I think you might like the Volkl Mantra M5 in 184cm.
Wider than the Brahmas, better edge hold and a bit more capable in softer snow.
Wider than the Brahmas, better edge hold and a bit more capable in softer snow.
I am by no means a rep AND was never a fan of Salomon skis. Until now. They worked just fine on the softer snow too. Waaayyyy better than my Volkls or Rally’s.
Skier: 230lb, 6'3" former USSA/FIS skier, current weekend instructor/coach, could surely use some more time in the gym
What I'm looking for is a ski to use when skiing with my family "out west" in the spring. realistically when I go to Colorado or Montana with the family I'm going to be spending 90+% of my time on corduroy. Probably in the spring- first week of April is typically when kids get spring break. The S9s are a lot of fun and I don't mind driving them all day, but Ideally for this purpose I think I'd like something with a bit larger radius and a bit wider underfoot (due to the softer snow I"m likely to be using them on). A little versatility in terms of speed and radius would be a good thing, but really they aren't going to go off the groomers much and if there was a significant amount of fresh I'd just pull out the Brahmas.
Any opinions? Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it!
Hmm... Laser AX can handle grabby snow? It's hard to me to imagine anything under 82-84mm can handle NE grabby snow. I'm almost tempted to get Liberty V82 or wait for the Evolv84 for those conditions.If you were talking the East, a wide carver would make more sense until it turns to mashed potatoes, when they will get grabby. The only carving ski I have used (and just bought) that doesn't get grabby in spring snow is the Stockli Laser AX. I haven't skied it enough to really give feedback, but it seems to break the mold of what a narrow carver can do (78mm wide)
So what did you end up trying?!?
Ok, new quiver goals, in order of width (and intended use):
4) If I had something from choice number 3, I would ideally ditch the Brahmas and get something wider, like 100+. Like a Bonefide or Cochise, Enforcer 100/104, Kore 105, Mantra 102, etc.
So basically that's a three ski quiver (not counting the dedicated race gear). I don't get much opportunity to use a ski from line 4, but I'd just rent and keep an eye out for a deal.
I demo'ed the Kastle MX84 in the 184 cm length in Jackson Hole a couple of weeks ago and really liked it for a wider carver - it's full camber and 84mm wide. I think I'd have liked one size shorter, but the 184's performed just fine in all the places I took them (groomers and intermediate bumps mostly). I haven't demo'ed too many in this category lately though.3) 80mm+ Western soft snow groomer trenching tool. For now I'll use the X9 WB's, but I suspect something in the mid 80s would be ideal for what I want out there. I don't think I really like the feel of skis with significant rocker for this purpose. The S/Force Bold at 84 sounds like a good choice. What are the other wider really carve oriented skis out there?
I am available. Ski wagon included.Thanks Andy!
I can see the 82, but I think the V92 is a probably a bit wider than I need as I don't really see adventuring into the edges much with these.
Why can't someone just follow me around with a quiver so I can decide before each run? Like a golf caddy?