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December, 2024

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Icelantic Pioneer 96

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pistolpeteo4
Posts: 231 - Karma: 32
Howdy NS -

I was just gifted a pair of 5 year old Icelantic Pioneer 96's, in unmounted/new condition from a friend of mine. I've skied them once so far, and I'm unsure of an opinion just yet until I have more days on them. Mounted them up with Look Pivot 14's of course.

My question was - has anyone skied a pair of these for a long period of time as all mountain ski, or have had any general feedback on the Icelantic brand or specific model?

I ski with my feet fairly close together, my initial opinion is that they are wide in all the wrong places for all mountain/tree/mogul skiing, especially for being 96 underfoot ski. I tended to clack these skis together often, maybe it's just the material they're made out of and that I'm not used to them quite yet. They seem to hold an edge well at speed, and are quite soft and playful for an all mountain ski, but the weird width and shape is throwing me off a bit.

I love supporting small ski companies and have high hopes for a local Colorado brand. I'm coming from riding multiple pairs of J Skis. Currently the Master Blaster for all mountain, All Play, and The Friend for the deep days - very interested to see how these Icelantic's hold up in comparison.

Thanks for any feedback in advance.
Jan 4 2023 11:36PM
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rojo.grande
Posts: 1509 - Karma: 12,281
These skis are literally shaped for trees bumps and groomers. Spend more time on them and you’ll feel more comfy, don’t write them off yet because they don’t feel normal
Jan 4 2023 11:41PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3187 - Karma: 30,262
I really enjoyed them when I demo’d them. I agree the weird shape was a lil hard to get used to but overall a very enjoyable ski. The skis had this really nice sound to them too while riding.. I also have written down in my notes from that demo day “feels allergic to riding switch” 😂
Jan 5 2023 7:48AM
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treo4ever
Posts: 18 - Karma: 118
I own a pair and it definitely takes some getting used too. For me I clicked the tips together a lot, but you adjust naturally the more you ski them. Super fun ski in the trees and side hits if you like that. I can’t really speak for the softness because I also ski blends. Once you get used to the unique shape they are a total blast.
Jan 19 2023 7:52PM
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