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March, 2025

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Convince Me Not to Buy CT 3.0's

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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
I'm looking at grabbing a new pair of freeride/powder skis between 110-116mm underfoot, and around 178-182cm in length. These will be used for the rare east coast powder day, and annual trips out west. I want something that has float, but is still light enough to maneuver in the air and playful and poppy. Right now, I've narrowed my options down to:

-CT 3.0's
-Prodigy 4.0's
-Nordica Enforcer 110/115 (though these may be a little too stiff and directional)
-Fischer Ranger 115 (these may be in the same boat as above)
-Declivity X


Right now, the CT 3.0's seem to check off every box. However, I've heard plenty of stories about their durability, and don't want to be another delam victim. Faction does say these durability issues have been solved for 2021- unsure if this is true or not. ON3P is out of stock of both Woodsmans and Jeffery's in 182. The Armada Whitewalkers look badass, but the smallest 185cm size is just too big for my 150lbs frame. So, which of these skis would you go with? Any recommendations that aren't on the list? Appreciate everyone's help in advance
4 years ago
6 0
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8067 - Karma: 64,169
K2 Reckoner 112, if your willing to go a bit smaller width wise k2 marksman
4 years ago
10 1
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WoFlowz
Posts: 8067 - Karma: 64,169
WoFlowzK2 Reckoner 112, if your willing to go a bit smaller width wise k2 marksman


I personally love the marksman super surfy super poppy and playful. The asymmetrical shape really does make a difference in soft snow performance. Plus being a heavier durable ski they charge in chop and hard pack. And if you ever wanna hop in the park they are super fun there. All around marksman are super fun. You can get them for pretty low since k2 has moved on. Ik a guy who skis Reckoner 112s and he’s says their just as surfy, lighter and more freestyle oriented
4 years ago
2 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
JStrathernI'm looking at grabbing a new pair of freeride/powder skis between 110-116mm underfoot, and around 178-182cm in length. These will be used for the rare east coast powder day, and annual trips out west. I want something that has float, but is still light enough to maneuver in the air and playful and poppy. Right now, I've narrowed my options down to:

-CT 3.0's
-Prodigy 4.0's
-Nordica Enforcer 110/115 (though these may be a little too stiff and directional)
-Fischer Ranger 115 (these may be in the same boat as above)
-Declivity X


Right now, the CT 3.0's seem to check off every box. However, I've heard plenty of stories about their durability, and don't want to be another delam victim. Faction does say these durability issues have been solved for 2021- unsure if this is true or not. ON3P is out of stock of both Woodsmans and Jeffery's in 182. The Armada Whitewalkers look badass, but the smallest 185cm size is just too big for my 150lbs frame. So, which of these skis would you go with? Any recommendations that aren't on the list? Appreciate everyone's help in advance


For the record, the Whitewalker in a 185 will actually measure out to a 183.

@WoFlowz makes a good point with the Reckoner 112, it’s a fantastic ski. Watch Jake Carneys latest insta post, he goes huge on them in the park (and they’re not necessarily park skis).

I had a CT 3.0 last season and loved it, it was my daily here on the East coast. It’s light, surfy, and super playful but when you wanna dial shit up to 11 it can fucking go too. Only issue is they changed the core for 2020-2021, so it’s a bit heavier and more durable (personally enjoyed the lighter version) but to put your mind at ease, the durability issues have indeed been addressed. It’s a great ski and it’s way more versatile than it seems.
4 years ago
7 0
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7186 - Karma: 76,160
the CT series and the enforcer are kinda really different skis, if you want playful/poppy I'd go ct series. The enforcers have so much tail rocker you can't pop ollies off snow piles like you can the ct series. The enforcers are heavy but RIP hardpack. the CT have a long radius and like to be pivoted (at least the old ct4.0) instead of carved if there isn't soft snow, and they are so damn light, stiff and poppy it's amazing.

The enforcers lay train tracks with ease, the CT's feel like nothing on your feet and let you boost sidehits.

Haven't been on the prodigy but I'd imagine it'd be like an easier CT, which isn't a bad thing. Better for noodling around i'd assume.
4 years ago
5 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
WoFlowzK2 Reckoner 112, if your willing to go a bit smaller width wise k2 marksman


Very interested in the Reckoners, dimension-wise they look fantastic but it looks like the only complaints is that they’re a bit too soft in the tip and tail. I’m checking out the Moment Deathwish as well- these seem to have super similar dimensions and I’ve seen nothing but great reviews
4 years ago
3 0
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MastePoleWhacker
Posts: 608 - Karma: 5,457
Because you need to consider the ARV 116 JJs
JStrathernI'm looking at grabbing a new pair of freeride/powder skis between 110-116mm underfoot, and around 178-182cm in length. These will be used for the rare east coast powder day, and annual trips out west. I want something that has float, but is still light enough to maneuver in the air and playful and poppy. Right now, I've narrowed my options down to:

-CT 3.0's
-Prodigy 4.0's
-Nordica Enforcer 110/115 (though these may be a little too stiff and directional)
-Fischer Ranger 115 (these may be in the same boat as above)
-Declivity X


Right now, the CT 3.0's seem to check off every box. However, I've heard plenty of stories about their durability, and don't want to be another delam victim. Faction does say these durability issues have been solved for 2021- unsure if this is true or not. ON3P is out of stock of both Woodsmans and Jeffery's in 182. The Armada Whitewalkers look badass, but the smallest 185cm size is just too big for my 150lbs frame. So, which of these skis would you go with? Any recommendations that aren't on the list? Appreciate everyone's help in advance
4 years ago
1 6
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MomsSpaghetti
Posts: 41 - Karma: 230
Reckoner 112.
4 years ago
3 0
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AJ.Normand
Posts: 78 - Karma: 170
Don’t buy the ct series’s. They are known for not holding up with edges blowing out, delam etc. The prodigy series has been holding up so if you were going faction go with the prodigy series.
4 years ago
1 0
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Greg_K
Posts: 963 - Karma: 2,791
All Faction skis now made in the Fisher plant so they have improved building quality dramatically and are all well made now. 2021 CT 3.0 a great ski in this width range with a solid but not too stiff flex and nice weight.
Dynastar MFree 108 another awesome ski in this range for a fun daily out West/powder in the East as well the Moment Wildcats 108 or 116.
4 years ago
3 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
I have the CT 3.0 18/19, 19/20 and 20/21, the 19/20 was a lighter version, 20/21 has it beefed up again. Pretty cool skis for sure. the 21 is a beefed up 20 version made in a new factory

I also have the enforcer 110, and demoed the 115 ( way way stiffer than 110) they pivot on a dime, but are fairly heavy and not that happy in the air.


ranger 115FR are light, stiff and seems cool, I only got them recently so awaiting snowdump so I can bring them out, more of a charger

greg_k mentions m-free 108, I have yet to ski them, but strokeing them gently in the living room, they make me feel happy. again waiting for snow to ski them, but will probably just bring them out a day just to try

as others mentioned k2s new reckoner 112 is very light & nice and might very well be the one you want but again... not enough snow to justify skiiing it yet, I lost all of early pow season to knee injury :| so many untested skis.

judging by weight & design the CT 3.0 2021 are going to be more chargy than the reckoners.
4 years ago
1 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
Alright, you guys have done it! Just copped the Geoff McFetridge collab Reckoner 112’s in 177cm. Now on the hunt for a pair of Pivot 15’s in gray. Stoked for these and can’t wait to put them to use. Appreciate everyone’s help
4 years ago
3 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
nice dude, post pics when you get them
4 years ago
1 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
anders_anice dude, post pics when you get them

For sure man will do!
4 years ago
0 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
They came in today, local shop is mounting them with black Pivot 14’s tomorrow

4 years ago
6 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
I liked the reckoner 112s and 122... then the damn limited gfx dropped... just wow
4 years ago
3 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
anders_aI liked the reckoner 112s and 122... then the damn limited gfx dropped... just wow


Eh, i like brads stuff better. Next years reckoners??? Melt your face off
4 years ago
2 0
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9539 - Karma: 70,552
animatorEh, i like brads stuff better. Next years reckoners??? Melt your face off


yeah, I was not a fan of either graphic on the reckoners this year, but that's just me. Next years look sick AF
4 years ago
1 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
BigPurpleSkiSuityeah, I was not a fan of either graphic on the reckoners this year, but that's just me. Next years look sick AF


I think the Jeremy Dean and Geoff McFetridge graphics were cool in practice, like it’s cool to let other designers get their names out, but Brad goes dummy with graphics so just give the man a bag of mushrooms and let him run rampant 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
4 years ago
3 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
Wait, @JStrathern whats your local shop?
4 years ago
1 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
animatorWait, @JStrathern whats your local shop?


Fire on the Mountain in Dover NH
4 years ago
1 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
JStrathernFire on the Mountain in Dover NH




These them?
4 years ago
3 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
animator

These them?

Hahaha yup.. they’re ready already?!
4 years ago
2 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
JStrathernHahaha yup.. they’re ready already?!


Yes sir they are hahaha
4 years ago
1 0
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
animatorYes sir they are hahaha

Small world dude, did you mount those? I’ll swing by in a bit and grab them haha
4 years ago
1 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
JStrathernSmall world dude, did you mount those? I’ll swing by in a bit and grab them haha


Hahaha definitely. I’m on the floor today so our other tech did them (he’s been working for the shop for like 15 years), but yeah feel free to swing over and grab them whenever!
4 years ago
3 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
other tech mounted them = your good @JStrathern :D :D :D :D



sorry @animator but this was too good to pass up
4 years ago
4 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
Im gonna mount 10 pairs of skis on mon/tuesday... with binding freedom inserts for most, wish me luck..

BF mount = 2 hours
regular mount = 1-10 minutes
4 years ago
0 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
anders_aother tech mounted them = your good @JStrathern :D :D :D :D



sorry @animator but this was too good to pass up


Hahahahaha I had a feeling you’d chime in there 😂😂
4 years ago
0 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
anders_aIm gonna mount 10 pairs of skis on mon/tuesday... with binding freedom inserts for most, wish me luck..

BF mount = 2 hours
regular mount = 1-10 minutes


Wait what? I’ve done a few BF mounts in like an hour, maybe 1.5 hours if I’m taking my time
4 years ago
0 0
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
animatorWait what? I’ve done a few BF mounts in like an hour, maybe 1.5 hours if I’m taking my time


Team Anal, lots are for pivot, with CAST
4 years ago
0 0
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animator
Posts: 4570 - Karma: 26,378
anders_aTeam Anal, lots are for pivot, with CAST


Oh god yeah, good luck dude! You got it
4 years ago
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