2023 Men's Alpine Touring Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Jeff and Bob tackle the ever-growing category of alpine touring skis. These always feel like interesting comparisons. They are all, in a way, intended for similar things, it's really up to the skier to decide what's best for each individual application, what bindings you pair with what ski, your boots, and even the clothing you wear while touring. Of course, as always, we're here to help you make those decisions, so don't hesitate to leave a comment or reach out with questions.
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
4:05 - Fischer Transalp 90 C
6:45 - Volkl Rise Beyond 96
10:40 - K2 Wayback 96
13:50 - Rossignol Escaper 97 Nano
17:20 - Blizzard Zero G 95
20:35 - Fischer Hannibal 96
23:35 - Atomic Backland 100
27:15 - Elan Ripstick Tour 88
30:45 - Armada Locator 96
34:05 - Line Vision 98
37:20 - Dynastar M-Tour 99
40:10 - Salomon MTN 96 Carbon
42:50 - DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP
46:00 - Nordica Enforcer 94 Unlimited
50:00 - Elan Ripstick Tour 104
53:30 - DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2
57:30 - Liberty Origin 106 BC
1:00:10 - Black Crows Navis Freebird
1:04:00 - K2 Dispatch 101
1:09:00 - Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited
1:13:40 - Armada Locator 112
1:17:00 - Volkl Blaze 106
1:22:20 - Blizzard Hustle 10
1:27:50 - Black Crows Corvus Freebird
Thank you guys for another excellent video. This category is constantly evolving/changing and as you guys have said, everyone has a differing opinion. Appreciate the info and sharing your thoughts based upon your personal experiences. Helps us neophytes make better informed decisions.
Can confirm from own experience that you can throw a pin binding on a Corvus Freebird and it won't miss a beat. And I am not talking about the Shifts, but Marker alpinists, so lightweight pin bindings. I do live and ski in Chamonix though.
Is the alpinist bindings good for skiing down hill or not??
another nice one 👌 last year I put a shift binding on my fischer ranger 102. i didn’t mind the extra weight uphill because it is a nice and fluid ski with whom you can go anyware Kinda regret I didn’t put a true pin-binding on it. the switch tour/downhill wasn’t that easy, every change over was a nightmare 😂 at least for me. would be nice to hear you guys talk about bindings and set-ups. or maybe just and insight in what U guys ski.
you guys need to do a comparison for skis that aren't labeled "touring" but you would put a shift on them. that true touring free ride ski like the hustler 10. something on the lighter end but still could have an alpine binding on it.
+1
Salomon QST 106 Echo?
Opening day at Stowe this Saturday 🤩
Another nice video! I've already chosen a new pair for the upcoming season but that doesn't stop me from watching all your videos. A funny thing I noticed is that I am always holding my breath when you guys start placing the skis back on the wall and they move a bit - it seems that the whole pile of skis haven't fell over yet since viceo looks like its uncut :) haha.
Another fantastic comparison. Thank you! Have you tried the Blizzard Zero-G Approach, if so, thoughts?
Great review as always. Where would the Kastle TX93 sit on the wall? Flex and downhill ski-ability? Cheers.
The wife and I have the Madshus Panorama. It's a bit narrower than these examples under foot. But they are a nice middle of the road alpine touring ski. They tour uphill really well, while turning pretty good. Better than any bc ski I guided on back in the '80's or '90's.
It would be good to hear a discussion of how Volkl's 3D radius differs from any other ski with straighter tips and tails and sharper sidecut towards the waist. It still sounds like marketing hype to me, as pretty much any ski that you put way-up on edge and bend will tighten-up its turn radius, and there are plenty with tapered/straightish tips that will let you make smooth, long turns with shallower edge angles. What makes 3D radius different - it's use across their whole line of freeride skis?
Great video guys, would be interesting in this category to mix in and compare performance with some of the lighther alpine skis like the mavericks, bents, cores, and ripsticks.
I think that would be a great thing to do in a more direct comparison format. Ski a couple different setups back to back and talk about the differences between them. We'll try to work something in to the mix!
Another great video guys, thanks for doing this one. I am definitely curious to know more about how you were able to get through the whole video without a break... Looks like your camera/lighting were improved... is that related?
Yes! We're working on upgrading all our media and studio equipment and this new camera and lighting were among the first steps! We're very excited about it. We'll be shooting on snow with the same camera from time to time as well.
Thanks for this great video. I am looking at purchasing a ski over the summer as they are cheaper… i am torn between the blackcrows navis and the nordica enforcer 104 unlimited… i am looking for a do it all backcountry tourer in the Swiss alps. Can you give me your opinion on what which ski does better in my case?
The Enforcer is floatier, driftier, and more multi-directional. I'd also say it's more versatile. The Navis prefers a straighter line down the mountain and is a bit more business-like in the process. If you find yourself in softer snow most of the time, I'd go Enforcer, but for variable conditions and terrain, the Navis likely produces more confidence.
@Jeff -- you mentioned with the Blizzard 0G that you owned it.
The ski skis incredibly different from other skis you mentioned that you like, such as the Soulrider or Unleashed. I am wondering...
1- Are you using it only when there is a powder day?
2- Or only take it out west for bigger mountains?
3- Or do yo have another Touring Ski for the "regular east coast" conditions, that perhaps is closer to your daily driver?
I think the best way to describe that is I tend to ski differently when I tour. I tend to ski slower and just enjoy making turns and being outside, rather than having really specific goals or demands for my equipment. I do have an Elan Ripstick 104 Tour now!
I have the Salomon blank and was really impressed by how versatile it is and was looking for a narrower ski for resort back country but need a ski that is fast fun quick . was trying to decide between a Stance 96,QST 98, Elans black edition 96 or something you think I might like. what do you think.
If you like the overall character of the Blank, I'd stick to the QST range. When you're talking about fast, fun, and quick, my mind does go to the QST 92 rather than the 98, but if you're into that mid to upper 90's range that's fine. The Stance and Ripstick are more directional and fall-line oriented and are really great carvers, but the QST's are more similar to the Blank in terms of playfulness and flotation.
Help! I’ve got the Enforcer 94 x 179’s w/ Pivot 15’s for my All-Mtn. / anytime-anyplace ski. Love them but they’re heavy and wear me out on a 3 day’r & not great in Western pow. Looking for a hybrid for deeper stuff I can use as a side/backcountry ski in the future. Looking at Salomon QST, Glenn Plake’s Elan, Enforcer 104 Unlimited, etc. what do you recommend?? Thanks!
If you like the general/overall character and style of the Enforcer 94, the 104 Unlimited is a great option. The QST 106, especially if you're considering this year's Echo, feel a bit more substantial than the Enforcer, but I like how the Enforcer handles softer snow and turns sharper as well. I didn't love the Plake--very shifty ski--but it's definitely light!
Any consideration to Movement Alp Tracks 98? I was thinking about pulling the trigger on it and pairing it with an ATK freeraider 14
Not a whole lot of experience with that ski, but if it's reasonably light, and 98 mm underfoot, I can't see anything wrong with the general stats!
sE
I‘m searching for a really aggressive do it all touring ski with abilities for soft snow and powder surfing, like an atomic g9 just for backcountry touring. do you have any recommendations? I pay lot of attention to the black crows corvus freebird and the scott superguid freetour but does those skis match with my requirements?
As I was reading, I was thinking Corvus FB. The Volkl Blaze 106 is also a sublime performer and the Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited.
One thing to note on touring skis is that they are not all telemark friendly
I'm wondering what you would recommend for a 6'3 145 lbs skier. I ski mainly in the PNW around Vancouver I was looking around 100 width but I'm not sure about the length since I'm very tall and skinny. Current skis for resort are Fischer ranger FR 90 in 172
I think the mid to upper 170's is a good place to be for a lighter ski in the 100 mm width. Have fun!
SE
Yet another amazing video! I'm looking to extend my quiver adding a touring powder ski for Europe (Alps and Pyrenees). I'm pretty sold on the Enforcer 104 Unlimited but not quite sure about the size. I'm on a Mirus Cor 184 and a Justis 189 and both feel amazing for their very different applications. I'm 6'3" 185 pounds. Do you think extending to 191 is worth it or 186 would be stable and floaty enough? Thanks!
I'm 6/2 225 and love the 186. I'm not sure the move to the 191 really gets you all that much, especially if you're looking for something slightly lighter and more mobile like this ski is meant to be.
Makes total sense. Thanks!
Hi! How does the Backland 100 compare to the BC Navis Freebird? Thanks for the video
The Backland feels and skis a lot more like a touring-specific product while the Navis kind of goes back and forth. There's more weight and smoothness to the Navis, so while you're gaining some performance in a downhill setting, you're giving up some efficiency and mobility from an uphill perspective. The Atomic is also somewhat stiff and precise, so it feels more reactive than the smearier Navis.
Enforcer 104 unlimited, vs navis Freebird vs hustle?
Thinking about the again about the alps?
Do you think the nordica has enough tail grip for icy stuff? Is the hustle to heavy and not fun?
How do you compare the 3 in general?
Thanks in advance
The Navis probably has the flatter and more robust tail for ice and technical zones. The Hustle is very fun, but it's not a huge drop in weight from Rustler, so that may have triggered us into saying it's on the heavy side. Lots of energy in that Hustle, though, a whole lot of fun. Unlimited is the best all-around ski on this list, I've found. Good enough grip, fantastic flotation, easy to turn and steer, and a wonderful round turn.
Hey guys - what are your thoughts on either a tech binding or hybrid (shift or Duke PT) on the Navis Freebird? Doing about 70% touring for good freeride terrain and 30% resort skiing these days. Looking for the most versatile setup possible, and use this ski/setup for basically everything. Thanks!
Navis is built for versatility. I think if you're 70% touring, the tech binding is a nice option.
I just watched your video on the black crow serpos and have a question and I commented on this video so you guys would hopefully see it. I consider myself an intermediate-advanced skier. I ski a lot of groomers, but I also like to go off trail and just have fun on the mountain. Do you think the serpos would fit me well?
Will the K2 Dispatch 101 paired with some marker alpinist bindings be good for 50/50 touring and resort skiing?? When I’m skiing in the resort I’m a lot more off piste than I am on piste. I do ski powder when I have the chance and these ski looks like a perfect ski for me, but I don’t know what binding to put on it. I’m thinking of getting the alpinist bindings so it’s not so heavy for touring but I don’t know how good the alpinist is downhill.
It's not great downhill in that it doesn't add power or balance to the equation--those things are up to you. Dispatch is interesting because it's quite stiff and has a long turn radius. Do not expect this setup to come across the fall line in a dramatic fashion--it much prefers softer snow and straighter lines.
I bought a pair of these in a 175cm and added the lighter weight G3 zed binding , I skied them yesterday for the first time on hard icy pistes and some off piste windblown, they were fantastic and after two runs I felt very confident that these skis can handle anything, I don't agree that these are an "American" soft snow ski, they are fantastic on ice.
Just bought the locator 104 yesterday! Still deciding on bindings currently, but leaning toward the Shift 10. I’d absolutely love if you slapped a binding on it and did a more in depth review like you mentioned! Happy trails friends :) thanks for all that you do
how do you like the skis having used them for a winter? Also looking at the locator 104 vs backland 100...
What are your thoughts on the Bent 100 as a dedicated touring ski with tech bindings (e.g. ATK Freeraiders)? Aside from the (imo minor) drawbacks of a twin tip for skinning… In my head that setup is a perfect balance between being light enough for almost any uphill situation but still very fun on the downhill, with a huge amount of versatility.
I tour with Bents 100 but with Shifts on. This ski is just meant for Shifts. Putting pure tech binding would limit their potential in the resort and harder freeride. And it will be still heavy for long tours. I am going to take Backland 100 with Alpinists for a lightweight set.
@@kokibr91 Resort performance probably isn't a consideration for a dedicated touring setup, I say go for it!
@@kokibr91 totally see what you're saying. I think the context of the ski within a quiver is important for my question: I have Dynastar M-Free 108s with the CAST FreeTour for all mountain resort and skiing hard in the back/side country i.e. short tours (and you thought bent 100s were heavy!), then narrower skis for park/low snow resort days. So relative to the M-Frees a Bent 100 with a tech binding is a very lightweight set up! It also depends on the kind of touring you'd do as well - I can't see myself doing multi day hut to hut tours for example. I'm interested to hear about the performance sacrifices the Backland 100 gives for those few hundred grams compared to the Bent. For me I think I'd rather save that weight in the bindings i.e. Freeraiders vs Shifts.
@@333stoner333 I see a lot of people put pure tech bindings on Bent 120 so your plan is not unusual or wrong by any means. With your quiver it does make sense. However, I would still consider Shifts. Bent 100 is soo versatile that pure tech would limit their potential. Or why not take Bent 110 and get rid of the M Free? As for the Backland, I believe it would be perfect for spring skiing when it is icy in the morning and wet and heavy in the afternoon. I dont see them as powder or mid winter skis. Although I've seen pretty sick descents with 107 and Backland tour bindings so they are capable.
Icelantic Nomad Lite 105 with a Shift...can't beat it.
Cool combo!
Great video, probably best on youtobe comparing touring skis, still I have hard time trying to find sth for me. It all sounds like touring skiss are not made for fun of riding, just for expereince of being oudoors with light stiff skiss. I look for something that will be fun to take uphill and ride down between tight trees in powder, jump and jib a little. Wouldn't hurt if the ski wasn't terrible at ice too. I already have ski for alpine and freeride with lifts, looking for ski mainly for turing (freetouring). It would be my first toruing skii, but as a downhill skier I have a lot of experience mostly everywhere. If that helps I have volkl revolt 104 love the skii character, just the problem with tearing topsheet is quite annoying.
I think a great do-it-all model is the K2 Wayback 96. Lots to like about that one with little to no downside.
I already have a pair of 2020 Bent Chetler 100s, I was deciding either to throw touring bindings on it or buying a dedicated touring ski. You guys think I'll be totally fine on the Chetler?
Totally fine. They're light and easy to use. The only pause is that they also work so well as a downhill ski, that if possible, it's nice to have that super-light dedicated touring setup. It's a financial commitment, but maybe worth it if you can/want to swing it. Have fun!
SE
@@SkiEssentials I'll get a pair of shifts to keep them as a functional resort ski as well! I also have a Redster G9, SMAX 10 and Head Supershape Speed in my quiver!
salomon mtn 96 carbon..vibration damping is incredible..could this be a fun groomed trailed ski ..which downhill binding would work. 250 6 4 east coast but travel resorts
Salomon Strive 14 or 16 would be a great alpine binding option.
Yo I already bought skis for myself based on this comparison :). But now my parrents want to get touring skis too haha. They have been skiing inbouds for long time but have little experience with touring. They gonna ski mixed conditions and not too steep hills with trees in the backcountry. I was thinking that rossignol 97 nano might be good chice for them. I am also considering backland 100, elan 88 tour and k2 wayback 96. Any thoights on this? ;)
Keep it light and simple for emerging tourers. The K2 is one of the best selling touring skis worldwide--I think that's a great place to start. Simple, traditional, and effective.
My favourite ski ist the Dps pagoda tour 112 rp and it’s not stiff at all. Being stiffer ist the 100 rp nevertheless similar or completely different or asked differently will I probably love it, too? And by the way my least favorite is strangely the backland 100.
Interesting about the Backland! I think sticking with RP's means the similarities will outweigh the differences.
what would you recommend for size on an expert skier for the fischer hannibals? I am 5'9. Also, if i'm coming from skiing the DPS skis, will i hate the fischer hannibals?
I think there's a lot of similarities between the DPS and the Fischer, at least as far as carbon use is concerned. They do have different shapes, so the straighter cut of the Hannibal will likely be the main difference. Hannibal has morphed into Transalp for Fischer for 2024/25, so if you can't find a Hannibal in about a 175, I'd look to the Transalp in the same sizing.
@@SkiEssentials thank you! That’s helpful!
How come there isn't any Dynafit Skis in there? Like the Blacklight 95?
We are not a Dynafit dealer for skis at the moment, so we have not spent any time on them.
Hi!
do you have a comparison video like this but with touring ski boots?
Not at the moment. For boots, fit is everything--make sure you put them on your feet if you're unsure of what to get. Other than that, weight is the key deciding factor for touring boots, and that information is readily available online.
@@SkiEssentials Yes, my biggest problem with the boots is the flex. All brands have different flex 130 models but they all flex differently. I can't find a good comparison of flex on the internet at the moment
I have to comment on the DPS... I will probably watch the rest of the video later.. I have the DPS with the RP and it is an interesting shape.. I skied on them twice this year.. The first time was rock hard man made snow and this last time was actual snow.. They really do like to turn.. To the point of I could probably do circles.. Like literally carve circles.. Mine are the foundation series so they are more damp than the Pagoda and probably more damp than the Tour.. I had a blast with them on both days..
I also got to ski 2 days on my Kastle 96 HP.. 1 day hardpack and the next day soft snow.. Another great ski.. Skied totally different than the DPS but I love both of the skis and they will both work great for pretty much all occasions..
I skied 1 day on my Stocklis just to compare and the snow did soften up and the skis did start sinking.. That is where those other skis clearly shine..
Again, I want to thank you guys for pointing me in the right direction..
Hey team - interested to hear your thoughts on my situation. I'm a big guy (6'0", 250), but an expert skier (former PSIA L2). My daily driver for several seasons has been a ~2015 Rossignol E-100 Ti 182cm. I love that ski, and have skied it in every imaginable condition from snorkel pow to death ice. Since I'm on the Ice Coast now, when I finally destroy those, I'll probably get on something like a Kendo or Brahma as my in-bounds ski.
I'm looking to complement with a 50/50 type ski that will be mounted with Shifts. This will be my soft-snow/playful resort ski, and my touring ski. My skiing is mostly directional, but especially when the snow is soft, I love to ski bumps and trees and utilize a more poppy, playful style, seeking out little piles of snow to slash on and moguls to pop off. So, I guess I'm looking for a surfy, playful, energetic ski that is somehow also both damp and light. A unicorn.
Right now I'm looking most closely at the Enforcer 104 Unlimited and the Blizzard Hustle 10. Any sense of which would be better for a skier of my size, or if there are other options on the market I should consider? Weight isn't really a big factor - I'd gladly consider a lighter-weight "inbounds" ski here. I also wouldn't be upset at all if this ski turned into my daily driver and I only broke out the Rossi's when it was really firm.
Oh for more context - I've found skis like the old Rossi Soul 7, Line Sick Day, and RMU Apostle to be too soft for me/the way I like to ski. One interesting more 'freestyle' oriented ski I really enjoyed was the Sego Big Horn 106.
HI Luke!
I really like the rounder carving experience of the Unlimited, while the Hustle has a bit more pop in shorter turns. I love the Unlimited in the trees and in fresh snow and find it perfectly smeary and a bit more freestyle-oriented than the Hustle.
Does this sound right? - I want to be able to guide the shovels of the ski into a carved turn with a forward stance, and be able to get some energy out of bending the ski, but I also want to be able to break that carved turn free into a slash or a smear in softer snow, pivot and dance through bumps, and style off side hits. If the Enforcer Unlimited does that, it's my ski.
Backland 107 vs Corvus Freebird downhill performance ?
The Corvus is quite a bit heavier and sturdier. If big lines and fast speeds are your thing, then I'd go Corvus, but for more of a plotted course, I like the light weight and snappy nature of the Backland.
Superb reviews as always.... but.... No G3 skis :(
What's your favorite G3 ski and why?
Is there a 2024 touring video?
Not yet!
Not so much words for a great ski like the Line vision 98 that is the most playfull and different of all the skis in the comparison.
Just few words from Bob. Pitty
Not much else to say, I suppose! Light, fun, energetic, and versatile!
The list is incomplete without the Dynafit Blacklight series…..
It seems to me Dynafit is not so popular in N. America. Apart from their bindings maybe.
I don’t love Dynafit but their boots and bindings are very popular
Doesn't Bob now own a 104 unlimited for touring?.... Mythical 1500 cut off indeed.. 🤣
Yup! And when you put a heavy Duke PT 16 on it, it really weighs it down! Not the ideal uphill setup in terms of climbing efficiency. Downhill, though, the setup rips.
LOL, this is a very “east coast” take on touring skis! Imagine, thinking 112 is abnormally wide for a touring ski or that 101 is a “powder touring machine” 😂😂😂 I love it but out west we ride wider skis!
Yup, moment deathwish tour (112 underfoot) with tech bindings is my only touring ski in Utah and I don’t ever feel like anything narrower is truly called for. If anything, a super wide or just floatier setup for low angle pow days would be a cool but unnecessary addition
I think you are a little behind the curve there, yes you have been skiing wider but the trend definitely looks to be going back down and I’m hearing that from pros all over.
@@RobMarchione Are you talking about the touring trend of people skiing with hardly any snow? I tell you what most the good places for backcountry in Colorado and Utah you are going to you sink to the bottom of the snow. It’s light, dry, and dangerous for avalanches. That extra width will always prevent you from sinking to the bottom and give you the most stability. Wanting a skinnier lighter ski just means your not athletic enough to skin up the mountain
Skis keep getting wider, back in 2003 living in Mammoth Salomon Pocket Rockets with waist 90 were my "fat skis" and Rossi Bandit x was my all mountain skis with waist 70, lol
@@connorhansen3226Well, yes...mostly. Skis have been getting more curvy over the mid-long term and mixed material construction, especially in the tip, has been making skis float better on the way down. But, yes, there's no substitute for having adequate total surface area on the way up.