Replying to 4frnt Renegade for PNW
NS-
I've been contemplating what my pow ski is going to be for next year. Last season I was on some 09 179 k2 hellbents which were fun in high angle light untracked snow, but there were some major design flaws I couldn't get over. First, they were super soft, and while this meant they were very playful, it also meant that, combined with the high degree of splay in the rocker that they were super unstable at speed and in variable conditions. Also, in heavier pnw powder on low angle runs, I could actively feel the ski pushing against the snow slowing me down. The huge tail rocker didn't help with their stability either.
Needless to say, I sold them and am now looking for a ski to overcome the shortcomings of the hellbent. I'm thinking that the renegade will be mush more stable in all conditions, plane better at speed, and just generally kick ass in every conceivable way. Also, as much as I'd like to think I ski switch in pow, I really don't, and I already have a park ski for skiing switch on hard snow. I'm thinking the flatter tail of the ren will be more stable and useful if I ever decide to tour, etc. The main thing I'm concerned about is tip dive in super deep snow, as stiff skis with low rocker kind of have a reputation for that. I'm 5'11", 140 lbs and I'll be skiing at crystal, Stevens, alpental, and baker for bc. Am I fantasizing or is this the perfect ski? I'm an aggressive experienced skier and will be using this primarily for deep snow skiing. I generally don't huck too much but I'm looking to step up my cliff game this year. What are te major drawbacks to this ski, and where does it excel? I have a deal on the 186, so that's the size I'd get. Should I go for it? If not, suggest an alternative.
Thanks,
Isak
Click to expand post