Pipe Cleaner v. TNK

John_Hoeplinger

John_Hoeplinger

Member
5'11 185lbs-- expert, ski in Vermont. 60% park (usually hit 40-60ft jumps and rails sometimes); 10% pipe; 30% free riding-- groomers + glades.
I like the idea of having a race base. I know it requires more care, that's fine-- I take care of my shit haha.
Looking at two skis right now:
2010-11 TNK, 180 = $450 -I like the graphic. -Good experience w/ 4FRNT (2005 STLs were dope IMO) -The dimensions could be good or bad-- never ridden anything that wide, but have heard good things about the near symmetrical design-- stability, riding switch, ect. -I've heard bad reviews for the TNK in the past-- not sure if this has been fixed.
2009-10 Pipe Cleaner, 181 = $415 -I like the graphic. -No experience w/ armada-- but haven't heard many bad things. -I've heard good things about this ski-- see it on the podium a lot. -Worried it may be "just a pipe ski" I want a moderately stiff ski, but soft enough for butters. I'd like them to have good pop, not be too heavy and have a good swing weight.
Questions:What is your experience w/ each ski? Pros & Cons?Which one would you recommend and why? Aside from the graphic, what changes has Armada made to the pipe cleaner from 09-10 to 10-11?Are there any other questions I should be asking?
Please give reason(s) for why your choosing the ski....sorry for the long post, this is a big purchase for me.
Thanks.
 
Great experiences with each ski as far as performance goes, but the Pipecleaner lasted a year before I broke it and the TNK delammed in the tips after 6 days. The TNK is a bit stiffer through out, and the Pipecleaner is a bit softer in the tips while stiff in the tails. PC is a great all around ski, highly recommended.
 
-I have skied on the pipecleaner and have a friend who rode the TNK.

-I love the flex pattern of the pipe cleaner, soft in the tips and tails and stiff underfoot. If you are doing some groomed runs this may be slightly unstale but it will allow you to iniate turns very easily and drive right through them.

-I don't believe that the ski changed at all this year. It is still a full sidewall super awesome constuction ski.

-I have a friend who rode the TNKS and they literally just got wrecked.

-Although he does ski pretty hard these things were toast in 2 months.

-He said that he liked the ski but the durability was not there.

Overall I think that the Pipe cleaner is just a better ski. Better base, awesome flex patter, beefy full sidewall and it kills it in both the park and pipe. Hopefully that helps.
 
My experience with Pipe cleaners has been great. I don't think the race base makes a difference to how they ski at all. They have a really nice swing weight and feel LIGHT with fks. Noses are softer than the tails and under foot is fairly stiff. They can take both jumps and rails without a doubt and are more than a pipe skis. Hopefully I'll be picking up another pair or thalls this season.
 
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