I made a thread a while ago about getting a new big mountain ski. I'm still torn between prophet 100s, ANTS and 190 ehps. However, on doing more research, many people seem to be saying the 190 ehp is just a 190 vct with new graphics. What puzzled me was that 4frnt are reintroducing a 189 vct for 08 and keeping the 190 ehp... are these two identical skis in their range, or has one/both been reworked? Who can shed some light?
4FRNT VCT/EHP
- Thread starter Matty_C
- Start date
4FRNTSKIS
Member
The EHP 190 and VCT 189 are completely different skis from dimensions to graphics to flex patterns and purpose.
The EHP 190 is the original ski designed by Eric Hjorleifson. The dimensions are 129x104x121 resulting in a 31.5 meter turn radius. This ski is stiffer than the VCT 189 to accommodate its primary purpose as a "resort-friendly big mountain ski."
The VCT 189 is a new size in the VCT series and its dimensions are 134x108x126 resulting in a 28 meter turn radius. This model is softer than the EHP 190 since it is designed to handle deeper powder and backcountry terrain.
The EHP 190 is the original ski designed by Eric Hjorleifson. The dimensions are 129x104x121 resulting in a 31.5 meter turn radius. This ski is stiffer than the VCT 189 to accommodate its primary purpose as a "resort-friendly big mountain ski."
The VCT 189 is a new size in the VCT series and its dimensions are 134x108x126 resulting in a 28 meter turn radius. This model is softer than the EHP 190 since it is designed to handle deeper powder and backcountry terrain.
4FRNTSKIS
Member
The VCT line has always been backcountry oriented an the EHP line has always been big mountain oriented. Backcountry and big mountain skis are similar in terms of their dimensions (wider is better because it provides greater stability at higher speeds) but quite dissimilar in terms of their stiffness (softer skis make less technical skiing such as powder/untracked easier whereas stiffer skis are a must have in highly technical - potentially icy/wind affected conditions).
As people have gotten used to wider skis underfoot, the VCT in all lengths and the EHP 190 have become an excellent every-day skis, both in and out of the resort, at least west of the Mississippi. In Utah, we have a lot of people who make their "backcountry" ski into their everyday ski. Models like the EHP 190, the VCT or the Volkl Gotama make that possible because their design accommodates performance in a variety of conditions. Skis like the Hellbent or the Pontoon, on the other hand, are so specialized that they really only perform well in very specific conditions.
The choice of the VCT 189 or the EHP 190 really boils down to two considerations: first, how long of a ski do you tend to ski (although the skis are onll 1cm different in running surface length, the EHP 190 is 3.5cm longer in effective edge, or the amount of the ski that is engaged during normal skiing) and second, how stiff do you like your skis (the EHP 190 is sitffer (less forgiving) than the VCT 189.
I hope that helps clarify the differences.
As people have gotten used to wider skis underfoot, the VCT in all lengths and the EHP 190 have become an excellent every-day skis, both in and out of the resort, at least west of the Mississippi. In Utah, we have a lot of people who make their "backcountry" ski into their everyday ski. Models like the EHP 190, the VCT or the Volkl Gotama make that possible because their design accommodates performance in a variety of conditions. Skis like the Hellbent or the Pontoon, on the other hand, are so specialized that they really only perform well in very specific conditions.
The choice of the VCT 189 or the EHP 190 really boils down to two considerations: first, how long of a ski do you tend to ski (although the skis are onll 1cm different in running surface length, the EHP 190 is 3.5cm longer in effective edge, or the amount of the ski that is engaged during normal skiing) and second, how stiff do you like your skis (the EHP 190 is sitffer (less forgiving) than the VCT 189.
I hope that helps clarify the differences.
harry82989
Member
i think its sweet how 4frnt actually talks to people on newschoolers about their skis. major props
evtic
Active member
word to that,
The VCT is truly a great ski to rip all day, not to discredit the MSP, but I have a better time jumping and skiing switch on a fatter, softer board. The EHP is quite stiff, this is coming from someone who rocked the msp supermodel in and out of the park for a season without knowing it or caring (as stiff as the old v-explosive). All 4frnt skis tend to be stiffer than some of the noodles people rock in the deep stuff. The EHP is pretty specific though, it doesnt like to get down like the VCT, meaning spinning, riding dirty, and jibbing are better on the VCT.
The VCT is truly a great ski to rip all day, not to discredit the MSP, but I have a better time jumping and skiing switch on a fatter, softer board. The EHP is quite stiff, this is coming from someone who rocked the msp supermodel in and out of the park for a season without knowing it or caring (as stiff as the old v-explosive). All 4frnt skis tend to be stiffer than some of the noodles people rock in the deep stuff. The EHP is pretty specific though, it doesnt like to get down like the VCT, meaning spinning, riding dirty, and jibbing are better on the VCT.
i see. so EH really has two pro models. because the 193 is a completely different ski than the 190. but thanks for the clarification 4frnt because i also assumed that just because the 190 EHP had the same dimensions as the VCT that is was the exact same ski.
man i'm torn between gotama's and VCT's. good thing i can't afford either right now.
man i'm torn between gotama's and VCT's. good thing i can't afford either right now.
tooradforns
New member
If you talk about buying a 4frnt ski, but then you buy something else, 4frnt pursues legal action against you. True story.
4FRNTSKIS
Member
The tips and tails on the VCT will remain unchanged for next season. The 90 is unchanged and is similar to the VCT's smooth curvature. The 93 is also unchanged with the tail being more squared off to help accomodate alpine touring skins.
What you've heard about is the new edition to the EHP line-up, the 186, which is going to be a powder machine. It has a pintail that allows the tails to sink slightly and in turn keeps the tips where you want them, floating above the snow. The dimensions will be 129-116-123. The tip will be shaped similar to the 190 and both the tip and tail will have a slight rocker design.
What you've heard about is the new edition to the EHP line-up, the 186, which is going to be a powder machine. It has a pintail that allows the tails to sink slightly and in turn keeps the tips where you want them, floating above the snow. The dimensions will be 129-116-123. The tip will be shaped similar to the 190 and both the tip and tail will have a slight rocker design.
