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December, 2024

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I don’t love the wildcats...

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SHREDHOUND
Posts: 35 - Karma: 143
Just spent my first days on these, had contemplated the decision all summer and decided it was the right pow ski for me, and yet after my first day I felt a bit disappointed.

I kinda felt like they were too stiff to float like a proper 118mm underfoot pow ski, which would be perfectly fine if it meant that stiffness resulted in great stability in choppy snow, yet it felt like they were too light to handle those high speeds comfortably.

maybe I just like heavier and softer skis, but I really hope I can warm up to these as they seemed like the perfect pow ski for me on paper. Did anyone else grow to love this ski (or any ski for that matter) after a poor first impression?
Jan 7 2020 11:23PM
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Avacado
Posts: 11 - Karma: 26
Took me a few day or so to get use to my Bibbys 184cm (5’10.5” 190 lbs ). I was used to driving tips and skiing more forward (coming off my more traditional skis ) I got used to Bobbys adjusting my balance & technique slightly for them. Went a bit shorter for more maneuverable - forgiving -fun at my resorts and ease at my age. I find them very versatile in any soft stuff. They feel really dynamic to slash, slarve, carve, pivot, surf and go through stuff. I like the feeling of some feedback through snow and they actually feel pretty damp and sturdy for somewhat of a lighter wood type ski. Just keep skiing them on softer days and your confidence and love may begin to grow. I love em as they feel quick for their waist and a playful -versatile - charger that can handle just about anything. Hope that helps.
Jan 8 2020 1:47AM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
You really need to grow into them. It normally takes me a couple of hours of skiing to warm up with them.
I find I don’t really drive the tips much but instead ski through stuff like chop in a very neutral stance.

trust me you gotta spend a few more days and really push them. I bet you’ll come to love them

**This post was edited on Jan 8th 2020 at 7:22:03pm
Jan 8 2020 3:03AM
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Andi_G
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 15,102
You're used to your old skis and need some adjusting because theyre different. Hopefully you like em though!
Jan 8 2020 2:47PM
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f100prerunner
Posts: 504 - Karma: 1,313
What’s your height, weight and ski length? It did take a bit to get used to, I eventually remounted them at -4 from center (+2 of recommended) and love them even more now.
Jan 8 2020 7:06PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
f100prerunnerWhat’s your height, weight and ski length? It did take a bit to get used to, I eventually remounted them at -4 from center (+2 of recommended) and love them even more now.


This is what I have. They’re so fucking good.
Jan 8 2020 7:21PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,682
you probably are just a bad skier...

Sometimes, it's you.
Jan 8 2020 7:22PM
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SHREDHOUND
Posts: 35 - Karma: 143
f100prerunnerWhat’s your height, weight and ski length? It did take a bit to get used to, I eventually remounted them at -4 from center (+2 of recommended) and love them even more now.


I'm 6'1" 175lbs and got the 190's. Maybe I'll give that a try if I'm not a fan after a few more days...
Jan 8 2020 11:33PM
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whistles
Posts: 46 - Karma: 139
Same experience as you. They ski like a downhill race ski compared to their appearance and what they are marketed for.
Jan 9 2020 3:02AM
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link80
Posts: 1072 - Karma: 418
Sorry to hear you didn't love the skis right out of the box. Sounds like you definitely need some more time on them.

I would also argue that softer skis would not be as stable in chop.

When designing the Wildcat we have a lot of goals in mind but two of the main goals are stability in variable snow (because the resort gets skied out so fast these days) and maneuverability (In tight spots and in the air).

A lot of the guys on our team ski at extremely high speeds on the ski and love it. Hopefully you will too.

Here are some videos of the guys sending at high speeds on that ski...

Chris Whatford: https://vimeo.com/372245476

His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatfordchris/?hl=en

Tyler Curle: https://www.instagram.com/whatfordchris/?hl=en

Also, where did you mount the skis? What binding and boot combo are you on?
Jan 9 2020 11:45AM
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exmoboy
Posts: 11 - Karma: 26
It take time to get used to a new ski brother, i was riding a pari of Deathwishes every day for last 5 seasons and loved them, this year i tried out a QST 99 and i fucking hated it the first few days riding them, but after a few days i started getting used to them and feeling how they ride and react and i am loving them more and more every time i ride them.
Jan 9 2020 3:42PM
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Foxtrotx1
Posts: 134 - Karma: 443
Can anyone with experience on the Kartel 96/108 comment on the Wildcat? I don't want to pick up 116 kartels to keep the quiver diversified, but wanted a deep day, or just a 1 ski for on the road out west type of deal. Also, does anyone find the Wildcat a better hard/icy day ski than the 108/96?

My understanding is that the wildcat is def more directional than the ON3Ps?

**This post was edited on Jan 9th 2020 at 4:33:07pm
Jan 9 2020 4:31PM
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shin-bang
Posts: 4103 - Karma: 7,001
Blister gear review does a good job on both wildcat 108 and Jeffrey 108. Def go check it out.
Jan 9 2020 8:30PM
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Foxtrotx1
Posts: 134 - Karma: 443
shin-bangBlister gear review does a good job on both wildcat 108 and Jeffrey 108. Def go check it out.


Thanks! I was looking at the 116 cat, but maybe some of the info is the same.
Jan 9 2020 9:03PM
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f100prerunner
Posts: 504 - Karma: 1,313
Might receive some heat for this but I feel like they should have a recommended mount of +4 from center not +6. Not sure if this is cause I don’t weight much either but I got knocked around a lot trying to charge at +6. It’s now a lot easier to charge and is a much more fun ski at +4. Then again I can see the attraction for this ski at +6 with the less freestyle oriented crowd but still
Jan 10 2020 12:39PM
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