Bent Chetlers or Backland FR 117/Automatic 117

SandwichGuy

Member
Hello I am looking for a ski that can float in powder as well as ski well on groomers. I'm not going to be skiing switch much but I will be skiing and jumping off natural features such as rocks and mini cliffs.
 
Backlands are mainly for touring and at skiing but could work well as a lighter, more directional option.

^v - Both of these skis have the same specs (139.5/117/128.5) but the backlands are ~200 grams lighter and have carbon and wood in the core instead of metal and wood.

The automatics would be my ski of choice out of all of them. They have a fair amount of rocker and are your best option for powder/big mountain performance. They do have a stiffer flex pattern than the Bentchetlers but that translates to being able to bust through crud a but better than the chets.

^v - Both of these skis have tight turn radius' and are super responsive on groomed trails.

The Bents are super playful and probably the best for throwing tricks and stuff in the powder if you're looking for something to do with that. They are a bit softer and lighter than the Automatics so they will be more poppy too.
 
13780531:Fr3shTr4ckz said:
What about jumps? How well does the Backland stomp cliffs?

Never rode them but the automatics are bombproof (Buddy of mine has them).

If you're looking for skis that can rip powder and groomers I think taking a look at the Moment Bibbys is a great idea. I have a pair of those and they are my go-to pow ski for stomping cliff drops and stuff thanks to their stiffer flex and nice amount of rocker.

If you're still looking for a pow ski with tighter turn radius like the ones you have listed above, Id take a look at the Armada JJ 2.0s or the JJ Zeros (they're the same difference as the Backlands and automatics). Both have a 17m turn radius and are pretty flexy but stable imo. I also have a pair of the Zeros and I love them. Super poppy and light but also pretty stable when ripping groomers.
 
13780543:Zypher said:
If you're still looking for a pow ski with tighter turn radius like the ones you have listed above, Id take a look at the Armada JJ 2.0s or the JJ Zeros (they're the same difference as the Backlands and automatics). Both have a 17m turn radius and are pretty flexy but stable imo. I also have a pair of the Zeros and I love them. Super poppy and light but also pretty stable when ripping groomers.

Also forgot to mention, I rode my JJ's in the park after the powder got pretty tracked out in the trees and they were a blast. I have mine mounted at recommended so it was a bit weird at first but after a lap or two, they were super fun. I didnt hit any rails with them (I like my edges...) but on jumps they were surprisingly stable.
 
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