Low-snow ski - quiver question

The 4FRNT MSP 99 got a bunch of rewards this year. Its more of a traditional ski with lots of camber so its good for variable condition days.

Lots of good options for you, here would be my top picks:

- J Skis Masterblaster: Very stable and damp ski (similar to a Mantra M5 or Bonafide in terms of stability), but it's got a tail that lets you ski switch, it's easy to slide / pivot, and it's more energetic than most metal-laminate skis I've used in this class. In terms of balancing really good stability with a bit of playfulness, it's kind of in a league of its own. That said, the 187 cm version feels less playful and more charging-oriented than the 181, so you might be caught between sizes on this one.

- Fischer Ranger 94 FR: good option if you prioritize energy & quickness over stability. The Masterblaster and Menace are more damp and stable at speed, but the Ranger is super poppy and crazy easy to flick around.

- Moment Commander 98: Similar to the Ranger 94 in that it's light and super poppy, but the Commander feels a bit more stable. It doesn't have a true twin, but you can definitely ski switch on it in shallow conditions. Super fun ski for what I'd describe as "dynamically attacking the mountain" — it's not super damp, but if you ski with more of a 'light on your feet' style, you can ski it really hard and it feels surprisingly playful for how stiff it is. That said, if you're looking for a mellow cruiser, there are better options (the Commander is most fun when you're pushing it hard).

- Dynastar Menace 98 (formerly called the Slicer Factory): Nice alternative to the Masterblaster if you want something more playful. The Menace isn't quite as stable as the Masterblaster, but it skis switch better and you can mount it around -4 or -5 for a more balanced feel without the ski feeling 'off.' Really versatile ski, and the 187 cm version isn't some super burly ski like the 187 Masterblaster.

patagonialukeLots of good options for you, here would be my top picks:

- J Skis Masterblaster: Very stable and damp ski (similar to a Mantra M5 or Bonafide in terms of stability), but it's got a tail that lets you ski switch, it's easy to slide / pivot, and it's more energetic than most metal-laminate skis I've used in this class. In terms of balancing really good stability with a bit of playfulness, it's kind of in a league of its own. That said, the 187 cm version feels less playful and more charging-oriented than the 181, so you might be caught between sizes on this one.

- Fischer Ranger 94 FR: good option if you prioritize energy & quickness over stability. The Masterblaster and Menace are more damp and stable at speed, but the Ranger is super poppy and crazy easy to flick around.

- Moment Commander 98: Similar to the Ranger 94 in that it's light and super poppy, but the Commander feels a bit more stable. It doesn't have a true twin, but you can definitely ski switch on it in shallow conditions. Super fun ski for what I'd describe as "dynamically attacking the mountain" — it's not super damp, but if you ski with more of a 'light on your feet' style, you can ski it really hard and it feels surprisingly playful for how stiff it is. That said, if you're looking for a mellow cruiser, there are better options (the Commander is most fun when you're pushing it hard).

- Dynastar Menace 98 (formerly called the Slicer Factory): Nice alternative to the Masterblaster if you want something more playful. The Menace isn't quite as stable as the Masterblaster, but it skis switch better and you can mount it around -4 or -5 for a more balanced feel without the ski feeling 'off.' Really versatile ski, and the 187 cm version isn't some super burly ski like the 187 Masterblaster.

Thanks a lot Luke! Appreciate it.

The skis you mentioned sound really intruiging, especially the Masterblaster. Its just hard/expensive to get in Europe.

Im not really concerned about stability in chop. Will probably use them mostly on groomers. How would you rate the skis above for Icy days/ groomer performance?

TopsenThanks a lot Luke! Appreciate it.

The skis you mentioned sound really intruiging, especially the Masterblaster. Its just hard/expensive to get in Europe.

Im not really concerned about stability in chop. Will probably use them mostly on groomers. How would you rate the skis above for Icy days/ groomer performance?

They're all pretty close in terms of edge hold and groomer performance. If I had to choose, I'd probably say the Ranger is the best for carving smooth ice, with the Commander and Menace close behind.

The Menace has the best turn initiation (pulls you into a carved turn when you bend it), with the Ranger close behind, and then the Commander. The Commander doesn't really pull you into a turn like less-tapered skis will, but it's still really easy to get on edge and I really like all 3 skis on groomers.

The Menace feels the "nicest" or "most plush" on really firm, rough conditions, then the Commander, then the Ranger. Though none of the skis feel super harsh.

Thanks a lot!
Still immensely hard to decide.
From what I read from the above, the Menace and Commander should be better on roughed up, end-of-day groomers?!
And the ranger would probably - especially with my height and weight - require a light on the foot approach? Or can you still blast over rough groomers?

TopsenThanks a lot!
Still immensely hard to decide.
From what I read from the above, the Menace and Commander should be better on roughed up, end-of-day groomers?!
And the ranger would probably - especially with my height and weight - require a light on the foot approach? Or can you still blast over rough groomers?

yeah that's pretty accurate. I think the Commander and Ranger are pretty close, but I haven't skied the 188 cm Commander so I can't say for sure.

I really think any of those 3 could work, and I think it comes down to whether you're looking for a lighter and more energetic ski, like the Wildcat or SFB, or if you want a heavier, more damp ski like the Kartel 98. Commander and Ranger would slot into the former, while the Menace is more in line with the Kartel 98 in terms of suspension.

patagonialukeyeah that's pretty accurate. I think the Commander and Ranger are pretty close, but I haven't skied the 188 cm Commander so I can't say for sure.

I really think any of those 3 could work, and I think it comes down to whether you're looking for a lighter and more energetic ski, like the Wildcat or SFB, or if you want a heavier, more damp ski like the Kartel 98. Commander and Ranger would slot into the former, while the Menace is more in line with the Kartel 98 in terms of suspension.

Thanks a lot!
As I can get the Ranger quite cheap, I think I will give those a try.

Race tigers
Carve like a beast
Also redlines