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All Mountain Skis That Are Great In Moguls

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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
Long-time...first-time...
I looked at all the relevant threads I could find, but didn't come across an answer. Besides, everyone's situation is a little different; and really, what's one more thread on the pile.

I know most Newschoolers are more concerned with throwing Gnarly Nut-grabbin' Nuclear Nosepickers than they are with rippin' tight-kneed zipperlines, but I've found my preferred type of ski generally comes from the All-Mountain Park/Pipe family. So yall are probably better versed with these sticks than most other communities.

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165lbs
Ability: Expert (If we're being honest with each other, "Advanced")
Location (skiing): Southwestern Colorado (exclusively)
Days on the Snow: 6-10/year

I spend 75% of my time on moguls, but 15% of the time I end up skiing through some crud and tracked out powder because the folks I ski with get tired of all the moguls all the time.

If I'm ever lucky enough for a powder day, I'll rent some fat things. I never go fast on the groomers, so I don't need stability at speed or long, GS turns.

The consensus of past advice has been to save the money of skis and spend it on more days on the snow and possibly lessons. That's fine except the skis I like aren't terribly well stocked in rental shops. Shops that have any usually have the Kinks, but they're all getting a little old (5 seasons now), and they were a soft "freestyle" ski out of the box. And if a shop has a second model, it's usually the Smash7s, which are newer, but set up weird (see below). But, if any of yall still think my money would be better spent on elsewhere, just let me know.

I'm looking for an all-mountain (~80-90mm underfoot, 100 at most) ski that I will really like in the bumps and that I will not really hate in the crud.

I get the impression that the type of ski that works well in the moguls depends a lot on how the skier attacks the moguls. I'm trying to improve, but I know I'm 34 and only ski a week or two a year, so I'll never be anything close to a hot doggin' World Cupper.

Here's a couple videos of me skiing down some blue moguls. Just to give yall an idea of my ability and style:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vom9w6IwOhE&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPJG_NZ2Mtg&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmyKz-iONrk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmLsmSAsNnw

My research shows I want a torsionally stiff ski, with a soft tip (and tail?, still not sure on that part), and traditional camber with mild rocker if possible. A few years ago when I asked a similar question on other forums, some folks said "just get mogul skis and deal with them in conditions they're not designed for". I was originally hesitant to take this approach because I'd been on the Volkl Mogul Wall and absolutely hated them, in the backseat the entire day. Last season; however, I tried a pair of 4FRNT Originators and absolutely loved them on some skied off blue bumps. I dunno if I got better or if the Mogul Walls are that much stiffer than the Originators. And I'm not sold on the idea that a pair of dedicated bump skis would make a good single quiver for someone like me, but I'm more open to the idea now. Going by that, here's the "short" list of contenders:

Line Blend
Line Honeybadger - may be too flexy
K2 Shreditor - some reviews suggest they may be too rockered
Rossignol Scratch - skied an old pair of these (naked lady silhouette) and liked them (but they were pretty flexed out and the snow was pretty skied off), but not sure I'd enjoy them in any sort of powder or crud
Fat-ypus D'root
Fat-ypus G'Butter
4Frnt Vandal
4Frnt Originator
JSkis The AllPlay
Armada ARV86/ARV96
Moment PB&J
Lib-Tech Backwards
Head Caddy
Head Framewall
Salomon Rocker2 - some reviews suggest they're stiffer than I'd like
Blizzard Bushwacker - everyone says these are the best all-mount mogul-bias skis, but it seems that the stiffness varies wildly year to year; they're returning for 2018, but I've got no idea how flexible they'll be
Salomon TNT - metal reinforced? if so, they're probably too stiff for my "style"
Volkl Kink - Skied these multiple years and liked them a lot, but maybe too soft in the tails, seemed like whenever my weight gets back, the tails kinda collapse and I crash (unintentional tail butter?)
Rossignol Smash7 - I liked these except that the breaks on the rental sticks are too wide and cross each other, basically tying my laces together; if it hadn't happened to me about two times per day, I would've never thought it was possible

Jesus Christ, that was a lot of preamble. Thanks for the help, yall.
Aug 4 2018 6:22AM
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LukeTheWaffle
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 8,860
Why don't you just get some mogul skis?
Aug 4 2018 7:38AM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9801 - Karma: 72,605
I'm going to be of zero help so not going to recommend any park or freeride skis for your moguls. However perhaps you would benefit from going to a large demo day at a mountain and trying out a bunch of different skis.
Aug 4 2018 11:52AM
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1629 - Karma: 10,937
Check out the Volkl Kendo. Blister had a lot to say about it's mogul chops: http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2015-2016-volkl-kendo.
Aug 4 2018 1:29PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7846 - Karma: 22,202
If you can find a used pair of Volkl Karmas in good shape, they are good in bumps and fairly versatile. 87 underfoot, fairly stiff but most importantly they are durable. I liked Fischer addicts in moguls too, and found them to be even fairly good in powder for a symmetrical 84 mm waisted ski. Of the ones you listed, I'd be inclined to recommend The ARV 86. Moment is making a David Wise pro model this upcoming season. It will purportedly be a stiff, full camber park ski, which sounds to me like it would work nicely in bumps. Do not get Head Caddies. They are the least durable ski I've ever had the misfortune to use.
Aug 4 2018 8:25PM
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ahshit
Posts: 1248 - Karma: 3,024
Check out blisters review of next year's faction prodigy 3.0 they had great things to say about mogul performance.
Aug 6 2018 12:17PM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
The rossignol scratch is no longer that good because it has too much rocker in the tip. The smash is a kids ski. The shreditor 92 was ok.

For current twintip skis I think that the atomic punx is the best in moguls. It has a softer tip and is decently stiff underfoot and in the tail, narrnow and not much sidecut. It has a little bit of nose rocker to make it (slightly) more forgiving in crud. However I ski the poacher because I think it has the best compromise between all mountain, park and moguls. It does everything well. If I could only own one ski it would be a poacher.
Aug 6 2018 3:08PM
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Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,582
Try out the Nordica enforcer series. Best directional skis I have ever used. I used to ski moguls all the time and when I took these in the moguls I was so impressed. Seriously
Aug 7 2018 10:56PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,762
Armada B-dog! stiff underfoot w/ softer tip & tail - l've heard from a few x-mogul skiers that the Armada Alpha X was a great bump ski, and the b-dog is the closest in their current lineup
Aug 9 2018 6:48PM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
As others have mentioned and I think you’ve discovered is that an easy to ski mogul ski is one that has a stiffer mid section and softer tip/tail. The Völkl Wall mogul had a stiffer tail and would punish people in the back seat versus the 4FRT or Dynastar Twister mogul skis that have softer more forgiving tails.

You just need a ski similar to the Kink but stiffer overall. Many of the twin tip skis you and others have listed would fit that bill. I use the Head Framewall for my harder snow/moguls/park ski and they are amazing but are a little on the stiff side. The caddy would be more forgiving and still decent in the crud.

The Blizzard Rustler 9 would be a new 2019 ski that has metal underfoot but none tip/tail and is getting rave reviews as a mogul/all mountain/decent in crud ski.

Watched some of your videos and your biggest upgrade would be shorter poles. Pole plants are crucial in moguls for timing and getting your body out of the back seat. If you tried poles 4”/10cm shorter than what you’re using it would put you more forward and transform your mogul skiing.
Aug 9 2018 11:40PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
LukeTheWaffleWhy don't you just get some mogul skis?


'Cause I don't want Full Tilts.


Wait.... sorry, reflex response.

Demo Days are a good idea, but I to know the type of ski I tend to like. And the smaller manufacturers usually aren't at Demo Days.

I've been on the Kendo. It's a great ski but too stiff for me. After a couple runs I'm constantly knocked back. Fantastic on groomers and crud though.

The Karmas, Poacher, Punx, Enforcers, and Addicts sound like they might be a little too stiff also. I'm still figuring freestyle skis out, but it seems to me that park skis are pretty soft and flexy and pipe skis are generally pretty stiff.

I thought the Beginner-Intermediate rating of the Smash7 really just indicated how soft flexing they are.

Bummer about the new Scratches, I didn't know that. Sounds like the Shreditor is probably too rockered too. Am I right in that I really want a cambered ski to maintain as much contact with the snow as I can, and that a little bit of rocker is fine, but too much tip rocker reduces that contact?

I'll put the Prodigy 3.0, B-dogs, Originators, and Twisters on the short list.

Greg_KAs others have mentioned and I think you’ve discovered is that an easy to ski mogul ski is one that has a stiffer mid section and softer tip/tail. The Völkl Wall mogul had a stiffer tail and would punish people in the back seat versus the 4FRT or Dynastar Twister mogul skis that have softer more forgiving tails.


Thanks for the input, Greg!

Ah, so that's why I had such a miserable time on the Walls. I'm going to assume this means I want a ski that's softer in the tails as well. With metal in the tails, you don't think the Rustler 9s would be too stiff back there for me? Again, I'm 34 and will never ski more than 12 days a season again. I'm not going to be getting much better at bumps.

So I guess I want a soft ski, but the Kinks are just too soft?

I'll drop the Framewall from the list.

Any thoughts on the new Atomic Bent Chetler 100s? They look like they might work pretty well too (http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2018-2019-atomic-bent-chetler-100).

Yeah, the videos are from a couple years back when I was still figuring out the pole thing. I thought that if I had normal length poles, they'd still work well in crud and I could choke up on them for moguls. I decided last year to forget that and just go shorter. I still don't think I've tried short enough though.

Any more tips/advice/critique is highly encouraged!

**This post was edited on Aug 13th 2018 at 6:00:32am
Aug 12 2018 10:51PM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
44” or 45” poles for your height putting you more forward so it won’t matter the ski flex because you won’t be backseat! Lol

Your Kinks were stiffest in the center and softer towards tip/tail like most twin tips. Find flex pattern more important than rocker for bumps and I find to cker allows you to run edges sharp without detuning and not catch edges.

Rustler 9 have no metal in the tip/tails just a single sheet in the middle and it isn’t as wide when it nears the tip/tail. Allows forgiving flex yet it’s good and damp at speed and through crud where the Bent 100 struggles a bit. Was pondering the Rustler 9 or Bent 100 for my “middle” pair this year and reviews have okay for the Bent 100 but all raves for the Rustler 9.
Enforcer 100 has metal all the way through but it’s flex is forgiving and makes a great all around ski good in bumps.

Get shorter poles, get your body more forward and a solid but not too stiff tail on a ski and you’ll be good. Btw-I’m 48 and ski with lots of guys older than me that crush bumps still. Never too old!
Aug 13 2018 11:48PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
Hahaha, yes, staying out of the backseat is probably the best option. I'll certainly use poles of the length you recommended.

Ah, I see. Some of the reviews on the Rustler 9 weren't clear and made it kinda sound like the metal went the length of the ski. Sounds like it might be a good option though.

Your comment about your quiver does raise the question though, what other skis do you have (I think you mentioned the Frame Wall) and which ones do you like the best for moguls?

Glad to hear I'm not too old to still make big improvements in the bumps!
Aug 17 2018 2:13AM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
I’ve bought and sold about 16 pairs of skis the last 3 years so the quiver is always changing. Lol

Got a pair of 191cm Head Venturi 95 for a trip out West 2 years ago(east coast Ontario Canada skier so anything over 85mm is “wide”) and loved them even as a daily driver in the east. Can haul on piste, great in crud, fun in moguls and can take them into the park. Have 181cm version as well for tighter spaces and have now got wider and narrow versions of this ski for softer or harder snow. Had Armada ARV 86 earlier this year and it’s a fun ski in soft snow but not damp and not great on ice. Got the Framewalls to replace them and love them.

So now Framewalls(84mm) for hard snow, 2 pairs of Head Venturi 95 for softer snow and Head Collective 105 for soft snow/powder/charge crud ski. All have similar stiff in the center, softer tip/tails and all good in bumps. Narrower is of course quicker edge to edge but can still ziperline the 105 width ski because of the forgiving flex.
Aug 18 2018 11:36PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
Hahaha, wow. I'm impressed. You must get a lot of time on the snow.

I see what you mean about the forgiving flex. I used to think it was just soft flexing, but from this thread I've learned it's really the profile that's important.

On that topic, you mentioned that the Volkl Wall Moguls are stiffer, and that Twisters and Originators have more forgiving tails. Where do the other models fit in (Bloodlines, 244/Mamba/Lava Lamps, Rossi Moguls, Hart F17s, Nordica AirDrive... that's all I can think of since I'm sure the IDOnes and Shamans are very stiff)? Do you know which are on the softer side and which are stiffer?
Aug 20 2018 11:30PM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
Usually get about 50 full days of skiing a year which isn't bad when the closest hill(not mountain) is 3 hours away. lol

Have skied on many of those skis and the K2, Elan, Hart(unless you get the Stiff model) are med flexing I'd say and I've never skied an IDOne ski but assume it would be more towards the stiffer end in the longest lengths available.

As others have told you on this site, Pugski and Tenton, it honestly won't matter as much what ski you choose if you learn proper technique first. If I were you, I'd be getting a set of properly fitting boots that you own as that will make a huge difference in comfort and performance. Next, pick up a pair of skis that work well in moguls and wouldn't worry about dedicated mogul skis until you get better and then get them as a second ski. Your original list and the many others recommended on here and pugski would fit the bill. Places like ASOGear.com have the Revolt 89(new name for the Kink) or the Head Caddy for around $300 brand new in your size(179cm or 181cm) or find something used from your list. Get shorter poles, get more lessons and then practice, practice, practice.

I find the key to zipper line moguls is absorption and the "backwards bicycle" technique. In your videos you are too far backseat and not bending your knees absorbing the moguls enough. Watch any pro ski the bumps and their head and upper body are stable and compact with their legs compacting on the front side of the bump and then extending once on the backside of the bump. You should be constantly trying to contour the bump with your skis while keeping the same height of your hips and head.
Older video but shows this a bit. Learn this and you're golden! https://youtu.be/bRCiAvdyBIQ
Aug 21 2018 6:41PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
Greg_KUsually get about 50 full days of skiing a year


Dang!! That's impressive. Nearly double my all-time high. I am jealous.

Greg_KHave skied on many of those skis and the K2, Elan, Hart(unless you get the Stiff model) are med flexing


Ok, so stiffer than the 4FRNT and Twister, softer than the Volkl Wall Moguls.

Greg_Kset of properly fitting boots


You couldn't be more right about this. I got a pair of 2009 Salomon Impact 9s nine years ago and got really lucky. I didn't get them from a good shop, I didn't go through any fitting process, but I managed to get a pair of boots that are soft enough for me and are really comfortable. They're a hair too big, but custom footbeds (I've got high arches and need the support) helped a little with that.

Greg_Kpair of skis that work well in moguls and wouldn't worry about dedicated mogul skis until you get better and then get them as a second ski


Will do. The Armada ARV 86s are actually on my shorter list of skis to look for at a good price.

Definitely. I honestly only asked about the flex of those mogul skis in case I see a pair for dirt dirt cheap.

Greg_KGet shorter poles, get more lessons and then practice, practice, practice..."backwards bicycle"...too far backseat and not bending your knees absorbing the moguls enough...constantly trying to contour the bump with your skis


That's the plan!! Thanks for the feedback, advice, and rocking video. I can't remember if DiPiro mentioned that "backwards bicycle" feeling in his book or if I read it somewhere else, but it's something I've never gotten the hang of.

Again, thanks for all the help.
Aug 24 2018 5:13AM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
After taking in all yalls input, doing a little research, and achieving a level of overthinking that astonished even myself, I'm looking for a ski that is:

-Mid-waist width (78-92mm)
-Mild tip (or tip & tail) rocker
-Cambered underfoot
-Long (>19m) turning radius
-Soft to moderate flex in the shovel. This is the most important parameter, but as you all know, is the most vague and variable to measure.

Short list:
"NEW" SKIS
-Armada ARV86 - maybe a little too much sidecut
-Atomic Punx Five - might be too soft
-Atomic Punx Seven - might be too stiff; they have very straight tips and tails (more like mogul skis) with a more moderate sidecut underfoot; the idea being that this makes the ski less hooky
-Head Caddy - 20% tip rocker/camber/10% tail rocker is a neat design
-Volkl Bash 89 - flex? If it's the new Kink, it might be too soft
-Volkl Kanjo - flex?

OLD
-Armada Infamous
-Blizzard Bushwacker (some older models are soft enough, others too stiff)
-K2 Sight - no idea what the flex is like
-Rossignol Scratch - 2016 and later have too much rocker I think
-Volkl Ledge - flex?

I'm posting this for two reasons:
1) So if any of yall know of a good deal on any of these you might clue a clueless forum buddy in
2) If any of yall have any experience regarding the flex on these skis, you might share your thoughts and review

**This post was edited on Sep 14th 2018 at 10:54:55am

**This post was edited on Sep 14th 2018 at 11:11:46am
Sep 14 2018 10:45AM
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clorox
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 4,863
I have a pair of ninthward edollos from 2011 that I gave to my dad, and he likes them in moguls than his Hart F17 WC’s somehow. From my experience they absoltely blast through slush and are 80mm under foot. I doubt getting your hands on a new pair would be an easy task, so I’d recommend anything stiff and narrow. The Edollos have a pretty wide tip and a narrowish tail, so they probably have a bit more sidecut than most modern park skis.

I’m from the east, so narrow is fine for most days, but for out west, maybe something a little but wider would be necessary. I recommend looking at the Armada Invictus lineup. If you go to resort event calanders, you can find when there will be demos of brands you’re interested in, and test a bunch of skis and see what handles well.
Sep 15 2018 12:50AM
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FarginBastage
Posts: 22 - Karma: 71
Honestly man I used to have the same mindset as you. I had rossignol sickles that I could zipperline with but they were still a 186cm ski at 111mm underfoot. Nothing beats mogul skis in moguls. I found that fatypus b-nastys are mogul skis that are fun in all conditions except heavy powder/crud. But they still ski crud, just not as well as a father ski. I think the bnastys are a great compromise. Less fun in crud(15% of the time) but still skiable, but wayyy more fun when you're in moguls (your tertain 75% of the time). A great 2 ski quiver would be b-nastys and then powder skis until the new snow turns into bumps.

**This post was edited on Sep 16th 2018 at 3:45:36pm
Sep 16 2018 3:42PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
finderI’d recommend anything stiff and narrow...Armada Invictus lineup

Awesome. Thanks for the input.
FarginBastagefatypus b-nastys...they still ski crud

That's the kind of enabling I like to see. I would kill for a pair of those.

Nice Johnny Dangerously handle, by the way.
Sep 20 2018 12:27AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13115 - Karma: 19,018
Nice to see someone still rides moguls these days. Im an old competitor myself, but I moved to powder and big mountain skiing. Still shred bumps, but havent come across good moguls in a long time.

What you want is full camber, stiff skis with as little underfoot as you can manage. Stay as far away as you can from rocker skis, what is important is to have a great ski -snow contact at all times.
Look into ID one skis. They are made in the US and proven to be the best mogul ski in the game. Everyone that rides them loves them to death.
http://www.idoneusa.com/Skis-s/1814.htm
Sep 25 2018 3:08AM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
freestyler540rides moguls these days...http://www.idoneusa.com/Skis-s/1814.htm

Nice! Not a lot of bumpers these days, especially not on NewSchoolers. Even fewer competitors/ex-competitors. I imagine you're good enough in the troughs that you can zipper on anything.

Yeah, those IDOnes are sweet, but they're outside my price-range and almost undoubtedly too stiff for me. I need something closer to a Twister or a 244, I think.
Oct 7 2018 6:09AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13115 - Karma: 19,018
CS2-6Nice! Not a lot of bumpers these days, especially not on NewSchoolers. Even fewer competitors/ex-competitors. I imagine you're good enough in the troughs that you can zipper on anything.

Yeah, those IDOnes are sweet, but they're outside my price-range and almost undoubtedly too stiff for me. I need something closer to a Twister or a 244, I think.

I dont know if volkl is still producing the Dragonslayer. I competed with them for about 3 years, they are an awesome ski to kill a mogul line.
I have moved away from shredding moguls and moved to a location where powder is abundant, but I still take them out once or twice a year when the conditions are right. I highly recommend to learn how to zipper down a line, powder skiing is almost the same technique.
Oct 7 2018 10:16AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
CS2-6Nice! Not a lot of bumpers these days, especially not on NewSchoolers. Even fewer competitors/ex-competitors. I imagine you're good enough in the troughs that you can zipper on anything.

Yeah, those IDOnes are sweet, but they're outside my price-range and almost undoubtedly too stiff for me. I need something closer to a Twister or a 244, I think.


ex competitor checking in
Oct 9 2018 1:02PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
chickenex competitor checking in


Nice. While I've got you on the thread, I imagine you've been on a lot of bump skis. Do you have any mogul ski recommendations for someone at my skill level? Most folks have been suggesting the Twisters or the 244s.
Nov 2 2018 7:13AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,121
CS2-6Nice. While I've got you on the thread, I imagine you've been on a lot of bump skis. Do you have any mogul ski recommendations for someone at my skill level? Most folks have been suggesting the Twisters or the 244s.


I would recommend whatever you can get your hands on for a good price. For current mogul skis i've only seen the rossi and k2 (i'm guessing the rossi is the same as dynaster). They both seemed fine. Not much tech goes into bump skis haha.
Nov 2 2018 1:16PM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
Posted on Pugski as well about the Navigator 80 on sale at REI.com for $199.99 a pair! Have 170cm and 179cm left. They would be perfect for you and you can use it all over the hill not just the bumps.
Nov 2 2018 2:09PM
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DirtyDirtNasty
Posts: 28 - Karma: 33
Don't know if your still around but in Blisters Gear Review Winter Buyers Guide for 2018-2019, page 56-57. The best skis for moguls would be the Bilzzard Brahmas. Hope that helps you and anyone else with this question. I am thinking about picking up a pair this year, who knows though. Can anyone speak to the blizzard brahmas moguls performance?

Blister Review - 18.19 Blister Winter Buyer's Guide - Page 56-57 - http://view.publitas.com/blister-review/18-19-blister-winter-buyers-guide/page/56-57
Nov 4 2018 1:35AM
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Greg_K
Posts: 951 - Karma: 2,732
Like most of the skis that were recommended on this thread for moguls, the tails on the newer Brahma aren’t TOO stiff to be unforgiving even for a non-expert bump skier. Some of the other skis in that comparison guide are more front side carver skis with stiffer tails which would give better grip on hard snow/ice and more power in a turn but would be less forgiving if you got backseat in the bumps. Brahma is a great all around ski that is stiff enough for crud and at speed but forgiving in the bumps. Older versions were not as friendly, so look at 2017/18 or 2018/19 models for this more accessible version.

For more of a free ride/soft snow/great in bumps ski check out the Blizzard Rustler 9. Gives up a bit in harder snow compared to the Brahma but more fun in softer snow and more of a freestyle feel.

The Navigator 80 is even more forgiving than the Brahma in bumps but more versatile than a dedicated mogul ski on the rest of the hill.

**This post was edited on Nov 4th 2018 at 10:07:03am
Nov 4 2018 9:13AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21086 - Karma: 8,470
skiP.E.I.If you can find a used pair of Volkl Karmas in good shape, they are good in bumps and fairly versatile. 87 underfoot, fairly stiff but most importantly they are durable.

The Karma was one of my favorite all time All Mountain skis





OP, you're wayyyy over thinking this. Get a ski and enjoy it.


Out of what you have listed, my highly biased opinion (that is based upon skiing most of the skis you have listed) is to get the the Moment PB&J. It's the best twin tip all mountain ski I've ever ridden that skis park too. It's definitely all mountain first, park second though, but that's better for my ski style. It rips through moguls (stiff underfoot, soft tips/tails), edges better than almost all of the skis you have listed, is very poppy, and floats great in up to a 1.5 feet of powder. I ski I've put 350-400 days on my PB&J's and they're still going strong.

Out of the other choices you have listed, The Blend, Shredditor, AllPlay, Rocker2, or Bushwacker would all be fun skis for what you describe. I'd add the Benchetler 100 to your list and you can probably find last year's version for cheap.

You can't really go wrong with any of these skis. Get the one that gets you skiing, that you can afford.

**This post was edited on Nov 5th 2018 at 9:37:39pm
Nov 5 2018 9:30PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21086 - Karma: 8,470
DirtyDirtNastyDon't know if your still around but in Blisters Gear Review Winter Buyers Guide for 2018-2019, page 56-57. The best skis for moguls would be the Bilzzard Brahmas. Hope that helps you and anyone else with this question. I am thinking about picking up a pair this year, who knows though. Can anyone speak to the blizzard brahmas moguls performance?

Blister Review - 18.19 Blister Winter Buyer's Guide - Page 56-57 - http://view.publitas.com/blister-review/18-19-blister-winter-buyers-guide/page/56-57


Personally, I hate the Brahma in moguls. Yes, they soften up the tail a bit, starting last season, but they're too stiff in both the tips and tails to contort around flow through moguls the way I like a ski to. They just kinda flop through ungracefully with no flow and require more work. Plus the OP said he wants a ski that can work in the park and the Brahma is not twin tip.
Nov 5 2018 9:41PM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
I thought I'd go ahead and resurrect this thread with a final post, to let any unfortunate soul who gives a shit know how the story ended.

I did a ton of research, got a ton of great information from a ton of knowledgeable and wise folks, did a ton of serious thinking, and ignored every fucking bit of it.

Back in November I came across a pair of lightly used (3-5 days at most) 168cm Dynastar Twisters with brand new Look Pivot 12s for a great deal (at Forerunner in Killington, VT). So I pulled the trigger.

This is was definitely a gamble that could've left me both frustrated and hundreds of dollars poorer. But I skied on them for the first time at Wolf Creek last January and I absolutely couldn't be happier. The folks who said that nothing skis the moguls like a mogul ski were definitely right. Once I got the feeling of really pressuring the front half of the ski at turn initiation, finding the zipperline has never felt more smooth and natural. Skiing the moguls has never felt better, and I can't imagine going back to all-mountain skis in the bumps after this. I mean, like the Frog Suit in Super Mario Bros. 3 type of upgrade. I love them completely.

A 66mm underfoot ski for someone who's primary ski location is the San Juans... and Wolf Creek in particular, the resort that boasts "The Most Snow in Colorado". How does Ullr and his ilk chastise such a brazen affront? I got two days on my brand new (to me) babies before we were bludgeoned with 39" of powder in 24 hours. So much fucking snow that one of the lifts can't even turn until the late afternoon. So I was reduced to renting again (Volkl 90Eights, not a bad ski at all). But I was able to unsheathe the Twisters again in some nice soft bumps after a couple days when all that cursed powder got cleared away.

**This post was edited on Mar 26th 2019 at 4:01:43am
Mar 26 2019 3:38AM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
But then I always knew moguls specific boards wouldn't've ever really worked as a daily driver in Western Colorado. At the end of my trip in early January, a dude on TGR made good on an offer of unparalleled generosity he made back in August: he gave me a pair of 2011 Scott Missions for exactly $0 (although I did end up giving him a bunch of beer in thanks). A little research taught me this ski (which is actually made by Fischer) is incredibly great for crud and light powder. Furthermore, the set I got were in such good condition, when I took them in to have them tuned, the tech told me they didn't even really need it unless I was expecting to be on boilerplate anytime soon. I picked up a new pair of Look SPX12s on eBay for
Mar 26 2019 4:09AM
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quagsire
Posts: 241 - Karma: 1,183
Yay for happy endings!
Mar 26 2019 10:45AM
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OwenTew
Posts: 70 - Karma: 154
eBay for less than $100, just in time for my last trip to Purgatory in late February. I had them mounted (Alpine Sports, Santa Fe, NM) while I got some turns in at Ski Santa Fe. On that same trip, I pulled a set of ski poles from the lost and found and had them cut them down to the appropriate size of 42" (Thanks again, you know who you are). So how does a completely free ski that I've never been on treat me? I loved it. Of all the skis I've ever been on, it's my second favorite (you know the first). Nice flotation, busts through crud, easy turn initiation, and flexible enough in the tips that I can still ski the bumps. Which was good, because The Powder Gods had not yet satiated their hunger for punishment, or maybe I just have difficulty receiving discipline, because after a day on my Twisters, we had to suffer through 36" of fresh at Purg. Dry your eyes, True Believers, I was fortunate enough to get back on the Dynastars before I had to return to the slope-less wastes of Texas.

With a ton of research, a little dedicated searching, and the humbling generosity of a couple exemplary folks in the skiing community, I've ended up with a perfect (for me) and complementary quiver based on two skis that I'd never demoed or even seen. A big reason for that success is yall. Thank all yall for enduring my endless gaper questions and indulging my aggravating "analysis". This is a great place, and I'm lucky to be here.

**This post was edited on Mar 26th 2019 at 2:45:11pm
Mar 26 2019 2:40PM
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TommyT
Posts: 55 - Karma: 48
Sorry for being a bit late to this thread, but I have to say that my Atomic Backland 102s have been surprising fun as hell in the bigger, powdery moguls for how wide they are. They are quick turning and fun to pop around with. They were not too bad in the smaller hard packed moguls, but for an everyday wide ski that handles moguls pretty well, not a bad choice if you want to keep the powder skiing edge and hit moguls in a ones-ski quiver.

My buddy though told me that his Legend 96's are the absolute best in all moguls because not only is it an all-mountain directional wide, but they are light, poppy and like the quick turns. Anyway, food for thought there.
Jun 2 2019 11:58AM
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9417 - Karma: 69,060
Just here to give respect to mogul skiers. Being able to rip a zipper line is the trademark of a really good skier. I see amazing park skiers who cant even make it down a mogul field. You guys have the best technique on the mountain
Jun 18 2019 6:52PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
k2 hellbent smash and carve through moghouls
Jun 18 2019 11:51PM
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