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Blend or Kartel?!

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GrapeHunter
Posts: 2399 - Karma: 8,637
Ive only ridden line skis my few years skiing, and I know their quality isn't the greatest. Ive heard that ON3P is crazy durable and will last for a while. My latest ski was the 15 traveling circus, and i loved the width and how flexy they are. Im torn between the 16 line blends and the Kartels. I like the cartels because they seem to be durable, have the width i want, early rise, and the shape and graphics are perfect. I like the blends because of the width, early rise (not as much as the kartels but enough), the shape and the graphics... The only thing that makes me lean towards the blends is that they are way cheaper than kartels.. any thoughts?
Apr 23 2016 7:43PM
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TreewellMagnet
Posts: 100 - Karma: 69
Kartels are in my opinion are the more versatile ski. They have a bit more backbone so they can charge through variable and cruddy snow a bit better but they do like to be driven. I find you have to be very aware where you edges are at all times when riding them.

Blends on the other hand are lighter and more playful, still versatile, but not so good in heavy chopped up snow as they are softer as well.

In other words I think they are two very different skis. If you like soft playful skis then I'd say Blends.

If you want something a bit more versatile, a bit less playful... then Kartels
Apr 23 2016 10:36PM
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-wakes-
Posts: 358 - Karma: 201
As an owner of both, you want the Kartel.
Apr 24 2016 12:50AM
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,639
I've got the blends myself and they aren't the most durable ski... but there still fun and very playful. There softer than the cartel but the cartels are probably a bit more durable.
Apr 24 2016 6:46PM
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GrapeHunter
Posts: 2399 - Karma: 8,637
-wakes-As an owner of both, you want the Kartel.


why exactly is that?
Apr 26 2016 5:28PM
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-wakes-
Posts: 358 - Karma: 201
GrantLewisIsDNTMwhy exactly is that?


Blends are noodles, which can be very fun but I found they were holding me back because they are not very stable at speed. The Kartel suited my style of skiing better, allowing me to ski faster, edge harder and go bigger. I can't nose butter as well on the Kartels, but that is the only thing I found the blend better at. If you are gonna be doing a bunch of tiny nose butter low speed tricks, go with the blend. If you want a ski that does better at speed, and will be used outside the park as an all mtn ski, I'd recommend the Kartel.
Apr 26 2016 6:42PM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,324
Basically...

Kartel = BMW

Blend = Your grandma's 1996 minivan


You would be an absolute maniac to choose Line blends over Kartel 98s. ON3P has nearly mastered the shape and feel of skis. Line is made by 10 year old Chinese slaves and ON3Ps are made by guys that love skiing just as much as the rest of us. Kartels are on sale right now on the site. Or hit up B/S/T

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/825326/LOWERED-AGAIN---ON3P-KARTEL-106-SIZE-181--320
Apr 27 2016 1:49PM
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GrapeHunter
Posts: 2399 - Karma: 8,637
SconnieBasically...

Kartel = BMW

Blend = Your grandma's 1996 minivan


You would be an absolute maniac to choose Line blends over Kartel 98s. ON3P has nearly mastered the shape and feel of skis. Line is made by 10 year old Chinese slaves and ON3Ps are made by guys that love skiing just as much as the rest of us. Kartels are on sale right now on the site. Or hit up B/S/T

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/825326/LOWERED-AGAIN---ON3P-KARTEL-106-SIZE-181--320


the thing is, I'm light. Like 135 light. So really pressing as it is can be tough for me. Thats why i love my ti's, because they are noodles and i can bend them. How much stiffer are the cartels than the blend/tc?
Apr 27 2016 2:35PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
GrantLewisIsDNTMthe thing is, I'm light. Like 135 light. So really pressing as it is can be tough for me. Thats why i love my ti's, because they are noodles and i can bend them. How much stiffer are the cartels than the blend/tc?


I have the Kartels and weigh as much as you. You'll be able to press off the rocker.
Apr 27 2016 4:18PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5235 - Karma: 20,715
I'm 125 and the blends press pretty well. Mine are a few cm's taller then me and felt a bit too stiff for that at first but have really broken in now, they're pretty comparable to the TC (which is probabaly why there no more TC now)

Blends for noodly jib fun, kartel for all mountain jibby sometimes noodly stuff
Apr 27 2016 6:00PM
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Surfboard
Posts: 528 - Karma: 397
Kartels, super playful but also super fun... Also they're really good everywhere and on everything whereas the blends are more of a one trick pony. I've ridden both and honestly I feel like the Kartels are way better for buttering bc of the extra support, there is an actual hinge point... The blends you could just flex to the point of snapping haha
Apr 28 2016 1:33PM
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Surfboard
Posts: 528 - Karma: 397
Also on3p has a decent sale right now
Apr 28 2016 1:46PM
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