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There are a ton of questions on NS regarding mount point and how much it matters. Although every ski is different and centimeters can make a significant difference, I would posit that small centimeter differences are less significant than most people realize. This image below aims to show a visual reference of various mount points. Image quality is not the best, but I think you can see what you need to. It is probably best to compare the white anti-friction devices at the toe piece of each binding. I aligned the skis at their midpoints instead of at one tip since they have different lengths.
- The top ski is a 187 cm Faction Prodigy 1.0, center mounted
- The middle ski is a 191 cm ON3P Jeffrey 108, mounted -2 cm from center.
- The bottom ski is a 190 cm Moment Deathwish, mounted at the recommended mount of -5 cm.
I don't have some mind-blowing revelation; however, I think the visual difference between the ON3P and Faction skis are truly insignificant, and the difference between the ON3P and Moment skis are more insignificant than I would have thought prior to lining them up.
There are multiple variables in the skis designs. However, in my experience skiing them, the Faction and ON3P skis feel extremely similar in "surfability" and how I feel balanced on the ski. I have no issue skiing switch on the ON3Ps, and feel that I could probably go back a few more centimeters and not notice much of a difference on rails and switch riding. I also have no issue skiing the Moment skis switch, and I do appreciate the feeling of more of the ski in front of me when I am moving at high speeds through variable snow and powder.
These are my primary reflections on this comparison:
- If your skis are not perfectly symmetrical, there probably isn't much of a reason to mount them at center. I remember that I felt a weird peer pressure to have center-mounted skis when I first got into park, but you really can't even tell a difference between center mounted and a couple centimeters back–visually or in performance. And, let's be honest, most of us are not skiing switch more than ~2% of the time.
- I've always been nervous about going with factory mounts because I pictured a ski that had WAY more in front of it than behind, but if the camber/rocker is designed for that mount point, it's worth considering. It's also likely less of a difference than you think.
I've rambled enough, so I'll end it here. I figured this was worth displaying and discussing with the NS community. What do you guys think?
Endnote: If you see a dude at 7 Springs or elsewhere with these skis, come say hi. He does not bite and will give you a stick of gum if you ask. Even if it happens to be someone else with the same skis, they're probably super cool and extremely popular.
