On the 2018 Brahma in 9” of fresh this morning.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen anything about Kassel FX85s (HP or non) mentioned, are they not a match for what I’m looking for?
Also, what about Stockli AXs, they have popped up in a couple of reviews, would have thought they were too front side biased, but the reviews sound like they could be really good due to profile...I’m a bit dubious though.
I’m not looking to spend all season demoing skis, so having the input from this group to identify a handful of skis to investigate, and hopefully narrow down to 1-3 to demo, ideally in the same day, is a big help.
What's this "9" of fresh" you speak of?On the 2018 Brahma in 9” of fresh this morning.
Ullr blessed us on SundayWhat's this "9" of fresh" you speak of?
So I had a chance to get out on Navigator 85s and new Brahmas this past weekend.
I found a lot to like about the Navigator: nice and quick edge to edge, very maneuverable and amenable to different turn shapes. Conditions were spring like, firm in the morning, and soft in the afternoon. Limited bumps and trees available, but they did great in what there was. They fell short on groomers and in chopped up or inconsistent snow. They got knocked around a bit and while stable when carving, I found if I started to load them up at speed they would start to wash out. So, unfortunately not the ski for me.
The 2018 Brahmas seem good, but i didn’t get a great test on them. Conditions were al around crusty in the morning, and I was skiing with my 5 year old for most of the day. They are diefintely more nimble and have a nice turn shape on groomers. I was able to dip into a small section of trees and they were nice there. If I had to just pull the trigger today, I would probably get them.
I also spent several days on on my Rustler 10s and was really impressed. I love how nimble they are, and they can definitely handle carving on firm snow at high speed. Just too wide for me as an everyday ski, especially the way I like to ski bumps (feet close together). If only Blizzard made a Rustler 8...same ski but mid 80s waist. Anyone know of a ski like that? Maybe the Atomic Vantage CTI 85, or a Dynastar Legend X88?
there is a lower 90s Rustlers coming out....
Lots of people like the changes to this year's Brahma, with quicker turn initiation and easier smaller turn shapes. I'm curious, is there anyone out there who still prefers the previous year's model, with its longer turn radius and deeper rocker? E.g. for charging crud and stability on longer radius turns, etc.
the older ski isnt more stable in long radius turns.......the lack of contact length basically makes that the case. it is slightly better in really weird refrozen crud and really troughed out bumps, but other than that its still a good ski, but the new one is better IMO.
if Nordica would make Navigator pro with the enforcer construction or just make and enforcer in a mid 80 width, of if Salomon, gave the XDR just one whole sheet of metal both would be contenders as well.
I'd highly recommend the Volkl Kendo. It really is the go to ski for the east IMO.
Yea, I'm a Volkl guy. Been on them for the past 20 years and on my 3rd pair of Kendo's. I have tried others on Demo day's, the Nordica Enforcer 93 would be the only other ski I'd consider but they are so popular I stuck with the Kendo.
I find the 2018 Kendo's seem to have better float then my 2014's. They will handle most any conditions we get in VT. Having said that, I have been on my Shiro's the past two days at Okemo and will ski them again tomorrow. Will be back on the Kendo's for Sunday.
The picture shows about 22" at mid mountain on Thursday
I don't understand this.The Nordica Enforcer 93 would be the only other ski I'd consider but they are so popular I stuck with the Kendo.