New Skis-need your advice

[SoulMan]

Hi all,
I'll trust your judgement to help me pick out some daily drivers for next season. I live in the PNW, ski mainly Stevens Pass, Whistler, and sometimes Mission Ridge. At 62 y.o., I'm an occasional turns-earned kinda guy and I like my lifts, if you catch my drift. For background, I'm a beer and cajun-food fueled sleek 5'10" 209 lb.-er. Right now I'm running G3 Infidels at 190 length, and I love 'em as my daily drivers. I have a pair of G3 Highball skis in 190 length for the deeper days. I have a pair of G3 Rapid Transits in 185 as my rock skis. I ski NTN, with Red springs. That said, I'm looking for a 98-108 max waist rocker ski for my go-to unit for most days out West.

I like ski with a big sweet spot, forgiving for those days when I'm not "on" and I do like the full rocker base. I don't care too much about weight since I'm not going to tour them, but swing weight is a factor for my less than stellar leg strength.

I've looked at reviews of G3 Manhattans, G3 District 100's, Volkl Gotama, Blizzard Cochise, Blizzard Bonafide, Armada TST, Armada JJ and others. I'd like to hear what you think of these and other skis out there, just for fun, and to give you something to do if you're bored.

Hit me.

Thanks,
SoulMan

[LightRanger]

Check the reviews of the 4FRNT Devastator on Blister and TGR. I'm trying to figure out what I want for a crud busting/everyday here in Tahoe, and that's on the list. Blister's reviews, in general, are pretty good. And they've reviewed several of the other skis on your list.

[James]

Seems like a bit of overlap with those JJ and your Highballs. I also think the TST would be more forgiving then either of the Blizzards or the Gotoma. Not to many Blizzard skis are forgiving. My favorite ski in that size with a big sweet spot is the Liberty Helix but there is no shortage of other good skis. I also prefer skis like the Helix that have a more subtle rocker if they are going to be a daily driver type of ski.

[whitehonky]

Yeah... that's quite a smattering of ski types and profiles you listed there. I'm with James, in that for a daily west coast driver that is primarily resort-based, I'd prefer something with early tip and tail rise (not full rocker), camber underfoot, and a waist between 100 and 105. Turn radius is a variable you would choose based on your preferred turn type. I am always happiest around a 20m turn radius for an all-rounder. Usually these can comfortably be pushed into short turns, and don't get all weird in big turns in open choppy terrain.

The Liberty Helix was my go-to ski for 5 years (two different model years of that ski). Couldn't find them at a good price this year, so replaced my destroyed 2011 Helix with the Line Influence 105. Very powerful ski and perhaps not as playful as you'd be looking for... sort of ski where you have be skiing aggressively most of the time, but very rewarding if you do. That said, Line skis are so dialed these days, which is what led me to them. While the Influence series has become a bit of a "cult" ski around here (esp. with the discontinuation of the 105), the Line Blend is a highly regarded super fun ski. It's sister, the Soulmate has also been very rewarding for strong female skiers that still like a playful ski.

The Blend or the Helix would both be highly recommended. I've always been intrigued by the TST as well. I personally think it's good that you look beyond G3 for a new ski... I've yet to love a G3 (despite many other good reviews for them). I have friends on Blends, Influence's, Soulmate's, SFB's, and EP's and all love the blend of fun, performance, and durability. Tele-mounts have been solid. But, soooo many good skis in the 98-105 category, so you have to decide shape, profile, camber, and turn radius first, and then narrow down. I bet you could get it to 3 skis that are a coin toss and then go for price or aesthetics or shop preference to close the deal.

[Dostie]

Blizzard Kabookie or Bonafide. Especially since you're only going OB part time.

[freeheelwilly]

WTF is a "playful" ski? That sounds like a marketing buzzword/BS to me.

[James]

Easy to ski. You know the kind of ski people like Ron and you like.

[BillyFromTheHills]

WTF is a "playful" ski? That sounds like a marketing buzzword/BS to me.

You know, like, "full of play".

[freeheelwilly]

Easy to ski. You know the kind of ski people like Ron and you like.

WTF does that mean asshole?

[freeheelwilly]

James you were in here last week saying telemark skiing is "harder" than alpine skiing. You actually said that. Out loud. To people.

You need to shut up more.

[James]

and you quit because it was easier. This is fun keep it going.

[freeheelwilly]

and you quit because it was easier. This is fun keep it going.

I quit what? I rarely drop a knee anymore but I still ski freeheel. I can drop a knee whenever I want - big deal. You think telemarking is "different" and makes you "special". Like a little snowflake. Doncha? C'mon, admit it.

[James]

Willy, I am not special. I am friggin awesome and it is not just because of how I ski.

[BillyFromTheHills]

The tele thing is more related to the Protestant work ethic idea: hard work brings redemption in the eyes of God.

[freeheelwilly]

I don't mind people telemarking. I just wish they'd do it behind closed doors and with the appropriate amount of shame. Next thing you know they're going to want the right to marry and adopt children.