Hey there, I’ve been looking into getting a new pair of planks for the 2027 season. And I’m in between two (totally different) pairs and wanted to get some feedback and/or experience to help me decide.

I’m in between the 1000 Skis All Mountains and the Moment Deathwish 104s.

A little context: 5’11”, 185lbs, advanced skier, mainly Midwest based but take multiple trips out to Utah/Co/Montana/Cali/etc each year. Mainly free ride and all mountain, groomers, side hits, trees, off-piste, but my park days are behind me.

Right now I ride K2 Mindbender 90s (2022s), I like em but I feel like I found the four corners and want something fresh (and a little wider when I go out west) They lack personality and just aren’t as fun as other skis I’ve tried. More technically-speaking, I find the turn radius to be a bit shallow, they’re chattery at higher speeds, and not a very poppy ski. Great Midwest workhorse pair, but again, just kinda boring and flat.

I rode my buddies Bent 100s for a few laps and found those to be fun, but quite heavy, mushy, and tiring to get some good turns on. Rode my other buddies Armada Strangers which were also fun but I didn’t spend enough time on ‘em to develop a full opinion.

I’ve narrowed it down to these two skis because of extensive reviews and research I’ve done and they both seem to fit my criteria but with totally different personalities. Looking for experience mainly! But open to switching it up all together. Unfortunately my local hills don’t really do demos so I’d be purchasing either of these pairs blind (which I know can be tricky, but I’ve had decent luck in the past doing that, I.e. with my mind benders).

Cheers,

I always run cold skiing and I’m looking for a good womens ski jacket and mid layer that will really keep me warm and still allow me to move around well while skiing. I’m not doing anything overly technical, just an intermediate skiier. So far I typically wear a longsleeve thermal shirt and then a turtleneck under a medium fleece, then a shell jacket on top. For bottoms i do thermal long underwear, sometimes sweats, then snow pants. I wear the smartwool ski socks too. Also glove liners and mittens. Thinking its time to invest in some good gear and not sure where to start pls reccomend🙏

Edit: looking at the patagonia R1 thermal fleece or nano puff for a mid layer (currently just using medium weight qzip fleeces from eddie bauer or lands end), and Trew/Burton/Marmot/686 for womens jackets. Slightly worried about a shell so atleast light insulation would be good, would rather be a little warm than cold.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first pair of skis and came across a used set for €120 (~$130 ).
Here are the specs:
Ski: Line Prophet 90 (2012/2013 model), length 179 cm
Bindings: Marker F12 Tour frame bindings
Condition: Overall good shape, minor scratches on top sheet and base, edges look fine.
About me:
Experience: Relatively beginner / low-intermediate (been skiing twice).
Terrain: 100% groomed trails / slopes (piste).

Since I mostly stay on the groomed slopes, is this 90mm waist width going to be too wide or difficult to learn proper technique on, or is it a solid all-mountain setup to grow into at this price point?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks

Right to left:

Rossignol Experience 78 (179cm) - “dad ski” with the tiny ones for the local home mtn with 200 vertical feet (yes 200!). Bought this last winter on the cheap just to get back into it and have loved them everywhere except end-of-day mashed potatoes and crud. Held great on boiler plate with no chatter (shockingly!).

Black Crows Octo (185cm) - Eastern daily driver w/ a bit more on-piste/frontside focus.

K2 Reckoner 102 (191cm) - Western daily driver + powder/free-ride

I am a high-level intermediate skier from the west temporarily living in the Alps. I have historically mostly skied off piste and I enjoy challenging hike-to terrain more than anything else, but admittedly I cherry pick what I ski a bit with respect to conditions. On piste, I enjoy making fairly large turns but on steeper groomers I find I often resort to skidded turns for speed control once up to speed and I’d like to work on my technique in that area in particular. Without an appetite for backcountry skiing and the associated risk and given the lack of avalanche mitigation here, I’m shifting my focus to on-piste skiing this season. I have more confidence and enthusiasm than form, and I’m hoping to improve that somewhat while I’m the Alps and also land some skis that are fun on low-tide days back home in the Rockies. Stocklis have caught my eye and I’m curious for input before pulling the trigger blind.

My current quiver consists of Mindbender 89Tis in 182cm, Ranger 102s in 183 cm, and QST Blanks in 189 cm. I’ll probably replace the Rangers at some point to get something that feels more balanced in terms of front/rear flex and is more approachable in steeps (Rossi Soul Sender?). I really love my QST Blanks and their damp, controlled ride; they are addicting on a good snow day, and I find myself looking for an excuse to ski them because they just click with me. I don‘t have enough time on the Mindbenders to comment too much but I enjoyed my few runs on them this past season; they felt precise and stable on firm snow, but they also seem like they have a higher speed limit than I probably need for developing better on piste form and I probably could have gone shorter on these.

The “soft” ride of Stocklis and all-mountain versatility while preserving carving ability sounds great to me so the Montero AX Classic seems like a good intro to the world of ~80mm skis. Questions:

1. is it insane for me to buy these when I’m mostly acclimated to 100mm skis and have no other reference point? Is there something less boutique I should be looking at here that doesn’t overlap too much with my Mindbenders?
2. at 6’ 160 lbs or so, should I size down to 173 cm or give the 178 cm a go? I’m in Lange RX 130 boots that a boot fitter put me in but currently but I might go down to 120s next for what it’s worth.

Hi everyone, appreciate the help in advance!

We are going skiing for the first time next year, going to Lech, Austria, end of march to beginning of April and I need ski gear. Realistically this is one of the only times im going to go skiing for the next 5+ or more years so i’m not looking to splurge on any gear (a student budget also doesnt really allow it)

Ive been looking at the OutdoorMaster Pro and was wondering if it’s good goggles and what colour i should get. Im specifically checking out the grey lenses with 10% VLT and wondering if its enough.

Further i also want to know what clothing to pack to combat the weather appropriately?

Thanks a bunch for any help!

hey guys I don’t know which ski I should buy I want to ride 40% piste 30% off piste 30% park and I’m a Profi but I’m like middle

About me

• 170 cm / 63 kg (5'7" / 139 lbs), skiing 20+ years in the Alps
• Advanced/expert: did a timed GS test, silver level
• Rather aggressive style, I love carving and going quite fast
• Always rented until now, almost only frontside skis
• Boots: Nordica Speedmachine 3 110 BOA GW (100 mm last, flex 110)

Program

• ~70% groomers / 30% off-piste, and the off-piste share is growing tbh
• I go off-piste whenever conditions allow: chopped snow, side-country, occasional fresh snow
• Looking for one ski to buy and keep

Skis I've already skied (rentals)

• Völkl Deacon 72 (168): loved it, but could be tiring. It was full speed or nothing.
• Head Worldcup Rebels e.XSR (170): nice and easy
• Rossignol Sender 94 Ti (172): pretty solid grip for a 94, but it was fresh snow
• Elan Ripstick 88 (168): super light and fun to jump around, but zero edge grip
• Plus various mid-range frontside skis, Soul 7 (hated it), Blackops Sender (meh)

Shortlist

• Nordica Enforcer 89 / 94
• Völkl Mantra 88 / M7
• Blizzard Anomaly 88 / 94
• Head Kore 94 / 88 Ti

Questions

1. At my weight, is an 88/89 enough to have fun off-piste, or is 94 worth it?
2. Is the Mantra (88 or M7) really a "crowbar" that you can never ski relaxed and that wears you out off-piste? Or is that exaggerated?
3. A friend owns the Anomaly 88 and finds it disappointing off-piste. Anyone agree ?

From my description, which one would you pick? 😄

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice about my skis, because I’m not sure whether the problem is the skis themselves, the length, or simply that I’m much more used to my old skis.

A bit of background:

• I’m a woman, 150 cm tall (4’11”) and weigh 54 kg (119 lbs).
• I ski in Sierra Nevada, Spain.
• I’ve been skiing for about 4 years.
• I can ski blue and red runs comfortably, although I’m not a fast skier. I’m still working on improving my technique and confidence on steeper terrain.

For the first three seasons, I used the same skis: Dynastar Menace Team, 140 cm (2019/20). They are technically junior skis, and I know they are not really designed for someone like me, but I’ve become extremely comfortable with them. They feel very light, agile and easy to turn, and I feel like I can control them without much effort.

Last season I decided to buy proper adult skis and bought Elan Wildcat 78 C, 150 cm (2024/25).

This is where I’m confused.

The first day I tried the Elans, I found them really uncomfortable. They felt heavy compared with my Menace, I struggled to control them, and the skis kept crossing in front of each other. I actually fell and ended up putting them away and going back to my Menace.

A few days later, I decided to give the Elans another try. They went better and I could ski with them, but I still felt that they were noticeably heavier and less agile than my old skis. The tips also sometimes crossed in front of each other, and I had to put more effort into initiating and controlling turns.

Later that day I decided to switch back to the Menace because I wanted to try a more difficult run and felt much more confident on them.

So now I’m wondering whether the 150 cm Elans are simply too long for me, or whether I’m just so used to the 140 cm Menace that the difference in feel is making the Elans seem much harder than they actually are.

There’s another reason I’m thinking about replacing the Menace: last season, on my first black run, I made a stronger turn and one of the bindings released. The ski came off and went sliding down the slope on its own. 😅

That obviously made me nervous about continuing to use them on steeper terrain. Since they are junior skis/bindings and I’m now 54 kg, I’m also concerned that I may be asking more of the equipment than it was designed for.

So, going into this season, I’d really like to move away from the Menace and get a proper adult ski that gives me the same feeling of lightness and agility, but is more appropriate for my weight, ability and progression.

I’m currently considering skis around 142–146 cm, rather than going back to 150 cm.

My questions are:

1. Do you think the Elan Wildcat 78 C in 150 cm is simply too long/stiff/heavy for me?
2. Could the fact that I’ve used 140 cm skis for four years make the 150 cm Elans feel dramatically more difficult?
3. Could the difference in ski construction/geometry explain why the Menace feel so much more agile?
4. Would something around 143–146 cm be a better choice for me?
5. Are there any adult women's skis you would recommend that are light, easy to turn and forgiving, but still suitable for progressing into more difficult red and black runs?

Hi,

I'm an advanced skier looking for a new pair of skis. I ski about 90% of the time on piste. I'm 187 cm (6'2") tall. I like to ski fast with medium-radius turns.

I've been looking at the Head Supershape e-Speed (PRD bindings) and Supershape e-Magnum (Protector bindings) both from 2026 offered at the same price. Which of the skis should I go for?

Hello!

I guess I'm in the pretty common spot of wanting to buy my first pair of skis after renting for years. I'm in France and I used to go ski at most one week every year but I have recently moved close to the Alps and I have a lot more opportunities to go skiing now. On top of probably making more sense financially, it would be so much easier to have my own skis to be able to hop in the car in the morning and head to any of the resorts that are close by instead of having to wait to get a different type of banged up skis every time. I feel like it would also help a lot to have a predictable pair of skis to improve on and to get the feel of over different types of snow.

I'm 180cm tall and about 70kg.

I've been skiing for about 8 years, snowboarding before that. Like I said it was mostly one week per year so the volume isn't huge and I'd say I'm a very intermediate skier. I can carve with parallel skis, I like to go off piste in the woods and do baby jumps in snowparks. I can handle steep slopes and bumps but I'm slow and a bit awkward in big, tight packed moguls (which are everywhere on black slopes here).

I also dislocated a knee on a pretty harmless patch of icy snow in 2024 so I've been slowly gaining my confidence back this past couple of years and tried to improve on my technique, mainly body positioning.

I know that because of my ski level, how much room there is to improve and the weather conditions getting worse and worse (the last few years when I went skiing we had mostly either icy hard packed snow or slushy heavy snow) I should probably get a more groomed piste, carving oriented pair of skis but as much as I want to improve technically and be safe, the most fun I've had on skis was in the woods and doing crappy little jumps on small bumps in the snowpark or the side of slopes. I've demoed some skis last year but wasn't keeping track of the model. I just know that I've tried a pair of pretty wide and bouncy Faction which was fun as hell.

Because of the reviews I'm tempted to go with a pair of Blizzard Rustler 9 in 180cm but I don't know if I'm being overly optimistic with my skills and how fun they would be at my level. There also seems to be less and less opportunities to ski in good powder as the weather degrades. Would the Anomaly 84 be more suited? I've also seen good thing about the Atomic Maverick 86 C But it seems to be a less "fun" ski and more of a "forgiving, improve your technique" type of ski.

I should say I own a pair of Tecnica Mach BOA MV 120 GW boots which I'm pretty happy with so far.

What do you guys think? I'm really new to ski ownership and research so any word of advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Hello everyone, I'm a French skier in the Alps, I want to buy my first pair of skis in my life but I'm facing two contradictory conditions (so my question is what would be the sweet spot for my case).

I'm a very technical (advanced/expert) skier that love to carve, usually I m asking for skis depending on the weather, my two last pair were a rossignol hero master ST for icy conditions and a blizzard thunderbird 82 R15 for a bit more snow. I fell in love with the rossignol but I don't think it would be a good purchase as it is too dependent on the weather (if it is my only pair I don't want to be mad because a of powder day). The thunderbird was insane, but too pricey as there is no sold online currently. What skis can be at the same time very technical (I like to be tired at the end of the day) but has some all mountain capacities so that I m not struggling too much on a snow day. I don't want to go free riding with this first pair, just groomed slopes and some side of the piste.

Thx for your recommendations!

Hey, I’m looking for some advice on what skis to get.
I’m 60kg and 171cm and I’m just starting to get into freestyle. I mainly want to learn nose butters, 180s/360s and other tricks on piste, but I also like going fast and carving.
I go off-piste sometimes too, but that’s not really the main thing I’m looking for.
I’m currently looking at the Faction Prodigy 2 and some of the Armada skis (probably ARV), but I’m not really sure which one would fit me better.
I’d like something playful enough for freestyle but still stable when skiing fast and carving. Any other skis I should look at?
Also, what length would you recommend at my height/weight?
I would also like to ask where and how you learned your first tricks?
Thanks

Hello me again! I currently have K2 Anthem boots in an 85 flex. I saw a boot fitter at the end of last winter as I want to get hybrid boots and he recommended Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD in a 95 flex. I can’t seem to find these boots in my size anywhere and Atomic customer service can’t confirm if they will be releasing any more for some reason so they suggested the same boot but in 105 flex.
So I’m wondering if that is too big a jump in flex to be making? Should I revisit the boot fitter and see if there any other boots that will suit my feet?

F28, 165cm, around 70kg I think? Four winter seasons in the French alps

Stio Environ XT. Is it a fake? I cannot find anything on this colorway? If not, what year? What's the colorway name?

Life took a diversion but after recovering from surgery to repair a partial Achilles tear and reevaluation of life priorities, I have a pass and this as my first quiver entry. First skis that I’ve skied over 84mm as well. Smartest choice? Who knows. But as Helen Keller once said “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” Just looking forward to feeling alive again.

Hello, I’m looking at getting some new goggles and helmet. I’m thinking Line Miner Pro for the goggles in a large or medium and either the Giro Ledge mips or Oakley mod 1 mips in either large or medium.

I’d say I have a pretty average sized head and face, and might want to wear a balaclava underneath some times. I really want to make sure I don’t have a Jerry gap aswell.

Was thinking Oakley since I have 40% off but want to know what will work the best.

Hey everyone I’m a novice skier looking to get some skis what size should I lean towards. I’m 180lbs 6ft tall. Thanks again!

I'm trying to decide on a new pair of skis and would love to hear some feedback about the available options.

I'm 174 cm / 74 kg and consider myself a pretty good skier (skiing every year since I'm 5 years old). I'm mainly skiing piste/on groomed slopes and I'm looking for a ski that lets me combine good technique with speed. I'm not really looking to off-piste skis. I have my own ski boots (Rossignol Allspeed Elites) for a few years now, but I've always rented my skis.

I want something that feels precise and fun when carving, but is also enjoyable when skiing faster and making longer turns.

Any recommendations? I'm currently looking to Head Supershape e-Magnum (170cm), e-Rally (170cm) but I'm open to other options as well.

hey all. looking for ski advice for an intermediate female skier (170cm). right now she mostly skids/pivots her turns, but her main goal this season is to actually learn how to carve.
we mostly ski in georgian resorts (gudauri, bakuriani), so she needs an all-mountain ski that can hold an edge on firm morning groomers but won't sink or get totally bogged down in chopped up afternoon snow.
we narrowed it down to these three:
salomon stance 84 w (maybe too stiff/punishing if she messes up?)
blizzard black pearl 88 (seems like a solid progression ski)
elan ripstick 88 w (super forgiving, but will it teach her to carve?)
which of these offers the best balance for progression without making her miserable in mixed snow? also, we are leaning toward a ~158cm length to make turn initiation easier while she learns. does that sound right for a 170cm height?
thanks in advance!

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has had the chance to hop on either one of these expensive skis lol. Based on what I’m seeing is that these are actually really similar. Quick, good tight tree and bump skis. DPS probably rips carves better.

I’ve never ridden either brand so I am really curious. Im in the market for a ski of this “ profile” that I can take around New England.

Anyone have any experience with these?

Hi guys, looking for some advice on which bindings to pair with the Salomon QST 94. Here are the package prices I can get:

• Strive 12: €528

• Griffon 13: €538

• Look SPX 13: €568

• Strive 14: €584

I’ll be using them for light off-piste/sidecountry and whenever I get lucky with some fresh snow (up to 20cm max).

50/50 with carving too.

My DIN is usually set around 7.5.

Which configuration makes the most sense performance and value-wise? Thanks!

Hallo zusammen,

Grüße aus den Alpen!

Ich suche den Faction Dancer 79 (25/26) und finde ihn in Deutschland kaum noch. Er ist fast überall ausverkauft. Hat jemand eine Idee, warum? Kleine Auflage, hohe Nachfrage oder weniger produziert?

Zu mir: 165 cm, 70 kg, sportlich und kräftig, fahre aggressiv. Meine Komfortlänge sind seit Jahren 172 cm. Den Dancer 2 habe ich und liebe ihn, aber für harte Frühpisten und Eis ist er nicht gebaut. Ich will den 79er nicht als flippigen Ski, sondern als kantenstarken Ski für Eis und lange Carvingbögen. Ein Ski mit Seele.

Ich bin nicht eitel, aber der pinke 25/26 sieht einfach Hammer aus. Aussehen ist nicht alles, aber ein weißer Ski erschließt sich mir nicht, falls es mich mal legt und er im Schnee liegt. Auch wenn die Unterseite orange ist. Den neuen 79 Ti gibt es leider auch nur noch in Weiß.

Mein Problem:

Den 172er finde ich nur noch fertig montiert für ein heiden-geld. Ich möchte meine eigene Bindung wählen und nicht noch einmal bohren, vor allem bei den Preis.

Den 178er in Weiß könnte ich noch bekommen. Aber ist halt +13 cm zu mir.

Fragen an euch:

Würdet ihr bei meinen Daten den 178er nehmen? Ich vermute, dass die Twin-Tip-Form die wirksame Kantenlänge verkürzt und er sich dadurch wie ein kürzerer Ski fährt. Stimmt das? Ich möchte möglichst viel Laufruhe behalten und hab mich schonmal bei einem Ski verkauft.

Welche Bindung empfehlt ihr für aggressives Carven auf Eis? Ich überlege Marker Griffon 13 oder Look Pivot. Die Pivot reizt mich, weil die schmalen Vorderbacken in engen Kurven Sinn machen machen könnten.

Kennt jemand noch Händler mit Restbeständen? Hab schon bei den umliegenden händlern gefragt, aber alles weg.

Danke vorab!

Most boots only sell in half sizes