Backcountry Ski Help

Bo_bot9

Bo_bot9

Active member
Im going to be attending the University of Utah next year and im trying to decide between a couple different pairs of skis that will suit me best next year
my choices are...
06' 189cm k2 Maiden AK's
08' 186cm Moment Bibby pros
08' 182cm Salomon Czars
Im going to be skiing at snowbird and need a ski that can perform well off jumpes, landing and skiing switch as-well as in the trees. Im 6'3 and 185lbs. Any help or guidance would be appreciated!
 
honestly, for what you wanna do, the bibbys sound like the only thing remotely close to what you want.
how bout the obsethed?
 
I would definitely think the Bibby's would be the best choice. I don't know the specs, but I know they are pretty fat, good for all over, playful, and people who have ridden them love them. I think they are rockered too, no? Maidens are a bit skinnier but I really don't know much about them, other than they have no rocker at all. Czars only have rocker at the tip as far as I know, so for switch stuff I don't think they really work as well as the Bibbys.
And by the way, this should be in the Gear Talk forum...
 
I didnt think i would get any responses if i put it in gear talk. But i will be doing a range of bc skiing. i would say mostly lift operated but also some sled skiing and touring.
 
Well im from the east coast and dont get to ski hardly any powder, my friend is going to be getting a sled next season but im not sure how much i'll be using it. Im looking to only get 1 set of fat skis. i dont want a ski that is toooo stiff but i also dont want a noodle you know? As far at an AT set up im mostly just looking for a powder specific ski not an all terrain ski.
 
If you're a decently aggressive skier, or plan on mounting anywhere near center, the Bibbys and Czars will probably be too short for you. I'm about your size and I demoed both skis and found them to be way too short in deep powder or at high speeds.
 
You should obviously be riding kitten factories. But you should also look into jj's. I really liked mine this year at the bird. Also, somebody said czars would be too short for you if you mount them near center. I would not be too concerned with this. You'll float fine in the light utah pow, and it will be easier to navigate sketchier areas.
 
I'm the same size as you and do the same skiing that you do as far as BC. look into the 189 surface LL2, it is light and poppy, still butterable, but not a noodle. cool skis if you ask me
 
Off topic, but has anyone mounted randonee bindings on rockered skis? I was wondering what it was like free healing up on a setup like that.
 
Hey man. I ski at the bird all the time. You need a ski that is not only great in the powder but can deal with the crud as well. You wouldn't believe how quickly a mountain can get tracked out. Anyways I've skied the Gotama, Bibby, and Obsethed. These skis are sensational in the powder, however, in the crud they chatter like little bitches. I recommend a stiffer ski like; Katana, XXL, B Squad (Phantom), EHP, M1, or Mothership. What you sacrifice in flotation, you gain in control at high speeds! These skis destroy the crud. If you are a good skier they'll perform like a GS ski on groomers too.Also as someone mentioned above, Pay attention to the length of the ski. At your size a low to mid 180 ski is great for learning and getting comfortable in the West. But once you start to charge your tips are going to dive. I would be looking in the 189-193 range if you want a ski you can grow into and last you through college.
 
Well since im going to be new to the west i do want a ski that i can learn and get comfortable with while also not sacrificing performance. I appreciate your help. Maybe i can find a ski thats right inbetween those sizes for maximum stability.
 
I understand completely. I skied on 183 gotama for my first year in Utah. While I was nimble in the trees, I could not figure out for the life of me why I kept "going over the handle bars" at high speeds in the powder. Maybe the 186 S6 from Rossi is the answer for you.
 
Thanks. That makes total sense. Seems like, despite the added weight, wider skis would work well skinning. I can see how that wouldn't be the case and rockered skis would give you added weight and less surface area. I was thinking in general that the whole walking motion would be messed up. Like mounting tele bindings on snowblades.
 
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