Now that some deals are starting to pop up to make way for new skis, I'm looking to move on from my Kastle XX110s that I've ridden the past few years.
About me: 33, 6'4", 220+lb. I'm leaner than my weight would suggest and am more athletic than most. I don't know how good my form is but, aside from drops greater than 15', there isn't much I won't try. My first resort on any line is to try and muscle it instead of finesse it. I live in the east, but ski half my time in the west. Unless there's a good storm you'll find me in the trees or hiking/ducking lines.
Current skis: Kastle XX110 in 190cm. I've had fun on these, though there are times when I've cursed them. My least favorite part is the symmetrical shape that I don't particularly enjoy in powder or in bumps. Their swing weight and maneuverability are the things I like most about them, especially considering their size. I don't like the large turning radius that is kind of boring. If you're carving any turn tighter/wider than that radius then the chattering is a little concerning. They also suck at narrow icy chutes that you're trying to be delicate in.
Previous skis: 4FRNT Gaucho 186cm: These were also fun. I didn't like the tip shape, but these were the first skis I ever rode that I noticed made blasting through crud easier. I had to retire them after only like 30 days because of what I thought was questionable durability.
Previous previous ski: Atomic Access 191cm. I probably had the most fun on these, and were the last sticks I rode before I got into powerlifting. I loved their quickness and shape / camber profile and were a blast for 60% of what I rode. The other 40% could be terrifying because, even at just 180 lbs, they weren't nearly enough ski.
I'm looking in the high 90s to 110 mm waist. Because of their flex patterns that I've read about, the ones I'm eyeing to snag on sale are the 102 Ranger FRs in 184, the Dictator 3.0s in 186, and the Armada Invictus 108ti in 188. Since I won't get to demo the skis first (I tried to get to a couple this year, but it never worked out) I'd rather stay away from new skis (like the Enforcer 104) that I likely won't be able to get on sale.
Are there any others I should consider?
About me: 33, 6'4", 220+lb. I'm leaner than my weight would suggest and am more athletic than most. I don't know how good my form is but, aside from drops greater than 15', there isn't much I won't try. My first resort on any line is to try and muscle it instead of finesse it. I live in the east, but ski half my time in the west. Unless there's a good storm you'll find me in the trees or hiking/ducking lines.
Current skis: Kastle XX110 in 190cm. I've had fun on these, though there are times when I've cursed them. My least favorite part is the symmetrical shape that I don't particularly enjoy in powder or in bumps. Their swing weight and maneuverability are the things I like most about them, especially considering their size. I don't like the large turning radius that is kind of boring. If you're carving any turn tighter/wider than that radius then the chattering is a little concerning. They also suck at narrow icy chutes that you're trying to be delicate in.
Previous skis: 4FRNT Gaucho 186cm: These were also fun. I didn't like the tip shape, but these were the first skis I ever rode that I noticed made blasting through crud easier. I had to retire them after only like 30 days because of what I thought was questionable durability.
Previous previous ski: Atomic Access 191cm. I probably had the most fun on these, and were the last sticks I rode before I got into powerlifting. I loved their quickness and shape / camber profile and were a blast for 60% of what I rode. The other 40% could be terrifying because, even at just 180 lbs, they weren't nearly enough ski.
I'm looking in the high 90s to 110 mm waist. Because of their flex patterns that I've read about, the ones I'm eyeing to snag on sale are the 102 Ranger FRs in 184, the Dictator 3.0s in 186, and the Armada Invictus 108ti in 188. Since I won't get to demo the skis first (I tried to get to a couple this year, but it never worked out) I'd rather stay away from new skis (like the Enforcer 104) that I likely won't be able to get on sale.
Are there any others I should consider?