Bird daily driver. Thank you for your time.

[Hellalit]

Ive been riding wets at bird (yes idiotic as it sounds) and had a ton of fun, but I'm looking for a new daily. Currently eyeing the jeff 100s, wildcat 101, DW 104, iclantic nomad 106, or jeff 108. I enjoy riding trees and bumps, and techy terrain. I like to send big. Please be aware, that I am not looking for someone to tell me what ski to buy, rather suggestions from personal experience, which are the type suggestion I value most. Reviews have not helped me in the past as much as writings of personal experience have, as it helps me understand what skiis fit my skiing style the best.

Thank you NS. I value your experiences and suggestions.

**This thread was edited on Apr 2nd 2024 at 4:23:31pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 2nd 2024 at 4:26:01pm

 

[mikem]

i ride wets/wide/keys at alta some days. I bought a jeff 108 and ended up selling it. for my type of skiing i wanted to do on that ski it just felt to surfy and unstable on turns. I would have rather been on my wides ngl. depends on if you want to carve down moguls or surf on top of em i guess.

 

[officechair]

Couple things I need to note before I recommend: I don’t ski park or cliffs, but I do a ton of moguls and carving on directionals typically. That said, I was super impressed with the Fat-ypus M5 in 188cm athlete stiffness. They felt incredibly intuitive on steep terrain, powder, tight trees, and the few moguls I skied at Solitude. It was only one day, but everything clicked with them immediately. I think the regular version would be too soft, but the athlete stiffness felt stable even straight lining midday chopped powder. They weren’t the best on firm but they aren’t built to be a carver so I didn’t mind.

**This post was edited on Apr 2nd 2024 at 7:09:57pm

 

[mikem]

the bird combo

 

[MastePoleWhacker]

MFree 108s are another ski in that “playful charger” (I hate that term) category. I ride mpro 108s which aren’t the same thing but I guess I can vouch for the dynastars. See a lot of the m frees in the cottonwoods anyways

 

[Hellalit]

i ride wets/wide/keys at alta some days. I bought a jeff 108 and ended up selling it. for my type of skiing i wanted to do on that ski it just felt to surfy and unstable on turns. I would have rather been on my wides ngl. depends on if you want to carve down moguls or surf on top of em i guess.

Ah, yes, this all makes sense. I heard that Jeff likes to go straight and very fast.

 

[Hellalit]

MFree 108s are another ski in that “playful charger” (I hate that term) category. I ride mpro 108s which aren’t the same thing but I guess I can vouch for the dynastars. See a lot of the m frees in the cottonwoods anyways

Yes, this is another to look at. Great ski.

 

[Celery]

Ah, yes, this all makes sense. I heard that Jeff likes to go straight and very fast.

It's not a point and shoot ski. It's very pivoty and while it can certainly charge it's not the best at it.

 

[blueberrypaladin]

I’ve never ridden vishnus, but have either demo’d or bought/sold a few of those options. Jeff 108 is insanely fun - it’s damp and poppy and slashy. It can be carved, but only from a very centered stance. I ended up selling mine because I like carving more traditionally on hardpack, and I found them to be a little more soft-snow oriented for my west coast one ski quiver (I was often tempted to put my blade optic 96 in the bag as well if it hadn’t snowed! However, if I had a hardpack ski to pair with it, it’s so freaking fun when the snow is a little soft.

if you like the sounds of that (not an aggressive carver, but super damp for it’s weight and very quick turning in tech/trees) but want something that’s a bit more of a “don’t check the weather” ski, the Jeff 100 might be your ticket. Never ridden it.

M-Free 108, I’ve ridden the 182. If you like “loose” skis, this is next level. Almost hard to describe compared to anything I’ve ever ridden. It makes this ski very fun if you like to chop your way through trees with tons of turns (the Jeff’s can do this as well, m free in 182 is just a uniquely loose thing). I love the way it carves, but on a steep icy slope you’re gonna be Tokyo drifting your way to something you can grab an edge onto. I wouldn’t call the edge hold bad by any means - it’s just too loose to carve eagles nest with precision. Still, you can carve it in a much more traditional style than the Jeff, maybe it feels 10% more at home in true hardpack, but doesn’t have soft snow magic of ON3P. Sold because it skies very short and I wanted to try something a little less loose. Call that and the Jeff cousins.

Rossi SF, 191. Tried this while I was breaking in boots, so a bit unfair to it. It carves very well, though I couldn’t carve it the way the guys at Blister do because I like to press on my boots for confidence and it wants a centered stance. Definitely better on edge than the 2 above on hardpack. It’s just a totally different vibe though - this ski seems to want you to power through chop and crud with it in a super G turn instead of bases flat. That’s not a bad thing at all - I think a lot of people prefer that. Keep in mind, 191 (or m free 192) are VERY heavy. I’m 6’1, 195 and I think I’m pretty good (I’m not). The 191 was heavy for me. Clearly had a ton of juice and was kind of like if you traded the Jeff’s surf for carves. Too heavy for me, didn’t move forward.

Blade Optic: I’ve only skied the 96. Was a good middle ground weight wise, carves well, and surprisingly good in soft snow for its width. It’s not the most aggressive ski in the world and it’s softer than most in this category (including all of the above). See some Colorado kids rocking the 104, but never ridden it. Enjoy the 96, have beat it to hell but happy to take it on all my east coast trips and depending on weather west coast almost every day too.

moment: think we have a guy who will tell you more about the wc101 and dw104 than I can (never ridden) but I have a 2010 Bibby Pro in a 190 (118 underfoot). Stiffest ski I’ve talked about, carves as well as I think a 118 can, and it wants to go FAST. Would not daily drive because icy moguls on these make me wonder who I wronged in a past life, but hell if they aren’t a fun as hell ski on a powder day (also very heavy). You probably won’t find many nomad 106 experiences since that ski just came out.

a few others to keep on your list. Bent 100 (sorry newschoolers). I owned the 180 old version, and it saw me through 60 days straight at JHMR. Got to chase Durtschi and Kai Jones into a rope drop (rope duck? Shhhh) and never felt undergunned. That was one of the worst seasons in JHMR history though, so it wasn’t a great Snowbird proxy. Idk, people hate them but worth a demo. That ski helped me love skiing again after a 3 year hiatus due to knee issues, so I love it.

the old white SFB was a fun, very carable, park style ski that I loved ripping groomers on and hitting soft snow, but mine de-lammed (warranty was honored) and the ski isn’t in production. Candide/Mana had a true “park ski” feel in an all mountain ski, but was a little too edge preference / non slashy for me personally.

If you’ve made it here, thanks! For my money the single best day I’ve ever had trying a ski was the old Koala 103 (the tan one) in a 183. It felt almost glued to the snow, but then I would pop it and boom, it going an extra 2 feet off every hit and it’s light in the air. I took it in a tiny chute in Paint Brush, loved it there. Sent it in the lower bowl, loved it there. It’s just the right mix of surf and carve for me personally. It lives in my head rent free. When I move out west again, that’s the type of ski I’m looking for as my personal daily.

oh and if you’re going directional, see if you can get the Rossi sender 106ti on your feet. Spent a morning at DV once demo’ing that for free out the Rossi tent and I’ll be damned if that’s that the best carver on this whole list if you like to carve fall line, front of your boot, down fast groomers.

 

[MastePoleWhacker]

If you aren’t necessarily looking for a twin tip and might want something directional it could be worth checking out the m-pro 108. I don’t know where you can get a pair to demo in slc though, I bought mine blind which ended up working out great for me. They’re on the exact other side of the spectrum from the Vs. Very stiff and heavy and don’t really like to slash. But they charge and carve like nothing else in just about any conditions and they’re incredibly supportive in the landings. Definitely my favorite skis of all time

 

[Hellalit]

I’ve never ridden vishnus, but have either demo’d or bought/sold a few of those options. Jeff 108 is insanely fun - it’s damp and poppy and slashy. It can be carved, but only from a very centered stance. I ended up selling mine because I like carving more traditionally on hardpack, and I found them to be a little more soft-snow oriented for my west coast one ski quiver (I was often tempted to put my blade optic 96 in the bag as well if it hadn’t snowed! However, if I had a hardpack ski to pair with it, it’s so freaking fun when the snow is a little soft.

if you like the sounds of that (not an aggressive carver, but super damp for it’s weight and very quick turning in tech/trees) but want something that’s a bit more of a “don’t check the weather” ski, the Jeff 100 might be your ticket. Never ridden it.

M-Free 108, I’ve ridden the 182. If you like “loose” skis, this is next level. Almost hard to describe compared to anything I’ve ever ridden. It makes this ski very fun if you like to chop your way through trees with tons of turns (the Jeff’s can do this as well, m free in 182 is just a uniquely loose thing). I love the way it carves, but on a steep icy slope you’re gonna be Tokyo drifting your way to something you can grab an edge onto. I wouldn’t call the edge hold bad by any means - it’s just too loose to carve eagles nest with precision. Still, you can carve it in a much more traditional style than the Jeff, maybe it feels 10% more at home in true hardpack, but doesn’t have soft snow magic of ON3P. Sold because it skies very short and I wanted to try something a little less loose. Call that and the Jeff cousins.

Rossi SF, 191. Tried this while I was breaking in boots, so a bit unfair to it. It carves very well, though I couldn’t carve it the way the guys at Blister do because I like to press on my boots for confidence and it wants a centered stance. Definitely better on edge than the 2 above on hardpack. It’s just a totally different vibe though - this ski seems to want you to power through chop and crud with it in a super G turn instead of bases flat. That’s not a bad thing at all - I think a lot of people prefer that. Keep in mind, 191 (or m free 192) are VERY heavy. I’m 6’1, 195 and I think I’m pretty good (I’m not). The 191 was heavy for me. Clearly had a ton of juice and was kind of like if you traded the Jeff’s surf for carves. Too heavy for me, didn’t move forward.

Blade Optic: I’ve only skied the 96. Was a good middle ground weight wise, carves well, and surprisingly good in soft snow for its width. It’s not the most aggressive ski in the world and it’s softer than most in this category (including all of the above). See some Colorado kids rocking the 104, but never ridden it. Enjoy the 96, have beat it to hell but happy to take it on all my east coast trips and depending on weather west coast almost every day too.

moment: think we have a guy who will tell you more about the wc101 and dw104 than I can (never ridden) but I have a 2010 Bibby Pro in a 190 (118 underfoot). Stiffest ski I’ve talked about, carves as well as I think a 118 can, and it wants to go FAST. Would not daily drive because icy moguls on these make me wonder who I wronged in a past life, but hell if they aren’t a fun as hell ski on a powder day (also very heavy). You probably won’t find many nomad 106 experiences since that ski just came out.

a few others to keep on your list. Bent 100 (sorry newschoolers). I owned the 180 old version, and it saw me through 60 days straight at JHMR. Got to chase Durtschi and Kai Jones into a rope drop (rope duck? Shhhh) and never felt undergunned. That was one of the worst seasons in JHMR history though, so it wasn’t a great Snowbird proxy. Idk, people hate them but worth a demo. That ski helped me love skiing again after a 3 year hiatus due to knee issues, so I love it.

the old white SFB was a fun, very carable, park style ski that I loved ripping groomers on and hitting soft snow, but mine de-lammed (warranty was honored) and the ski isn’t in production. Candide/Mana had a true “park ski” feel in an all mountain ski, but was a little too edge preference / non slashy for me personally.

If you’ve made it here, thanks! For my money the single best day I’ve ever had trying a ski was the old Koala 103 (the tan one) in a 183. It felt almost glued to the snow, but then I would pop it and boom, it going an extra 2 feet off every hit and it’s light in the air. I took it in a tiny chute in Paint Brush, loved it there. Sent it in the lower bowl, loved it there. It’s just the right mix of surf and carve for me personally. It lives in my head rent free. When I move out west again, that’s the type of ski I’m looking for as my personal daily.

oh and if you’re going directional, see if you can get the Rossi sender 106ti on your feet. Spent a morning at DV once demo’ing that for free out the Rossi tent and I’ll be damned if that’s that the best carver on this whole list if you like to carve fall line, front of your boot, down fast groomers.

I read it all. I appreciate these comments! Your description of the Jeff 100/108 sounds intriguing and I like my skiing preference (and the Mfre 108). The 103 DPS is also fascinating; sounds and looks like an awesome ski. On the note of wider skis like the Jeff 108 and the M-free 108, Rossi SF, as a daily, I'm wondering (even with wind buff on high altitude areas ex: cirque) if the underfoot will hold me back, on non rippin' days (I currently own a wildcat 116 and may be selling for a longer length). Therefore, I've heard mixed opinion on wider skis as a daily. Some folks say they can always ski 108-110 daily, while others disagree. However, As I am willing to compromise carving down the fall line for a more slashy, quick-turning, send big, go fast ski (Jeff and Mfree 108), and therefore maybe the width is not something I need to consider all that much? or maybe a ski like the rossi SF, has such a good profile for its width that it does this all perfect, even on non pow stick rippin days!

if you made it this far, thanks!

**This post was edited on Apr 3rd 2024 at 1:33:57pm

 

[Hellalit]

I read it all. I appreciate these comments! Your description of the Jeff 100/108 sounds intriguing and I like my skiing preference (and the Mfre 108). The 103 DPS is also fascinating; sounds and looks like an awesome ski. On the note of wider skis like the Jeff 108 and the M-free 108, Rossi SF, as a daily, I'm wondering (even with wind buff on high altitude areas ex: cirque) if the underfoot will hold me back, on non rippin' days (I currently own a wildcat 116 and may be selling for a longer length). Therefore, I've heard mixed opinion on wider skis as a daily. Some folks say they can always ski 108-110 daily, while others disagree. However, As I am willing to compromise carving down the fall line for a more slashy, quick-turning, send big, go fast ski (Jeff and Mfree 108), and therefore maybe the width is not something I need to consider all that much? or maybe a ski like the rossi SF, has such a good profile for its width that it does this all perfect, even on non pow stick rippin days!

if you made it this far, thanks!

**This post was edited on Apr 3rd 2024 at 1:33:57pm

And perhaps, looking at the koala's profile, is a perfect blend of all of these features, perhaps mounting +2 from rec of -6 (and of course I understand there is no one perfect ski a blend of everything!)

 

[Hellalit]

If you aren’t necessarily looking for a twin tip and might want something directional it could be worth checking out the m-pro 108. I don’t know where you can get a pair to demo in slc though, I bought mine blind which ended up working out great for me. They’re on the exact other side of the spectrum from the Vs. Very stiff and heavy and don’t really like to slash. But they charge and carve like nothing else in just about any conditions and they’re incredibly supportive in the landings. Definitely my favorite skis of all time

thanks for the insight! definitely want to check this ski out

 

[mikem]

I read it all. I appreciate these comments! Your description of the Jeff 100/108 sounds intriguing and I like my skiing preference (and the Mfre 108). The 103 DPS is also fascinating; sounds and looks like an awesome ski. On the note of wider skis like the Jeff 108 and the M-free 108, Rossi SF, as a daily, I'm wondering (even with wind buff on high altitude areas ex: cirque) if the underfoot will hold me back, on non rippin' days (I currently own a wildcat 116 and may be selling for a longer length). Therefore, I've heard mixed opinion on wider skis as a daily. Some folks say they can always ski 108-110 daily, while others disagree. However, As I am willing to compromise carving down the fall line for a more slashy, quick-turning, send big, go fast ski (Jeff and Mfree 108), and therefore maybe the width is not something I need to consider all that much? or maybe a ski like the rossi SF, has such a good profile for its width that it does this all perfect, even on non pow stick rippin days!

if you made it this far, thanks!

**This post was edited on Apr 3rd 2024 at 1:33:57pm

Think about this day: Cirque is mega buffed so ripping down turns is hella fun, all cliff airs are good, then onto middle chips over to the cattrack hit, from there down to the hits near black jack gully, over down around chips and back on the traverse to the tram deck area.

At the top of the cirque on a day described above, you want something that can handle the speeds, rip, hold an edge, and not get bucked. Think rossi SF here.

Your lower half of the run will be cutting probably through chop to groomed traverses (cattrack hit) and fun winlips. This is where you would want something more playful, thinking jeffrey here.

Its a question of, would you rather surf the cirque, then have an easier time throwing tricks down low, or would you rather rip the cirque at high speed, with a little sacrifice of tricks down low being slightly harder.

If you are familiar with alta, think of a jeff 108 as a wildcat ski (go for cliffs, hits, jumps) where as the rossi sf is a collins ski, (go for longer open lines at higher speeds).

"I am willing to compromise carving down the fall line for a more slashy" -- says you should look around at jeffs, I personally havn't skied the mfree108, so don't want to weigh in.

the design of the ski will hold you back more than the width, the SF 110 rolls over like a 106 in my mind, but floats around a 110 (shovel design -> sidecut) - I wouldn't let waist width play into your calculations, and in the end its a couple mm

 

[colerichardmyers]

So I've been on both the Jeff 100 and DW 104. I'll also add a consideration for the Praxis MVP 108, which I think is a bit closer to the Rossi SF than either Jeff 108 or WC 108 (just guessing here).

I'd skip over the Jeff 100. It felt like an amazing early season and spring ski. The Jeff 108 will be a better option. Others have already described this ski and their takes are right on. It is loose and surfy, damp, provides a lot of pop off even the smallest side hits thanks to the bamboo core. It is not precise by any means. It is more like point and shoot, slash to cut speed and re-direct, long arch, slash again..I didn't find myself even on groomers or shallow chop being able to really "drive" the ski in the 100 width at least But it is a center mounted more freestyle ski so that isn't what it is for.

The DW 104 or DW 112 could both fit the bill for a Snowbird daily depending on your preferences. I cannot speak highly enough about the DW 104. It is a fucking awesome ski. You can drive the ski as if it were more directional. Slash and pivot easily with a centered stance. It has amazing edge grip. Overall, it can be precise and loose..this is most likely due to the triple camber (I've never felt this with another ski). I feel comfortable dropping small to med cliffs, and getting in the air with it. Riding and landing switch is laughably easy. Yet, it does feel more planted and does not provide the same energy or pop that the Jeff 100/108 does. That bamboo core is something.

I will always encourage USA made and would seriously consider the Jeff 108 (they have some Jeff 110s on factory finds as well) and DW 112 for Snowbird. Or if you want something like the Rossi SF with less weight look into the MVP 108. Choose the one that suits your skiing style.

**This post was edited on Apr 3rd 2024 at 8:26:53pm

 

[blueberrypaladin]

If the MFree 108 (182) is a 10/10 surfiness, the jeff 108 is probably an 8, and the Koala 103 is a 6 or 6.5. Can't go wrong with any of those (or a bunch of others). I think preferred width underfoot is honestly all preference. I've daily'd 108's, and it's doable on hardpack days, but it just depends on if you're someone who likes that feeling of the extra under you.

If you're SLC local, see if you can hit up the DPS guys and try the Koala. If you find that a tad locked in but want something similar, go mfree. If you wish it had more vertical travel and dampness / was more freestyle-y, go Jeff. I can't quite put into words the unique nature of bamboo (other than that it's a different mix of torsional vs vertical stiffness than wood cores). Regardless, I'm a huge ON3P company fan - Iggy has never hesitated to help out a ton and is honestly the man. Best customer service i've ever gotten.

No matter what, you're looking at a bunch of great skis that are all gonna be fun (and would all re-sell pretty well if you want to try something else)