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Overall
In my opinion, best ski out there for the money if you can still find these. The 07/08s are a lot easier to find now for a similar price - I would recommend them highly, as far as I know they're the same ski with a different topsheet. Primarily a park ski, but great for steeps and even powder occasionally. And support Surface, they're in it for the right reasons which can't be said about a lot of companies out there now. Buy these, you won't be disappointed.
Performance
For me, these skis work with anything. Powder and backcountry can be a bit iffy. These don't float in pow by any means, but that's obviously not what they're made for, they work fine for the occasional day of fresh. I'm not great at rails, so mine haven't gotten much jib/urban use, but for park jumps they're awesome - real poppy and easy to spin. Good all-around ski.
Design
I really like the graphic - it's simple, but different from the generic twin-tip design. The bottoms can't be missed. I still get compliments on them all the time (or maybe it's my pretty face, I'm not sure). Still one of the sickest-looking skis out there, in my opinion.
Value
I paid $250 for these about one or two years ago (a year after they came out) - absolute steal. I like them better than a lot of skis that cost twice that. If you're on a budget, look no further - if not, look at the newer ones, they're even sicker.
Fit
I have the 170s. I like the length and balance a lot - they're pretty easy to flick around and spin in the park, but not too short to control on the ground.
Characteristics
These seemed fairly stiff at first compared to other park skis I've used. They do break in well, though - after the first few times out, there was some difference. If all you want to do is butter around and slide rails, maybe consider something more specific, but for an all-around ski I sort-of like the stiffness.
Durability
It's been said before - topsheet chip does occur, in the course of normal skiing they're going to get torn up a bit. Mine aren't bad, only one or two real obvious scratches on top. That said, the rest of the ski has held up perfectly for me, my only issues have been cosmetic. Like I mentioned before, I don't do much with rails so I don't know what effect that has, but I ride a fair amount of park and some steeps and pow, and I've hit rocks and branches a number of times - still fine.
Overall
Overall, at first I loved these skis. Over time though, the durability of these skis really brought my opinion about them to a screeching halt. Heel pieces ripping out, major top sheet chippage and edge cracks/blemishes really affected my experience with these skis.
Performance
The first 2 or 3 days these skis were awesome! I loved them. I loved how they skied and how they carved, I had so much fun on them. When these skis were getting mounted though, the core was too soft for the screws to catch, so the shop tech had to mount my heel pieces with healie coils. So, my 6th day on these, my heel piece ripped out, bummer. Got them remounted 1cm back, skied on them strong for another 12 or 13 days. Now, one of my heel pieces is about half ripped out (as seen in picture). So skiing on them lately hasn't been fun.
Design
The design of these skis is fairly well. The graphics are pretty sweet but not really my taste. Also, ski design wise, I just wish the tails were a little bit higher and the nose wasn't so pointy.
Value
I got these skis for a GREAT deal so I can't complain about that. These are very price point.
Fit
I thought the 171s were a pretty good size for me, I could have used something a little bit bigger (between 171 and 181) but it wasn't exactly necessary.
Characteristics
The flex of these skis is pretty stiff. The noses were a little bit softer than the tails, but still by no means soft. In order to butter, I really had to put all my weight into these skis. The stiffness of the tails really helped on landings of jumps though, I've yet to wash out.
Durability
These skis, to my experience have not been durable AT ALL. The topsheet is chipping like crazy. Not just chip here chip there, I'm talking about 1 inch chunks missing. Also, as mentioned in performance, my heel pieces ripped out twice in 18 days on them, so that brings the durability of these skis down GREATLY. And lastly, the edges on these skis are all sorts of deformed. I detuned these before ever hitting rails, and still I have edge cracks, blemishes and dents. I took care of the edges/bases really well too, I would wax these about twice a week, leaving a thick coat on so it would last longer and protect the base, and I would gummi stone the edges to take the burrs out.
Overall
surface is a small company that is doing wha ti think is good for the ski industry. i was impressed by their attitude and uniquness as a company, and that is why i bought these skis. it paid off for me, and i think it will pay off for you as well. buy them.
Performance
in terms of performance, these are my favorite skis ive ever had. the first day i took them out i could describe them as one word: smooth.
everything about them is smooth and confident. from carving off lips to spinning on rails to (rare in wisconsin) light powder, these skis really do it all for me. the tip it also really fat so they plow through rough stuff well.
Design
ive gotten so many compliments on the pinstripes. one old guy even said my skis were very "razzle dazzle flashy" i guess if thats what youre looking for then whatever floats your boat.
i feel like these skis have solid graphics that stand out without being corny or tacky. also, te tangerine bases are blindingly bright in person
Value
at first i thought 450$ was alot of money for a park ski. but i looked around and realized that with everything you get with this ski, it is worth it. you are paying for the ability to go anywhere with this ski.
Characteristics
Last year i got volkl dogens, which were super stiff and pretty much felt like a 2x4.
the WL's are pretty simliar in terms of stiffness, but they have so much life and pop it makes up for it. the nose is pretty soft which is good for buttering, but i only weigh 140, so maybe the tails could be good for buttering too
Durability
this is my only complaint with these skis. ive heard this alot, and its the only negative ive heard about surface: the topsheets tend to chip really easily. the first day i took mine out i got a huge inch chip on the mid nose area of the ski.
they dont affect performance, but the chips can possibly hinder you if you like to keep your skis icy fresh chipless
Overall
Surface Watch Life
http://www.surfaceskis.com
Performance
This ski killed it for me. Plenty fat enough for pow and crud and the tip/tails are perfect height for switch skiing & landing.
Design
The look and feel is insanely good, SUrface is pretty unique with their art and design. I think it's one of the raddest looking skis on the market.
Value
I ppaid $449.00, it's damn good compared to other brands all mountain ski
Characteristics
These skis are super light and poppy, perfect flex for ripping all mountain and then into the park as well. Soft enough for butters but stiff enough to rip hard.
Durability
So far so good. I have beat it up on traverses and slid a bunch of rails too, it's tough for sure.
Overall
I think Surface is going to be the next real ski brand to make an impact on skiing. They are taking their time and doing it right. I think this year will be another huge stepping stone for them. Can't wait to get on some Live Life's also.
Performance
Ski was ripping, perfect shape, landing and skiing switch was sick...
Design
Graphics were insane...Surface has that department on lock.
Value
At $450.00 I don't think you can get this good of an all mountain twin tip ski.
Characteristics
Perfect flex for buttering off cat tracks, hitting jumps but still stiff enough to ski lines.
Durability
So far, this ski is holding up great.
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