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4FRNT CRJ vs. Line Blend

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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
I'm looking for an in between ski, currently I have Bluehouse Maestros and K2 Silencers. I want something that would be good for any type of condition, but can still rip pow. I am about 5'11 and 150 lbs, I consider myself a level 3 skier, but I like playful skis. I know both of these are very good options, but I was wondering how they compare. Especially on groomers. Which would be better?
Jul 1 2014 1:59PM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
im 6'1 160 and i ride the crjs, they rip absolutely every where, except for the park, but why would you destroy your pow boards in the park . if you have any questions about the crj just pm me. also check out my review of the crj on backcountry .com. this should be in the "gear talk" forum but oh well
Jul 1 2014 2:34PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
These skis are incredibly different The only thing they have in common is a rasta graphic. What kind of waist width oars you looking at, and do you want a tapered ski?
Jul 1 2014 2:44PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
ski_da_powim 6'1 160 and i ride the crjs, they rip absolutely every where, except for the park, but why would you destroy your pow boards in the park . if you have any questions about the crj just pm me. also check out my review of the crj on backcountry .com. this should be in the "gear talk" forum but oh well


MartianManThese skis are incredibly different The only thing they have in common is a rasta graphic. What kind of waist width oars you looking at, and do you want a tapered ski?


this is in gear talk....


on the other hand they are really diff skis. the have way diff shapes and dimensions. if you had to pick between these two for all mtn id personally go blend, but it depends on your style of skiing too. crjs are more directional and not great for spins and such. the blend could probably do more of everything and could do tricks and land switch and such.
Jul 1 2014 7:46PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
ski_da_powim 6'1 160 and i ride the crjs, they rip absolutely every where, except for the park, but why would you destroy your pow boards in the park . if you have any questions about the crj just pm me. also check out my review of the crj on backcountry .com. this should be in the "gear talk" forum but oh well


MartianManThese skis are incredibly different The only thing they have in common is a rasta graphic. What kind of waist width oars you looking at, and do you want a tapered ski?


this is in gear talk....


on the other hand they are really diff skis. the have way diff shapes and dimensions. if you had to pick between these two for all mtn id personally go blend, but it depends on your style of skiing too. crjs are more directional and not great for spins and such. the blend could probably do more of everything and could do tricks and land switch and such.
Jul 1 2014 7:46PM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
Grizzly.Buttahthis is in gear talk....


on the other hand they are really diff skis. the have way diff shapes and dimensions. if you had to pick between these two for all mtn id personally go blend, but it depends on your style of skiing too. crjs are more directional and not great for spins and such. the blend could probably do more of everything and could do tricks and land switch and such.


Gotta disagree here. Crj's are nearly symmetrical at 126-115-124 with the 180cm length. If you're going to be using the ski for outside the park go with the crj. The extra width makes everything easier and the ski still bites exceptionally well on groomers. The crj has a good swing weight for a pow ski for it was designed with spins in mind and landing switch shouldn't be a problem on them. I would get the Crj if you're outside the park 70%. The only place those skis don't kill it are on rails.
Jul 1 2014 8:45PM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
Scotty_BoyGotta disagree here. Crj's are nearly symmetrical at 126-115-124 with the 180cm length. If you're going to be using the ski for outside the park go with the crj. The extra width makes everything easier and the ski still bites exceptionally well on groomers. The crj has a good swing weight for a pow ski for it was designed with spins in mind and landing switch shouldn't be a problem on them. I would get the Crj if you're outside the park 70%. The only place those skis don't kill it are on rails.


ya i agree, definately go crjs if you want a super fun all mountain ski, go blends if you want more park.(especially rails)
Jul 1 2014 8:47PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
Scotty_BoyGotta disagree here. Crj's are nearly symmetrical at 126-115-124 with the 180cm length. If you're going to be using the ski for outside the park go with the crj. The extra width makes everything easier and the ski still bites exceptionally well on groomers. The crj has a good swing weight for a pow ski for it was designed with spins in mind and landing switch shouldn't be a problem on them. I would get the Crj if you're outside the park 70%. The only place those skis don't kill it are on rails.


yeah i agree with that but he never specified where he was skiing..and personally depending on where you have the skis mounted is gonna be a factor on how well the skis spin..also for spinning the blends will be a lot lighter..also even though the 180 shape is close to symmetrical the reverse sidecut messes with that
Jul 1 2014 8:55PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
and for a 5'11 guy 180 will be too short
Jul 1 2014 8:56PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Grizzly.Buttahand for a 5'11 guy 180 will be too short


Not if he's 150 lbs, then 180 is perfect.
Jul 1 2014 9:14PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
MartianManNot if he's 150 lbs, then 180 is perfect.


honestly I'm 5'7 and 130 and id go 180 if i had too so i thought since he's taller and heavier he'd size up...also since the rocker they ski short but i guess he would be fine on either 180 or 188 imo
Jul 1 2014 9:17PM
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Zenski
Posts: 27 - Karma: 405
I own a pair of CRJs, their super sick in deep pow, and if you ski tons of powder youl be stoked. But they are to soft, especially with their shape for everyday skiing.
Jul 1 2014 10:38PM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
ZenskiI own a pair of CRJs, their super sick in deep pow, and if you ski tons of powder youl be stoked. But they are to soft, especially with their shape for everyday skiing.


they are super fun in pow, the flex and feel of the ski is just perfect for pow. i have never had a problem with mine for everyday skiing. i charge the crap out them, they feel super good when bombing down nice grooms ( i like the long 28m turn radius) and they just plain feel good to go fast on. the noses are way soft and the tails way stiff. i drop cliffs and send cat tracks all day no problem. and the tapered tip helps bust through crud and stuff.
Jul 1 2014 10:51PM
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Zurg
Posts: 1518 - Karma: 5,108
4frnt crj ask theboon about them he has them and loves them!
Jul 1 2014 11:20PM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
Or ask the three of us in the thread that own them
Jul 1 2014 11:47PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
Grizzly.Buttahhonestly I'm 5'7 and 130 and id go 180 if i had too so i thought since he's taller and heavier he'd size up...also since the rocker they ski short but i guess he would be fine on either 180 or 188 imo


OP said he wanted a playful ski. At 150 lbs, the 188 would be far from that. Not only are they stiffer than the 180's, but they are harder to flex and control. The 180 is a perfect size. I'm 5'11 160 lbs, and I ski on 183 Faction 3.zero's. Would not change them a centimeter in length.
Jul 2 2014 12:25AM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
i think if op is 5'11 he should go 188, the only problem with going longer is in trees. if you plan on skiing trees a bit i would go 180
Jul 2 2014 12:33AM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
At 5'11 and 180 I like the crj at 180 cm. it keeps the ski playful and easy to throw around but it still does everything I ask it to.
Jul 2 2014 12:09PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7220 - Karma: 18,085
ski_da_powi think if op is 5'11 he should go 188, the only problem with going longer is in trees. if you plan on skiing trees a bit i would go 180


The swing weight will also be a factor as well. Really there is no point sizing up on a soft playful ski. If your having to upsize to make them stable you shoul be on a differ t ski. The crj is a soft jibby ski so for the op the 180 would be great. If he wanted more of a charging ski th 188 would be better but he could fin more suitable skis where he may not need to upsize.
Jul 2 2014 2:42PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
You realize he wants a in between ski of the maestros and silencers..maestros is 118 underfoot pow ski, similar to crj dimensions. The silencers are 85 underfoot. Clearly the in between ski is the blend if he's choosing between blend and Crj
Jul 2 2014 2:49PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7220 - Karma: 18,085
Grizzly.ButtahYou realize he wants a in between ski of the maestros and silencers..maestros is 118 underfoot pow ski, similar to crj dimensions. The silencers are 85 underfoot. Clearly the in between ski is the blend if he's choosing between blend and Crj


Yeah you are spot in but the blend sucks as a ski. I would look at the on3p jmo. Awesome in soft snow and playful on the groomers. At 100mm it's perfect size wise too. If the jmo is sold ouy in his size then the cartel may be good but the underfoot won't suit quite as well.
Jul 2 2014 2:51PM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
Alright, sorry I forgot I made this thread for the past few days. I am thinking about going with the Blend, so that I could go all mountain...I'd consider myself a pretty aggressive skier, and I ski lots of pow and cliffs...I'm rarely ever in the park, however I do have a very playful style. Two of my friends have the Blend and they love it, but the three of you in this thread and one of my other friends has the CRJ and also loves it...I'm still thinking I'll go with the Blend, because it'll be a good in-between, all-mountain ski. Thoughts?
Jul 5 2014 2:38AM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
I still feel like the Blend would be better for everyday, unpredictable skiing weather, but I'm not sure
Jul 5 2014 2:40AM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
GooskinI still feel like the Blend would be better for everyday, unpredictable skiing weather, but I'm not sure


If you want a ski like the Blend, consider other skis from different manufacturers with similar shapes, because Blends are really not god quality skis whatsoever, and have been known to snap very easily. Check out: Faction Soma, Nordica Soul Rider, Fatypus L-Toro, Salomon Rocker2 100, and th K2 Shreditor 102. All much better choices.
Jul 5 2014 10:53AM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
MartianManIf you want a ski like the Blend, consider other skis from different manufacturers with similar shapes, because Blends are really not god quality skis whatsoever, and have been known to snap very easily. Check out: Faction Soma, Nordica Soul Rider, Fatypus L-Toro, Salomon Rocker2 100, and th K2 Shreditor 102. All much better choices.


Are those skis as flexy/fun as the blend? When I tried them, they were super buttery and fun
Jul 5 2014 11:47AM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
After discussing with my brother, I'm now leaning towards the CRJ...how does it perform in spring weather when it's fun to just pop off rollers and butter around?
Jul 5 2014 12:43PM
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,099
GooskinAre those skis as flexy/fun as the blend? When I tried them, they were super buttery and fun


They are all very playful skis. Maybe not as extremely soft as the Blend, but much more stable and all mtn capable. Still soft nonetheless. Also I meant Faction Prodigy, not soma.
Jul 5 2014 12:48PM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
GooskinAfter discussing with my brother, I'm now leaning towards the CRJ...how does it perform in spring weather when it's fun to just pop off rollers and butter around?


CRJ will be solid for playing around wherever you want to. But I can't really comment on the slush performance.
Jul 6 2014 12:03AM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
I've had to chance the ski my friends L-Toro's and they were super fun. They were playful but handled anything thrown at them.
Jul 6 2014 2:02AM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
Scotty_BoyCRJ will be solid for playing around wherever you want to. But I can't really comment on the slush performance.


I thought you owned them?
Jul 6 2014 11:09AM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
GooskinI thought you owned them?


I do, I just skied park and all mtn on other skis when the spring slush arrived. I'm sure they'll be great in slush though. I did ski them in some wet chewed up pow and they handled it well.
Jul 6 2014 11:14PM
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4FRNT
Posts: 436 - Karma: 6,163
GooskinAfter discussing with my brother, I'm now leaning towards the CRJ...how does it perform in spring weather when it's fun to just pop off rollers and butter around?


You won't be disappointed with them. Also, in case you're interested, they are 45% off right now (witht the coupon code 4F45)at http://www.4frnt.com and we have both the 180 and the 188 in limited quantities. The CRJ performs as the others have said, and from what it sounds like you ski mostly you'll really love it.
Jul 7 2014 12:48PM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
they do surprisingly well in slush, the rocker helps them out, and the a bases are super fast!
Jul 7 2014 1:22PM
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elm.
Posts: 1510 - Karma: 13,601
I gotta 4FRNT EHP, which is very similar to the CRJ in shape. I got mine in a 179 and i'm 6'. They're so playful and I love the wide waist which keeps them super stable.

Skiing groomers in them isn't bad either, just different.
Jul 7 2014 2:47PM
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johnblaze
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 2,619
level 3 skier huh?
Jul 7 2014 4:47PM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
4FRNTYou won't be disappointed with them. Also, in case you're interested, they are 45% off right now (witht the coupon code 4F45)at http://www.4frnt.com and we have both the 180 and the 188 in limited quantities. The CRJ performs as the others have said, and from what it sounds like you ski mostly you'll really love it.


Okay, thank you! I've been eyeing them for a while, and I know this is the last year you will be making them
Jul 8 2014 1:44PM
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Scotty_Boy
Posts: 777 - Karma: 1,449
GooskinOkay, thank you! I've been eyeing them for a while, and I know this is the last year you will be making them


They actually stopped producing them last year. The 13/14 model is the last. At least I think it is.
Jul 8 2014 2:55PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
That's true this was the last year in the lineup.
Jul 8 2014 2:57PM
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Gooskin
Posts: 138 - Karma: 1,633
Scotty_BoyThey actually stopped producing them last year. The 13/14 model is the last. At least I think it is.


Yeah that's what I meant, sorry
Jul 8 2014 4:06PM
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skiersupreme
Posts: 1549 - Karma: 4,872
blend does well ripping groomers and medium depth of pow. they do pretty well in the park, they're super light and super buttery. if your looking for more of a pow ski, i wouldn't recommend them because they aren't super fat. I had them last year so if you have any questions pm me.
Jul 9 2014 5:05PM
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