East coast all mountain advice

[eanels02]

So I am 5’-11” 170 lbs. I like to ski the trees, but am stuck on groomers a lot. I want something that can handle the trees and crud, and be nice when we actually have deeper snow. I would say I am an advanced intermediate skier. I plan to keep my skinny groomer skis, and was eyeing the enforcer 100’s. Not sure on length, or if there is a better option out there.

 

[Chrisc70]

J Masterblaster or All-Play. Also, Black Crows Camox. Masterblaster will let you rail fast on groomers while being pivot enough to be fun in the trees.

 

[powpatrol]

Line Sakana

Black Crows Camox

Armarda ARV series

ON3P Kartlel 96-108

ON3P Wrenegade 96

K2 Marksman

Vishnu Wide (?)

 

[eanels02]

Of the skis noted, are they all recommended over the enforcers, or on about the same level?

 

[Non_State_Actor]

Of the skis noted, are they all recommended over the enforcers, or on about the same level?

I think it's probably just a difference in style mostly, and folks recommending smaller, "cooler" less mainstream brands to some degree.

Did you look at blistergearreview.com ? I'm pretty sure the enforcer is well liked there and it might be good to read up on the recommendations in this thread to get an idea of how they might compare.

The one thing that would steer me away from the enforcer is the short turning radius.

 

[powpatrol]

Of the skis noted, are they all recommended over the enforcers, or on about the same level?

Just all suggestions from what people have ridden or heard good things about.

Pointers to help you zone in and research for the ski you ultimately will decide on

 

[pacman922]

skied the black crow camox all year last year. Great east coast all mountain ski

 

[eanels02]

Ok I’m honing in - thinking black crow canon or J master blaster. Haven’t fully ruled out enforcer 100. Anyone with experience on these to sway either way?

 

[J_skis]

Ok I’m honing in - thinking black crow canon or J master blaster. Haven’t fully ruled out enforcer 100. Anyone with experience on these to sway either way?

I'm never ridden the Black Crow (also couldn't find the "canon" but guessing it's the same as the "camox"?) so can't compare more than simply on specs/dimensions but I have extensively tested the Masterblaster vs. both the Enforcer 93 and 100 so can definitely shed some light there.

The most unique thing about the Masterblaster is it's light metal construction using only 50mm sheets of titanal that don't go edge to edge or tip to tail which gives you all of the dampening and torsional rigidity benefits of metal while maintaining a youthful, lively feel to the ski. This blend of powder and precision gives you a gentle nudge to go faster and will allow you to trust the ski in all conditions from slow groomers, to high speed ice, to steep, technical, chundery terrain. It's wide, powder shaped tip gives you effortless float up to 12" of fresh snow and the ability to pivot on a dime in tight trees. Learn more > jskis.com/collections/masterblaster

The biggest thing you'd notice vs the Enforcer is the ability to carve turns according to your skiing style, whereas the Enforce tends to lock you into a singular radius carve, the multi-radii of the MB lets you choose your arc based on the terrain you're on. Because the Enforce is slightly that will give it more float in powder, but the longer rocker of the MB tends to level this playing field very well and you won't notice a difference in deep snow performance.

Compared to the specs/dimensions of the Camox, that ski and the MB are fairly similar both with a rocker-camber-rocker profile and similar turning radius. The biggest difference is the use of a poplar core in the Camox vs the maple core with titanal construction of the MB. My concern with a light poplar core would be the ability to hold it's own in steeper, faster terrain, where the MB really uses its construction to help the skier manage more advanced lines. Since we sell completely direct to consumer from our factory we're able to build skis using the absolute best processes and materials possible, ensuring you get a better ski for the same money!

We also offer a 100% money back guarantee so you can try the skis on your own time, and if you're not completely stoked send 'em back for a difference ski or full refund. As always feel free to hit us up directly: info@jskis.com or (802) 585-1098

 

[powpatrol]

I'm never ridden the Black Crow (also couldn't find the "canon" but guessing it's the same as the "camox"?) so can't compare more than simply on specs/dimensions but I have extensively tested the Masterblaster vs. both the Enforcer 93 and 100 so can definitely shed some light there.

The most unique thing about the Masterblaster is it's light metal construction using only 50mm sheets of titanal that don't go edge to edge or tip to tail which gives you all of the dampening and torsional rigidity benefits of metal while maintaining a youthful, lively feel to the ski. This blend of powder and precision gives you a gentle nudge to go faster and will allow you to trust the ski in all conditions from slow groomers, to high speed ice, to steep, technical, chundery terrain. It's wide, powder shaped tip gives you effortless float up to 12" of fresh snow and the ability to pivot on a dime in tight trees. Learn more > jskis.com/collections/masterblaster

The biggest thing you'd notice vs the Enforcer is the ability to carve turns according to your skiing style, whereas the Enforce tends to lock you into a singular radius carve, the multi-radii of the MB lets you choose your arc based on the terrain you're on. Because the Enforce is slightly that will give it more float in powder, but the longer rocker of the MB tends to level this playing field very well and you won't notice a difference in deep snow performance.

Compared to the specs/dimensions of the Camox, that ski and the MB are fairly similar both with a rocker-camber-rocker profile and similar turning radius. The biggest difference is the use of a poplar core in the Camox vs the maple core with titanal construction of the MB. My concern with a light poplar core would be the ability to hold it's own in steeper, faster terrain, where the MB really uses its construction to help the skier manage more advanced lines. Since we sell completely direct to consumer from our factory we're able to build skis using the absolute best processes and materials possible, ensuring you get a better ski for the same money!

We also offer a 100% money back guarantee so you can try the skis on your own time, and if you're not completely stoked send 'em back for a difference ski or full refund. As always feel free to hit us up directly: info@jskis.com or (802) 585-1098

Seems like a solid competitor to the camox,each to their own

How wide is the Masterblaster?

 

[J_skis]

Seems like a solid competitor to the camox,each to their own

How wide is the Masterblaster?

125 - 96 - 114mm

 

[eanels02]

Is it. Pain in the ass to put skins on any of the skis above?

 

[Chrisc70]

125 - 96 - 114mm

@j_skis poplar vs. aspen vs. ash vs. maple Is this correct as to softest to hardest? If not, what's the correct grading? I assume this correlates to softest to firmest ski flex?

**This post was edited on Aug 18th 2018 at 10:37:02am

 

[J_skis]

Is it. Pain in the ass to put skins on any of the skis above?

Anything with a flat (not twin-tip) tail is easier to clamp skins on. I believe everything noted above is that way

 

[J_skis]

@j_skis poplar vs. aspen vs. ash vs. maple Is this correct as to softest to hardest? If not, what's the correct grading? I assume this correlates to softest to firmest ski flex?

**This post was edited on Aug 18th 2018 at 10:37:02am

That's definitely true in terms of density of the wood but it doesn't necessarily translate into ski flex pattern since there are so many other factors at work (core thickness, additional materials, edge/base thickness, topsheet material, etc...). We use maple in our skis because it's the most dense material and gives you the longest life before breaking down. Even though we use 100% Maple Wood cores in our skis they're still some of the most playful and maneuverable on the market. Poplar, Aspen and Ash are all lighter than Maple hence their popularity in lightweight, uphill oriented skis (which typically tend to be very stiff)

 

[Park.]

Ive been on the enforcers and they are my favorite flat tailed ski I have used. honestly nothing but good things to say about them. J's are super dope but much more playful and they don't give you that power and spring in the turn that Nordica's do (havent tried the masterblaster though). If you want to get a flat tail and you are looking at the enforcers, I haven't been on a better ski for all mountain. If you want to get twin tips, Then obviously look at other options.

as far as cores go, I think J does it right. Maple is the best core material out. Gives the best feel and pop imo. It's expensive, but Maple is absolutely the move. Don't hesitate to cop a pair of skis from J if you like what you hear.

 

[Chrisc70]

Ive been on the enforcers and they are my favorite flat tailed ski I have used. honestly nothing but good things to say about them. J's are super dope but much more playful and they don't give you that power and spring in the turn that Nordica's do (havent tried the masterblaster though). If you want to get a flat tail and you are looking at the enforcers, I haven't been on a better ski for all mountain. If you want to get twin tips, Then obviously look at other options.

as far as cores go, I think J does it right. Maple is the best core material out. Gives the best feel and pop imo. It's expensive, but Maple is absolutely the move. Don't hesitate to cop a pair of skis from J if you like what you hear.

I have some Masterblasters and they are by far one of the best, most fun ski I've ever ridden. Quick if you need them to be, but can rail nice arcs. Also had a pair of Allplays which were fun as shit, but I am a directional guy so I couldn't optimize them, but had a blast on them whenever I rode them.

 

[J_skis]

Ive been on the enforcers and they are my favorite flat tailed ski I have used. honestly nothing but good things to say about them. J's are super dope but much more playful and they don't give you that power and spring in the turn that Nordica's do (havent tried the masterblaster though).

I definitely agree! I've ridden the Enforcers back to back with the Masterblasters quite a few times and there is more stiffness (especially behind the boot) from the Enforcer line. Our skis tend to be on the more playful, maneuverable, easy to ski side of things so end up being a huge favorite for everyday skiers that want to have full control over their skis and not feel like their being controlled by what's on their feet. Masterblaster also has a half-tail compared to the flat-tail on the Enforcer so it will be a little easier to pivot through the trees.

Honestly, they're both insanely good skis though so you can't go wrong with whatever your choose!

 

[eanels02]

What length masterblaster makes sense for my size? I’m used to 166 cm directional skis - will a jump to 181 cm be a big learning curve?

 

[J_skis]

What length masterblaster makes sense for my size? I’m used to 166 cm directional skis - will a jump to 181 cm be a big learning curve?

Would definitely be a big jump going 166 to 181cm. Based solely on what you're coming off of I think you'd be really stoked on the 175cm Masterblaster since it would give you that extra stability and float without sacrificing maneuverability.

That said, you know your skiing and level of confidence better than I do, any at your height/weight the 181cm length definitely isn't out of the question.

 

[Chrisc70]

What length masterblaster makes sense for my size? I’m used to 166 cm directional skis - will a jump to 181 cm be a big learning curve?

I’m 5’11”, 155 lbs and I’ve ridden 181 masterblasters last two years and have found them the perfect length for me. Can’t say they would be fornyou since you’re on a short ski but 181 not too long for ur height and weight but only u can make the call

 

[eanels02]

So I just ordered my set mastrr balsters. Now I gotta figure the bindings. I want to start messing around with touring, and don’t want to go with tech bindings, so maybe some frame bindings to start. Anyone have experience with these?

 

[AstroKush]

Check out 4Frnt Vandals, they're similar to ARV 96 so Im told. 4frnt is one of small companies out there you want to root for too.

Been looking at J Skis' allplay 164cm and I love their current graphics. Next year I'll probably will invest in one.

 

[CLQ]

Check out 4Frnt Vandals, they're similar to ARV 96 so Im told. 4frnt is one of small companies out there you want to root for too.

Been looking at J Skis' allplay 164cm and I love their current graphics. Next year I'll probably will invest in one.

How tall are you to even consider skis that short?

 

[AstroKush]

Im tall as my skis are. Anything below my face is too short for me.

 

[pacman922]

So I just ordered my set mastrr balsters. Now I gotta figure the bindings. I want to start messing around with touring, and don’t want to go with tech bindings, so maybe some frame bindings to start. Anyone have experience with these?

Consider the Solomon / Atomic Shift if you are thinking the frame binding route, same downhill performance as with a frame. Frame bindings are almost prohibitively heavy and you will want to replace them if you tour more than half an hour / once a month (at least thats been my experience with friends who have got them to dip their toes in the water). Other people recommend the Fritschi Tecton but i've done less research on those.