I love them!

Didn't get enough time on the Lib Tech for a complete assessment. First impressions are that they are both strong, damp feeling skis. The Black Ops felt comfortable and intuitive within the first couple of turns. Black Ops makes nice round turns and feels very smooth. I was so impressed with the Black Ops 98 I picked up a pair of the Black Ops 118 for next season. First test on the Lib Tech did not go well. Mounted binding on the recommended line but was having trouble controlling the tips. Remounted 3 cm forward and that seemed to fix the problem. The RAD 97 is pretty stiff with lots of camber which gives it nice grip on firm snow. The ski has a very different feel from the rest of my current quiver and I was having trouble carving on edge. Not a very intuitive ski initially but I will say the more time I got on it the more I liked it! Looking forward to some more testing.

I did ski the Optic 96 on some groomed runs, firm but not icy. It has a strong feel right under foot which felt nice for setting an edge but is pretty loose tip/tail. Feels better skied with a more neutral upright stance verses a more traditional forward stance. I didn't notice any trouble's that you mentioned but honestly haven't had enough time on the ski to make an accurate assessment.

@@hayhead92thank you for your response. I think you’re right on the best stance on these skis. For sure they’re very solid underfoot. I still find short turns are not their strong point. They seem to prefer pointing downhill. I feel they are more of a free ride ski than anything else. Definitely better all mountain skis out there.

@@ricklachaine5406 Agree they are more free ride than all mountain. Rossignol Black Ops 98 or Nordica unleashed 98 for playful all mountain ski with strong damp feel. Great on groomers, nice round turns. Variety of turn shapes, large sweet spot. Great on and off trail. Nordic Unleased has more edge bite, Rossignol Black Ops slightly damper. I'll also throw in Armada Declivity 102. A bit more directional ski, not as damp but right in the mix with the Black Ops and the Unleashed. Thank me later lol.

@@hayhead92 that is very helpful. I much appreciate that. Thank you :-)

@@ricklachaine5406 No problem, glad to help.

For sure!! If you looking for a super agile playful deep powder ski it's up their with the best of them.

Totally agree! One of the best powder boards I've tried so far!

That's wicked! Our stats are pretty similar.

188cm

I do what I can.

188 cm.

Yes, feels pretty natural switch to me.

Main take away for me with these skis is they are very light weight, very smeary and easy to pivot, and stiffer than expected which makes them more all mountain capable than some other comparable skis with a softer flex.

Wicked board! Great all rounder.

You bet. I'm 5' 10" / 240 lbs.

Thanks! Baldy is a really fun small resort with great snow conditions.

Gotta love base structure!

You need these at standard line.

I mounted on the recommended line initially which I think was minus 7 from center. Skied them there a couple of times, wasn't terrible but I typically prefer most of my skis with a more forward mount(-3 to -5). Moved forward 3 cm which is what you see in the video(-4). Felt better but decided to keep going. Ended up dead center. I don"t usually go dead center but for some reason on this ski it feels right for me.

These are the 187cm lenght. Im 5' 10", 240 lbs. If I went with the 177 I would mount at -3 or -4.

The go pro doesn't do the views justice.

They are the most versatile ski in my current quiver. Powder performance surprised me the most. Handles chop like a boss, too. Highly recommend this ski. Blade Optic 96 is also pretty impressive.

Front foot as far back as possible. Rear foot as far back as you feel comfortable.

No doubt. Bad year for snow everywhere in B.C.

@@hayhead92 did my ast1 and posted a video of the run down and got hung up on the willows lots lol

@@Mcneds Ha! Been there done that.

I am 82 kg and 176cm

240 lbs/109 kg, 5' 10"/178 cm.

@@hayhead92 and foot size? Thank you

@@hayhead92 and How did the board ride with such a size? Do you think about board Pow nitro? I don’t choose between fintwin and pow))

@@TheOrenShaga I'm size 9 US

Yes, they do. I would typically go 180 but heard the same thing you did and went 185. I'm glad I did.

In this video I'm skiing the 170. Gave them to my son. Too short and too soft at this length. Loved the ski and bought the 185 cm. Skied the 185 a couple of times this season and their perfect for me. 5' 10", 240lbs.

There is about 20% tip and 20% tail rocker on the M Free 99 giving it a powder ski profile. Salomon QST 98 has a similar profile, weight, flex, but even tighter turn radius.

@@hayhead92@hayhead92 Thanks, man, for a quick reply; ordering 185 then !!

@alexalexeev695 Really fun ski! Your going to love it!

These trails are located along Foothills boulevard.

I love it. One of my favorites in my quiver. Very well rounded.

Two Planker Wanker.

lol good one ...cheers@@hayhead92

Thanks! Hard to beat a good day in the powder.

Jets? Great soft snow ski. Soft flex. Not great on firm conditions. Has a very surface, smears feel.

No, not very good on firm snow.

You should be pumped! It's a powder slayer!!

Not yet, but I'm pretty confident it's going to be good. Hopefully, post some good powder footage of the Banker soon.

The board is 148 cm. Rider is 240 lbs. Bindings set to the narrowest setting. Front foot all the way back. Rear foot all the way forward. Gremlin has pretty decent float.

@@hayhead92 Really appreciated. I have a Gremlin and hope to get some predicted pow in a few weeks. It will be the first time and I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm 185 on a 155, ride similar stance so thank you for the information, it gives me some confidence.👍

@@gregsmith7821 No problem. Really fun board! This particular day wasn't bottomless but I could have set my back foot further back to help keep the nose up if conditions were deeper.

⁠@@gregsmith7821I’m 185 and just got the 158 cm. Let me know how yours goes I’ve seen the mixed reviews too haha. Hoping for the best

@@toshrasmusen2469 I'll try to remember. First chance of powder is in two weeks time. If you haven't heard back in three, give me a nudge.👍 Please also post your results.