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Best pair of charger skis?

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SetteePrig
Posts: 86 - Karma: 247
Looking for a pair of skis that can absolutely rip big mountain/freeride. They can charge the hard pack and float in pow. Curious to hear your thoughts!!!
Mar 8 2017 10:09AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9254 - Karma: 60,522
volkl katanas, though they don't make the normal ones anymore, just expensive carbon ones :(
Mar 8 2017 10:44AM
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TurquoiseGrizzly
Posts: 1819 - Karma: 13,149
4FRNT Devastators. All day Errday.
Mar 8 2017 10:49AM
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jjdsteeze
Posts: 2562 - Karma: 4,135
Demo'd a pair of Volkl Shiro 193's. Those things charge super hard.
Mar 8 2017 11:00AM
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pookiss
Posts: 133 - Karma: 183
faction 13's
Mar 8 2017 11:00AM
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Huck_Fin
Posts: 355 - Karma: 968
I would highly recommend the blizzard cochise. One of the chargiest skies I have ever had.
Mar 8 2017 11:12AM
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Jesse.White
Posts: 450 - Karma: 754
Kartel 108
Mar 8 2017 12:18PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
ON3P cease and desist
Volkl confession
Faction 13s
Blizzard Spur

these skis require big balls
Mar 8 2017 12:24PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,751
Cheekers69Kartel 108


incorrect
Mar 8 2017 12:24PM
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AGOF
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 3,602
Will agree with most of these, as well as if you can find a pair of old head Motörhead colabs. Charge irrationally hard
Mar 8 2017 12:56PM
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Obie.
Posts: 1741 - Karma: 3,646
If you could find a pair of 4Frnt Turbo's on eBay or I even saw a pair floating around on here recently. I had them in a 182 and the first thing that I noticed with those skis is they charge through anything. Very stable @ high speeds, held an edge with a decent amount of camber / rocker in the tips improved floatations and made them playful.

They likely wouldn't break the bank and are exactly what you describe
Mar 8 2017 1:10PM
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JakeBarrett
Posts: 1237 - Karma: 1,843
Honestly my JJ's charge harder than anything I've skied
Mar 8 2017 2:30PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
JakeBarrettHonestly my JJ's charge harder than anything I've skied


What else have you skied??

I'd recommend checking out:
-blizzard Cochise and the 16/17 Spur
-Moment Governor, Belafonte, and Bibby (if you wan't something that's also playful)
-4FRNT Devastator
-Liberty Variant 113
-Line Supernatural 108 (discontinued next year)
-ON3P Wren 108 and BG
-Dynastar Pro Rider
-Head Monster 108
Mar 8 2017 2:44PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
I honestly don't know why everyone is super into devs. I've ridden them a few times, in pow and in not pow, and i thought they were awful. Just felt dead and a pain in the ass to lug around
Mar 8 2017 3:00PM
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bibs_skibum
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 449
patagonialukeWhat else have you skied??

-ON3P Wren 108 and BG


Disagree about the BG being a real charger ski. It deflects a ton in crud. Skis pow like a dream, but its not super rad in crud/chop. Wrens on the other hand fucking murder everything. Crud killing charger. Love them.

I own both 186 wren 112s and 189 BGs for reference. I just wouldn't call a BG a "charger" really
Mar 8 2017 3:06PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
bibs_skibumDisagree about the BG being a real charger ski. It deflects a ton in crud. Skis pow like a dream, but its not super rad in crud/chop. Wrens on the other hand fucking murder everything. Crud killing charger. Love them.

I own both 186 wren 112s and 189 BGs for reference. I just wouldn't call a BG a "charger" really


Yeah I'd heard mixed reviews so figured I'd throw it out there.

Just curious- which BG do you have? Wondering as they seem to tweak it almost every year
Mar 8 2017 3:13PM
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bibs_skibum
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 449
last year's. This year they added a straight section of the ski to help hardpack riding, but i dont think it would really do anything for crud busting. Next years asymmetry probably wont do anything for crud busting either.

It just seems that skis with an early taper don't really drive as hard (exception being something like a C&D)
Mar 8 2017 3:27PM
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soupcan
Posts: 364 - Karma: 562
4frnt renegades
On3p wrenagades
Blizzard coshise
Volkl katana
Rossignol black ops (not quite the same category but close for a play ski)
On3p cease and desist (not something I would want to haul ass with in shitty conditions)
Pinnacle 117 is like an old guy charger
Praxis gpo
Etc etc
The list is surprisingly long for a relatively niche market

Directionally skis between 105-115 seem to make up the majority of that category with a few exceptions
Mar 8 2017 3:45PM
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JaquinGuzman
Posts: 112 - Karma: 350
Icelantic Keeper super staple at just about any speed and in just about any conditions besides super hard pack stuff
Mar 9 2017 10:37AM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,827
Pipe cleaners take me anywhere and everywhere.
Mar 9 2017 11:21AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9254 - Karma: 60,522
DeepskierPipe cleaners take me anywhere and everywhere.


i wish they'd make a high 90s waisted pipe cleaner. basically ARV96 but stiff and fast as fuck like PCs. add some nose rocker and that's my ideal daily driver
Mar 9 2017 11:28AM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,827
SofaKingSicki wish they'd make a high 90s waisted pipe cleaner. basically ARV96 but stiff and fast as fuck like PCs. add some nose rocker and that's my ideal daily driver


Mine are perfect as hell I've broken them in so much they are still stiff in the tail and soft as hell in the nose but still incredibly chargeable. But I think something close to what youre looking for is an edollo zero. it has extra carbon in it making it stiffer but still high 90s but I have not been on ARVs yet but when I flex them they do seem soft but i fuccs with it.
Mar 9 2017 12:47PM
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Zennan
Posts: 222 - Karma: 165
Look into the Blizzard Cochise. It is an unreal charger that really can blast over any crud or any charging conditions. Along with this, they always are given awards and a position in ski mag for some type of award. Highly recommend these bombers.
Mar 9 2017 1:38PM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,324
Cheekers69Kartel 108


SEABURNincorrect


My 108's were disappointing in tracked out pow. Not that I didn't expect that from a flexy ski.


Don't need chargy skis if you are strong and in shape though, push right through that shiiiiit.
Mar 9 2017 1:55PM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
I've got Zag H112s in a 195...definitely my hardest charging and stiffest ski but also hard work (and I weigh 220lbs). Other skis in my quiver include Armada Bubbas, Fatypus Alottas and Ski Logik Depth Hoares and these get more action... H112s will only come out if I plan to send it. The closest ski I have to these in terms of stiffness are some old race stocks!
Mar 9 2017 1:56PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9254 - Karma: 60,522
DeepskierMine are perfect as hell I've broken them in so much they are still stiff in the tail and soft as hell in the nose but still incredibly chargeable. But I think something close to what youre looking for is an edollo zero. it has extra carbon in it making it stiffer but still high 90s but I have not been on ARVs yet but when I flex them they do seem soft but i fuccs with it.


yeah well the ideal for me would be the ARVti but i was/still am too poor to get a pair. hopefully i can scoop up a pair in the future
Mar 9 2017 2:19PM
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JakeBarrett
Posts: 1237 - Karma: 1,843
patagonialukeWhat else have you skied??


Ive also skied the 4FRNT CRJ's, Volkl Gotamas and am currently on the k2 Shreditor 102s, and JJ's charge in deep snow and hardpack better than all other previous mentioned
Mar 9 2017 3:31PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9254 - Karma: 60,522
JakeBarrettIve also skied the 4FRNT CRJ's, Volkl Gotamas and am currently on the k2 Shreditor 102s, and JJ's charge in deep snow and hardpack better than all other previous mentioned


you think JJs charge harder than gotamas?

not hating-- we all have our different takes on stuff, i can barely ski 5 point skis haha. but that's just so weird for me to hear
Mar 9 2017 3:35PM
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JakeBarrett
Posts: 1237 - Karma: 1,843
SofaKingSickyou think JJs charge harder than gotamas?

not hating-- we all have our different takes on stuff, i can barely ski 5 point skis haha. but that's just so weird for me to hear


Granted, I was about 15 when I had a pair, and they were mounted back a tad further than I would've liked, but they were still fun. I just preferred the JJ's haha, but who knows, maybe if I were to ski Gotamas now I'd like them more.
Mar 9 2017 3:40PM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
JakeBarrettJJ's charge in deep snow and hardpack better than all other previous mentioned


JJ's are basically baby Bubba's (which I own a pair of) and there's no way its as powerful as something like the Fatypus Dsender, let alone the Zag H112 (both of which I also own). Not saying that skis like JJs/Bubbas are less fun (I love my Bubba's when the conditions are right), but they'd be flopping all over the place in conditions where dsenders and h112 would just push through. The old Gotamas that had camber under foot could also charged through crud really well.

BTW made a mistake and Meant Dsender rather than Alotta in my last post; Alotta was a fine superfat, but Dsender is the charger
Mar 9 2017 3:56PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5067 - Karma: 42,847
TurquoiseCowboy4FRNT Devastators. All day Errday.


patagonialukeWhat else have you skied??


-4FRNT Devastator


You guys talking the 184 or 194? I've skied the 184 a few times and not been impressed by the top end, but from what I've heard the 194 is a different beast entirely.

Wren 108 is a fun, more chargy ski.
Mar 9 2017 5:05PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
cydwhitYou guys talking the 184 or 194? I've skied the 184 a few times and not been impressed by the top end, but from what I've heard the 194 is a different beast entirely.

Wren 108 is a fun, more chargy ski.


yeah definitely the 194, apparently a ski where the construction is fairly different for the longest length (difference between 194 (~2600g!) and 184= ~400g, pretty big jump compared to the other lengths).
Mar 9 2017 5:14PM
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tcurle
Posts: 1253 - Karma: 5,257
Moment Governor
Here's some POV on them for most of the shots
https://vimeo.com/205507901
Mar 9 2017 7:38PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
tcurleMoment Governor
Here's some POV on them for most of the shots
https://vimeo.com/205507901


Rad as always.

What conditions determine which days you decide to take out the Governors vs. the Bibby's?
Mar 9 2017 8:12PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
tcurleMoment Governor
Here's some POV on them for most of the shots
https://vimeo.com/205507901


How far back do you mount em? -9.5 seems way down there
Mar 9 2017 8:25PM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,827
SofaKingSickyeah well the ideal for me would be the ARVti but i was/still am too poor to get a pair. hopefully i can scoop up a pair in the future


Yeah you never know when a pair might pop up on here or an evo sale, just keep your eyes open.
Mar 9 2017 8:55PM
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tcurle
Posts: 1253 - Karma: 5,257
gapersarefriendsHow far back do you mount em? -9.5 seems way down there


I usually go 1 forward. It seems crazy but it isn't a full camber ski. On a park ski preferred mount is usually center or a few back. It just seems super far back because of the front rocker and pretty flat tail.
Mar 9 2017 9:49PM
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tcurle
Posts: 1253 - Karma: 5,257
patagonialukeRad as always.

What conditions determine which days you decide to take out the Governors vs. the Bibby's?


Both are very similar skis, and both are good for charging. The difference for me (and construction obviously) is the flat tail. If I want to ride switch and get more playfull I'm on the Bibby, but if I know I am going to try to jump off some bigger stuff or ski some scary lines I like the flat tail on the Governor for a little bit more control.
Mar 9 2017 9:52PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
tcurleI usually go 1 forward. It seems crazy but it isn't a full camber ski. On a park ski preferred mount is usually center or a few back. It just seems super far back because of the front rocker and pretty flat tail.


Ah got it. Didnt know how much tail rocker there was. Thanks
Mar 9 2017 11:31PM
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SetteePrig
Posts: 86 - Karma: 247
ZennanLook into the Blizzard Cochise. It is an unreal charger that really can blast over any crud or any charging conditions. Along with this, they always are given awards and a position in ski mag for some type of award. Highly recommend these bombers.


Does any one know how they feel in pow, do they specifically ride big mountain or can they do a little bit of everything?
Mar 10 2017 10:26AM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1625 - Karma: 8,672
SetteePrigDoes any one know how they feel in pow, do they specifically ride big mountain or can they do a little bit of everything?


There's some good notes on that in these reviews:

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2015-2016-blizzard-cochise

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2nd-look-15-16-blizzard-cochise
Mar 10 2017 11:07AM
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SetteePrig
Posts: 86 - Karma: 247
patagonialukeThere's some good notes on that in these reviews:

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2015-2016-blizzard-cochise

http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2nd-look-15-16-blizzard-cochise


Thanks!!! :D
Mar 10 2017 11:42AM
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Zennan
Posts: 222 - Karma: 165
SetteePrigDoes any one know how they feel in pow, do they specifically ride big mountain or can they do a little bit of everything?


Ya so basically I found that they can ride pow since they are at a 108 waist, but they are for sure heavy since they have so much titanium inside of them. Overall I find that if it is powder like maybe around 12" overnight it is doable, and you probably can't get that much better from a charging ski that isn't a charging pow ski, I think personally it finds a pretty nice balance within it there. The other thing is with just a little bit extra strength, but really not much overall, you can really still fly through the trees and the bumps and so on. Nice because on the super steep chutes, for sure capable to throw around jump turns in the crazy narrow steep areas, with the ability to just send it at the end, and maybe if your feeling it huck a cliff or two. Prolly the best skis I've ever ridden. Honestly I think that they are capable of riding a bit of everything from hard pack, charging, powder, trees, big/all mountain, even at a thick 108 waist measurement.
Mar 10 2017 11:52AM
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SetteePrig
Posts: 86 - Karma: 247
ZennanYa so basically I found that they can ride pow since they are at a 108 waist, but they are for sure heavy since they have so much titanium inside of them. Overall I find that if it is powder like maybe around 12" overnight it is doable, and you probably can't get that much better from a charging ski that isn't a charging pow ski, I think personally it finds a pretty nice balance within it there. The other thing is with just a little bit extra strength, but really not much overall, you can really still fly through the trees and the bumps and so on. Nice because on the super steep chutes, for sure capable to throw around jump turns in the crazy narrow steep areas, with the ability to just send it at the end, and maybe if your feeling it huck a cliff or two. Prolly the best skis I've ever ridden. Honestly I think that they are capable of riding a bit of everything from hard pack, charging, powder, trees, big/all mountain, even at a thick 108 waist measurement.


Awesome good to know, thanks for taking the time!!!
Mar 10 2017 12:06PM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
Ive been having a lot of fun blasting around on my Rossi Black ops this year. They are great, but 118 may be a little wide for a daily, depending on where you are skiing
Mar 10 2017 8:07PM
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