Old timer in need of advice for new set of skis

thecounty

Active member
Hey NS fam,

Im in need of some help to find a new set of sticks.

A little background, I haven’t been on skis in about ten years now, and I’m finally getting back into the sport that meant everything to me in my younger years.

I used to be an expert but unfortunately my knowledge of K2 Public Enemy’s and Line Motherships is no longer relevant.

I am looking for something light/flexy and wider under foot (90 mm+) that I can charge groomers on, but if my old fat ass feels like getting crazy, can get a couple turns in the park. Also, can handle some powder days.

Basically, I’m looking for the best all in one solution so I can relive my glory days.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I’m about 6ft and 195 lbs. I used to ride 179 cm but not sure if any oldies on here would recommend sizing down?

Help an OG ns’r out!
 
Bentchletler 100 is the most versatile ski I have ever skied. It rips groomers like a boss, is playful enough for the occasional park lap, and feels like a wider ski in powder. It's not a super flexy ski, but it certainly is not stiff. It is light enough to use as a 50/50 setup if you are into that. I'd go with the 180 length,

Armada Stranger sounds like it could be a good option too, but it's a new ski and I don't know much about it yet. Other good ones might be the ON3P Jeffery 96 (definitely not the best for groomers), Line Sakana (awesome for groomers and most conditions, not so much park), or J Skis Masterblaster (not super light or flexy but decent in park great on groomers)
 
Thanks for the insights fellas.

Since I won’t be hitting the hill everyday, I’m not afraid of looking for a used set. Are there any skis that you used to love that have now been discontinued that if I can find in good shape you’d recommend?
 
I rode LINE’s sick day model back in 2013 and that ski has been so consistently dope for so many years. You can definitely find some used and in solid condition for a good price
 
Thanks for the advice on these.

There are so many brands now, it is insane.

Boots and Bindings are a whole other issue.
 
14209293:Bended_Toenail said:
Bentchletler 100 is the most versatile ski I have ever skied. It rips groomers like a boss, is playful enough for the occasional park lap, and feels like a wider ski in powder. It's not a super flexy ski, but it certainly is not stiff. It is light enough to use as a 50/50 setup if you are into that. I'd go with the 180 length,

Armada Stranger sounds like it could be a good option too, but it's a new ski and I don't know much about it yet. Other good ones might be the ON3P Jeffery 96 (definitely not the best for groomers), Line Sakana (awesome for groomers and most conditions, not so much park), or J Skis Masterblaster (not super light or flexy but decent in park great on groomers)

14209622:Lazylightning said:
These wouldn't be a budget option but on3p woodsman 96 could be a good choice. They are a little more directional than kartel/jeffreys and less so than the wrenegades, basically you could take em in the park occasionally but they are very good on groomers and mixed conditions. That being said, on3ps are all pretty heavy (bc of the bamboo core)

Oh shit yeah, I forgot about the woodsman's series for a second. The Woodsman 96 sounds like a great option for OP if he doesn't mind something a bit heavier.
 
Just for an FYI, the 179cm Public Enemy skis were in the 2500 gram range, so much heavier than any of these current recommended skis. Bindings were also heavier back then so any current combo will be a lot lighter.
 
14209686:Greg_K said:
Just for an FYI, the 179cm Public Enemy skis were in the 2500 gram range, so much heavier than any of these current recommended skis. Bindings were also heavier back then so any current combo will be a lot lighter.

Very helpful to know. I had Look P12 Jibs on them too matched with Tecnica hot forms. Fucking concrete strapped to your feet.

Tech has gotten much better in the biz. So whats heavy now, is prob a dream to me.
 
14209668:Bended_Toenail said:
Oh shit yeah, I forgot about the woodsman's series for a second. The Woodsman 96 sounds like a great option for OP if he doesn't mind something a bit heavier.

Ill check them out for sure.

Out of everything recommended in the thread, what set has the most flex to it?
 
14209707:thecounty said:
Ill check them out for sure.

Out of everything recommended in the thread, what set has the most flex to it?

Probably either the Armada Stranger (my shop got them in today and they seem fun and flexy), 2021 Faction Prodigy 3.0 or 2.0 (old ones were stiff), Bentchetler 100, or Line Sakana.

The Sakana isn't twin tipped so not a great choice, but still quite soft.. The Armada Stranger is probably the softest underfoot, but the new Faction Prods are the softest in their extremities. BC 100s are pretty solid in the tails and underfoot but fairly flexible tips.

The Poacher and new ARVs are really stiff so I wouldn't recommend them if you want something soft.
 
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