hamsauceA bit of background- i tour in Southwest Montana (Bozeman homies hmu) and Central Idaho, and I am looking for some new skis. I have always enjoyed more playful twins with decent amounts of rocker and being mounted closer to center. Initially, I was looking at the Moment DWT 104 and the Line Vision 98, but have started to consider skis like the Blizzard Zero g 95, Faction Agent 1.0, Atomic Backland 95, and Black Diamond Helio 95. My questions for you all:
- How many of you from a park/jibby background have switched to stiff, directional, light, flat tailed touring ski as a daily touring and not gone back?
- how bad do you miss playful skis/tail rocker? seems like kick turns and ripping of skins with skis attached would just be easier with a flat tail and rear mount point.
- Ive never skied a super light ski- just how bad is it on the downhill?
- anyone ever wish they went wider with touring skis? I have a heavy setup with CAST for deep pow, but it seems like most of my touring is on crappy snow.
Line Vision 98 seems like a clear winner for me, but am also open to other ski recs. Or if you are trying to sell any ski i may like under 1800 grams and over 185cm, message away.
Aha! Something I can answer!
My background: i started in moguls, then transitionned to aerials, then fell in love with park. In 2012, I moved out west and found deep powder. Then I fell in love with powder skiing. I love powder so much, I bought an superlight weight setup to do more skiing in a day. Found out about skimo and how much energy it gives ya for long days, I bought an ultralight weight setup!
Ok answers: I always look back to park. I own like 7 skis and 4 of them have twin tips and are park capable.
Downhill skiing on a 1300g ski is going to be harder to keep high speeds. Speed wobbles are a problem, so buy the superlight ski longer than you think. Remember that its sacrificing DH abilities for a better uphill experience. I can handle 99 underfoot carbon skis as well as fat skis. Just depends how solid your technique is.
One quiver powder ski just doesnt exist. You cant huck 60’ cliff on narrow carbon skis like you cant do a 13 mile hike through a mountain range on a 4lbs ski setup without walk mode. You have to compromise. Or else buy both extremes. I also have a pair of CT4.0 to send it with.
So heres my superlight setup for comparison.
DPS Wailer 99 tour1:1360g/ski
Dynafit Superlight 2: 170g for both.
Scarpa Mastrales 1300g a pair