This was my second year at Copper's SIA demos. I have skied at Copper for ... a long, long time ... so I think my familiarity is an advantage as I know exactly where to go and how I want to ski when I am curious about the particular attributes of a ski. I definitely enjoyed this year's crop: manufacturers are focusing on lightening up gear while maintaining performance, and although it's almost tiresome to keep hearing it, they are actually doing it.
Atomic Backland 109
Dimensions: 134-109-124
Radius: 18m@182cm
Size tested: 182
Design: All New
Well, that was a treat! I’m not sure what I expected, but it was both quicker and more stable than anticipated. Turn initiation was less than effortless. If you are seeking a dedicated tree ski, look no further. Fun with a capital F.
Elan Ripstick 96
Dimensions: 134-96-113
Radius: 18m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
I was a bit surprised by the Ripstick. It was nice enough, quick and smooth on groomers, but once into any sort of actual snow, the tips were waaay too flappy and bouncy. So much so that I would actually like to spend more time with another one, because it really seemed … off. Skied very short.
Kästle MX84
Dimensions: 128-84-112
Radius: 16.3m@176cm
Size tested: 176
Design: All New
Kästle MX89
Dimensions: 129-89-113
Radius: 18m@180cm
Size tested: 180
Design: All New
I didn't get much time on these, just an end-of-day groomer, but these are the perfect end-of-day skis. They turn bumpy old irregular snow into silky-soft first-run Colorado corduroy. I own a 173 MX83, and they are very similar, but the 84s are a tiny bit easier to turn while retaining Kästle's bomber stability and responsiveness. Everything goes the same for the MX89 -- but it's a little longer and a little wider, you know.
Line Supernatural 92
Dimensions: 131-92-118
Radius: 19.6m@179cm
Size tested: 179
Design: New Construction
Line Supernatural 100
Dimensions: 132-100-121
Radius: 21.3m@186cm
Size tested: 179
Design: NGT
I really liked both of these coming off Union Peak in cut-up snow. Very damp and solid, rolled over irregularities with impunity, made me want to go faster and faster. The tip was great, not too bouncy, didn’t give much feedback (the bad kind, I mean). Neither was super poppy in transition, but they were quick nonetheless, imparting a very satisfying, stable ride.
Nordica Santa Ana 93
Dimensions: 126-93-112
Radius: 16.5m@177cm
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
After having spent quite a bit of time on the 177 Santa Ana (100) as well as both the 177 and 185 Enforcers, I clicked into the 93, expecting more of the same. It wasn’t the best idea, as the narrower Santa Ana was a little twitchy. Dialing things back helped quite a bit, and I highly enjoyed the rest of my run at a more moderate pace. (It is possible that there was a bit of a tune issue, but I forgot to check when I returned it, sorry.) It skis short. Very short. The 100s are definitely more ski in every way, somehow, but the 93 retains the same light, lively, and obedient personality.
Nordica Enforcer 93
Dimensions: 126-93-112
Radius: 16.5m@177cm
Size tested: 185
Design: All New
Ahhh, that’s better. After the Santa Ana 93, I wanted to immediately compare the Enforcer 93, but unfortunately they didn’t have a 177 at the tent. I took the 185, and the added metal (and length) in this version made a very noticeable difference on the groomed, and I happily hauled ass without thinking twice — until I hauled into some surprise crud, where I briefly saw my life flash before my eyes. But that tip transitioned like a champ, and I hardly felt it. I took it through some light untracked and moderate moguls, as well, and it was super quick and fun in both, especially for a 185. Bonus: much-improved graphics over the 100 (IMO), with a cool and understated topo map.
Salomon QST 99
Dimensions: 138-99-120
Radius: 19.4m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
Carbon and flax, eh? Well, in a weird way, that’s exactly what it felt like. The QST 99 was very light and very smooth, surprisingly good in the crud for such a dainty-feeling ski. Sharp graphics, too, with the navy and orange.
Völkl 90Eight
Dimensions: 133-98-116
Radius: 20m@177cm
Sizes tested: 177, 184
Design: NGT
I kept hearing such good stuff about Völkl; having been on few current models, I made it a point to devote a morning at the tent. It was time well spent, and I felt that same kid-on-Christmas-morning stoke as when skiing my first Blizzards a few years ago. The 90Eight is a very worthy alternative to the current Ultimate One-Ski Quiver (Enforcer, natch), especially if you want a little wider turning radius.
Völkl 100Eight
Dimensions: 141-108-124
Radius: 22m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: NGT
I spent a couple runs on this one, including a trip from the top, so I managed open bowls, crud, steepish trees, and lotsa groomers. In fact, I skied it on my last run of two long days of testing, when I was pooped and out of energy — but I guess I wasn’t. I don’t think I stopped once, I just wanted to go and go and go. Put it on edge and it absolutely knifes through difficult snow; I am guessing this is where the 3D-Ridge construction comes into play, thin on the edges but thicker and stabilizing in the middle.
Völkl RTM 81
Dimensions: 128-81-109
Radius: 16.3m@170cm
Size tested: 170
Design: NGT
Get on this and turn turn turn, with a ton of energy, a ton of grip, a ton of confidence. The RTM 81 loves the fall line, and it’s even fun in bumps. I didn’t find it all that easy to vary turn shape, though; maybe a few more runs on it would help.
About SBrown
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 140 lb
Years skiing: 40+
Days per year: 80ish, 90% in resort
Home mountains: Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin
Preferred terrain: Most anything as long as it's soft: powder, steep chalky technical stuff with lots of rocks to ski around, fresh corduroy on an empty run.
Skiing style: Whatever works for the ski+terrain.
Preferred ski characteristics: Not too short, not too soft, not too stiff. But I think I tend to adapt my skiing to whatever I'm on at the moment. Right now I'm loving my 173 Kästle FX85, 173 Kästle MX83, 180 Fischer Motive 95ti, and 177 Blizzard Dakota; soon to come, a 181 Völkl 100Eight.
Boots: Tecnica R9.8 110, with ZipFit Gara liners and Booster straps
About me: I have long felt more comfortable with skis on my feet than without. My parents fell for skiing as West Texas teenagers in the 1950s; thank goodness they managed to relocate appropriately and pass that love on to the rest of the family. I grew up skiing in Colorado; Copper's inaugural season was also mine, when I was 4. After college, I moved away and skied infrequently, but returned in 2000 and have skied more days each year since then.
Skiing changed for me when I first went out of state, to Jackson Hole in 2004. CO will always be home, but now I love to travel. Jackson and Altabird are my most frequent destinations, but I hope for return trips to Squaw, Alpine Meadows, Whistler, the Alps, and first visits to Montana and Vermont, among many others.
Atomic Backland 109
Dimensions: 134-109-124
Radius: 18m@182cm
Size tested: 182
Design: All New
Well, that was a treat! I’m not sure what I expected, but it was both quicker and more stable than anticipated. Turn initiation was less than effortless. If you are seeking a dedicated tree ski, look no further. Fun with a capital F.
- Who is it for? Anyone needing a quick ride in powdery trees and bumps.
- Who is it not for? Maybe not the best choice for big dudes at high speed in heavy snow.
- Insider tip: Didn’t feel anywhere near 109 in moguls, so don’t discount it on that basis.
Elan Ripstick 96
Dimensions: 134-96-113
Radius: 18m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
I was a bit surprised by the Ripstick. It was nice enough, quick and smooth on groomers, but once into any sort of actual snow, the tips were waaay too flappy and bouncy. So much so that I would actually like to spend more time with another one, because it really seemed … off. Skied very short.
- Who is it for? Casual dude who values maneuverability.
- Who is it not for? Anyone who skis 3D snow.
- Insider tip: These Elans have a left and right ski, don’t forget!
Kästle MX84
Dimensions: 128-84-112
Radius: 16.3m@176cm
Size tested: 176
Design: All New
Kästle MX89
Dimensions: 129-89-113
Radius: 18m@180cm
Size tested: 180
Design: All New
I didn't get much time on these, just an end-of-day groomer, but these are the perfect end-of-day skis. They turn bumpy old irregular snow into silky-soft first-run Colorado corduroy. I own a 173 MX83, and they are very similar, but the 84s are a tiny bit easier to turn while retaining Kästle's bomber stability and responsiveness. Everything goes the same for the MX89 -- but it's a little longer and a little wider, you know.
- Who is it for? When you can afford the very best ....
- Who is it not for? Value shoppers, and lighter and/or slower off-piste skiers.
- Insider tip: Don't sweat the length increases.
Line Supernatural 92
Dimensions: 131-92-118
Radius: 19.6m@179cm
Size tested: 179
Design: New Construction
Line Supernatural 100
Dimensions: 132-100-121
Radius: 21.3m@186cm
Size tested: 179
Design: NGT
I really liked both of these coming off Union Peak in cut-up snow. Very damp and solid, rolled over irregularities with impunity, made me want to go faster and faster. The tip was great, not too bouncy, didn’t give much feedback (the bad kind, I mean). Neither was super poppy in transition, but they were quick nonetheless, imparting a very satisfying, stable ride.
- Who is it for? Skiers looking for stability at speed in an accessible package.
- Who is it not for? Slowpokes.
- Insider tip: Girly alert — I loved the graphics, which are modern but not copycat.
Nordica Santa Ana 93
Dimensions: 126-93-112
Radius: 16.5m@177cm
Size tested: 177
Design: All New
After having spent quite a bit of time on the 177 Santa Ana (100) as well as both the 177 and 185 Enforcers, I clicked into the 93, expecting more of the same. It wasn’t the best idea, as the narrower Santa Ana was a little twitchy. Dialing things back helped quite a bit, and I highly enjoyed the rest of my run at a more moderate pace. (It is possible that there was a bit of a tune issue, but I forgot to check when I returned it, sorry.) It skis short. Very short. The 100s are definitely more ski in every way, somehow, but the 93 retains the same light, lively, and obedient personality.
- Who is it for? Almost everyone, especially if you like purple.
- Who is it not for? Speed demons, and people who don't like purple.
- Insider tip: Hard-charging ladies should step up to the Enforcer 93, or even just stick with the 100mm Santa Ana.
Nordica Enforcer 93
Dimensions: 126-93-112
Radius: 16.5m@177cm
Size tested: 185
Design: All New
Ahhh, that’s better. After the Santa Ana 93, I wanted to immediately compare the Enforcer 93, but unfortunately they didn’t have a 177 at the tent. I took the 185, and the added metal (and length) in this version made a very noticeable difference on the groomed, and I happily hauled ass without thinking twice — until I hauled into some surprise crud, where I briefly saw my life flash before my eyes. But that tip transitioned like a champ, and I hardly felt it. I took it through some light untracked and moderate moguls, as well, and it was super quick and fun in both, especially for a 185. Bonus: much-improved graphics over the 100 (IMO), with a cool and understated topo map.
- Who is it for? Anyone who values versatility, or a one-ski quiver.
- Who is it not for? Not sure, really; the performance window is enormous.
- Insider tip: Choose size carefully; the 185 was barely too long for me, and I usually prefer something high 170s-180.
Salomon QST 99
Dimensions: 138-99-120
Radius: 19.4m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: All New
Carbon and flax, eh? Well, in a weird way, that’s exactly what it felt like. The QST 99 was very light and very smooth, surprisingly good in the crud for such a dainty-feeling ski. Sharp graphics, too, with the navy and orange.
- Who is it for? Bronco fans, especially those based in Colorado.
- Who is it not for? I have a hard time believing it will work for heavier skiers, but that’s just a guess.
- Insider tip: Get the orange bindings.
Völkl 90Eight
Dimensions: 133-98-116
Radius: 20m@177cm
Sizes tested: 177, 184
Design: NGT
I kept hearing such good stuff about Völkl; having been on few current models, I made it a point to devote a morning at the tent. It was time well spent, and I felt that same kid-on-Christmas-morning stoke as when skiing my first Blizzards a few years ago. The 90Eight is a very worthy alternative to the current Ultimate One-Ski Quiver (Enforcer, natch), especially if you want a little wider turning radius.
- Who is it for? All-mountain skiers who value carving chops.
- Who is it not for? May still be too stiff for super-light skiers.
- Insider tip: Size up if you ski more wide-open stuff than tight or bumpy spots, GS turns on the 184 were a hoot.
Völkl 100Eight
Dimensions: 141-108-124
Radius: 22m@181cm
Size tested: 181
Design: NGT
I spent a couple runs on this one, including a trip from the top, so I managed open bowls, crud, steepish trees, and lotsa groomers. In fact, I skied it on my last run of two long days of testing, when I was pooped and out of energy — but I guess I wasn’t. I don’t think I stopped once, I just wanted to go and go and go. Put it on edge and it absolutely knifes through difficult snow; I am guessing this is where the 3D-Ridge construction comes into play, thin on the edges but thicker and stabilizing in the middle.
- Who is it for? Me! Me-me-me-me-me …. (Yeah, there is already a pair sitting in my ski room.)
- Who is it not for? Only absolutely most idiotic of idiots would not think this is the best ski ever.
- Insider tip: Not sure how it carves so well without camber, but it does.
Völkl RTM 81
Dimensions: 128-81-109
Radius: 16.3m@170cm
Size tested: 170
Design: NGT
Get on this and turn turn turn, with a ton of energy, a ton of grip, a ton of confidence. The RTM 81 loves the fall line, and it’s even fun in bumps. I didn’t find it all that easy to vary turn shape, though; maybe a few more runs on it would help.
- Who is it for? Seems like a perfect Eastern tool, but would work on firm Western days, too.
- Who is it not for? Straightliners.
- Insider tip: Don’t tell anyone, but I actually started seeking out the hard, scraped-off patches on Main Vein.
About SBrown
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 140 lb
Years skiing: 40+
Days per year: 80ish, 90% in resort
Home mountains: Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin
Preferred terrain: Most anything as long as it's soft: powder, steep chalky technical stuff with lots of rocks to ski around, fresh corduroy on an empty run.
Skiing style: Whatever works for the ski+terrain.
Preferred ski characteristics: Not too short, not too soft, not too stiff. But I think I tend to adapt my skiing to whatever I'm on at the moment. Right now I'm loving my 173 Kästle FX85, 173 Kästle MX83, 180 Fischer Motive 95ti, and 177 Blizzard Dakota; soon to come, a 181 Völkl 100Eight.
Boots: Tecnica R9.8 110, with ZipFit Gara liners and Booster straps
About me: I have long felt more comfortable with skis on my feet than without. My parents fell for skiing as West Texas teenagers in the 1950s; thank goodness they managed to relocate appropriately and pass that love on to the rest of the family. I grew up skiing in Colorado; Copper's inaugural season was also mine, when I was 4. After college, I moved away and skied infrequently, but returned in 2000 and have skied more days each year since then.
Skiing changed for me when I first went out of state, to Jackson Hole in 2004. CO will always be home, but now I love to travel. Jackson and Altabird are my most frequent destinations, but I hope for return trips to Squaw, Alpine Meadows, Whistler, the Alps, and first visits to Montana and Vermont, among many others.
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