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Bent Chetlers and JJ (NOT A REPOST)

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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34

more of a personal question. So ive narrowed down buying skis and i definately want a 5 dimensional ski. The choices ive come down to after some searching and asking are the JJs and Bent Chetlers. I have park skis so this is a powder ski for days when it snows. The thing is that i want a solid powder ski but i need a ski to use for big mountain comps as well (usually some powder on the lines.) I am around 135lbs and 5'7. So some deciding factors are: which ski would preform better in powder all around the mountain (trees bowls etc), which is better for steeper terrain and cliffs (big mountain) and what length? Will the bents be too long?

Jan 5 2010 12:53PM
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ONE-UP
Posts: 609 - Karma: 53
they are basicly the exact same ski
Jan 5 2010 1:10PM
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-ShredTheGnar-
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 111
If you're doing comps and are 5ft7 you should be looking at at least 180+

im 5ft7 150lbs on 183's and do big mountain comps.

Cant give you advice on the skis as i have only ridden the JJs and i didnt like them at all.
Jan 5 2010 1:14PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34

do you have a pair of powder skis? if so what length? Ive been pretty good with using a shorter ski for comps so far but definately not enough ski to help on bigger drops. I just cant afford to have a big mountain ski and powder ski and i guess i have seen tanner shredding alaska lines with JJs so i gues they work?

some feedback from owners of either ski or someone whose ridden them would b great

Jan 5 2010 1:29PM
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j_hamborg
Posts: 560 - Karma: 745
I have the Chetlers, I love them, I have not flexed the JJ's so I have no clue what they are like but the bentchetlers are fairly soft, not like the ep pros or hellbents, like a usefull soft, with a really snappy feel. It depends how crazy of big mountain riding you plan on doing. I mean, when Benchetler designed his ski he designed it for himself and he is skiing way more powder, and pillows and stuff then steep ass lines. Another ski you might want to considered would be the Rossinol s7. Sage seems to rip some big ass lines with those things and they are 5 dimensional...
Jan 5 2010 5:11PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
how tall are you? What kind of skiing have u done with the skis? I just dont want to get the skis, and have them be too long to have fun with in the powder as well


Jan 5 2010 6:58PM
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j_hamborg
Posts: 560 - Karma: 745
I am taller, 6'2" weight 170. I have skied pow, like 1-2 ft, drops 30-40ft, and then crud and groomers.
Jan 5 2010 7:03PM
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-ShredTheGnar-
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 111
Cant you find a test centre?
Jan 5 2010 7:03PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
yeah but not for jjs or bents and s7s are really hard to demo.


to hamborg: How do the skis feel on you? do you think they would be a bit big for me?
Jan 5 2010 7:15PM
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j_hamborg
Posts: 560 - Karma: 745
at first I only noticed your height, but at your weight, These would make a pretty awesome big mountain ski. If you are aggressive and a strong skier they would be pretty good. How tall is jossi wells? He is pretty small I think and seems to kill it on them.
Jan 5 2010 7:29PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
yeah i mean theyre pretty light rnt they? Im pretty confident that i can handle a bigger ski the only question was wether or not the ski could preform well in more technical terrain...
Jan 5 2010 7:36PM
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j_hamborg
Posts: 560 - Karma: 745
silly light. Like the lightest I have felt. Yeah technically I think the ski would do well, they are pretty nimble in my opinion. What about the blog or is that a little to narrow? Turning radius on that thing is stupid, like 18m or something tiny.
Jan 5 2010 7:39PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
well ive heard that the blog is lots less poppy and nowhere near as fun as the bents or jjs and i saw it in the store and i just didnt like the shape (width throughout, tail was barely rockered)
Jan 5 2010 7:44PM
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-ShredTheGnar-
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 111
when it comes to big mountain/freeride/deep pow.....

turning radius means nothing.

To OP are you intending on doing much backcountry jibbing?
Jan 5 2010 7:47PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
well yeah i plan to use it as a ski for anything besides park basically cept i need a ski that will work for big mountain for sure. So whenever its powder ill mostly be skiing steeps (cliffs etc.) backcountry booters with friends or a little tree skiing
Jan 5 2010 7:51PM
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-ShredTheGnar-
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 111
aand what makes you want a 5 dimensional ski?
Jan 5 2010 7:53PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
personally i like the rossi s7, because it handles a little bit in powder better (my opinion) because of the demensions, what i mean is it is shaped a little like the k2 pontoon when it comes to pintail kind of. Personally i felt the s7 ripped in powder when i tried them. But the bents and the jj's both do, but i felt the s7's were better for pow. however for big mountain out of the two i would say the jjs.
Jan 5 2010 7:57PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
yeah thats the impression i got (jj better for big mtn) but ive talked to lots of ppl bout comparing s7 and jj and alot of the guys liked jjs for more of a jib/switch riding ski. They say the s7 was solid but JJ was just a little more comfertable and the s7s cost a little more haha so there was not huge deciding factor that made me lean torwards the s7
Jan 5 2010 7:59PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
well ive heard they have a really cool, easy, fun ride and can be better for sketchier snow conditions. Idk ive kinda decided on a 5 dimension but if you have any other thoughts please let me know thatd b sick!
Jan 5 2010 8:02PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
also the 5 dimensional skis dont hook as much in powder
Jan 5 2010 8:06PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
yeah 5 dimensional just seems to be part of our sports progression and is a design advancement which works really well
Jan 5 2010 8:08PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
k so i guess the big question is: would 183 be a good length for me? I think if 183 works ok ill get the bents and if not ill just get the 175 jjs. So everyone who has a 5 dimensional ski: which ski do u ride:model, length, how do you ski, how tall, heavy are you
Jan 5 2010 8:22PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
i am 6 feet 150lbs, i have ridden the jj, bents, and the rossi s7. personally because of my weight i go with atleast 176, but when it comes to big mountain, the bigger the better it is for me. along with powder. but i think i am going to get the jj's next year in 180's because it gives me more of a capability to do differnt things regarding to big mountain, powder, and bc jibs.
Jan 5 2010 8:35PM
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dbstar
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 20
I personally don't really think that the JJ, and especially the Bentchetler's would be ideal skis for big mountain comps. The impression I get is that they are more oriented towards being super playful in pow, like pillows, backcountry booters and such, not going off a 20 footer at 40km, and making really high speed turns on steep terrain. If I were to get a powder ski with charging and big mountain comps in mind I would look into getting the Armada ANT's, the Liberty Double Helix, and especially the obsethed, probably one of the burliest big mountain skis is the Dynastar Legend Pro XXl, however at your size may be a bit much.
Jan 5 2010 8:36PM
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mynilla
Posts: 554 - Karma: 58
Im 5'6 115 pounds and ski on 175 jjs. I also do comps (junior). I highly recommend them they are perfect for pow but can still be ok on groomers too. They accelerate in comps because they can turn tightly in trees and you can charge on them too.

Ive never skied the Bennys but they look fun as well, the only negative thing i have heard is that they break fairly easily (dont quote me on that, its just what i have heard).
Jan 5 2010 8:36PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
jibity cricket: How do like the length of your current jjs? Obviously im a bit taller and heavier but if you were riding on a 183 what would yout think?
Jan 5 2010 9:14PM
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ReetsAdeets
Posts: 1531 - Karma: 611
Get the JJs. They are a little stiffer than the Bentchetlers and have a less jibby feel, but are still great in pow. Get 185 JJs
Jan 5 2010 9:34PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
agreed
Jan 5 2010 9:37PM
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j_hamborg
Posts: 560 - Karma: 745
agree
Jan 5 2010 9:39PM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65

Having skied both I think I would rather own Chetlers, but I don't remember JJs very well.  185 JJs measure 183 along the base, you are for sure big enough for them, and if you are doing comps you will want the extra 10cm(175s(173) will be tiny and won't charge as hard, but honest none of these skis charge compared to a ski that's stiffer and straighter and heavier).  In comps with mixed conditions and crud you will get thrown around when skiing fast on either.  The Chetlers weigh a little more and are straighter so will charge a bit better(that is what I found when skiing them).  Also, both have camber, which in crud I find makes the ski get de flected more.

LL2s or especially EHPs(which are 5 dimensional, made super well, a bit heavier so will charge much better, and EH went through over 50 protos to get what they are at now) would be better for your comps as well as great powder days all over the mountain.

Jan 5 2010 9:46PM
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ike.
Posts: 2292 - Karma: 93
jj's
Jan 5 2010 9:51PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
i think jjs it is... i mean the thing is i ski slopestyle and rail jams but whenever i can i do big mountain and i only do regional comps so i dont need a huge chargin big mountain ski, but i think the jjs will work well
Jan 5 2010 11:30PM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65
wait...5 dimensional and using in park?-  CRJs, check them out if you haven't.
Jan 5 2010 11:37PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
the bents are basically sold out for this season.. unless you can find them somewhere else let me know!
Jan 5 2010 11:39PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
no i have a park ski so basically a ski for everything else
Jan 5 2010 11:45PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
well i live in seattle and theres alot of legit local shops...including evo which everyone probably knows haha so theres a few laying around
Jan 5 2010 11:46PM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65
Oh...then EHPs will turn short when needed, ski pow great, smear or turn normally, and charge wayy better than JJs will.  They will be much better at your comps, even if it's just small mountains the super skied out pow-powder moguls conditions will need to be skied fast to place well!
Jan 5 2010 11:52PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
hmm yeah haha its so hard to make my mind!!! have u ridden on the ehp? and how does the s7 charge? alot of pros use the s7 i guess
Jan 6 2010 12:12AM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65

Oh yeah! I haven't been on S7s yet but everybody I've seen on them at my mountain has loved them.  A averaged size guy on 188s was saying they carve on hard ice groomers, skied out  groomers, and tight powdery or cruddy trees and all types of variable and powder, open or tight spaces alike.  Everybody I saw demoing them loved them too.  That would be a very good choice.  They're pretty popular on TGR for all types of conditions and charging  Note that the 188s are actually going to be a little shorter than that, and with that sharpp tip and tail at the end, and taper and rocker, they will turn short when needed.  I'm not sure how big you are, but there's a 195 too.

If you aren't skiing switch(and who the hell skis 99.9% of powder areas switch ever, or variable conditons switch?) then skis made to go forward are going to be better than skis made to go both ways(so..pow jib skis).  The charging ability of a ski like an S7 compared to JJs will be far from close.  I was with a guy at Whistler last season on a pair of 188s and he said you can go switch easily on groomers and in powder you can but they don't turn a ton when riding switch.  Really I haven't talked to anybody who doesn't like them, and a bunch of the patrollers at my mountain prefer them.

Good idea...I completely forgot about them.  You could also look at 190 Bibby Pros, but they don't have that nice big tip and tail taper.

Jan 6 2010 1:08AM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
yeah i think te s7s might be an awesome choice do you know anything about the flex?

and i looked at the bibbys but they did that thing with "two different skis" for the two lengths and i wouldnt really be using the right ski for the length b/c 190 is too long for sure
Jan 6 2010 1:13AM
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Candy
Posts: 1051 - Karma: 176
You should also look at the Surface One Life (or live life 2) is super dooper stiff and super good for steeps, pow, crud, drops, lots of stuff. Or if you don't want the tail rocker, go with the Live Life, still fun, stiff, etc.
Jan 6 2010 1:28AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,355
.
Jan 6 2010 1:38AM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65
I think they hand flexed at medium(medium-stiff by this sites standards).  Not soft but no "wow these are stiff" thoughts when flexing them.  Also, they are a tad heavy, and this site often underestimated the greatness of that medium+ flex and especially weight for charing, especially chopped up conditions.  Go check TGRs ski review links thread for reviews in detail of any of the skis you are looking at.
Jan 6 2010 1:42AM
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assface
Posts: 4319 - Karma: 2,031
i got bent chetlers but i was looking for a fun jibby pow ski so that doesnt relate at all.

nevermind
Jan 6 2010 2:02AM
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spliff.Life
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 1,549
im 5'11" 135lbs and ride 183 atomic pimps

i would suggest a longer ski, because they ski much better and much more stable
and i would also suggest the benchetlers

my $0.02
Jan 6 2010 2:51AM
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ectreeskier11
Posts: 697 - Karma: 366
neither are even close to a comp ski. if i had to use either in a comp, it'd be the 185 jj, but it would only be useful with very soft snow all around. you need a skinnier, straighter stick with a bit more stiffness for comps, i have a feeling if you are asking this question you really shouldn't be in a comp. also... jj's and bents are a lot different ski. yeah, the shape is similar but the jj has more taper and different camber than the bent, not to mention a different length and substantially different widths.
Jan 6 2010 3:27AM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
does anyone have any info on moment skis? how are they and which would be a good choice?
Jan 6 2010 6:29PM
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mynilla
Posts: 554 - Karma: 58
They would be fine, the length on my JJs is perfect for an all around (sans park) ski.
Jan 6 2010 8:28PM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65

Local Jr. comps aren't filled with Legend Pros and 195 Super Bros, he doesn't need a "comp ski" since it sounds like he is doing them for fun AND, like pretty much everybody else in the comp, will want to use this ski in other fun places.  Although I agree, both of those would be really bad in comps.

S7s or EHPs should be good for what conditions you would expect to see in a comp while also being skis you will enjoy out of comps, and they are 5 dimensional like you wanted.

Personally I have 189 One Lives(going to be at -1.5)w/peak 18s and 202 Lotus 138s w/dukes(at -1 of factory reco., so something like -13.5 of center), neither of which are ideal for the big mountain comps I will be doing in a few weeks(they are light, and really made for powder) but I will most likely choose one of them for the comps.  Unless I borrow a pair of Solly XW Labs of XXLs...

Jan 6 2010 9:17PM
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iliketoski329
Posts: 220 - Karma: 34
exactly ^^^

im pretty confident in getting the s7 but, ifail i was wondering how you compare the rides of the ehp and s7 to that of the jj in a little more detail. seems like you know your stuff and was wondering
Jan 6 2010 9:44PM
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tharvey3894
Posts: 230 - Karma: 10
i like the s7's better. Only because even though the ehp does have rocker the tip just seems a little small, however the s7 feels more like an "all around" powder ski for me.
Jan 6 2010 11:09PM
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