Looking for new everyday ski need some advice

Flacker

Member
Hey yall, I'm out of the PNW mainly skiing in Oregon and Idaho (Bachelor, Hoodoo, Bogus Basin, ect). Decided its finally time to retire my Slats (97mm underfoot). Looking for a one one ski quiver killer. I'm a very advanced lever skier who likes to charge fast, hard and use the entire mountain as my playground, but do love to pop my head in the park and shred some rails probably 60% all mountain 40% park. Generally ive ridden pretty stiff skis (Rossi Slats, Armada ar7, 4frnt MSP). So thinking about branching out alittle. After tons of research i've kinda narrowed it down to J Ski Vacation, 4Frnt Devastators, Atomic Bent Chets 100, ARV 108 and the Jeffery 108's or Mag 102 (but can the mags handle high speeds?). Let me know what yall think and if ya g0t any advice/recommendations.

**This thread was edited on Sep 18th 2019 at 2:30:56pm
 
Occasionally pop into the park and 40% park sound like different things to me. Ask yourself if you plan on detuning your 100+ mm new killer and that may answer some questions. With that said, how come SFB aren't on your list right now just curious? Congrats on having bachelor as your home. I ride poachers in the PNW but have jj's for deep days.
 
Just saying I don’t spend hours and hours in the park anymore, will hit it at the end of a run or lap occasionally. Never nears great things about Line, all my homies seemed to break em before a full season that’s why the SFB have been in the back burner
 
14059943:Flacker said:
Just saying I don’t spend hours and hours in the park anymore, will hit it at the end of a run or lap occasionally. Never nears great things about Line, all my homies seemed to break em before a full season that’s why the SFB have been in the back burner

Can confirm. My Sakana’s blew up half way through the season. Line skis also don’t have the heft to bust through PNW crud, Although I like straight line in choppy snow so that might have something to do with it. On that note I would recommend the Jeffery. They’re stable at speed and damp while being incredibly fun and surfy. From what I’ve read the devastators could fit your bill too, nimble and surfy while also being stable.

Also the magnus is terrifying at speed unless you swerve...like magnus

**This post was edited on Sep 18th 2019 at 8:18:53pm
 
If you’re harder charging, most of your listed skis except for maybe the ON3P Jeffrey or Woodsman would be too light and/or too soft. JSkis Master Blaster or The Metal would be damper and more stable than the Vacation. Armada ARV 106 could be okay but the Ti version would be more of a charger. ON3P Jeffrey is similar to your Slats in that it’s mid flexing but heavier which helps it’s performance in crud or at speed. Woodsman even more stable but not quite as playful as the Jeffrey.

Devastators have had a weight diet this year so they might not be the crud buster like the old one. Full rocker too which is a different feel that you may or may not like so demo first on that one.

If you wanted to have a very similar ski to the Slats, the Dynastar Menace 98(renamed Slicer) would be it. Similar dimensions, weight, feel and can usually be found at great prices.

Rossignol now has the Black Ops 98 that’s a bit stiffer and lighter than the Slats but similar dimensions.
 
14060022:Greg_K said:
If you’re harder charging, most of your listed skis except for maybe the ON3P Jeffrey or Woodsman would be too light and/or too soft. JSkis Master Blaster or The Metal would be damper and more stable than the Vacation. Armada ARV 106 could be okay but the Ti version would be more of a charger. ON3P Jeffrey is similar to your Slats in that it’s mid flexing but heavier which helps it’s performance in crud or at speed. Woodsman even more stable but not quite as playful as the Jeffrey.

Devastators have had a weight diet this year so they might not be the crud buster like the old one. Full rocker too which is a different feel that you may or may not like so demo first on that one.

If you wanted to have a very similar ski to the Slats, the Dynastar Menace 98(renamed Slicer) would be it. Similar dimensions, weight, feel and can usually be found at great prices.

Rossignol now has the Black Ops 98 that’s a bit stiffer and lighter than the Slats but similar dimensions.

Thanks for the advice I’ve looked into the Armada TI series and they seem alittle to directional same with the Woodsman not sure how much they would handle on rails and jumps, and the low weight has been the deal breaker between 4Frnt and On3p (besides price). But like I said I’m trying to switch up my skis alittle, damp is fine as long as they don’t go ballistic at high speed ( Ex k2 obsethed) the Rossi black ops were almost my best bet cause I liven the durability but I think I want something alittle wider.
 
14059986:Austintexas25 said:
Can confirm. My Sakana’s blew up half way through the season. Line skis also don’t have the heft to bust through PNW crud, Although I like straight line in choppy snow so that might have something to do with it. On that note I would recommend the Jeffery. They’re stable at speed and damp while being incredibly fun and surfy. From what I’ve read the devastators could fit your bill too, nimble and surfy while also being stable.

Also the magnus is terrifying at speed unless you swerve...like magnus

**This post was edited on Sep 18th 2019 at 8:18:53pm

My thought exactly any advice on the bent Chet 100s? Almost seem too good to be true
 
The Armada ARV 106 Ti are the same dimensions and mounts as the standard models so not a directional ski at all. Just more stable and a bit heavier but still lighter than your Slats were.

Could still use Woodsman in the park, it’s just back a bit in mount and stiffer so performance out of the park will be improved. Jeffrey more playful in the park but not as stable outside of it. The Wren line is the directional one you’d shouldn’t consider if you’re using them much in the park but the Jeffrey OR Woodsman are both options for your needs.

If you for sure want wider the other one to consider is the Moment Wildcat 108. Wider and more versatile than the PB&J and can rip even though it’s lighter than many skis that weight. The Wildcat skis can pivot in tight spots but charge crud amazingly well and stable at very high speeds. Not great on harder snow but not any worse than any other freestyle skis of similar width.

Bent 100 is very light and very soft in the tips/shovel. Great 50/50 ski and does well for it’s light weight but suffer in crud and not as solid compared the heavier options in this width like the Black Ops or Menace 98.
 
Jeffrey 108 and ARV 106Ti sound right up your alley. Both very stable skis that are built on a platform that feels totally comfortable in the air and when throwing tricks. Jeffrey is looser and a bit more stable (particularly in deep chop), while the ARV 106Ti carves a bit better on crazy firm snow (but I wouldn't worry too much about that last point given that you're in the PNW).

As mentioned, the Moment Wildcat 108 is a great option if you want a lighter ski but don't want something super flimsy or unstable.

Moment Meridian 107 is pretty similar to the Wildcat 108 in terms of low weight and stability, but is way looser due to its reverse-camber profile. Might take some getting used to on firm snow, but is worth a look if you want a really surfy ski.

Smaller, more expensive brand, but Prior's Northwest 110 is a fantastic ski for PNW conditions. Very similar to the Jeffrey 108 in terms of stability and playfulness, but not as loose and carves better on super firm snow.

If you want to go narrower, I'd suggest the Menace 98 over the Black Ops 98. While they seem similar on paper, the Black Ops is way less stable in rough snow and a lot less forgiving if you get backseat. The BO 98 does feel more solid on big landings, but it's not particularly damp or stable at speed. Another good narrower option would be the ARV 96Ti, though for PNW, I'd probably opt for one of the wider skis for a 1-ski quiver.
 
Thanks for all the quality feedback, I looked into moment and thought the wildcats looked bitchen, it’s really gonna come down to price and timing. Anyone know if On3p does a “local” discount as In going to Portland and getting a pair straight from them
 
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