2022 Alpine Touring Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- This is our first even alpine touring ski comparison! Not as much supporting skiing footage. We talk about why that is when discussing the Zero G. Typically when we're testing skis like this, we're not riding lifts, and sometimes alone. Let us know what you think and we'll continue to build out more touring content!
00:00 - Intro
2:50 - Dynastar M-Tour 99
6:05 - Blizzard Zero G 95
9:55 - Volkl Rise Beyond 96
13:40 - Atomic Backland 100
17:15 - K2 Wayback 96
20:15 - Kastle TX 93
23:55 - Black Crows Camox Freebird
26:45 - K2 Wayback 106
29:50 - Salomon MTN Explore 96
33:25 - DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
38:00 - Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 94
42:30 - Fischer Hannibal 106
46:15 - Elan Ripstick Tour 104
51:00 - Liberty Origin 106 BC
54:55 - Blizzard Zero G 105
57:55 - Volkl Mantra V.Werks
1:02:40 - Stockli Edge FT
1:06:30 - Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104
1:11:25 - Volkl Katana V.Werks
1:14:50 - Black Cross Ferox Freebird
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
Jeff and Bob are quickly becoming an industry reference point. Well done!
Thanks!
Totally agree, by far the most comprehensive reviews and comparisons out there. Bought my last two pairs of skis based on you guys reviews. And I can say they were dang accurate!
These videos are great! And as a lifetime alpine skier I learned so much about AT skis and bindings! So many great options. Tx guys!
Thanks! We talk about that a lot--there are a lot of options, and they're mostly all great! Have fun!
SE
another EXCELLENT resource -- thank you!
Thanks Curtis!
your videos are so helpful!
Thanks Kyle!
Expand the mind guys, I've got race style touring bindings on a few of those skis (90-115) and they perform wonderfully. Some of the best steep skiers around the world opt for bindings that weigh less than any of those on the table. As long as you're not hucking cliffs, there is no need for anything more than Salomon MTN.
I certainly don't disagree! I would emphasize the "best steep skiers around the world" in your comment. The best skiers in the world are extremely balanced and obviously have impeccable technique. It all depends on the skier, but I think with super light tech bindings, you'll know if those are right for you if not. I hope that makes sense, it did in my head, lol.
I know you've covered the Backland 107 elsewhere, but your thoughts in a direct comparison to the Zero G 105 would be interesting!
Backland feels stiffer to me. More responsive I think because of that. Zero G feels smoother, however. Realistically, they're very similar skis, but the flex pattern and vibration damping is different between them IMO.
One of the best review videos out there. Curious how you guys recommend sizing - specifically the Kästle’s.
Thanks Rob! Touring ski sizing should basically match your alpine ski sizing. On something like the TX, you can go a little bit longer because it's lighter and the tips and tails are slightly softer than corresponding alpine skis. If I feel like I'm between sizing on a ski like the TX, I personally choose to size up because I know the lighter ski will be less fatiguing, but if I can get the same length as what I prefer in an alpine ski, that's going to be my choice. Hope that makes sense...
👍👍 for your awesome reviews each year! Although there appear more skis on the wall than in previous years and some videos become a bit long to watch, I was just wondering where the Black Diamond Helio Carbon series are in general? They're light, versatile, and you see them around a lot!
We're not currently a BD ski dealer, but like you said, we're always adding brands!
Great videos. Would love a similar video except with 'springtime' touring skis,
Will look into it! What would be some attributes or specifics that you'd like to see in that comparison?
Elan tour and Nordica unlimited 104s seem like the two new big dogs in town. As you always a right to say, it’s not often we get to ski pow, so between these two what is better on the groomers and park/switch.
Elan has the famous left right ski with inside foot camber, Nordica has proven carving shape…both are twin tippy,…
Would tour both happily.
Thanks for all your videos, been watching endless amounts of them 😁
I think the Enforcer is a better floater and a significantly better groomer ski. I would not ski the Elan as a daily, but the Enforcer is a big yes.
Hey guys! Love your review videos, Been watching them every season. I’m a DPS fanboy, currently on a wailer 112. I’m looking to upgrade to the pagoda tour 100 or the pagoda tour 112. I do lots of east coast resort skiing and skinning. I have 2 trips per year in the west to seek out some pow. Here are my questions for ou guys:
- Does the 100 have enough float for deep pow days (considering the early taper)?
- im 5.6 and 185pounds, should I aim for 163 or 171 length?
- is the tour version it as stable of its pagoda series brother?
Thank you for taking the time. Much love from Montreal
Hi Christopher!
-Yes, in my opinion it does, especially if you'll be using it on the east a lot and also own a 112. I would choose the 100 for this application if I were you.
-I would go 171. That's a few cm taller than you, but in the Wailer, that's very reasonable and will be more supportive for your weight.
-Not quite, but not far off either. It's a good balance of being lightweight for touring, but also stable and capable on the descents.
Hope that helps!
Guys I love your videos. In the future, could you overlay the specs of the skis? Like weight and turn radius. I'm more a visual person and this would help me keep track of which skis are lighter/heavier.
I like the idea for sure. It takes a lot more time to do details like that, so if we go that route, we'll do less videos.
UP NEXT! Freeride/Skimo Touring Ski Comparison (which could also include some of those skis in this video but maybe others you wouldn't quite expect!).
Black Crows is misspelled in the index. Cool skis guys. Love your videos.
Re: TX 93, I have a pair and it is very clearly printed in the sidewall: "Touring Bindings Only".... so yeah, don't put a Shift on it :).... and its 1200g in 170cm, very light. Durability isn't so great, but it skis great, especially if you want a tighter radius and a bit of flex in your touring ski.
Deciding on these now actually. I’m 172-173cm tall and debating a 179cm vs 178cm.
Found this from the early season Ripstick tour 104 video and was wondering which of these skis you’d recommend for trees and steeps (back- and sidecountry) out west. Probably showing my hand by mentioning the RSTs, but maybe there’s something else to look at. Thanks a lot!
I (Jeff) have been loving my Ripstick Tour 104s. Really good ski for steeps and trees. That Enforcer 104 Unlimited is pretty sweet too, but it's heavier... so something to consider. Depends how fast you're skiing and the snow conditions, also how much sidecountry vs true backcountry we're talking. If mostly sidecountry, you can justify a heavier ski IMO. Hope that helps!
Great reviewers…the best.
I’m leaning to trying the Backland 100. My everyday resort ski is the ‘20 Enforcer 100…I ski it at 185”. I’m 6’ and 165lbs.
Would you do similar for backcountry touring on the Backland, OR would you size down to 172, 180?
And while you mentioned that a Shift or more alpine style binding could go on it…are you still ok w/a pin set up …ie. Marker Alpinist or Backland tour?
Thank you!
Thanks!
I'm a Shift fan, but the Backland 180 with a pin binding will be fine. I'm 225 pounds so I like the confidence of the burlier binding, but that's just me.
Quiver question - I have the Ferox Freebird with a kingpin as my go to ski for backcountry/touring, which I love. I’m going to be doing some longer tours over the next few months, so am looking to get a lighter setup for this. What would your thoughts be on getting a Camox Freebird with an alpinist for that? Thanks!
Love that choice for a lighter ski to complement your Ferox Freebird! Go for it. That's a sweet little 2-ski touring quiver.
Volkl BMT's?!? are they in another comparison?
Hi guys! Love the reviews! I have a quick question within the all mountain category of skis (not really relevant to this video). I do a lot of east coast skiing in the resort, but I’m looking to go to college in Colorado and I’m going to vail this winter (hoping to shred some nice pow). I’m about 160 and 5’10, and I’m on the verge of advanced. I’ve mastered carving and basic moguls/trees, but I’m working on improving in the trees and bumps. I’m trying to decide between the qst 98, the enforcer 100, and the Kore 99- which would you suggest?
Go bigger for Colorado! I just ordered the ripstick tour 104 and it will be the narrowest ski I own. I daily drive a ripstick black 106 for resort and I’ve got an atris (108) as my second touring ski and then an animas (115) with Duke PT 16 as my pow/charging ski and I think 106-110 is sweet spot Colorado ski
I would recommend a ski with a twin shape, with more tip and tail rocker and a more centered stance. This type of skis are best in my opinion because they are maneuvrable, have float in powder. Check out Faction Prodigy 3.0, Armada ARV 106, Volkl Revolt 104, Dynastar M-Free 108, Black Crows Atris 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Atomic Bent Chetler 100.
Hey Penny! QST 98 would be my recommendation among those skis. Great mix of performance for Colorado. Chris and Serban mentioned going wider, which you could, but I'd say you certainly don't HAVE to. I've lived in Colorado and skied there a bunch and not every day is a powder day. If this is going to be a daily driver ski, I think right around 100 is a perfectly reasonable choice. You could, however, go wider if you want a more powder/soft snow-focused ski.
Hey guys awesome video, you didn’t showcase frame bindings do you think they aren’t work buying compared to a shift or pt?
I think the only way to justify a frame binding these days is if you have a strict budget you're trying to adhere to. It's impossible to ignore the benefits of bindings like the Shift or Duke PT compared to a frame binding, but a frame binding does allow someone to get their foot in the door as a lower upfront cost.
Zero g-95 is a a ripper mogul ski. Light and fun with white squirrel binnding.. They don´t do 35mm radius anymoire.. Thanks for nice ski presentation.
Oh boy is this great ! ⛷❄️
I live in a place where it doesn't snow so much and is common to ski in the trees, so I'd like something not too big that chan turn really quick and a bit narrow. I like the zero g 95 but I assume that they're not meant for narrow turns right? Because of they're huge stiffness. Should I go on the elan 96?
For more of a versatile and well-rounded feel, I'd definitely look to the Elan. The Zero G is more of a dedicated climber that prefers to have skins on versus being used in a downhill format.
I managed to test the Blizzard Zero G 105s for a couple of runs and found them really easy and intuitive to ski. Very quick to turn also despite the big turn radius. The only downside is the stiffness, which you really feel in slower speeds. In your opinion, what would be a similarly easy ski to handle but a bit more flexible?
Ripstick Tour 104 basically fits that description perfectly. Very easy to ski and a very quick turn, but they perform a lot better at slower speeds IMO.
Thanks, I kind of had that feeling as well from your videos and reviews 👍
please do ski boots review too
G3 ?
Hey Guys,
Would appreciate it if u could help me with a question and give me some advice ... i need a ski (maybe two pairs if U suggest) for multiple areas of application:
i would say i am an intermediate to advanced skier who is attached to the freeride/touring scene and so i want to have a little fun off the track but i also have to ski with family and some friends at the slopes. If i Had to choose one ski i would go maybe with like a around 100mm ski like Reckoner102, Mindbender 99ti, Ranger 102ti, Mantra 102, Rustler11, Backland107 or Ripstick 106. The Ski should be a little more turnable than stiff. But i could also afford two different pairs if this is the only way to go. Then i would go with a racey Allmountain Like the Deacon 84 and a Big Mountain Ski with around 110mm.
Most of the time i am skiing in the Austrian Alps with Not that much Powder as in Jackson Hole or Whistler but next year i am going to go in the Kaukasus.
Would be cool if U could suggest me some options
Love your Reviews
Hey Julian! Alright... I think the way to go here is to focus on this first pair of skis. Get one pair that you know can handle just about anything. I think that's the best method as I think even if you did end up owning multiple pairs, you'd find you still want something in that middle range. There are always going to be days where you don't wait to ski either a 84 underfoot ski or a 110 underfoot ski, so having that middle ground is really nice. Then you can decide whether you want your next pair to be narrower or wider. Does that make sense?
Out of your list, I think the Ranger 102 is a fantastic choice. Ripstick 106 or Reckoner 102 would be my other choices. I don't think the Mindbender or Mantra 102 are light or playful enough for you, and the Rustler or Backland 107 doesn't have the firm snow capabilities you want. Ranger feels very well-rounded. Ripstick is going to be a little softer flexing, then the Reckoner even softer. All 3 could work for what you're looking for, just a matter of which feel you prefer.
Hope that helps!
Nice job. I'm very curious why Dynafit was absent from the line up. They've been a major player
No doubt in the world of touring, Dynafit is right there. We are not a dealer at the moment, so we don't test or review their gear. Hopefully that will change!
Could you please recommend a ski similar to DPS Pagoda 100 Tour? Seems almost impossible to find them in Europe ☹ Many thanks!
I think for a good blend of high-tech materials and performance, I'd look to the Dynastar M-Tour 99 or the Kastle TX 103. We have them in stock here, and are capable of shipping to Europe! www.skiessentials.com/2022-dps-pagoda-tour-100-rp-skis.html
Another superb comparison! Thanks again. One question .. you tend to match heavier bindings with heavier skis, though you always state it is a matter of personal preference. Personally I would see the logic of having a lighter binding on a heavier ski to compensate for the added weight. In your opinion, is there a technical, or safety, reason why it is better to combine a heavier binding with a heavier ski? I have a pair of Nordica Enforcer 100s with Shifts and a pair of Bent Chetler 100s with Quiver Killers so I can mount either Shifts or Dynafit Superlites. Thanks
Nikolai Schirmer tours on a Black Crows Anima with lightweight bindings (check out his channel; his videos are some of the best I've watched, he's an incredible skier), he basically has the same logic as you. Heavy skies for maximum downhill performance with lightweight bindings to make them manageable on the climbs. He's skiing insane lines and spinning off cliffs with that setup no problem
@@src248 True, but he does also explain, that he skis with his bindings very much in mind, and he is careful not to throw them completely sideways in rough snow. So while this kind of setup may work for Nikolai, I would be careful recommending it for anyone less proficient then him. In the end it is up to you of course, but I would say that you tend to ski faster on bigger/heavier skis, therefor a binding with good release qualities is even more important then.
Hi JezC! A couple good replies here already, but figured I'd chime in with my thoughts. For me, it's a safety thing. I basically want to completely eliminate any potential pre-release and want to be able to ski with my full strength, or at least close to it. So, for me personally, partly because I'm not doing any super long tours, I'm willing to work a little harder for just the peace of mind that I'm very unlikely to prerelease on the way back down. Hope that helps clarify my personal preferences.
I know these are smaller brands and for that reason you may not have skied on the, but have you guys tried out the line vison series at all? or the 4rnt raven series? Just wanted to know your thoughts because I know that the reviewers at blister love those skis for touring.
We've been on the Visions and feel that they're just so flexible. For a lot of skiers who are in soft snow primarily, that is a good thing--it doesn't quite jive with the stuff we get here in VT most of the time. They are light!
SE
Why so much shift love? I hated the shifts, sold them after a few tours. They ice up, the brake constantly pops down while touring and they have a known pre release problem. Add to that I know several people who broke them skiing hard. This is a danger when listening to resort skiers talk about touring bindings, people used to resort bindings look at tech heels and get scared, but for no good reason!! I have skied dynafit radical 2’s hard charging (cliffs, jumps, crud, crust, and a few 360’s) inbounds and out for years, never had issues. My only complaint is more feedback. Spring loaded tech heels with rotational release pin toes are hard charging bindings! There is absolutely no need to go to a shift or duke. Those bindings are gimmicky, sidecountry bindings meant more for marketing purposes than real skiing scenarios. And they tour like dog poop. Keep it low tech people ❤
Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for your reviews! I have a question.. I'm next to buy a pair of k2 wayback 106, I'm 177 cm tall and 65 kg, wich length do you raccomend me? I live and ski mostly in the dolomites, but I often travel on more open terrain..will you review them too? Thank you!
179 feels like the way to go in my opinion. It's such a light ski I think it makes sense to go a little longer than you might normally. More stability and edge grip, while still being light and maneuverable.
Thank you! I was thinking 179 or 186.. 186 may be too long?
@@maskits would go for 179
Just ordered waybacks 106 50%off on 2021 model.
Did you guys weight the ferox freebird? Cause in 176 it should be 1750gramms
Yeah, we did. I don't expect our scale was that far off, and it certainly doesn't feel like 1750 g in my hand.
Hey! I’m looking for a light touring ski but I’m a big guy, 205cm and 110kg’s. Difficult to find a lighter touring ski in a good length for me, what would you guys recommend?
Hi Axel! Bob's not far off from your size. You're taller, but weight is comparable I'd say. He now owns a pair of the Enforcer Unlimited and really enjoys it. Plenty of stability for him. I'd also add that Marcus, our inventory manager, is about 6'6" and 225 lbs. He's had a Hannibal 106 in his quiver for a few seasons and thoroughly enjoys that ski. So, certainly some skis out there that will work for bigger guys!
Is the Rise Beyond replacing Blaze? Comparison between the two? Thanks fellas!
noop, rise beyond is the even lighter version, blaze you can actually rip pretty hard on.
Nope, pewpewpew hit the nail on the head. Rise Beyond is more touring focused, Blaze is more lightweight resort or 50/50 resort/AT.
I'm not wrong to have 120 full rocker skis on tec toes 🤙
why no head kore? 93, 99 and 105 seems like a good range for this video? light stiff etc (I ski an older version of the 93 as my all mountain ski) its great except it chatters at high speed but spent some time in Canada and fell in love with it!
For our Touring comparisons, we like to stick to what the manufacturers refer to as their touring models. Certainly the Kore, and other skis like Elan Ripstick will fit into the weight class here, but we decide to draw the same line as the ski companies just to keep things simple. If you watch our videos about the Kore, we definitely try to mention that they work well in a touring capacity because they're so light.
Between the Origin 106 BC and the Zero G 105 what has better tail rocker & front rocker profiles. I'm looking to be able to maneuver around trees , bust through crud and break my turns out in punchy crust?
The Origin is more freeride-shaped than the Zero G. Both have pretty flat tails, while the tip rocker shape for the Origin BC is rounder and more compliant when it comes to softer snow, trees, and crud. The Zero G is stiffer overall, and lighter, so it kind of depends if you like the feel of the full-carbon of the Blizzard or a bit more of a woody feel out of the Liberty. Have fun!
SE
Which ski perform best on crud, crust, tracked? I ride enforcer 104 free today but too hard to turn in forrest, however I always appreciated their stability in varying snow conditions.
The Hannibal is a pretty sturdy ski. I'd say that in the 96 is one of the better options on this wall.
Great video! But ask Kastle if you can put a Kingpin-type binding on the TX-series without loosing the warranty!
The Kastle rep in my area has had Kingpins, Shifts, and Alpine demo bindings on TX Kastles. Not sure why any would void the warranty? The newest TX's are beefier than the last Gen and would go well with a beefier binding like the kingpins. If I bought a TX103 thats what I would mount. I own the past generation TX98 at 1350g in a 188cm. Running Dynatfits which I am not a big fan of as they ice up like crazy and are just OK on the downhill.
I don't know why that would void the warranty, but I'll certainly reach out and find out.
What about Armada Tracer 98 ? To which of these skis could it be compared ?
Tracer 98 is heavier than most of the skis up here. It would be on the right side of the wall for sure and realistically is best as a 50/50 resort/touring ski, or even 70/30 resort/touring, while most of these lean more towards touring use in our opinion.
Thanks a lot ! Do you mean that it is less maneuverable uphill due to the weight (I guess ) or is it also less suitable for descents on terrain with backcountry difficulties?
What I dont get is the Voelkl difference between the BMT 90 and the Rise Beyond 96 (besides the obvious width change). Is the Rise Beyond just a wider BMT? But they have a 109 BMT. Weight-wise they seem to be comparable, but the Rise Beyond is much cheaper. Is there something the customer is missing? The BMT is marketed to better skiers, but why?
Carbon. BMT skis all have the carbon jacket while the Rise Beyond is a simpler wood core construction. The BMT 90 is considerably stiffer and more responsive than the Rise Beyond.
Any feedback on the Fritschi Vipec Evo 12 tech bindings?
Nothing to report on from our end, perhaps someone else on the thread will chime in?
You guys rock, viva Vermont!
Thank you, it's fun here!
@@SkiEssentials Went with a camox freebird with a BD helio 350 as a 50/50 set up, appreciate all you do!
So many bad reviews on shifts and pt’s online about reliability and durability has me considering a binding like a rotation 14 or backland. Have you seen durability issues with the shift and PT?
Not really. None other than the online reviews, but maybe you just don't hear about the good times people have on those bindings?
Would love to know your take on Faction's line up. I know you don't mention them because you probably don't carry them but I'm curious.
I think Faction makes some great skis. We get a lot of questions about them and have done a decent amount of testing on them. Someday, you may see the brand in our content.
why are they so narrow? touring on a wider ski not great?
Same reason why you see a range in width in resort skis. Different snow conditions, not always touring in soft snow, etc etc. There are certainly a lot of big wide touring skis, like the Bent Chetler 120, for example.
I feel like both of you are scared of pin bindings! I just mounted a pair of Black Crows Ferox with an ATK Raider 12 + Freeride spacer and love the setup. I have no idea why you would want to take a heavier ski and then mount a heavy ass binding. Just my opinion. I trust the pins and have never had issues in the resort or backcountry.
There's a lot of skiers who seem to buy touring skis with the intention of touring, but in reality end up in the resort quite a bit. For those skiers, the hybrid style seems a bit more in line with what they're actually going to use the setup for. We've certainly seen some high-level skiing done on pin bindings, and if a pro skier can be confident on a pin setup, than our guess is that most recreational level skiers can too.
@@SkiEssentials Yeah, I would agree with that. Thanks for the reply and keep up the awesome work guys!
Oh Black Crows, PLEASE give me a 192 ferox freebird, please?
You did say please... We'll pass along the message since you asked so nicely!
You're level of discomfort with "mousse" (two s's) being a component of ski construction is hilarious. It's the future, man. Ride the mousse wave or get out of the way.
Indeed, extreme discomfort.
Twin tip
Carbonne Mousse...
I do not think it's edible.