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Ski Recommedation for advanced front side rider, learning bowl skiing.

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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Hey guys,

So I currently ride Atomic Blackeye Ti's (82 under foot) in a 181. I'm 6'3" 215 and I'm looking for something that is more stable at high speeds on steep groomers, yet still wide enough to handle my intermediate powder skiing and I am learning how to ski bowls, namely, "The Wall" at Kirkwood. I took my narrow skis on the wall last year and learned first hand how not so ideal they are. Given the specs that I have researched, I feel like the Vantage 90 are my faves based on what reviewers on skisdotcom have said, even though I have not yet demoed them. They get a very high rating along with the Bramas.

Thing is, I feel like I want to at least go to a 100, but as said, at this point, I spend about 70% on steep groomers. I want something that will help me really learn to ski "The Wall" with confidence that will still handle groomed runs well. I almost tend to think I'd like something wide, yet still quick turning when I want them to be. Also considering the backland 102's as they seem to be playful. But would they be ideal for a heavier taller rider in say a 180?

Thanks in advance for any help you all can provide.

**This thread was edited on Oct 10th 2017 at 1:19:16pm
Oct 10 2017 1:09PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Atomic Backland 109
ON3P Steeple 108
4FRNT Hoji/Raven/Col/Arete

Out of those, really take a look st the ON3P and the 4FRNT Hoji/Raven. They can go fast, charge, hold up very well in variable conditions, and pivot/shut down speed well.
Oct 10 2017 1:29PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6877 - Karma: 24,464
You should look at something way wider than 90 underfoot if you ski in California. Probably 110 underfoot plus or minus is a good width to start looking at. You will get used to it pretty fast so don't worry about the added weight.
Oct 10 2017 1:32PM
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1603 - Karma: 10,747
Blizzard Bonafide or Cochise. I think the Cochise would be a better size for you in California but if you're more accustomed to narrower skis then maybe the Bonafide is worth a look. They're both outstanding skis.
Oct 10 2017 4:45PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8849 - Karma: 35,308
Like they said, you could probably go wider. But you dont have to.

Sego Cleaver 102 would be a good choice for you
Oct 10 2017 5:25PM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,827
armada ARV 106 or On3p Kartel 108
Oct 10 2017 9:53PM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Thanks guys!! I really appreciate the feedback. One question. Are the skis that you all mention still good to rip frontside groomers, which is where I do spend most of my time. I really do want to go wide, just did not want to sacrifice anything on front side.
Oct 11 2017 3:14PM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
As well, what length are you all recommending? I'd like to stick closer to 180 because I like them a tad shorter, but do I really need to go to the 186 190??
Oct 11 2017 3:16PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6877 - Karma: 24,464
TommyTThanks guys!! I really appreciate the feedback. One question. Are the skis that you all mention still good to rip frontside groomers, which is where I do spend most of my time. I really do want to go wide, just did not want to sacrifice anything on front side.

Yes, a wide ski with a rocker camber profile can still rip turns in firm snow. I have limited experience with full rocker skis and it seems like they sacrifice more hard snow performance but are still manageable.
TommyTAs well, what length are you all recommending? I'd like to stick closer to 180 because I like them a tad shorter, but do I really need to go to the 186 190??

That's a matter of personal preference but I'd pick something a bit longer than my groomer skis. Rocker will make them ski shorter and the extra length will give you more stability especially at speed.
Oct 11 2017 5:16PM
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1603 - Karma: 10,747
TommyTThanks guys!! I really appreciate the feedback. One question. Are the skis that you all mention still good to rip frontside groomers, which is where I do spend most of my time. I really do want to go wide, just did not want to sacrifice anything on front side.


Wideness isn't the biggest determining factor when it comes to frontside elbow dragging fun. If that's something that's really important to you, you should only be looking at directional shapes and totally eschewing the twins recommended in here, no matter how good of skis they are. I'm going to double down on my Blizzard recommendations, the Bonafide rips groomers like a GS ski and is probably the ski on the market that is most similar to your old Mantra. However, the Cochise at 106 underfoot is absolutely ideal for a west coast daily driver. Check out the Blister review of the Cochise, it didn't seem like they thought the Cochise was lacking any on piste performance.

As for length, I don't know. It all comes down to height/weight/ability. If, as you say, you're a tall advanced skier then I wouldn't recommend the 180, it's just not enough ski.

Ps. You're from California, if you ski at Mammoth shoot me a pm or message if you want to demo before you buy, I'd be happy to work through a few skis with you.
Oct 11 2017 5:23PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8849 - Karma: 35,308
Like said above, any 100-110 underfoot rocker/camber ski is going to be what you are looking for. Front rocker with a flat tail will give you much more power on the hard than a dual rocker profile, and i think that is what you are going to be looking for.

Like said above, now that we have narrowed it down you have some good options. Blizzards are a classic. Plenty of my friends in North Lake rip around on blizzards, and they make good shit. I once again recommend the Sego Cleaver 102...similar profile.If you have any questions you can let me know.

If you ever make it up north to squaw let me know. Always down for some turns.
Oct 11 2017 5:39PM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Again, thanks to all that responded and for being patient helping me with my research. As you all might see by now, I'm a bit of an old school groomer ripper. This is the first time I've lived somewhere where I can actually skis places like Kirkwood. I grew up in Phoenix skiing groomers at snow Bowl and Sunrise. Once a year, we'd get up to Purgatory Telluride etc. Then, I lived in Soucal sking Big Bear/Summit. A lot of the same iced over groomers on most days over the last 7 years. I then moved here 3 years ago and now with places like Kirkwood/Alpine etc., I now have the opportunity to live close and learn how to ski deeper bowls and all crazy shit.

So now, I guess I either have to demo or get to a shop where I can just look at these models and figure it out from there.
Oct 12 2017 1:02AM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Profahoben_212Like said above, any 100-110 underfoot rocker/camber ski is going to be what you are looking for. Front rocker with a flat tail will give you much more power on the hard than a dual rocker profile, and i think that is what you are going to be looking for.

Like said above, now that we have narrowed it down you have some good options. Blizzards are a classic. Plenty of my friends in North Lake rip around on blizzards, and they make good shit. I once again recommend the Sego Cleaver 102...similar profile.If you have any questions you can let me know.

If you ever make it up north to squaw let me know. Always down for some turns.


I've been to squaw once. I just bought the Local Pass for the first time (had Sugar Bowl past two seasons). Do you go to any of those. But I would be more then willing to do a day at Squaw.
Oct 12 2017 1:04AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8849 - Karma: 35,308
TommyTI've been to squaw once. I just bought the Local Pass for the first time (had Sugar Bowl past two seasons). Do you go to any of those. But I would be more then willing to do a day at Squaw.


Im Not an epic kind of dude. Never lived close enough to kwood to justify the drive...had some absolutely blower days there though....and i dont ski enough park to justify planting myself at star.
Squaw Alpine mostly....good mix of everthing and squaw terrain is off the tits. Had a Homewood pass through employment and was able to skimp some sugar bowl passes for free as well. If you ever come up let me know fosho!
Oct 12 2017 1:08AM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Profahoben_212Im Not an epic kind of dude. Never lived close enough to kwood to justify the drive...had some absolutely blower days there though....and i dont ski enough park to justify planting myself at star.
Squaw Alpine mostly....good mix of everthing and squaw terrain is off the tits. Had a Homewood pass through employment and was able to skimp some sugar bowl passes for free as well. If you ever come up let me know fosho!


Definitely man. Last I heard, they were going to try and connect both Squaw and Alpine with a gondola. Is that still in the works??
Oct 12 2017 1:44PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8849 - Karma: 35,308
TommyTDefinitely man. Last I heard, they were going to try and connect both Squaw and Alpine with a gondola. Is that still in the works??


Andy wirths wet dream. Not sure when but it is sadly still in the works.
Oct 14 2017 3:32AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Profahoben_212Andy wirths wet dream. Not sure when but it is sadly still in the works.


I doubt its a priority. No one really cares about the gondola. THeyre all too stoked on the new hotels and waterpark haha
Oct 14 2017 10:52AM
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