In a straighter, more direct fall-line capacity, the Maverick is smoother and more powerful. The Rustler feels more stable in a slower carved turn, and it's a better slashy and smeary ski, but for high speeds, the Maverick is more comfortable.
Unleashed is considerably more stout and stable especially in a carved turn on smoother and firmer snow. Atris is a superior floater even with a narrower waist--the shape and profile of the Atris is more playful and surfy, but it's also a lighter duty ski when it comes to hard charging and aggressive skiing.
If we're talking 2025 skis, then we're talking about the new Declivity X 102, which is pretty different from the old 102 Ti. The new one feels a lot more like the new Maverick in terms of having more of a woody and freeride feel. The old 102 Ti was very energetic and spry--loved being engaged in a carved turn due to full metal and lighter caruba core. Now we get partial metal and a full poplar core--that aligns more with the new Maverick in terms of construction. I think the new X 102 is a quieter, more engaging ski than the Maverick, but not by a whole lot.
The QST is more consistent in both flex and style from tip to tail. The Maverick is nice and flexible in the shovel with a good amount of taper and rocker, but gets more directional after that. The QST continues on its more playful path from end to end with long tail rocker and a consistent flex.
Not that I need more skis, but...... if i were to grab a pair, should I go with the 178 or the 185? I'm 5'11" 215lbs currently skiing a 22-23 rustler 10 180 as a western daily. Thanks!
Highly appreciate all the reviews!! How does the stability at speed differ from the Blizzard rustler 11 ?
In a straighter, more direct fall-line capacity, the Maverick is smoother and more powerful. The Rustler feels more stable in a slower carved turn, and it's a better slashy and smeary ski, but for high speeds, the Maverick is more comfortable.
I'm loving these reviews. How would y'all compare this to the Unleashed 108 and Atris?
Unleashed is considerably more stout and stable especially in a carved turn on smoother and firmer snow. Atris is a superior floater even with a narrower waist--the shape and profile of the Atris is more playful and surfy, but it's also a lighter duty ski when it comes to hard charging and aggressive skiing.
Great review as always guys!!
How do they compare to the Declivity 102Ti? Thanks!
If we're talking 2025 skis, then we're talking about the new Declivity X 102, which is pretty different from the old 102 Ti. The new one feels a lot more like the new Maverick in terms of having more of a woody and freeride feel. The old 102 Ti was very energetic and spry--loved being engaged in a carved turn due to full metal and lighter caruba core. Now we get partial metal and a full poplar core--that aligns more with the new Maverick in terms of construction. I think the new X 102 is a quieter, more engaging ski than the Maverick, but not by a whole lot.
@@SkiEssentials thank you!
How is this comparing to the QST106?
The QST is more consistent in both flex and style from tip to tail. The Maverick is nice and flexible in the shovel with a good amount of taper and rocker, but gets more directional after that. The QST continues on its more playful path from end to end with long tail rocker and a consistent flex.
Not that I need more skis, but...... if i were to grab a pair, should I go with the 178 or the 185? I'm 5'11" 215lbs currently skiing a 22-23 rustler 10 180 as a western daily. Thanks!
I think it's okay to go longer as a western daily based on your stats and application.