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hi_vis360
December, 2024

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Help with dad skis (high performance carvers)?

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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
I know it's NS, but I don't know where else to go.

I've been here since 2008. I'm getting to be old as fuck. I have 171 Magnus and 178 SFBs, but at this point I don't care if I all I do is lip blind 2s and forget about learning cork 7s or something. I know some people on here race or raced, or appreciate the carve, and there's some other aging members that want something other than park skis.

I want something very racey with a short turn radius (13m-16m ish) that's just under actual race skis in performance. I intend to demo some stuff, but the selection is likely going to be limited cause NJ/PA. I don't need or want fis reg stuff, but no beginner shit. I just don't want to be driving an F1 car when a regular racecar would do. These will be for NJ/PA mainly, maybe with excursions elsewhere. Typical EC conditions so groomers, ice, sometimes lumpy fake snow or melted slush. I'll try to keep them for when it's good for them, but inevitably I'll encounter non ideal conditions. Otherwise I'll bounce around the park doing the 10 tricks I have left, so I'm not trying to force these skis to do something they're bad at. I also don't want full on slalom skis because they hate long turns.

I'm good, my technique is good and I intend to ski fast and perhaps lose a pass. I don't even know where to start. A quick googling shows me things like atomic redster x9 exists, even a wider version which might deal with shit snow better. Dynastar makes something called 4x4s which are comically referred to as wide, and otherwise billed as racey carver skis. Otherwise it's all like 65mm waist stuff, which is fine I guess. Like I said I intend to demo, but since this isn't exactly ski country so there's likely not going to be a large selection.
Nov 18 2019 12:23PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
I really like the Fischer RC4 The Curv Curv Booster for this. Despite its comically confusing name (past versions were "just" called the RC4 The Curv). Its radius is a bit longer than your range, but you can still carve turns smaller than GS size on it, and it doesn't totally suck when the groomers aren't pristine. Super strong, powerful, damp, and still energetic, but doesn't kick your ass the moment you lay off the shovels.

Then the Head Supershape i.Titan is a pretty solid option, though it's not as energetic or versatile in terms of turn shapes vs. the Curv.

I haven't tried that many skis in this class, so I'm sure I'm missing plenty, but I've liked both of those for groomer-specific skis.
Nov 18 2019 12:35PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 59,582
Blizzard Firebird series is great too. Great beer league race ski.
Nov 18 2019 1:14PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6679 - Karma: 11,007
Redster X9 WideBody brah
Nov 18 2019 1:17PM
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B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 963
So as others said RC4 and Supershape and firebird are all good options, the redster x9 or wide body would be good too. I series from head I really liked but that is close to the pushing it category.

yep widebody^^
**This post was edited on Nov 18th 2019 at 1:20:29pm

**This post was edited on Nov 18th 2019 at 1:20:56pm
Nov 18 2019 1:19PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
Lol I forgot Blizzard existed. I really want to demo these Redsters though. The internet seems to like them.

Also how do you guys size these things? There's gotta be a limit to longer is better. Also something for a demo to determine but I assume they're gonna be a bit shorter than the centrally mounted, rockered skis I'm used to.
Nov 18 2019 1:53PM
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ThatYoungSkiBum
Posts: 219 - Karma: 671
Deviation Works "Matrix" ski a really solid carver ski! Made right here in AMERICA and Way more durable than any skis.

Check them out: Deviationusa.com

Use Code "thatyoungskibum" and Get 20% off
Nov 18 2019 2:07PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6679 - Karma: 11,007
DrZoidbergAlso how do you guys size these things? There's gotta be a limit to longer is better. Also something for a demo to determine but I assume they're gonna be a bit shorter than the centrally mounted, rockered skis I'm used to.

None of these skis will be huge tho- usually maxed out around 185cm

I tend to favor "long" skis (188cm Bent 100, 188cm Vantage 100/107, etc.) and I am 5'11", 175lbs. When talking about system-carving skis, I prefer the 180-something length usually, but still enjoy the mid-170 length. Go longer for more stability, go shorter for more maneuverability.

If you really want to blow your mind, try the Redster X9S - this ski is built with our World Cup/FIS race room construction but with mid-radius, not the 30m sidecut. It's skinny, but it's a legit rocket.
Nov 18 2019 2:13PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
onenerdykidNone of these skis will be huge tho- usually maxed out around 185cm

I tend to favor "long" skis (188cm Bent 100, 188cm Vantage 100/107, etc.) and I am 5'11", 175lbs. When talking about system-carving skis, I prefer the 180-something length usually, but still enjoy the mid-170 length. Go longer for more stability, go shorter for more maneuverability.

If you really want to blow your mind, try the Redster X9S - this ski is built with our World Cup/FIS race room construction but with mid-radius, not the 30m sidecut. It's skinny, but it's a legit rocket.


The X9S were the first ones I saw. Green (greensters?) looks fast. But then I was like, well it's not always perfectly groomed corduroy here. I'd probably grab 168 or whatever. I'm 5'5" 120lbs but 27 years old, so I always have a hard time finding anything in a size I want. Boots, wetsuits, surfboards, shoes, whatever. 30m sidecut would be kinda hilarious and like two turns here, or perhaps one until I get interrupted by somebody going 5mph perpendicular to the fall line.
Nov 18 2019 6:13PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4899 - Karma: 17,478
DrZoidbergThe X9S were the first ones I saw. Green (greensters?) looks fast. But then I was like, well it's not always perfectly groomed corduroy here. I'd probably grab 168 or whatever. I'm 5'5" 120lbs but 27 years old, so I always have a hard time finding anything in a size I want. Boots, wetsuits, surfboards, shoes, whatever.


You're only 27 and already resigned to buying dad skis???

Don't do it. I'm 40 and no part of me wants to rip any corduroy. Get some burly chargers that are capable of holding a good edge and rip everything. Nordic enforcer, Fischer Ranger, Head Monster 88, something along those lines?
Nov 18 2019 7:13PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
mystery3You're only 27 and already resigned to buying dad skis???

Don't do it. I'm 40 and no part of me wants to rip any corduroy. Get some burly chargers that are capable of holding a good edge and rip everything. Nordic enforcer, Fischer Ranger, Head Monster 88, something along those lines?


Well I live in NJ and ski here and in PA. There's nothing to charge here, if by that you mean big mountain or steep slopes.

Also, unless I'm wrong, I'm looking at very stiff, aggressive skis for athletic skiers with good technique looking to ski groomers like it's a race course. I still have park skis and SFBs for, well, skiing park and all mountain jibbing. I haven't given that up. I merely want to pull a few more Gs on snow than my Magnus will happily do. The Enforcers seem to be popular, especially among the TRG dad crowd and anybody in Colorado with a CS degree, but I doubt they hold an edge, figuratively and literally, when compared to skis with racing in their DNA. But I don't know, as I've never ridden them, so this is all conjecture.
Nov 18 2019 9:18PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6679 - Karma: 11,007
mystery3You're only 27 and already resigned to buying dad skis???

Don't do it. I'm 40 and no part of me wants to rip any corduroy. Get some burly chargers that are capable of holding a good edge and rip everything. Nordic enforcer, Fischer Ranger, Head Monster 88, something along those lines?

While I do agree with you for the most part (I get weird looks from the Euros on a constant basis because my daily driver is 100 underfoot), having a commercial race ski in your quiver is an absolute blast. If you can swing it, having such a ski in your lineup is 100% worth it.
Nov 19 2019 2:14AM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,057
onenerdykidWhile I do agree with you for the most part (I get weird looks from the Euros on a constant basis because my daily driver is 100 underfoot), having a commercial race ski in your quiver is an absolute blast. If you can swing it, having such a ski in your lineup is 100% worth it.


I've always thought about picking up the redstar x9 WB but i cant cave to it. I'll always want a ski that can slarve and slash turns from time to time. I think a good mix for him would be the vantage line, especially those with Ti. an all mountain performer that can carve hard on the groomers but still be playful when needed. Vantage 90Ti would be my pick if i had to get a "dad" ski.

I'm approaching 40 but still run a cambered park ski as a daily hard snow condition ski thats only 84 underfoot and then the bentchetler 100 for days it's not bulletproof. Can hold an edge when needed. Has a bit of a speed limit but still allows for all mountain fun and being able to carve hard on the run out to a lift.

Other all mountain options for a hard charger would be:
Brahma 88
Kendo 88
Enforcer 88

(you see the trend here)
Nov 19 2019 9:28AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
onenerdykidWhile I do agree with you for the most part (I get weird looks from the Euros on a constant basis because my daily driver is 100 underfoot), having a commercial race ski in your quiver is an absolute blast. If you can swing it, having such a ski in your lineup is 100% worth it.

Lol try living here. Apparently 85mm waist full camber park skis are actually pow skis, and now that I have the Magnus people are like wtf is that even? If I brought out my SFBs I'd have non stop questioning.
freeskibum82I've always thought about picking up the redstar x9 WB but i cant cave to it. I'll always want a ski that can slarve and slash turns from time to time. I think a good mix for him would be the vantage line, especially those with Ti. an all mountain performer that can carve hard on the groomers but still be playful when needed. Vantage 90Ti would be my pick if i had to get a "dad" ski.

I'm approaching 40 but still run a cambered park ski as a daily hard snow condition ski thats only 84 underfoot and then the bentchetler 100 for days it's not bulletproof. Can hold an edge when needed. Has a bit of a speed limit but still allows for all mountain fun and being able to carve hard on the run out to a lift.

Other all mountain options for a hard charger would be:
Brahma 88
Kendo 88
Enforcer 88

(you see the trend here)

That's almost why I don't want any of these 88 waist skis, but rather something more focused. If I want all mountain versatility I just grab my park skis. There's not much terrain variation here, and everything I want is pretty much taken care of with park skis. With a focused race type ski there's actually a reason for me to pick one or the other, not just ride my park skis all the time.
Nov 19 2019 12:24PM
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snowmosexual
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 10,020
It may be the ex racer in me talking, but just buy race skis. You will get much better performance at a fraction of the cost if you go to the used section of your shop or ebay and buy some 165 slalom skis. You will not regret it. Rossi and Fischer are on the softer side and wont drive you around when you dont feel like working.
Nov 19 2019 9:42PM
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Rich_D
Posts: 100 - Karma: 538
My mate is more racer than park or back country, he’s only happy when he’s going fast on groomers. He’s got himself some volk race tigers after trying out what felt like every ski in the world - he’s slightly in love with them.
Nov 20 2019 11:15AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
onenerdykidWhile I do agree with you for the most part (I get weird looks from the Euros on a constant basis because my daily driver is 100 underfoot), having a commercial race ski in your quiver is an absolute blast. If you can swing it, having such a ski in your lineup is 100% worth it.


You need to have the right terrain to ski them though. I kept a pair of GS skis when I quit racing, and IDK if I've skied them since. One thing to keep in mind is that race skis, and some of these high-end carvers, are downright terrifying off of nicely groomed snow. Living out here in the PNW we don't really have good groomers.
That said, I do miss them, and maybe this will be the year. Oh how I miss that feeling...
Nov 20 2019 12:16PM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5106 - Karma: 51,881
patagonialukeFischer RC4 The Curv Curv Booster


dude I can't stop laughing at this ski name holy fuck hahahahahaha
Nov 20 2019 5:18PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
pinkcamo1000dude I can't stop laughing at this ski name holy fuck hahahahahaha


If you want even more entertainment, go take a looksy through their entire lineup. It's ridiculous.
Nov 20 2019 5:23PM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5106 - Karma: 51,881
patagonialukeIf you want even more entertainment, go take a looksy through their entire lineup. It's ridiculous.


holy shit dude, some of these are soooo good like saying them out loud sounds so fuckin goofy lmao

"Brilliant the Curv Multiflex"
"Brilliant My Mt Womentrack"
"RC4 WC RC Curv Booster Yellow Base"

@ people who sell fischers in shops: how do you say these ski names to customers with a straight face??
Nov 20 2019 5:31PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
patagonialukeIf you want even more entertainment, go take a looksy through their entire lineup. It's ridiculous.

Not even kidding, I went to their site the other day and was trying to figure out what's what and it's pretty annoying and I rage quit. Like if I want short turn radius how many times does the word CURV need to appear in the ski name? Is only one CURV for longer turn radii? How many RC's will make me go fast?

But it seems like across this category of speedy carver skis the naming is really confusing. At least with stuff we're used to on here it's like, the Line Chronic is the Chronic, which is clearly not a Blend or SFB. Maybe there's an ON3P Kartel 90 and 100 but we know what the Kartel is about in general. But with the speedy carver segement you have beginner floppy noodle skis sharing the same designation as the good stuff and the only different is confusing letter designations or something.
Nov 20 2019 5:41PM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5106 - Karma: 51,881
DrZoidbergLike if I want short turn radius how many times does the word CURV need to appear in the ski name? Is only one CURV for longer turn radii? How many RC's will make me go fast?

RC7 WR BRILLIANT RACETRACK THE CURV YELLOW BASE CURV BOOSTER
Nov 20 2019 5:45PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4899 - Karma: 17,478
pinkcamo1000RC7 WR BRILLIANT RACETRACK THE CURV YELLOW BASE CURV BOOSTER


OP should definitely cop these.
Nov 20 2019 11:10PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6679 - Karma: 11,007
DrZoidbergNot even kidding, I went to their site the other day and was trying to figure out what's what and it's pretty annoying and I rage quit. Like if I want short turn radius how many times does the word CURV need to appear in the ski name? Is only one CURV for longer turn radii? How many RC's will make me go fast?

But it seems like across this category of speedy carver skis the naming is really confusing. At least with stuff we're used to on here it's like, the Line Chronic is the Chronic, which is clearly not a Blend or SFB. Maybe there's an ON3P Kartel 90 and 100 but we know what the Kartel is about in general. But with the speedy carver segement you have beginner floppy noodle skis sharing the same designation as the good stuff and the only different is confusing letter designations or something.

I'm not going to defend Fischer here (their marketing department is clearly out of touch with the English language, which is another problem most Euro brands have), but we need to remember that flat skis in Europe simply don't sell. System race carvers rule everything, so all of those skis/price points need to tie into the marketing story of the super bling top model. Everyone wants to own a ski that is linked to the race model. It's just a fact of the market over here.
Nov 21 2019 2:46AM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 7083 - Karma: 62,069
I really want to get some Liberty V76s
Feb 13 2021 1:33PM
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gorbdawggybrent
Posts: 970 - Karma: 8,769
my dad has had dinastar course TIs and he loves them
super heavy stiff fast carving ski
Feb 14 2021 7:46PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
Not sure why this got bumped but I ended up buying Volkl Racetiger SLs a while ago and they’re super fun, if not very limited in their scope.
Feb 14 2021 10:53PM
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,099
Any ski with a sidecut like this will be great at carving on groomers. Even some park skis are shaped similar to this and you would get the same effect.



Feb 14 2021 11:40PM
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