west.
I appreciate your suggestions and hope to try some of them at Taos.

 

[cvana]

@beane

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.

oh boy, I do love to read reports from a MRG lover! I'm looking to pick up a MRG woods ski for my son and nephew, as well, and all things point to the QST. Probably the 100 for my son (160 pounds, 5 10, the 94 for my 16 yr old nephew (140, 5 10)

 

[Verve]

oh boy, I do love to read reports from a MRG lover! I'm looking to pick up a MRG woods ski for my son and nephew, as well, and all things point to the QST. Probably the 100 for my son (160 pounds, 5 10, the 94 for my 16 yr old nephew (140, 5 10)

Yeah the QST line is definitely making headway against the ever dominant Atomic Bent Line for freeride-style skiers in that teenager age group. The 94 and the 100 have almost the same surface area and float. The 94 is more directional and has a bit of a flattened tail, the 100 is extra surfy with a more forward mount point so really lends itself to that more upright stance (kids these days, lol). Your sense of their style would inform which suits them better. Fun to have two colors of top sheet to choose between in each!

My other gold star mad river ski was the Rustler, if you think either would want a little bit more metal in the construction.

 

[AJM]

It’s weird, because I have never liked the Sheevas. They are too surfy for me. I’m interested in the Mantras. I’m not familiar with Voile. Always interested in demoing skis. I’ve tried the Mindbender but it’s been a while. I remember liking them. I think it was the 98?
I’m thinking of high 80s low 90s width to give my legs a break. I do have a pair of Blossoms, AM 77 and they are real carvers-fast too but I rarely bring them out west.
I appreciate your suggestions and hope to try some of them at Taos.

I demoed the Mantra 88s a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love !!
Trouble is I dont reeeaaaaally need them but I would reeeeaaaally like a pair

I've yet again down here spent the majority of my time on the Volkl Flair SC (72 underfoot) for the second season in a row then when I want to have some fun on the soft snow (which has been MIA this year) I bust out my Blazes (94 underfoot).

Whilst the Flairs are heavy they are a lot easier on my knees but the Blazes are a welcome relief weight wise but tend to give my knees a bit more of a work out..... the Mantra's however would be a great mix of the two !!

 

[Bookworm]

I'm intrigued by the Blaze 94s as well.

 

[AJM]

I'm intrigued by the Blaze 94s as well.

I looooove mine. So light and heaps of fun. We did have a rough start with the bindings that were'nt quite my jam but once they were switched over it was all good. I had them mounted slightly forward and my local ski tech did some sort of bevel magic on them to make them gel with my skiing style.

I bought them as my soft snow ski but seeing as that has been MIA down here this season they did get a good work out on the hardpack and the edge grip was suprisingly good.

I'd still love to get my hands on the Mantra 88s but even I am having a hard time justifying it

I found the Mantra's just ate up the crud and spat it out while the Blazes just sort of bounced around on top if that makes sense.
I definitely found the Mantras more burly and the Blaze's softer and more forgiving.