2021 Men's Mid-80 mm All-Mountain Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- Next up will be a handful of women's ski comparisons, men's mid-90 all-mountain, twin tips, and more!
00:00 - Introduction
2:30 - Salomon QST 85
5:30 - K2 Mindbender 85
8:30 - Atomic Vantage 86 C
11:45 - Volkl Bash 86
15:00 - Nordica Soul Rider 87
19:10 - Dynastar M-Pro 84
22:50 - Nordica Navigator 85
26:40 - Rossignol Experience 84 AI
31:00 - Blizzard Brahma 82
34:25 - Volkl Kanjo 84
38:30 - Head Kore 87
41:45 - Elan Wingman 86 CTI
47:10 - Kastle FX 86
51:00 - K2 Disruption 82Ti
55:50 - Fischer RC One 86 GT
1:00:10 - Salomon S/Force Bold
1:03:05 - Volkl Deacon 84
1:06:55 - Stockli Laser AR
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
These are my favorite videos going these days, I love being in the market for all kinds of skis
I think you guys should do a wall of touring skis one day!
We're planning on it!
Great overview guys! Can’t wait to get those Elan Wingmans on the slope this coming season!!!
Great advice. SE staff really know their products.
Thanks Keith!
Really like the idea of ranging them by price!
Best ski reviews on RUclips!
Very helpful. Hope you do this again!
Hi Patrick!
We'll fire up comparison season sometime in September--keep on the lookout!
SE
This review does make we want to add a Nordica Soul Rider for fun days
I think the EXP 84 AI is perfect for an advanced telemark skier - at least as part of a quiver (since the gear makes it hard to overpower the ski) and it's super fun in the bumps. I think it would also be about perfect for an intermediate alpine skier. Super carvy, but easy to release the turn so it makes it easy to vary the turn radius. It does have just enough tail rocker to ski switch.
Great videos! I like your comparisons alot! Are you going to make comparison of mid-90's? So that you could try to compare Line Blades to other skis...
Yes! Kind of saving the best for last, so to speak.
Just bought a nordica navigator 85 with marker griffon 13 for 200$.that the beauty of a ski that is under the radar!!!!thanks guy's you rock!!!
Heck yeah! Fantastic find!!
How is it?? Is it geared more to intermediate skiers?
@@jdjsnwsh9674 Advanced skiers will enjoy the Navigator too. Good performance for a lot of skiers!
My budget is a $1000 lighter after Deacon 84 purchase . But despite of that fact , I'm one happy camper . That ski rocks !
LOVE the Deacon 84! Such a fun ski, so versatile.
I know this may be a bit of a contrary opinion, and I 100% recognize that the tune was likely 90% of it, but on a hard crusty day, I back to back skied the Nordica Navigator 85 and then the Enforcer 88 (after the glowing review on this channel), and I have never skied a ski that I thought was more dangerous in icy conditions than the Navigator and then went out on The Enforcer 88 and it felt 10,000x more safe & grippy. If you ski where it's icy, metal is your friend, in softer conditions I'm sure the Navigator is amazing.
Could have a lot to do with the tune, your ability level, and the fact you were on really firm snow. There's undoubtedly more power and vibration damping in the Enforcer 88, so it's always going to respond better on the feet of an aggressive skier. I think the big difference is the Navigator can feel really fun and responsive at slow speeds and on the feet of a less aggressive skier. I'm not surprised you felt that way based off all the interactions we've had.
Thank you, gentlemen, so much for this and all of your reviews. I enjoy learning about what makes skis great from you guys given all of the different conditions and applications. I especially appreciate the commentary and analysis of what makes a great mogul ski. So far, I have only skied the Brahma 82, which I loved for carving up the groomed, but did not get a chance to ski bumps. The Soul Rider 87 sounds like a really great all- mountain mogul ski for me, as I tend to prefer less metal in the bumps. The Head Core looks pretty intriguing, too. I am 5' 8.5" and 135 lbs. Any recommendations as to which of these is best in the bumps?
Thanks David! The Brahma 82 can be a good bump ski, but it's more demanding than skis like the Soul Rider or the Kore. I do think it's fair to say the Kore is one of the best mogul skis in this comparison, and probably the best for the biggest range of skiers. In other words, you don't have to be the world's best skier to enjoy it in moguls, where a ski like the Brahma 82 requires a reasonably experienced, skilled skier. For your size, a 171 cm Kore 87 feels like a really good choice if you're looking for a good mogul ski.
@@SkiEssentials Perfect! I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond and for your recommendation! You guys are the best!
@@davidborof607 happy to help, David! We love talking about skis.
Great review! In terms of the soul rider 87 having a full sidewall how hooky or catchy are they in groomer use in comparison to a ski, twin tip that caps tip and tail portion of the ski? Does a full side wall “lock” you into a turn quite a bit more? Or is there still ease of moving quickly, getting out or slashing out of the turn with ease, etc? Keep up the great content and appreciate the knowledge!
Yes and no... It's still a pretty darn playful ski and in my opinion it doesn't feel too demanding at all. I slash and smear turns on mine all the time. That said, it does have more torsional stiffness than cap construction twin tips, so I definitely wouldn't be surprised if a beginner/intermediate level skier found it was more hooky and catchy. A reasonably good skier, however, won't have any problem whatsoever.
What skis would you recommend, I’m 155lbs 177cm tall. Intermediate skier who skis mostly groomers but like to go off piste when their is fresh snow :) love the channel
Volkl Kanjo 84, Head Kore 87, Nordica Navigator 85... those all feel like good choices. You could also consider bumping up to the 90 category into something like the Elan Ripstick 88, Mindbender 90C. I think a ski that's reasonably lightweight, in the 85-93ish range underfoot, and with a decent amount of rocker is going to be the best choice for you.
Really enjoying these videos! I'm a snowboarder switching over to skis now and live in Pennsylvania (east coast crud). I'm looking for a good intermediate ski that will carry me into better turns and more fun ahead. I'm pretty big, 6'2 220lbs so always looking for advice that is geared toward the bigger guys. I was thinking the Nordica Navigator 85, any thoughts!? Thanks!
Hey William! Navigator 85 could be a lot of fun. Should be supportive for your size, while still being relatively easy to ski and good for the conditions where you live.
Great video lots of good advice. I am thinking about the Deacon 84s. I am 6'4'' 245lb so naturally I move pretty fast. Will the Deacons kill me occasionally in the tree or light powder? Maybe the Kenjos instead? Thanks for your help.
Hmm... no, the Deacons won't kill you in the trees of light powder, but I wonder if maybe the Kendo is better. The only problem some people have with the Kendo is it's heavier, and thus more demanding/requires more work to maneuver. At your size, however, I don't foresee that being an issue whatsoever. So, Kendo kind of makes more sense to me for you based on your size. A little more surface area and more rocker, so a little better in the trees and powder, and the weight factor is negated.
I super super appreciate all you guys do here! I do have one question. Why do you guys not talk about the skis performance in the bumps? Maybe you do and I always miss it!
I think we talk more about mogul performance in our singular in-depth reviews than in these comparisons, although anytime we mention maneuverability in off-piste situations, moguls falls into that category.
Love the reviews. I want every ski here but need to pick one. I like what the Brahma 82 is all about but as you have mentioned it’s for a more advanced skier. In another thread you recommended for a intermediate the kanjo, navigator and the vantage. How about the armada declivity ? ( mainly because there are such awesome deals on that ski where I am). Am a lower intermediate working on improving technique. Mainly on groomers but as technique improves will look for more experience on moguls and in trees. Mainly smaller east coast mountains. Thoughts?
I do think the Declivity 82 could be skied by an intermediate without any issues, yeah. Similar characteristics to the Navigator in a lot of ways, actually. It's a great ski on groomers, but its shape gives you some versatility too. Should work well for what you're doing!
Great vid guys. What would you say is the main difference in between the Kanjo and the Experience 84? Thanks!
They're pretty darn similar... I think the Kanjo feels more energetic, a little more pop when you're coming out of a turn. The Experience is a little smoother. The tip shape helps with that, and I think there's slightly more vibration damping in their construction.
Skied my AR’s this morning on hardpack at -5F; swapped over to my Stormrider 95’s for the afternoon. It warmed up to 15F, but still pretty darn firm. Neither ski cares. They just go. Why buy 3 mediocre skis when you can just buy 1 Stockli !
You really want to see and feel what happens when the slopes turn to icy chalk and you get on the WRT ST then :):):) You will forget the AR...but you will still want to keep the SRs for the afternoon.
Hey Guys, what would you recommend for me being 6,6ft and 260pounds ? I do ski 100% time on piste and want to have ski for all day from morning groomed to afternoon soft snow ? I have great deal on wingman 86cti but little worried on being too wide there. Any recommendation from rossignol/elan/volkl ? Thanks
Hey, trying to do some research before buying my first skis! I'm 5'6 160 lb and ski almost exclusively New England, mostly the smaller MA mountains with the occasional trip farther North, so usually somewhat icy stuff. I'd say I'm fairly advanced, I don't feel uncomfortable on any of the blacks in even at the bigger Northeast mountains. I do like to carve at speed (and if I have to pick one, carve for sure), one of the reasons why I'm looking to buy skis is because I feel like rentals are always floppy at speed, and I love the "snappy" feeling that better skis give when I'm able to borrow from friends. No glades or anything, always on the groomed stuff. From the video/your website, I've considered the Brahma 82, Kore 87, Ripstick 88, Experience 88 Ti, any help narrowing down (or even another suggestion altogether)? Also any recommendations on length for that pick (I like the lightness of rental 160 but I like the speed of 170... so I'm guessing somewhere in between? Though I imagine speed has something to do w/ wax job as well...) My wallet would like to keep it to ONE ski!
Hey Alex!
I think the Kore 87 and Ripstick 88 would both be good skis for you. Experience 88 Ti could work too, although I think the shape of the Kore and Ripstick would be easier for you coming off mostly rental skis. The Brahma 82 is a stiffer, more demanding ski, which I think you'd find to be too much of a handful and too fatiguing. It also might slow your progression. Both the Kore 87 and Ripstick 88 are great skis with high performance ceilings, but they're approachable for skiers like yourself. Experience 88 Ti is similar, but feels a little heavier. For length, yeah, I think the mid-upper 160 cm range will be the sweet spot for you. Hope that helps!
Great info. I am looking to upgrade my skis. I ski bumps about 75% of the time in Pennsylvania. Looking for some advice on something I can move good with in bumps but also use around the rest of resort. Ive been skiing about 28 years and would say I am at the advanced level. I'm 5"9" 190lbs, currently on a 170 ski that only has a 70mm waist, older ski. I appreciate any advice. From video the Head Kore 87 and Volkl Kanjo 84 really caught my eye but I am open to your advice. Thank you
Kore 87 would be a really, really good choice for that application. If you're in moguls more than anything else, that shape is pretty much perfect, and still performs well around the rest of the resort too. I just like the extra tip and tail taper and rocker compared to the Kanjo 84 in moguls. If it was the other way around, 75% on trail, 25% moguls, I might go Kanjo, but Kore 87 feels great for what you like to do. I think 171 cm is the way to go for length too to retain that maneuverability and playfulness.
What skis would you recommend from your lists? I’m mostly on groomers and usually on blue or little bit of black runs. Im 186cm tall and about 170lbs. Please let me know. Thank you
Nordica Navigator 85, Rossi Experience 84 AI, Volkl Kanjo 84, or Wingman 86 CTI (or just TI) would all be good skis to consider. If you're spending most of your time on groomers, you'll appreciate the longer effective edges on those skis compared to some others in this video. They're all also relatively easy to ski, but still have a high performance ceiling. In other words, they'll feel fun and responsive on blue slopes, but hold up to more aggressive skiing and steeper terrain too. The Wingman would be the most aggressive out of all of those. For length, I'd stick in the low to mid-180 range. You could go down to high-170s if you specifically like shorter skis, but I think something like the 182 Kanjo 84 would be a good sweet spot.
Great video. Thank you very much. I am looking at getting my first pair of skis. I have only rented thus far, but feel like it's time to get my own pair. I am 5'9" 165lbs. I ski in CO (Breckenridge mostly and other similar areas). I would say I am a level 4 out of 9 skier. Very comfortable on greens and easy blues. I am thinking an all mountain ski since almost all the runs are groomed, however, there are quite a few powder days (so I'd like something that doesn't get easily bogged down in a few inches of snow). I've heard varying things about whether to get metal or non-metal (light or heavy). I ski about 10-15 days a year. What skis would you recommend for me? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Something like the Volkl Kanjo would work well for you. It has a forgiving flex and is fairly lightweight. The partial metal laminate adds stability and damping to the ski without adding a lot of weight
What kind of skier would prefer Elan Ripstick 88 over Wingman 86 CTI, and vice versa? How much fresh pow would be too much for the Wingman? It seems to have a pretty wide shovel, so curious how the float is.
Wingman skier is likely staying on trail 80-90% of their tie, Ripstick skier is someone who likes moguls, bumps, playing around on the sides of trails, etc. The Wingman is definitely the better carving ski, but its shape loses some versatility. In my opinion, even around 4 inches of fresh snow would start to be more difficult to ski in the Wingman, mostly due to the flatter tail and what happens with maneuverability in deeper snow. More difficult to release the tail edge.
Excellent! How would you rate the Elan Wingman 86 TI, without the carbon?
Still really good! It's not quite as responsive as the CTI version, but just as much vibration damping and still a powerful ski on firm snow. You really have to ski them back to back to notice a difference. Both are great skis.
I'm an east coast skier, 6' tall, 150 lbs, intermediate to upper intermediate. I'm looking for something quick for moguls and glades. I don't charge down groomers but I do go faster than cruising. some float in a bit of powder is appreciated. However, I'm lazy and like something lightweight. Which of these would you recommend as an easygoing, lightweight, and quick ski?
Sounds like what I want would be in atomic vantage? Volkl kanjo? Head kore?
Hey JP! Kanjo feels like a great choice for you. Kore could work really well too. Vantage skis tend to be kind of challenging in moguls because they don't have much rocker. I'm leaning towards Kanjo. I really like the updates to that ski and it fits your description pretty perfectly.
Great comparison! How the Liberty v82 would compare to these skis?
Our Liberty order literally showed up right after we finished filming this... :(
It's a great ski. Compares well to the Brahma 82 and even the Laser AR. Smooth, powerful, quiet ski with lots of edge grip.
Great video. I'm 5'10" 190lbs. Ski mostly Mammoth Mountain groomers, powder when it dumps and occasionally in the trees. I would consider myself intermediate. Any recommendations?
Hey Ryan! I lived in Mammoth for a year a while back, so pretty familiar with the terrain and snow conditions out there. It might make sense to go wider into the mid-90 range. Your groomers are typically pretty soft, and a wider ski would give you more versatility off trail and in powder. Elan Ripstick 96 comes to mind as a good ski that's approachable for an intermediate and really good in all of those areas. Blizzard Rustler 9 would be cool too. Realistically there are lots of skis that would work, but both of those feel like great Mammoth skis to me.
Now I want to go ski Mammoth...
OK, that sounds great! I really want an SR105, but hear that they are coming out with an SR 102. Any Beta on that?
I also have the AX from 3 years back. Do you have any thoughts on the AX versus the AR?
The Stormrider 102 is really fun. I've been on it 4-5 times now and really enjoy skiing it. There's a touch more rocker than the 105 and to me it feels a little more playful while still having that Stockli feel and precision. The AX and AR are pretty similar skis to me. We've actually skied them back to back pretty recently. The AR just feels a little more compliant in un-groomed snow, or poorly groomed groomers. The extra width helps and to me it feels a little softer in the tips and tails.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks for the feedback on the AR compared to the AX. They are very similar and despite the extra width, I feel like the AR is little more precise. Both are great skis and a lot of fun on those firmer days. Do you know if the 102 is available yet? Love to grab a pair. A little more rocker is super as I ski at Grand Targhee or Nagano, Japan. Please let me know as I will be moving back to Japan later this year if they open up. Thanks!
Could you guys possibly put the weights of the skis next to the names in your timelines? Would be very helpful!! Also, an expert (Spec Ops) skier was telling me to go with narrower skis in the 72-85cm range to actually control the skis. He said wider skis in the 100cm range are controlling the skier more than the skier controlling the skis. Your opinion? Also as far as float goes he says why would you want to float in powder? Better to sink down into pow on narrower skis and enjoy it! Says if you're floating you might as well ski on grooms! Again your thoughts? Cool thanks man!
I can try to find time to add weights, sure! Can't promise when I'll get to it, but I'll try.
I can't help but disagree with that idea for the most part. I spend plenty of time on wider skis and I never feel like they're controlling me. I understand what he's saying, but I don't think it's necessarily true. Wider skis require a higher edge angle to do the same things as narrower skis, which requires more angulation, etc etc. On the other hand, wider skis allow for more variety in turn styles. It's easier to release the tail edge when there's more surface area back there, so in theory, a wider ski is easier to pivot, at least in a lot of situations. For example, if I were to take a pair of 185 cm GS skis into the trees, I would feel like the ski was controlling me. It'd be a wild ride, that's for sure. lots of quick adjustments, and super tiring. A wider ski with more tail rocker allows for more control in a situation like that, at least in my opinion.
There's something to be said about skiing powder on a narrower ski. It can be fun being chest deep in snow and letting your skis sink, but it's also fun to be on something that planes at slower speeds and thus turns into something that's more like how a surfboard moves through water, or how a boat hull moves through water. Truly floating on powder is a feeling that can't be mimicked anywhere on firm snow. So, yeah, it's fun to sink sometimes, but it's also fun to float and be surfy, smeary, etc.
Hi Guys you do a excellent job , I am looking for an all mountain ski, I currently ski Dynastar 12ti 181 for front side ski. Great ski for me ,but my 2020 Elan 96 181cm which I hoped would be all mountain but at speed frontside use is unstable, it is quick, like the lightness , good in bumps and powder . Which all mountain ski will give me a better front side carving and blend the Elan 96 performance. Thxs
Hey Tom! Sounds like you might really like the Nordica Enforcer. Similar shape to the Ripstick, but more vibration damping and more stability at speed. You could also do something like the Blizzard Brahma 88, keep your Ripsticks, and have a 3 ski quiver. Frontside ski, strong all-mountain/carving ski, playful all-mountain ski.
Who is the kastle fx86 for? I live in the easter europe and sometimes go out in the alps. Im 6ft and 135pounds. My level isu almost advanced. Could the ski handle some not so deep powder?
Off-piste skier who doesn't need something especially wide, or doesn't encounter deep powder very often. It can be a resort ski or a touring ski, but definitely has more of an off-trail mentality. Sounds like it would work really well for you as a backcountry ski for the alps. That's basically what it's designed for!
Great work boys! No Black Crows Divus.. looks solid?
The Divus is a fun ski for sure! We just didn't have it available for this comparison. We have done some testing on it, however, and plan to have it in our 2022 Ski Test.
Best carving, s force bold or deacon 84?
I am a heavier skier, 5' 10" at 190 lbs. I am comfortable in blue and black diamonds, and consider myself an intermediate skier but I don't get out much. I have had seasons where I didn't ski at all, and in a good year maybe I'll ski twice during the season. Despite that, I want to purchase a ski and stop renting. A few decades ago I owned a pair of traditional skis, which gets to my age: I'm 60, and less energetic than I used to be. I ski mostly in the east, where the conditions can be icy. I mostly ski the groomers but I want to be able to go elsewhere. I was thinking about the QST 85 or the MPRO 84, but what do you think? And at what length? Thanks!
I expect you'd prefer the M-Pro 84 over the QST 85. The tail of the M-Pro is a little stronger, which will likely feel more familiar to you considering your background. I also think it's a little better on firm east coast conditions than the QST. For length, I think 177 cm is probably best. That should feel manageable, while also being supportive and stable for your size. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Thanks a bunch!
I am 186 cm talk and 71kg. I am looking for an all mountain ski because I want to have the flexibility to go off the groomed trail and get into the powder. Which one would you recommend? I was thinking of the Blizzard Brahma, atomic vantage or the völkl deacon/kenjo.
Yeah, Brahma 82 or Deacon 84 would be really good for that. Kanjo too if you want to up the playfulness factor and are willing to give up some edge grip. Brahma 82 and Deacon are better if you want to maximize carving performance, but Kanjo is definitely more playful.
@@SkiEssentials thank you for your reply! What do you think about the Kendo 88 by Völkl? By the way your videos are really helpful !
Are there any skis on the wall that have much better edge grip on hard pack and piste carving performance than the Brahma 82? Also looking in the 72-86 frontside comparison. I really love my new 180cm WRTs on piste - absolutely amazing. I absolutely hate them off piste and in moguls. My Brahma 82 are infinitely more forgiving, more fun and just generally more enjoyable in those conditions. Starting to wonder if I should try and trade them in for a more well rounded ski like the SC / AX or AR or get something cheap to supplement them. I did try the Atomic X9 off piste but they were nowhere near as nice as the Brahma. Instructor courses wanting me to ski a narrow stiff piste ski for every condition is making me sad. If anyone should have a ton of skis for every condition it's a seasonaire!
I think it would be fair to say that the 5 skis on the right side of the wall, or the last 5 skis in the written comparison can all match the Brahma 82 in terms of overall edge grip. There are a lot of differences among them, but they are all strong skis with good edge grip. Do your courses not wanting you skiing the Brahma 82? That seems like such a perfect ski for instructing to me...
@@SkiEssentials Nope they're not a fan. I thought it would be a great all around ski (and they certainly are) but when it comes to passing technical exams they're a bit wide and a bit much rocker and not that stiff. Weirdly my edge got cracked the other day and the shop has agreed to replace them. Stockli told me the SC is probably their best mogul ski. Would you agree? Any others worth considering that are also piste performance / race?
What would be a upgrade / next ski for the RTM !!! I ski in Indiana ! Midwest / east. I like to ski the sides of the runs on the "knuckles" of the trail .
Deacon! The Deacon line is the direct replacement for the RTM skis. Similar performance, more refined shapes and construction.
I have a beloved pair of Blizzard LatiGo 78, they're getting pretty old ~ 100 days. The Brahma 82 look like I need to try.
I've got the LatiGo too. I only use them when it hasn't snowed in a while, but they're my favorite groomer/bump ski here in Colorado.
Yes! Any Latigo skier is going to love the Brahma 82. That was my first thought when I saw it... Looks like a Latigo!
I’ve been riding some second hand Salomon Crossmax skis(after riding rentals for a long time) and now looking for my first nice new skis. I’m in the Midwest comfortable on blues and some blacks. Once upon a time I lived in the PNW and would have said I was advanced probably now intermediate having only gone a couple of times per year lately. I was eyeing up the Kanjo 84 but also interested in the Head Kore 87. Mostly front side in the Midwest; but maybe some some dabbling out of bounds and one to two trips west this year. I look for fun and control more than speed but I’m not slow by any means. Any thoughts or other suggestions are appreciated.
Check out the mindbender 90ti. I have the 108 and they are soooo awesome. I have demoed the 99ti and that was probably the most fun I have ever had carving in the afternoon. Haven’t tried the 90ti but will definitely demo and most probably buy those as my next pickup!
Hey Neil! I love the idea of the Volkl Kanjo for you. Kore could work too, but its shape isn't quite as good on groomers in my opinion. The flex pattern can also make it somewhat unforgiving for an intermediate. Not terribly challenging to ski, but I do think the Kanjo is easier. Kanjo feels like it checks all your boxes. Great on the frontside, but can handle off trail conditions and won't feel terribly out of place out wesr.
Eric brought up the Mindbender 90Ti, which is a fantastic ski, but maybe a little heavy for your current ability level. If you decide to go that route, I would actually consider the Mindbender 90C.
That said, I have no reason to steer you away from a Kanjo. It feels like a great ski for you.
Hi I'm from Australia, 29 years old, I'm short,165cm(5ft4inches) and 60kg (132 pounds). Experienced skier, it's mainly groomed runs or crud in Australia and harder snow. Im looking for something to replace my atomic nomad ti from 2014 or 2015. I have the salomon rocker2 108 for overseas powder like Japan. Tossing up between the supershape etitan, deacon84 or the vshape v10? Any recommendations?
Hey Ben!
In my opinion, the Deacon 84 will give you the most versatility. Quicker, more responsive, and a little easier to flick around when you're not just carving. It doesn't feel quite as damp as the Titan or V10, but you definitely gain some energy over those 2 skis. The Titan and V10 actually feel like relatively similar skis to me, which both feel more focused on carving-specific performance than the Deacon. That's my opinion, at least.
Hi, Nice comparison! I ski in Maine currently on a Rustler 9 180. I am looking for a ski for harder condition days, and with good carving ability. From looking at your comparisons the Brahma 82 stood out as a possibility. I’m an advanced skier. 5’10” 186lbs. I am not the most aggressive skier, but I would still classify myself on the aggressive side of the scale. I also want a ski that is good and stable at high speed. I am thinking in a 180? Any others to consider in this similar price point? Thank you!
Hey! Maine! I (Jeff) grew up in Maine! Go Shawnee Peak!
Anyways, yeah, Brahma 82 would be excellent for that application. I really like that ski because you get high levels of carving performance, but because it's a flat ski, it feels a little more versatile and slightly more playful than most skis in that width range. Feels like a really nice complement to your Rustler 9 too, and you already know you like the Blizzard "feel." 180 cm, yup, I agree. Go for it, you'll love them.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you Jeff!
Hey Charles....was personally looking at getting a pair of the Rustler 9s, but I keep seeing conflicting opinions on them. Do you not feel like they are good for carving on groomed trails?
Hey, quick question are you guys going to do a Men’s Freestyle Twin Tip 2021 comparison and review this year? Thanks.
Yup! Planning to do that in the coming weeks.
Skiessentials.com Perfect! and can you answer this question for me real quick i’ve been skiing all my life on the east coast the glades, groomers, moguls, etc. So I’d consider myself a intermediate/advanced skier But I want to get into park. Any suggestions? I’ve looked at the armada edollo’s and armada arv 96.
@@marcofoosh2201 I'd go ARV 96 over E-Dollo just because it's a little more well-rounded as an all-mountain ski. Dynastar Menace 98, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred... those would all be good skis to consider too.
Skiessentials.com thank you so much
Will you guys do the superwide review?:D
Planning on it! A couple women's comparisons first, then men's mid-90, then big skis and twin tips left!
I want to add a ski to my Alps quiver (which basically covers 68-109 widths) and I was going to get the ‘20 Firebird HRC (where I have an X9i WB and a Hero Elite Plus) but have opportunity to get ‘20 S Force Bold locally (where I already have the 86 GT and the Deacon 84). Which of Bold/HRC would be more versatile and unique/less like what I already have?
S/Force Bold has a lot of similarities with the 86 GT. Obviously the shapes are different, but I feel like between the 86 GT and Deacon 84, you've kind of got that covered. Firebird HRC would be a cool addition to your quiver!
@@SkiEssentials Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the personalized recommendations
@@SkiEssentials Would a 182 HRC be too long for aggressive fast expert, 5’7, 180? The 174 is still available, but maybe a bit short for my purposes?
@@christopherg.argyris8923 For how it's going to fit in your quiver, I think 182 would be pretty awesome. It'll feel more like a true GS ski. I say go for it.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks Jeff
As far as I am concerned you are the best in the business. I am Japanese and was wondering if you have had the chance to review any Ogasaka skis? They are well regarded here but I don't think they make it to non-Asian markets. In addition, I am a lifetime skier and would put myself in between intermediate and advanced. I need a late season ski in the 80s for non-powder days at my local mountain Kijimadaira. Look forward to your advice.
Thanks, JP P!
We've certainly heard of them, and sometimes see them on the hill, but it hasn't come up in any of our review/content discussions. From what we have skied, though, I'd take a strong look at Stockli Laser AR, Volkl Kanjo 84, or Black Crows Vertis. All great choices in the mid-80's range for a variety of conditions and terrain. Have fun!
I really love the K2 designs, and they get a lot of positiv reviews. Can't decide on the MTI or 82 TI thou... I'm 165lbs and 5'9", mostly groomers, love to carve but don't want to "get tired" (physically, and bored) after a long day. Ranging from light carving runs to some runs during the day pushing high speed turns and more aggressive, to push my technique and get that racy feel. Mostly red slopes, some black. Intermidiate skier. Don't want the skies to throw me off the slope if I am pushing it.. something I can grow with! It seems that they have a lot in common, and I am afraid I will loose some playfullness and carving abilities picking the 82TI.. My heart say MTI, but afraid it will "punish" me or tire me out. Please help, I can't seem to decide!! p.s. have a pair of Dynastar Contact XT 10 now, and they are No Problemo what so ever.
I'm sure you'd enjoy skiing both of them. I have the MTI personally and love it on groomers, but I do feel like it has its limitations in softer snow. Just gets bogged down more easily. It is quicker edge to edge and more precise than the 82, so if you're willing to give up a little bit of soft snow performance, go MTI. If you're looking for more of a carving all-mountain ski, however, I do think there are a lot of benefits to the wider 82... Hope that helps!
Could you please help me compare my Volkl rtm 81 2017 vs Volkl Kanjo 84 2022? Thank you.
Kanjo 84 is a more versatile ski. Better in bumps and trees, actually just better any time you're off a groomer. It doesn't have quite the edge grip or stability at high speed on firm snow as the RTM, but it's also not tremendously far off. The Deacon 80 and 84 are closer comparisons to the RTM, those are the replacements for the RTM series.
Would the sick day 88 be a solid investment?
Yes! Sick Days are great skis.
How do you think of ARMADA skis in this range?
It's hard to really generalize all of Armada skis into one description or category. They have a wide range of skis designed for different ski styles that all do their respective jobs very well! From the ARV, to the Declivity, to the Tracer, all of those product lines have a ski in the mid 80mm category designed to do different things. Its been nice to see Armada broaden their horizons over the course of the last few years. Traditionally a very freestyle/freeride-oriented brand, they now have a wide range of product that caters to a lot of different skiers.
which of these performed the best in bumps
Pretty much everything from the Soul Rider 87 to the Kore 87 is really good in bumps. Picking the best out of that group would depend on skiing style, whether you're pivoting and smearing turns through the bumps, or skiing a straighter, more zipper-line style.
I hate the Brahma 82 to stiff for me. I bought it this year but just to much for me. I need something lighter snappy and playful. Any suggestions.
I guess it's all relative. They are a very easy playful ski compared to all of the frontside piste skis i've used. I had to go back to a piste ski as it wasn't stiff or grippy enough for hard pack conditions. Very versatile ski if there is a bit of snow. Rustler 9 should be softer if you wanted to go wider and more off piste oriented. Head supershapes are very soft - maybe an e-rally but I wouldn't expect it to be as good off piste as your Brahma. Blizzard black pearl might be a softer Brahma - I know it's marketed to women but it's a beautiful looking ski.
Hey Kevin! The Wingman from Elan would be a good one to take a look at. You could do the Wingman 82 CTI to stick in the same width range. Definitely lighter, slightly shorter turn radius, and more playful overall.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks. How about Kanjo 84. Or Nordica 85 navigator
Thoughts
Yall ever show love for icelantic skis?
Not yet, but that could change!
Does that QST have any off piste capabilities?
Yes! What's nice about the QST is even though it doesn't get all the fancy construction, it shares a similar shape with the rest of the QST line. That makes it really fun off-piste! Obviously not super wide for deep snow, but every other application it'll be a lot of fun.
@@SkiEssentials I know I'm skiing powder when I can't see the skis. A premium run is when I only see the skis at the lift. I use width for leverage on how hard/easy I feather the edges in a smear. This all works while the skis are in the snow.
It would help if you would put the names of skis to stay on screen while you are talking about it. I find it difficult to follow all the model names. Thanks, great explanations all round :)
We'll make a note of that for future videos!
Hi there! I was very attracted by your introduction regarding genders... so, you're saying that basically a 170cm K2 Mindbender 85 "W" it's equal to a 170cm K2 Mindbendere "male" ? that'd be killer, as I found a truly good offer for the "W"... according to K2's website, the "W's" should be less "structured"... could that be?
Thanks a LOOOT!!! 4 your reply.
Identical construction between those two skis!
What about Powder Skis?
It's coming!
Hey guys, I'm new here and I got some questions. Wondering if any of y'all could help me out a bit.
So I've got less than a season under my belt and I've been looking at ski's. This was pretty informational for me. But still am unsure about some things. Like, for example:
I've been looking at Line Sick Day 88's(Outside the 82-87 we're dealing with here) and am wondering if that'd be a good choice for me. I'm not looking to do much off-trail right yet and I'm progressing pretty quick(in my opinion+what I've had ski instructors tell me). So I'm definitely more of a groomer right now. I like carving mostly, but do enjoy some of that speed as well.
Also, what else should I be researching for when investigating ski's and such?
6'3, 190lb if thats relevant
Where do you ski? A one-ski-quiver daily driver is pretty different, depending on whether you are East Coast, Midwest, Rockies, or Far West. Also, without divulging what you can afford, a rough budget would help narrow down the ski choice. Are you budgeting for boots as well (generally more important)?
@@christopherg.argyris8923 I already bought my boots. I have the Nordica Sportmachine 90's. Got my footbeds as well.
I ski at Peek n Peak near Clymer, New York and would like to potentially ski at Holiday Valley when able. There is a place more local to me called Mount Pleasant. But it's solely a 1 lift - 1 hill place.
I don't think budget should be an issue. I can afford up to $1,000 for my skis. Though, since they're my first pair(of many I hope) I would like to stay in the 400-600 range, if possible.
@@BobJason1 For you, I would look at the Elan Ripstick 88. The Nordica Enforcer 88 might be too much ski (stiff, metal) for your needs. Perhaps also consider the Rossignol Experience 88. The Blizzard Brahma 88 even with the revised construction may be too much ski for you. So start with the Ripstick.
Hey Bob! I'm with Christopher on this one, the Ripstick 88 would be a fantastic ski for you. It will allow you to continue to progress on groomers, and also gives you a good tool for getting off trail more often and skiing a wider variety of terrain. I agree, Enforcers and Brahmas seem like a lot of ski for you. The downside to skis like that for developing skiers is they can cause bad habits, rather than promote proper technique.
@@christopherg.argyris8923 Okay, I Ripstick seems like it's a good choice haha. It's ugly, but performance wise it seems like it's like right where I like it.
Moment is not in the line up?
Maybe because all Moment skis are all > 100mm excepted the women skis and that skiessential does not sell them?
they aren't a moment dealer i don't think. bummer, my quiver is almost entirely moment!
As of now, no Moment in our videos, but the only thing constant in this world is change, so you never know!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SKIIS??? You have skied them all, and there should be 2 opinions?? What was your favorite ski out of the ones displayed????
In all honesty, I can't really answer that question. For example, I absolutely love skiing both the Laser AR and the Soul Rider 87, but they are drastically different skis. My list of favorite skis out of this comparison would probably be about 8 skis long and they'd all be a little different from each other. Does that make sense?
@@SkiEssentials Your comparison is mid 80mm all mountain skis? So people that are watching this video want just 1 ski! so an all mtn ski should perform all over the mountain, CRITERIA is new snow up to 10", groomers, how they handle crud, bumps, short turn and long turn, it doesnt matter that they are drastically different skis, which 1 is the best at all the criteria, there is one that is the best. For your example of the laser and the soul rider 87, which would you pick if you had a mtn that you could ski all the criteria that i listed in 1 day???
Great review. Last year I was on the fence between the Nordica Soul 87 and the Rossignol Sky 7. Both are great for the east coast and have great maneuverability and both can easily ski switch or be taken to the terrain park for a bit as well. I wound up on the Sky 7 with Marker Griffon bindings ( but mounting about 2 cm closer to center) in part due to the video you did last year (95-100 mm comparison - ruclips.net/video/NpggAEix4W4/видео.html), and now this year I find you both have Soul Rider 87s. At least I know I was on the right path and would have been solid with either choice.
Sky 7 is a great ski and overall is more maneuverable and more well-rounded, especially for off-piste terrain, than the Soul Rider. For me (Jeff), it's a pretty specific tool. Kind of is for Bob too in the sense that he skis it with his kids more than anything else. I think you made a good choice.
@@SkiEssentials Yes. I really wanted low swing weight and maneuverability. I'm 55 years old, and I want to play all day, but I don't want to be so exhausted that I am dragging the next morning. The Sky seems to be great for "working a bit less hard to do what you want it to do" than nearly any other ski I tried. Thanks for the reply, you guys are awesome.
Ski marketers shouldn't also be designers. Mid 80s is as narrow an all mountain as you can get until you begin booting out in deep snow because the edges are narrower than the boot.
Yes I want a slightly rockered ski with a bit of taper so the tips and tails release or hold the edge as needed.
I didn't want a front side ski for "advanced" skiers.
Womens vs Mens ski thing... honestly any hype on this is where feminism has gone to the point of hurting the "average" woman. If people (talking about the overly sensitive ones here) could get a little tougher skin; they might actually accept that the "average" woman is realistically built different than the "average" man. Any ski company that simply "shrink it & pink it" was a sad-ass marketing plow...however, there were/are quality ski companies that put some legit science & physiology behind a woman-specific ski design. (gonna talk "average" from here on, so please no one get offended)
Most woman have a different point of center-of-gravity (tending to be lower overall & closer to their hips) which the difference is increased as the body bends in a natural skiing position. They also typically have different shaped calf muscle that not only can benefit from a womens-specific-boot but will also transfer weight/pressure differently than a man's, also, a woman typically can distribute that weight in a smaller bootprint as well. So a GOOD woman's specific ski, most times has a DIFFERENT mounting reference point for the bindings. Also, the skis wouldn't simply be lighter, but also have weight distribution changes or different longitude/latitude-nal stiffness tweaked for the way the weight distribution differences might transfer from boot/binding to ski (to get energy out to the tips/tails with the same effectiveness).
Of course there are exceptions to the rules; back-in-the-day when I used to sell skis for a living - if I had a tall, slim, narrow-hipped, gal w/ larger feet...I'd share w/her the differences & tell her why a "traditional guy" ski might provide her better results. OR if I had a dude who was slight through the shoulders, carried more weight through his hips & especially had smaller feet - explain to him why he might ski better with a woman's specific model, & if he didn't like the graphics they used to make a topsheet protector (huge sticker) that came in clear of with a variety of graphics that he could cover up the "pink" or whatever & no one would know the difference...except the ski would respond & perform easier/better for him.
Fischer 102 FR enters the chat