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Moment Deathwish 108 vs Wildcat? Standard vs. Tour?

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Dangler_Danger
Posts: 63 - Karma: 404
I was looking to invest in a touring set up with the CAST system, and the Deathwish and Wildcat 108 caught my eye. I couldn't figure out what the differences were between them were as far as how they ski (other than design features) or what function they best serve. How would you characterize their respective niches in a quiver or, more specifically, how their niches differ? For example, is one more "chargy" than the other or is one more well-rounded?

On the second question, they have touring versions of both skis that, according to reviews, hold up really well too. If I am new to the backcountry (like brand spanking new), would the lighter weight be worth a potential loss of rippability? I don't want to compromise downhill performance, but I also don't know the extent to which weight matters in the backcountry (difference between deathwish models is 1.23 lbs, difference between Wildcat 108s is 1.21 lbs, if my math is right). If I like them enough, I'd probably ski them hard on resorts too (since the CAST allows such nonsense), so non-backcountry opinions are just as helpful. Thanks a bunch.

**This thread was edited on Feb 17th 2021 at 8:02:24pm
Feb 17 2021 8:01PM
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TreyMiddleton
Posts: 78 - Karma: 349
I talked to them about the w108 tour vs the deathwish tour. I was told the wildcat is more stable if you will ski it in bounds but the deathwish has better edge hold and float. I’m planning on getting one of the pairs with the new voyager binding soon
Feb 17 2021 8:16PM
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4235 - Karma: 10,717
Think we just responded to your email, most of the important info is in there, but for others interested I'll drop the comparison below.

The Deathwish being slightly wider is going to float better in deeper snow but be a little slower edge to edge when carving hardpack. The Wildcat 108, being narrower is quicker edge to edge when carving but won't float as well. Deeper rocker lines in the Wildcat will make it pivot slightly easier in tight spaces whereas the Triple Camber in the Deathwish make it feel a bit more planted. Triple Camber also allows for 4 contact points per edge rather than the normal 2 so despite being 112mm underfoot the Deathwish will grip as if it is 104-106mm.
For something that favors on piste conditions, tight bumps or can be taken through the park go with the Wildcat 108. For a ski that favors consistency all over the mountain and floats a bit better in deeper snow go with the Deathwish.

With all this said as well, if you're throwing a heavy touring binding like the Cast system on here, I would heavily suggest the resort version. The weight of the ski won't matter as much, the resort version will perform better on the downhill, and if you decide touring isn't for you, you still have a killer resort setup.
Feb 17 2021 9:02PM
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Dangler_Danger
Posts: 63 - Karma: 404
hot.pocketThink we just responded to your email, most of the important info is in there, but for others interested I'll drop the comparison below.

The Deathwish being slightly wider is going to float better in deeper snow but be a little slower edge to edge when carving hardpack. The Wildcat 108, being narrower is quicker edge to edge when carving but won't float as well. Deeper rocker lines in the Wildcat will make it pivot slightly easier in tight spaces whereas the Triple Camber in the Deathwish make it feel a bit more planted. Triple Camber also allows for 4 contact points per edge rather than the normal 2 so despite being 112mm underfoot the Deathwish will grip as if it is 104-106mm.
For something that favors on piste conditions, tight bumps or can be taken through the park go with the Wildcat 108. For a ski that favors consistency all over the mountain and floats a bit better in deeper snow go with the Deathwish.

With all this said as well, if you're throwing a heavy touring binding like the Cast system on here, I would heavily suggest the resort version. The weight of the ski won't matter as much, the resort version will perform better on the downhill, and if you decide touring isn't for you, you still have a killer resort setup.


Thank you so much for the info. That was indeed my email. Gonna go with the Deathwish. I just saw an interview with Luke Jacobson who said the question of deathwish v. wildcat is the most annoying question because y'all get it multiple times a day. Apologies for adding to that number. You did get a stoked customer out of it.
Feb 18 2021 11:29AM
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4235 - Karma: 10,717
Dangler_DangerThank you so much for the info. That was indeed my email. Gonna go with the Deathwish. I just saw an interview with Luke Jacobson who said the question of deathwish v. wildcat is the most annoying question because y'all get it multiple times a day. Apologies for adding to that number. You did get a stoked customer out of it.


No worries at all, we just have a canned response we dump at the question every time it pops up. Stoked to get you on a pair!
Feb 18 2021 11:30AM
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Cwatt0
Posts: 19 - Karma: 130
Just listening to the Blister interview with Moment and they advise the Deathwish (Tour) is better suited for harder conditions because the triple camber will bite into the snow. As such, it won’t break-away as easily and thus wouldn’t be as surfy. The Mustache Rocker on the Wildcat (Tour) will be more surfy, less likely to bite.

As someone looking for a tour set-up, I personally think the Deathwish Tour will suit mixed snow conditions, so if you get on a wind-crust slope you’ll have that bite you need, whereas the Wildcat Tour is arguably better suited for either more pow-ish conditions or someone looking to trade-off side-hill performance in the name of being playful 110% of the time.
Nov 17 2021 8:43AM
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