Best Freeride Charger?

H

Henry.V

Member
Howdy. I'm moving to Big Sky for the season in a few weeks and I'm currently getting all of my gear organized. I'm a midwest lad with minimal powder experience, though I'm a very strong and aggressive skier. I'll be bringing out my Faction CT 2.0's for day-to-day all mountain/ park riding, but am looking for a pair of chargers to purchase for crushing through the crud and going big on the cliffs. So far I'm scoping out the Rosingnol Black Ops 118s, but am worried they are a tad too heavy, and again I don't know much/ would love advice.

Key things I'm looking for:

- Stability. I want to know I can cut through most things in my path and will always have a solid base

- Width. Ideally these will hold their own in the powder before things get too tracked out

- Playfulness. I love twintips, popping off things, and landing switch

- Cheap-ish. They don't call it ski bumming because its affordable
 
Moment Wildcat or the On3p Jeffrey 116 are going to be the best options for a playful charger IMO. I cant think of any twins I would take over those two.
 
I'm an Ontario park skier out west for my first season this year. I picked up a pair of jeffery 108s and today was my first day on them. It's definitely different than I'm used to but I'm loving them so far. They do feel a bit heavy but I'm coming from ARV 86s so I think any all mtn ski is going to feel like that
 
I’m a huge advocate for the black ops as being one of if not the best resort pow skis out there. They are big, heavy, and pretty straight with a lot of camber under foot for what they are. Having said that I have never finished a day and been feeling fresh as they are quite demanding. Tighter stuff they are a lot of work but when things open up and you are looking for a more stable platform to let’er buck the black ops really work well.

bonus points are you can likely find them a bit cheaper than other options due to availability.
 
Big sky will eat any skis you use there, buy something used and decently heavy like an on3p, moment or black ops and thank me at the end of the season when your $300 skis are wrecked instead of some $800 skis.

unless you really want new skis, then prioritize durability. Usually more weight= more durable.
 
Moment Deathwish is a super sick ski. It has the perfect flex pattern for playful charging, and it floats super well. The triple camber also makes it carve surprisingly well. If you want something a bit wider, the Moment Wildcat, ON3P Jeffery 116, Moment Chipolte Banana, ON3P Billy Goat, Black Crows Anima, Bentchetler 120, or Volkl Revolt 121.

lmk if you have any questions about those :)
 
14200673:TheWeaz said:
Big sky will eat any skis you use there, buy something used and decently heavy like an on3p, moment or black ops and thank me at the end of the season when your $300 skis are wrecked instead of some $800 skis.

unless you really want new skis, then prioritize durability. Usually more weight= more durable.
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What this guy said.

Also: depending on your height/weight, you might not like a super wide ski coming from the midwest. I personally don't really like stuff wider than a 112 since I feel it forces my feet apart too much and I can't quite ski how I'd like to. You might want to look into:

ON3P Wrenegades

Moment Deathwish

Faction Dictator 4.0

Fatypus D Sender-lighter but still charges

K2 Mindbender 116/108-108 is stiffer

If you want somethimg dummy chargey and not at all playful:

Moment Commander 118
 
Check out Blister reviews. Their new gear guide just came out and breaks down skis by intended use really well. Also it's free. PatagoniaLuke and Cydwhit both test skis for blister, post on NS frequently, and may even help weigh in on skis they've tested if you ask. The kye metamorph sounds like it would fit your intended style pretty well in addition to what others have said (on3p jeffrey, moment wildcat, black ops 118) as well as the prior CBC. The 4frnt inthayne could be a lighter weight option too. I ride them in CO and love riding em in soft chop. All depends on you and your riding style but all of these skis seem to check your boxes. Questions to ask yourself: Are you real active while charging making lots of quick turns/corrections (think someone like dunk adams)? Are you looking to just point em and blast through shit and send a la Pwhite? Do you want a surfy/looser feel in powder? Hope that helps some
 
OP, what's your height / weight?

All good options mentioned above. The BO 118 is my favorite ski of all time for what you're describing, but it definitely doesn't feel light in the air. But as far more talented people than I have shown, you can still throw it around if you've got the legs. And mostly, it just feels so solid in chop. FWIW, I'm 5'8" 155 lbs and love the 186 BO 118. I definitely have tired legs at the end of the day, but for me, that's worth it for how confident it makes me feel in chop and crud.

Wildcat is my favorite for a lighter alternative, Revolt 121 falls in between the two IMO in terms of stability and "quickness" (though that may no longer be true with the heavier, 20/21 Wildcat). Icelantic Nomad 115 is a decent lighter alternative to the BO 118, and then I figure the Jeffrey 116 and Woodsman 116 would be fairly similar to the BO 118, probably a bit more maneuverable and not quite as good on firm snow (not that it matters much in this case).

But yeah, I'd echo the note above about at least looking into the used market — the good news is that there are a lot of skis that could function pretty well for what you're describing. The BO 118, Wildcat, Revolt 121, Nomad 115, Jeffrey 116, and Woodsman 116 have all been around for at least a season, if not more, so you might be able to find a used pair in decent shape.
 
14201003:patagonialuke said:
OP, what's your height / weight?

All good options mentioned above. The BO 118 is my favorite ski of all time for what you're describing, but it definitely doesn't feel light in the air. But as far more talented people than I have shown, you can still throw it around if you've got the legs. And mostly, it just feels so solid in chop. FWIW, I'm 5'8" 155 lbs and love the 186 BO 118. I definitely have tired legs at the end of the day, but for me, that's worth it for how confident it makes me feel in chop and crud.

Wildcat is my favorite for a lighter alternative, Revolt 121 falls in between the two IMO in terms of stability and "quickness" (though that may no longer be true with the heavier, 20/21 Wildcat). Icelantic Nomad 115 is a decent lighter alternative to the BO 118, and then I figure the Jeffrey 116 and Woodsman 116 would be fairly similar to the BO 118, probably a bit more maneuverable and not quite as good on firm snow (not that it matters much in this case).

But yeah, I'd echo the note above about at least looking into the used market — the good news is that there are a lot of skis that could function pretty well for what you're describing. The BO 118, Wildcat, Revolt 121, Nomad 115, Jeffrey 116, and Woodsman 116 have all been around for at least a season, if not more, so you might be able to find a used pair in decent shape.
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5'10 and 160. Reading through this thread its looking more and more like the the BO 118 is the way to go unless I can find something used for cheaper. Cheers to everyone for the help. Will keep you updated on how things land and what I can scrounge up.
 
big sky has wrecked most of my skis like everyone here has said. My favorite everyday ski here are my 4frnt devastators.
 
14201676:Henry.V said:
5'10 and 160. Reading through this thread its looking more and more like the the BO 118 is the way to go unless I can find something used for cheaper. Cheers to everyone for the help. Will keep you updated on how things land and what I can scrounge up.
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The BO118 is a sick ski, and one of my all-time favs. It's basically a Ford Raptor. Goes like hell, soaks up crud, and is stable af on landings. The trade-off is that it is super heavy, and takes a bit of muscle to throw it around in the air, or when popping of of little features. Something else I would suggest would be the Jeffery 116. They're a little softer and feel like they have a little more pop/less swing weight than the BO(at least to me). Either way, you're gonna have fun.
 
14200644:anders_a said:
revolt 121?

CT 5.0?

prodigy 4.0?
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Ohhh dude the CT 5.0 is so slept on. Thing fucking RIPS. It is so stable in every condition imaginable and yet still not a boat anchor and not as stiff as a 2x4. Definitely more expensive, and definitely not the best ski for tight spaces, but it’s easily my favorite park ski
 
CT 5 is one of few I dont own, always sold out of long lengths :| only petite 184 and such avail

I heard the 5 is what mr candide himself prefers
 
I use the Reckoner 112 for my daily driver and I really love it. I've ridden it in everything from Washington chop to summer mini pipe on them and have had a good time.
 
14203184:bradwalters said:
I use the Reckoner 112 for my daily driver and I really love it. I've ridden it in everything from Washington chop to summer mini pipe on them and have had a good time.
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where did you mount? got a new 112 here ready to mount :o

stoked on them, got the 191, feels decent underfoot, but not sure they qualify as a charger

**This post was edited on Nov 26th 2020 at 4:22:08am
 
I've got my 112 191s at the team mark. I used the same mark on the 184 last season and liked it as well.

I guess the term "chargers" is subjective. I just figure that if the Reckoners are good enough for Karl and Collin Collins to do what they do on them then they're good enough for me to "charge" on.
 
Hols it right there. Where did you get a 191 112??

14203192:anders_a said:
where did you mount? got a new 112 here ready to mount :o

stoked on them, got the 191, feels decent underfoot, but not sure they qualify as a charger

**This post was edited on Nov 26th 2020 at 4:22:08am
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^^^ what weaz said. Go used and go burly. So far I've had success with the Cochise, Billy Goat, and Enforcer 104; all of which I would recommend for here at the Rather Large Resort. If you're already here, come in to LMS and check out our used stuff downstairs. Ask for Ryan, I'll set you up.

What I've got: 190 Sick Day 114, 186 Sick Day 104, 180 and 189 Kore 105, 186 CT 3.0, 188 2.0 and a few more in shorter lengths.

**This post was edited on Nov 30th 2020 at 12:53:55pm
 
14201003:patagonialuke said:
OP, what's your height / weight?

All good options mentioned above. The BO 118 is my favorite ski of all time for what you're describing, but it definitely doesn't feel light in the air. But as far more talented people than I have shown, you can still throw it around if you've got the legs. And mostly, it just feels so solid in chop. FWIW, I'm 5'8" 155 lbs and love the 186 BO 118. I definitely have tired legs at the end of the day, but for me, that's worth it for how confident it makes me feel in chop and crud.

Wildcat is my favorite for a lighter alternative, Revolt 121 falls in between the two IMO in terms of stability and "quickness" (though that may no longer be true with the heavier, 20/21 Wildcat). Icelantic Nomad 115 is a decent lighter alternative to the BO 118, and then I figure the Jeffrey 116 and Woodsman 116 would be fairly similar to the BO 118, probably a bit more maneuverable and not quite as good on firm snow (not that it matters much in this case).

But yeah, I'd echo the note above about at least looking into the used market — the good news is that there are a lot of skis that could function pretty well for what you're describing. The BO 118, Wildcat, Revolt 121, Nomad 115, Jeffrey 116, and Woodsman 116 have all been around for at least a season, if not more, so you might be able to find a used pair in decent shape.
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How in love are you with the revolt 121 i have a pair of atris 108's that I love for everyday ripping but I was looking to get a fatter ski for pow and big lines. Im not all for hard-charging and stability I like to have them a little softer, just wondering ur thoughts
 
14226346:jackdantonio21 said:
How in love are you with the revolt 121 i have a pair of atris 108's that I love for everyday ripping but I was looking to get a fatter ski for pow and big lines. Im not all for hard-charging and stability I like to have them a little softer, just wondering ur thoughts
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If you're generally happy with how playful the Atris is, I figure you'd get along well with the Revolt. It's not some super burly, demanding ski; it's a lot looser / easier to slash around than the Atris but also more damp and stable in chop. It's a bit heavier and it rewards a more centered / less forward stance than the Atris (at least mounted on the Atris's recommended line), but seems like a decent option for you.
 
14226443:patagonialuke said:
If you're generally happy with how playful the Atris is, I figure you'd get along well with the Revolt. It's not some super burly, demanding ski; it's a lot looser / easier to slash around than the Atris but also more damp and stable in chop. It's a bit heavier and it rewards a more centered / less forward stance than the Atris (at least mounted on the Atris's recommended line), but seems like a decent option for you.
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thanks for the input not sure yet If i want to get a backcountry ski or a touring setup
 
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