I have a story about ninthward:
It all started when I was having severe problems with 4frnt (edges ripped out the entire length of the ski after a year, 4frnt denied warranty, I bitched on newschoolers with pictures, Joe from 4frnt called and explain that some skis just fall apart and it was just my luck of the draw).
Anyways, I get a PM from Campbell telling me that my situation was bullshit and he wanted to hook me up with a pair of ninthwards. I said it sounded like a sick deal, but in the end I couldn't afford it.
The next year I got on the street team and picked up two pairs (first bloods and rorys). There were a few delays on shipping and when I talked to Campbell about it he said he would figure it out. Within a day Shane called me to explain that the skis were on a boat, and he would ship them priority to me. He proceeded to call me when the skis got in (at like 11 at night, which is past my bedtime). Anyways, I finally got the skis.
How they rode (Firstblood): A little stiff at first, which I prefer being an X racer (X), I was having fun shredding them before I wanted to destroy the ski on rails and whatnot. They rode amazingly well, and I was able to grip GS turns and push them through crud. I was satisfied. I could give a more extensive review if someone wanted.
I blew my knee out early january, couldnt ski for about a month, and wouldnt be able to ski hard (maybe ever again).
rode the Rorys quite a bit, and enjoyed them. They were a little softer and playful than my gotamas. Mounted dead center so crud wasn't great, but they were good for what I wanted.
Then it started to snow and my knee healed up a bit so I rode my hellbents for the rest of the year. end of story. ninthward skis have so far impressed me. They have held up well, though I have not punished them very much.
What I was really impressed with was their personal interest in the customer. Maybe it was just them trying to get back in the game? But I felt very appreciated as a customer from them, much more than from 4frnt. And I'm pretty sure they don't skimp on materials for the skis, at least that is what C and S confirmed when I expressed my concern (4frnts and ninths are made in the same factory).
I don't know if the next skis I will buy will be ninthwards, but I will definitely recommend them to other skiers.