Advice on a new freeride all mountain ski

[Ben_Short]

Hi NS,

I have some sad news. After a few seasons, my Dynastar MFree 99s (185) need replacing. They have been among my favourite skis after testing quite a few, but now it's a good time for a change.

Here are the options I'm considering:

ON3P Woodsman 100 (186) ON3P Woodsman 100

Moment Commander 92 (182) Moment Commander 92

Armada Stranger (180) Armada Stranger

J Skis Fastforward (181) J Skis Fastforward

I'm based in Europe and primarily ski here, but I'm looking for skis that are more fun than race carvers while teaching and instructing, with a stronger freeride capability for big mountain skiing.

I'm open to any additional recommendations for skis between 90-100mm in width! I appreciate you taking the time to respond or reply.

 

[oldmanski]

You have a great list and cant go wrong with any of those choices! Have you skied any of them?

My choice from your list would be the Woodsman but again, couldnt go wrong with either pick.

Another ski I would look into is the Fauna Pioneer. They are made not too far from where you are located, a great ski along with great service. I havent been out on mine since last season due to a relocation but they seem to handle everything I have thrown at them. Check them out, [tag=249118]@FaunaSkis[/tag] will take care of you.

 

[Ben_Short]

You have a great list and cant go wrong with any of those choices! Have you skied any of them?

My choice from your list would be the Woodsman but again, couldnt go wrong with either pick.

Another ski I would look into is the Fauna Pioneer. They are made not too far from where you are located, a great ski along with great service. I havent been out on mine since last season due to a relocation but they seem to handle everything I have thrown at them. Check them out, [tag=249118]@FaunaSkis[/tag] will take care of you.

I appreciate your response! It's funny you mention the Woodsman it is for me the leader, especially with how damp they are, I will check out Fauna skis, tried all on the list sub the Js, and my preference was with the ON3Ps

 

[BrownSnow]

J skis does not ship to europe no?

 

[Ben_Short]

J skis does not ship to europe no?

You are correct they don't, just US and Canada, I've got a friend who has a shop that I can order through in British Columbia

 

[NotEnoughSkiing]

I haven't skied them but was chasing a buddy on demo Volkl Blaze's lapping chair 23 at Mammoth the other week and was impressed. They are described as being soft, but I think they mean soft compared to VWerk Katana's. I'd assume they are softer than the MFree but maybe worth a try.

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

Another +1 for the Pioneer. They’re my daily ski. Strong underfoot but not heavy. Very versatile fun ski. Definitely a ski for someone who has a dynamic, energetic style of skiing. I take them everywhere including into the park.

You have a great list and cant go wrong with any of those choices! Have you skied any of them?

My choice from your list would be the Woodsman but again, couldnt go wrong with either pick.

Another ski I would look into is the Fauna Pioneer. They are made not too far from where you are located, a great ski along with great service. I havent been out on mine since last season due to a relocation but they seem to handle everything I have thrown at them. Check them out, [tag=249118]@FaunaSkis[/tag] will take care of you.

 

[Benchhitter]

+1 to the woodsman’s. I always wanted on3ps but never bought a ski without trying it first. Finally made the jump on some used ones and can say I have no inhibitions anymore, would and will 100% buy any on3p ski sight unseen in the future. Those guys know how to make a ski.

I like the strangers, they’re quite beefy as well. Super fun to rip on the piste or off. Kind of vibed like a Line Sakana that takes itself more seriously if you can picture that.

 

[BallClapper]

Paging [tag=288934]@PartyBullshiit[/tag] for your moment questions.

 

[PartyBullshiit]

If you’re looking for skis that are more “fun” than race flat out remove the commander 92. They are built to rail edges. They are not“fun”. I have the 98.

The Countach would blend more of your charge and fun but then you’re 110 under foot

 

[Ben_Short]

I haven't skied them but was chasing a buddy on demo Volkl Blaze's lapping chair 23 at Mammoth the other week and was impressed. They are described as being soft, but I think they mean soft compared to VWerk Katana's. I'd assume they are softer than the MFree but maybe worth a try.

Thanks for the option, I've yet to try either the Blaze or the Vwerks Katana I quite enjoyed the Mantra M6 but in an odd way I would love to use a brand that isn't really seen over here in Europe, and to a small negative of Volkl's freeride line they don't really do the best top sheets in my controversial opinion

 

[Ben_Short]

+1 to the woodsman’s. I always wanted on3ps but never bought a ski without trying it first. Finally made the jump on some used ones and can say I have no inhibitions anymore, would and will 100% buy any on3p ski sight unseen in the future. Those guys know how to make a ski.

I like the strangers, they’re quite beefy as well. Super fun to rip on the piste or off. Kind of vibed like a Line Sakana that takes itself more seriously if you can picture that.

I appreciate your response! interesting Line Sakana link, I completely agree, I had the joy of demo'ing the Sakana last year and haven't thought of that link until now and you have summed it up perfectly. I would only add to the stranger negative is the restricted height topping out at 180cm, not to mention the scarcity of it!

Happy to hear on3ps were a big success for you, I did get in touch with them, and they gave a very thoughtful and great response, I am also pretty they reworked the Woodsman this year.

 

[Ben_Short]

If you’re looking for skis that are more “fun” than race flat out remove the commander 92. They are built to rail edges. They are not“fun”. I have the 98.

The Countach would blend more of your charge and fun but then you’re 110 under foot

I appreciate this, I already have a pair of carving GS's for instructing, and I think 110 would be slightly too wide for a daily fun ski, It seems I will have a miss-on Moment until I decide to move to somewhere more powder guaranteed.

 

[NotEnoughSkiing]

M6 = JUNK IMO, didn't do anything well for me.

Separately, I hate how the main ski lines seem to get one catchy "model name" and then keep using it even if the ski has nothing to do with it anymore.

Mantra Mantra M5 or M6 and it's a shame they used the same name. Yes slight variation on naming but it's not the same ski. Like what's such a big deal about using a different name? I also don't like when the width totally changes the ski and it's sill the same model, PRIME examples are Bentchetler and Revolt. What exactly is the same about a 100mm vs 120mm Bentchetler? They are completely different skis. Chris is pretty creative, I'm sure if Atomic asked him he would have a dozen different names for the different sizes that could be used instead.

Thanks for the option, I've yet to try either the Blaze or the Vwerks Katana I quite enjoyed the Mantra M6 but in an odd way I would love to use a brand that isn't really seen over here in Europe, and to a small negative of Volkl's freeride line they don't really do the best top sheets in my controversial opinion

 

[Benchhitter]

I appreciate your response! interesting Line Sakana link, I completely agree, I had the joy of demo'ing the Sakana last year and haven't thought of that link until now and you have summed it up perfectly. I would only add to the stranger negative is the restricted height topping out at 180cm, not to mention the scarcity of it!

Happy to hear on3ps were a big success for you, I did get in touch with them, and they gave a very thoughtful and great response, I am also pretty they reworked the Woodsman this year.

Yeah I don’t know why they keep trying to make short skis happen. Esp the Sakana which definitely feels like a 181 at a 181 despite what they say. Stranger is a little more substantial though, I was happier on a stranger 180 compared to the similar length Sakana. Just a little more ski to lean into.

Woodsman 108 will definitely be my next ski If they’re still around when my current ones are done. I have wren 108s right now.

 

[Idahoe]

Probably a bad take to have on NS but the Rossi sender free's are fucking sweet

 

[skyhigheli]

I just tested skis for ski essentials at Stowe. a standout in this category where the rossi sender ti 110. the ski is surprisingly nimble and maneuverable while also being stable. I think the Dynastar m free 108 I skied was a lot heavier and damper, making it less agile and energetic.

 

[Benchhitter]

Probably a bad take to have on NS but the Rossi sender free's are fucking sweet

As a certified thunder chicken hate expert i gotta admit I’m coming around and that Max Palm pro model might be the last straw

 

[colerichardmyers]

How are the wren 108s for you? Good mix of charge with a bit of play? I’ve been eyeing up the ON3P Wren 110 Pro.

Yeah I don’t know why they keep trying to make short skis happen. Esp the Sakana which definitely feels like a 181 at a 181 despite what they say. Stranger is a little more substantial though, I was happier on a stranger 180 compared to the similar length Sakana. Just a little more ski to lean into.

Woodsman 108 will definitely be my next ski If they’re still around when my current ones are done. I have wren 108s right now.

 

[Benchhitter]

How are the wren 108s for you? Good mix of charge with a bit of play? I’ve been eyeing up the ON3P Wren 110 Pro.

Yeah the Wrens are awesome. I’ve got 108s in a 189, I’m 6’2 165lbs. I always wanted a chargy ski like a Nordica enforcer or Volkl Katana or some shit but always found them to be too boring and grounded. The wrens ski just as hard or harder, but they have that little extra early rise and some nice pop in the tails. Skiing Kicking Horse with them for the past week and from the soft snow in the chutes at the top, to the godawful ice on the front side rn; I have not wished for another ski

 

[colerichardmyers]

Yeah the Wrens are awesome. I’ve got 108s in a 189, I’m 6’2 165lbs. I always wanted a chargy ski like a Nordica enforcer or Volkl Katana or some shit but always found them to be too boring and grounded. The wrens ski just as hard or harder, but they have that little extra early rise and some nice pop in the tails. Skiing Kicking Horse with them for the past week and from the soft snow in the chutes at the top, to the godawful ice on the front side rn; I have not wished for another ski

Yeah that's where I am at. I'm 5'9" 171-173lbs and looking for something to contrast my other skis (freestyle leaning freeride). Interested in the Wrens due to exactly what you are saying i.e. being able to ski them hard, but still fun to get in the air, drop off stuff, etc.

 

[jimbobs]

A bit wider than you're looking at, but I'd recommend the DPS Koala 103 if it's available in Europe.

Pretty stiff ski (think K2 Poacher), but nice flex in the tips and tails. Phenomenal carving ski as long (as long as you ski centered). Big rockered spoon up front makes skiing powder effortless, and nosebutters really well.

Nice amount of tip+tail rocker for freestyle/park riding and skiing/carving switch, and feels good on jumps and rails. Preferred my Jeffrey 102 for park-only riding (flexier, more swervy/playful), but the Koalas did well in the park too.

I mounted mine 3cm behind true center in 189 length, which was perfect. I really enjoyed it this season.

 

[Idahoe]

As a certified thunder chicken hate expert i gotta admit I’m coming around and that Max Palm pro model might be the last straw

Rossi just ctrl+c on the ON3P oski GT graphic

 

[MaimHelp]

Probably a bad take to have on NS but the Rossi sender free's are fucking sweet

can confirm

 

[Ben_Short]

As a bit of an update to this thread, ended up going and seeing a Factory Finds window for the Woodsman 100 and pulled the trigger, seemed like too good of a discount to pass up on!

Thanks for all the love and help!