Ok, here’s my initial thoughts after 4 days of ripping about on the new FL 105 in the 178cm: BOOM!!
Marshal a HL has been killing it with this one. Just a perfect daily driver and all about ski. Mounted mine up on the rec of 77 cm from the tail & let em fly. STH2 WTR as a binder. Here’s the beta.
Initial thought- flex is smooth & not too stout. Rocker lines looked greater in shop than on the snow, textured topsheet was sweet and well detailed. Marshal’s hand tune is well worth $100 + ; smooth and consistent; ready to go. The bases absorbed a thorough waxing cycle twice and then remained soaked for the duration. Edges are wicked thick and robust.
Groomers- 2 footed or racer style, they just wanted more. They wanted to zoom. Medium radius was a solid base, but you could slarve em tighter or let em make 11’s down the fall line. Back to lift was pure joy and the suppleness of the shovels softened out the chatter and cross ruts.
8-10” of Powder - Home / Ground Zero. They rocked. Shift the weight onto the arch / heel and zip off. They bounced, pounced & even dolphin turned. The surface area and the rocker lines let you charge the hill with BDE as you crushed the tourons & beaters. The stability of the design was consistent and confident inspiring- the FL 105 also has the amazing quality of being supremely balanced in the air (more later). When I was tossed, the FL 105 crutched my balance & aided posture back to security.
Moguls / Trees - The odd combination of a rather balanced mount and the lite weight made short swing and rapid direction changes with ease. Again, when upon finding yourself in the air, the skis seems to have uncanny air awareness and poise. This seemed to be the defining attribute of this model. It just found a way home time after time.
Chalk / dust on injected - If you get stuck on such whacked surfaces, it’s got your back like a Lazy Boy. What was missing was the tip flap.
Future Missions - I can say with confidence this will be the ‘King of Spring’ ski.
Parting thoughts - this FL 105 & Comp 87/99 would be the steeze for a clean ‘n crisp quiver. I’d scoop up a hoodie while you’re at it & you’ll be KOM wherever you call home.
Seriously props to Marshal for reminding us that we can reject being neutered corporate skiers. We are not the same, don’t miss this opportunity to take these for a lap.
^ I’m currently lobbying for a Gus Fring Pro model.
* I think I’d be a hit!