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First pow ski.. AK JJ, JJ, Bent Chetler?

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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
TOO MANY OPTIONS!
I am lost in a world of unknown..

I am going to school in Montana for the first year after skiing in Maine for the first half of my life. I have never needed a powder ski.. and thus have been skiing a pair of Armada El Reys from 2010 that I outgrew as they are only around 172 or whatever that length was.

Thusly, I need to buy a powder setup now that i will be skiing bridger bowl and hopefully a lot of deep snow.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME
- 6' 1.5"
- 161 lbs
- East coast (Sugarloaf) background
- Prefer trees over charging big lines
- Skied park all last year and like the idea of a playful ski
- On a little bit of a budget
- I fucking love my old Armadas

So the trouble is,I was pretty much set on the Armada JJ as my ski. I liked the idea that it was a powder ski with all mountain capability for most of the season, and I could break out the old el reys if i needed a beater ski. That being said, I am now wondering if the 185 length will be long enough for me, as I have been told they run short and ski short.

My concern with the AK jj is the added stiffness, and the 195 length could make the ski less playful in the trees and on the booters, and more focused on pointing the tips.

Another possible option could be the Bent Chetlers in 192 or really any other ski people feel strongly about and can convince me are better than JJs.

PLEASE HELP, I NEED SKIS!
Sep 4 2013 8:06PM
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TRAP_CHEF
Posts: 1172 - Karma: 279
Id look at opuses or caylors honestly the opus is playful yet stable and a blast in the trees and same goes for the caylor i personally prefer the caylor and that is what i own
Sep 4 2013 8:19PM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
Alright, new comparison, how about the AK JJ at 195 or the Moment NT at 186?
Sep 4 2013 8:47PM
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penguiin
Posts: 1444 - Karma: 561
This.

I have Caylors and absolutely love them. I was in the same boat as you last season choosing between JJ's and bentchetlers and I got persuaded to go with Caylors and I'm extremely happy with my decision.
Sep 4 2013 8:57PM
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El_Barto.
Posts: 11661 - Karma: 24,364
190 Icelantic Gypsy
Sep 4 2013 9:37PM
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Evangelista
Posts: 481 - Karma: 1,583
Check out the new Volkl Two's. the 186 would probably be great for you. They are awesome skis. You would not be disappointed
Sep 4 2013 9:49PM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
Thanks everyone for the contributions. Ill have to check out Caylors as well, just a bit more pricey and no experience with on3p however I know they are a respected brand.

Still looking to here an opinion between, AK JJ or JJ

Also very curious about the Moment Night Trains now..

Night train or AK JJ?
Sep 4 2013 10:11PM
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white6speedz28
Posts: 1331 - Karma: 234
I second this...
Sep 4 2013 11:08PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
Second the opus, I'm about your size and like the 192 but the 185 would also work. Also look at the Pettitor in 189, its very similar to the bent chetler
Sep 4 2013 11:30PM
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TRAP_CHEF
Posts: 1172 - Karma: 279
Im in mobile and dont feel like writing a long review but the caylor is one hell of a ski check out some reviews on them and on3p is just a super sick company in general
Sep 4 2013 11:58PM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
The caylor looks like a great ski however being a college student, I am a bit tight on cash, especially as this is my first season out west and need to get a lot of new gear/pass. I can pick up the AK JJ or the Night Train for $450, and the Caylor is at least $100 more. Really looking to stay under the $450 mark.

Im starting to feel like the real decision is between Night Trains or JJs, and if i go JJ, do i go with the AK for that added length, width, and stiffness?

I have always loved the sound of the Opus however I feel like it is a bit soft for an every day ski, when bridger gets chopped up i dont want to be on noodles.

That being said, i would lean toward the AK JJ or Night train for the length, slightly wider waists, and the stiffness while still remaining playful.

Opinions on these two skis? (or 3 if you include the JJ)
Sep 5 2013 12:08AM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
If you are afraid of chop, dont go JJ. They are pretty noodely and they have this ridicolous sidecut of 14meters. Maybe the magic j?
Sep 5 2013 1:22AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373

I own the Armada Ar7 and love it. When I tried the JJ it was good in fresh untouched powder but sucks in chop and speed.

Night train is a better choice if it's between NT and JJ. NT from what I hear kills it. Another ski that would be sick if you can find it cheap is 2013 Kastle West XX110. Heres a review by blister gear review. http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2012-2013-kastle-west-xx110

You could wait til you head west and get to the mountain. Theres gonna be gear on sale from last years and people who want new stuff. It might not be brand new but it will work well. This will save you lots of money.

Sep 5 2013 3:13AM
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lukaturtle
Posts: 98 - Karma: 103
If your considering moment you should look at e bibby as well. The night train is a fat jib ski with no camber. It's fun and floaty but not as stable at the bibby. Same does with the jj. It's a light construction which makes it sweet in light snow but it doesn't muscle through chop and crud. Also moment is hand made in Reno which is pretty sweet.
Sep 5 2013 7:39AM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
Thanks for the responses. Im leaning toward the Night Train because it sounds like it might push the crud a little better then the JJ.

That being said, the AK JJ would probably be stiff enough to be more versatile.

My worry with the Bibby is that it might be to stiff for playing around and is more focused on charging lines (like the AK)

Is the flat underfoot of the Night Train going to make it useless on groomers/hard pack?
Sep 5 2013 1:01PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
Blister did a review on the 12-13 NT. They had multiple people look at it. Here the links. A lot of good info on the NT.
http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2011-2012-moment-night-train-186cm

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2nd-look-moment-night-train/2

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/3rd-look-moment-night-train

It looks like the consensus on the NT is it's a great backountry jib, deep snow ski. Variable conditions and groomers are kinda ehh. But deftly read all the articles. They talk about a lot different skis.
This is why blister gear review rocks.
Hope this help op.






Sep 5 2013 3:20PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
You should totally buy some ON3P Pillowfights. Not only are they a bomber pow ski for trees but they are damn sexy as well.
Click for larger image
Sep 5 2013 4:32PM
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Thewhiteroom
Posts: 339 - Karma: 468
Go with the JJ in 185. they are so playful and I dont think you will feel they are to short if you like skiing mostly trees. I rode JJs for the last 5 years in a 185 and sometimes in big open faces i wanted a longer ski but I all so ski balls to the wall. I think for tree skiing and riding the rest of the mountain the 185 JJs you cant go wrong man. thewhiteroom
Sep 5 2013 4:56PM
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BE..
Posts: 1185 - Karma: 81
From what I read, it doesn't sound like you've done a whole lot of skiing in places like montana. Firstly, don't get the ak jj. You don't sound like the most experienced big mountain skier (no offense, you've just been geographically limited). That ski is really only needed by big guys that like to ski big lines. I personally would not recommend the jj because the design is prettty outdated by this point. The night trains are a good ski but definitely don't fit into the fun and playful category. I would recommend looking at a pair of sir francis bacons for montana. Our snow is so light here that a massive powder ski will be unnecessary on most days. It's a ski that handles powder very well but can be used with more regularity. If you really want a powder ski, get the opus in 185.
Sep 5 2013 6:05PM
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BskiP
Posts: 1369 - Karma: 223
4FRNT YLE
Sep 5 2013 6:44PM
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freeski1620
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 1,718
you're the right size and doing the right kind of skiing for an 85 JJ. You also might look at a 180 Magic J.
Sep 5 2013 6:45PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
 This is the issue with the JJ.  SFB would be a great choice if they made one extra size bigger.
Sep 5 2013 7:26PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
They made the 192 opus stiffer than the 185 and other sizes. And you can pick up some pettitors for 400 on ebay
Sep 5 2013 10:20PM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
Alright, Im now feeling Armada JJ in 185, Moment NT in 186, or Atomic Bent chetler in possibly 192. All are the same price.

Votes? opinions? please help
Sep 6 2013 12:29PM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
Bent chetler. It is supposed to fit right in between jj and nt
Sep 6 2013 12:57PM
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Videogroove
Posts: 67 - Karma: 47
Guys, may be you help me too with my already purchased first pow skis: Lib Tech FullyFunctionalFive 175cm

Lib Tech FFF manufacturing in two sizes: 175 and 185cm

My weight is 194lbs, height is 5'9"

I made a right decision when bought it in 175cm size or I made a little mistake?

Thanks in advance!
Sep 6 2013 1:49PM
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BE..
Posts: 1185 - Karma: 81
So you've basically ignored all advice given in this thread...
Sep 6 2013 2:52PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
192 Chets or 186 NTs.

I personally would go for the Chets if I were you. It's a nice fat powder board, that isn't too stiff so it handles trees well.

That's just my opinion though.
Sep 6 2013 3:50PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
Yeah if you're set on one of those three get the chets
Sep 6 2013 6:09PM
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robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
A little late now, isn't it?
Sep 6 2013 9:19PM
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Thewhiteroom
Posts: 339 - Karma: 468
The JJs are totally not out dated. They were one of the first companies to make this design and now look at all the other companies that are pulling the taper back like the elf shoe tech is with the Armada. Out of date please! They don't change it because they already nailed it the only time they changed it. Plus check year after year in the buyer guides. They always take top 3 every year. They may mean something.
Sep 6 2013 9:37PM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
It is outdated! They have too short sidecut, too abrupt rocker and too much taper. More modern designs have dialed these factors which the jj has not. OP choose the bent chetler or magic j if you can
Sep 7 2013 3:41AM
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Thewhiteroom
Posts: 339 - Karma: 468
Then why do they keep winning top 3 every year? Your right must be outdated. haha
Sep 7 2013 9:49AM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
ALRIGHTY! so I can get bent chetlers awefully cheap and it is starting to sound like the best plan. I would also like to consider the Opus in 192 but i cant seem to find it for much cheaper than $550 which is out of my range.

If i go bent Chetler, should I go 183 or 192?

Im 6'1 and 162 lbs

Want a fun ski to jib around and ski some trees. also needs to work as an every day ride. HALP!
Sep 9 2013 12:20AM
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AK-Pow29
Posts: 157 - Karma: 215
I would definately check out the Opus like everyone says, my friend loves his. Also check out the Pettitor, I just bought some. They are $410 on evo and 364 on rahayu sports. Hope this helps.

http://www.evo.com/skis/k2-pettitor.aspx

http://www.rahayusports.com/93-k2-pettitor-skis-2013.html
Sep 9 2013 1:31AM
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most_mint
Posts: 506 - Karma: 175
looking for a softer ski than the K2. less charging big lines
Sep 9 2013 1:57AM
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minihef
Posts: 813 - Karma: 781
The 183s will ski way too short for you, get the 192s.
Sep 9 2013 2:38AM
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minihef
Posts: 813 - Karma: 781
Haha, buyer guides mean absolutely fuck all, they're basically just adverts that cut and paste each company's own blurb about their own skis.

Blistergearreview > peer reviewed skis from knowledgeable member on NS and TGR > Buyer Guides.
Sep 9 2013 2:41AM
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Session
Posts: 5374 - Karma: 22,065
Get the 192 Bentchetler. It's a stable, well mannered ski. It deflects less than The J series from Armada. Is nimble but not twitchy. I enjoyed the pair I had.
Sep 9 2013 11:46AM
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Thewhiteroom
Posts: 339 - Karma: 468
Actually they have people come and test the products. Skis.com tests all most all of there skis and put reviews up on the ones they test.
Sep 9 2013 6:26PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
I wouldn't get anything wider than 115mm underfoot if I were you. Since you're really light extra width will only make it harder to ski and make it less versatile too. A super fat ski blows on days where it isn't really wide. I'd start looking at a ski like the Blog over the Bent Chetler really.
Sep 9 2013 7:21PM
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
The k2 and chet have very similar camber profiles.
The K2 is stiffer in the midsection but softer in the tips and tail, whereas the chet is a similar stiffness throughout
Sep 9 2013 8:13PM
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white6speedz28
Posts: 1331 - Karma: 234
I have some 193 Shiros if those float your boat. Full reverse camber
Sep 10 2013 12:47AM
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minihef
Posts: 813 - Karma: 781
No shit sherlock, I know they do.

They are still a joke though compared to actual, in depth reviews. One of the reasons Blistergearreview has developed such a cult following among gear whores is because traditional buyers guides are so lacking when it comes to detailed, objective reviewing.
Sep 10 2013 1:32AM
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AK-Pow29
Posts: 157 - Karma: 215
Yeah dude like someone else said, the Pettitor is softer than the Bent Chetler. I just got my pair in the mail today and I was flexing them and they are crazy soft int he tips and tails and stiffer underfoot, but still not that stiff. They are definately a soft ski and are great for playing around just as much as charging.
Sep 10 2013 1:37AM
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