2024 Men's Powder Ski 114 -132 mm Comparison with SkiEssentials.com

This will very likely be our last 2024 Ski Comparison, although we do plan on putting together a binding comparison, and potentially some other gear. Let us know if you have any requests!
Written Comparison: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
2:40 - Nordica Unleashed 114
8:00 - Line Bacon 115
12:55 - Elan Ripstick 116
19:00 - Head Oblivion 116
25:15 - Fischer Ranger 116
29:40 - Armada ARV 116 JJ UL
35:20 - K2 Mindbender 116 C
39:55 - DPS Lotus 117
44:45 - Rossignol Black Ops 118
51:28 - Dynastar M-Free 118
56:15 - Atomic Bent Chetler 120
1:02:55 - Candide Skis AK 121
1:09:30 - Volkl Revolt 121
1:15:50 - Black Crows Nocta
1:20:40 - K2 Reckoner 122
1:25:45 - Line Pescado
1:30:35 - Blizzard Spur
1:35:00 - K2 Crescendo

[@yuriyivanov8946]

Couple months ago bought me a pair of revolt 121s as the powder ski, what’s surprise me is the performance outside of the deep snow, so much fun that they pretty much replaced my daily driver Solomon stance 96. I ski in California Lake Tahoe area and we have plenty of good snow for these skis.

[@superfly_7077]

As a revolt 121 skier this is by far my most favourite category.

[@joehumphries_]

I would love a touring ski comparison, although I know that covers a wide range of skis! But given all the talk about Enforcer Unlimited or Blaze in the resort, it would be interesting to have a discussion about how skis like that tour vs skis like the Backland or Wayback, etc.

[@SkiEssentials]

Our touring comparisons are a lot more theoretical versus empirical. Filming "touring" isn't very efficient or exciting, so we don't spend a whole lot of our time in that realm/zone. If we can get on some of these skis that have demo bindings and hit the lifts, then we can get a good idea of how they'll perform in both resort and out of bounds conditions and terrain, but in general, the lighter and less rockered ski will be more efficient uphill, and therefore "tour" better, but it's all about balance and how often and what type of touring you're doing. We haven't ruled out a touring comparison just yet, mainly based on how many comments we're getting on the "pro" side of doing one.

[@assafdasdf]

you should make one, I agree that the uphill comparison is all down to weight and shape but knowing how they ski is the important part @@SkiEssentials

[@jacobward110]

Agree! Even just focusing on the weight and downhill capability would be good enough, even if inbounds.

[@reddottx]

I second this idea. Backcountry skiing is a new normal. It would be great to see how one compares to the other. You wouldn’t have to film the uphill very much and still focus on how they ski. I can only assume makers consider things other than weight when designing their uphill capabilities. It’s something I would like to learn about from someone I trust. I like that you two are different in size and style, maybe SE has two other people who love it to evaluate if you’re not that interested.

[@H0lyH0g]

The Nocta's ability to turn on a dime makes it great for east coast trees, it obviously has an ability to float but wow it is so quick (but also is a stable ski).

[@brookscurran]

122mm on the east 😯

[@BigTee612]

Skipped the Dynastar in the “Chapters” between the Rossignol Black Ops and Bent Chetler at 51:30.

[@SkiEssentials]

Got it, thanks for letting us know!

[@kevin_howell]

I have the ARV 116 JJ UL and they are a blast!!! So much fun and float so well!

[@SkiEssentials]

Awesome! That ski has such a cool and interesting profile and shape--hard to go wrong in deep snow!

[@r.leeryan8755]

been waiting for this day for months

[@SkiEssentials]

It's here!

[@skibear3469]

Love the synchronized jump at 49:02

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah, we got a chuckle out of that one as well.

[@michaelkern1146]

Excellent review and insights, thank you! When you get a chance, could you please review the DPS Powderworks Lotus 138?

[@SkiEssentials]

We would love the opportunity to properly review the 138.

[@MADHIKER777]

Limited use skis, but super fun discussion!

[@Sokolva]

For the women’s powder category, I’d love to see your thoughts on the Moment Bella skis and how they fit in here.

[@src248]

Ran into Cole Richardson on the mountain the other day, apparently he's a local here in Banff. It was crazy watching him (and the guys he was with) ski, perfect precision at absurd speeds

[@SkiEssentials]

Cool! It's always amazing to see that next level (or ten) above what you normally ski. It's like a different sport to these skiers.

[@cams3425]

Thanks for the Powder Hound review. I will gladly volunteer to help test the Powder capabilities if you guys would kindly ship me the skis... :-) Another thought, fly out to Utah for a week and I'm sure many of your viewers will gladly help you guys test and get enough deep pow footage for future reviews. Just say'n.

[@SkiEssentials]

Great ideas all around!

[@JairedDeegan]

Looking to tour and looking for a fun playful ski that being said I still want a ski that can handle resort powdays. I ski Louise AB and different hills in B.C. I was comparing the 116 Ul and Bent 120. What's your opinion ?

[@SkiEssentials]

They're pretty similar, but I do think the 116 has some more flex and play to it, which is hard to imagine given the capabilities and fun-loving nature of the Bent 120. That said, I do think the Bent Chetler has a good uptick in responsiveness due to the carbon backbone, so it does feel like a more poppy ski than the Armada.

[@stevensaunders4982]

Hi guys, great reviews as always. I’m 5’4” 140lbs & advanced expert 67 yo and skiing Utah for 2 weeks in March. I bought the Ranger 102’s a few years ago and want to get the Ranger 116’s. What size would you suggest for me? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

The 116 starts at 180, which seems long based on your stats. I'm not here to talk you out of a good time, though, if you know you prefer longer skis, then go right for it!

[@danielbauman7730]

Would love to see your thoughts on the moment wildcat 116 if you ever get a chance to ski it

[@SkiEssentials]

Would love to get the chance! Especially in the right conditions.

[@jeffff18]

I have the 2022(?) iteration of it and demoed older versions of a lot of these. I like the Wildcat 116 by far the best. Lighter and more maneuverable than many of these but also able to go much faster than many of these. Only slight complaint is not the greatest float for a 116 in powder. I think it’s because of their signature Moment tip shape and wish they’d get over it and turn them upwards more. Dont think it’d affect turning and would result in less tip dive in powder. I’m 170cm 140lbs expert and like the 179 Wildcat 116 out west. Of these I am most interested to try the Candide.

[@erichharvey]

I just bought pair of "Boomtown Sports" Ullr 2 skis, they have - 14 m radius. Very fun and unique ski, carves really good on groomers. Fantastic in whistler. Coolest looking skis, clear topsheet with a dragon on it,

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty cool looking skis!

[@ricardoflick348]

Markus Eder won FWT 2019 on the revolt 121

[@michizer0]

Yes! Finally 😉

[@nashvegas631]

Curious how the Rustler 11s in 186 (since they are actually 114mm) compare to the Ripstick 116s, K2 mindbenders, and Rangers (similar directional power skis).

[@SkiEssentials]

The interesting thing of the Rustler is the metal that extends through the tips and tails. It's kind of like the Ranger with the full width span underfoot, but then the metal arms of the Rustler give it that much more precision, stability, and smoothness. It's right there with those skis in terms of flotation, and probably has the most dramatic tip splay of the group making it pop up out of the snow rather than ride along the surface like the Elan.

[@wh2804]

Does the ripstick sacrifice in the deep because of the amphibio design by having more camber on inside edge? I have 96 but need a wider for deep days. Love my 96s.

[@SkiEssentials]

We have not found this to be the case but I see where you're coming from in terms of pure flotation--more rocker overall equals more float. The smoothness of the transitions stands out here, as the increased camber on the downhill ski I think is pretty slight, especially when considering the width and the lightness of the ski.

[@arjunski]

Would the new Noctas be suitable for an intermediate skier who’s never skied on a wider ski before?

[@SkiEssentials]

It's pretty darn wide. Intermediates can find it difficult to get the ski up on edge, but if you're in deep snow, it's not much of an issue. The lighter weight makes it more suitable as well for that level, but it's still going to feel very wide.

[@riptape]

Awesome video! Surprised you didnt mention the whitewalkers. The 121 also is according to armada completely flat underneath, with crazy long edges without metal. Twice as long almost as the jj UL.

[@SkiEssentials]

Swivel Tech! Long beveled zone without edges--like Smear Tech on HGH. Very light and incredibly stiff underfoot (for the weight).

[@thefabulousplatypus8956]

Any suggestions? Need new powder ski for upcoming winter trips. For global travel. Japan. Canada. France. Cat skiing, lift access, boot packing etc. I currently Have black crows serpo and corvus, love both, but want something less direct as an option also. Mainly for big pow days, but nothing stupid wide. Thinking twin tip. Have tried the BC 110 loved it! Also tried the fisher mfree, also fun. Would be happy on either. Any other options around or between these two?. Ie the rossignol sender is a mix of those two? I'm 172cm tall, 80kgs. Happy with the corvus for when I can get fresh open lines (Soo much fun!) and 2 day old chop.and the serpo is a great resort ski. So looking for something a bit different, wider. Will take 3x pairs on any trip i take.

[@SkiEssentials]

Sender 110 has some good sturdiness to it, especially underfoot--still makes great, clean, round turns on non-powder surfaces as well. Blizzard Rustler 11 and the Nordica Unleashed 108 are also lovely options in this realm.

[@chrisdonovan1750]

Would love to see a review on the moment skis. Especially in this category and being American made

[@SkiEssentials]

This is a very consistent ask. We'd love to spend some time on those skis at some point soon.

[@magnusnilsson5071]

Thanks, really enjoy listening to your description of how the skis differ. Next best thing to actually testing them myself. I am looking for a pure deep powder ski where float is everything. I don't really prefer either a playful or directional ski, more that I can surf on top of the snow in different speeds. More large turns than short. I was thinking about the Reckoner, Pescado, Spur or Crescendo. Which one of these would you say has the most float. The short runs I would make on-piste I usually go straight and fast which would be more the stiffer skis. But really the float ability in all speeds is the most crucial. My 2 previous deep snow skis were the Movement Super Turbo 115 and the Kore 117, both similar and more directional skis. But I want more float :)

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the numbers tell the story here with the wider Crescendo--this ski has a lot of taper, rocker and width. It's more flexible than the Spur, so it will be more playful when asked--the Spur is pretty stiff. Pescado is interesting as well but provides a different feel with that shorter tail.

[@magnusnilsson5071]

Great, thanks for your input.@@SkiEssentials

[@magnusnilsson5071]

BTW, season here in the Alps is the best ever, lots of snow and Offpist almost every weekend. kzbin.info/www/bejne/op6cXmt4ec56msU @@SkiEssentials

[@jmanswat2457]

Don't feel the comparison between the "sister skis" Blackops and M-free 118s was differentiating enough. Could u define a little further??? Like, Which one floats in powder better? Which one handles chopped powder better? Which one carves better when on piste? I guess what I'm getting at is I had the Blackops for awhile until I sold it to change sizes but then have been tempted to get the mfree instead because of how much I liked an mpro I tried. I feel the tip rocker, rise, and taper aided in powder float more than the Blackops. But crud busting is also a priority. Which one should I choose my dudes!?!?? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

The M-Free likes to cut through the crud with more purpose and intent while the Blackops will stay on top better. This is mainly due to the difference in tip taper shape--the M-Free has it while the Blackops is a lot more symmetrical and twin-tip oriented. M-Free is a more directional shape as a result. If you're looking for a higher-octane experience, I think the Dynastar has more to offer than the more playful Blackops.

[@user-vo3tk2nw7w]

Im between rustler 9 and declivity 92ti for 70% groomers and 30% moguls and bumps .. what is the best ski in your opinion?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's a lot more activity and response in the Declivity. That makes it an excellent groomer ski. I think it's worth the slight hit in bump performance--Rustler makes it easier to maneuver in bumps, but I don't think it's necessarily a better performing mogul ski. I'd lean to the Armada.

[@furpii]

Would you recommend puting a tech-binding on the JJ UL? An ATK 15 Evo. Or a hybrid like shift better?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're touring more than 50% of the time, I think that calls for the Tech.

[@furpii]

@@SkiEssentials Yeah! Have you btw tried the new ARV 112? Considering that as well for a bit more versatile option

[@SkiEssentials]

@@furpii Yes we have, and on a couple of very snowy days no less! It was awesome. A bit lighter and more eager to drift than some other 112's like the QST Blank or the Rossi Sender 110. Felt more like a Rustler 11 with more flex.

[@kokibr91]

You should definitely make a video with Chris!

[@johnliu7893]

Do you test the mogul specific skis? K2 244, etc?

[@SkiEssentials]

No. Kind of like the narrow front side or these wide powder skis, there's so much less differences here, especially for a vast majority of skiers. Competition level skis are just that--the best in their realm for a very narrow purpose.

[@gregor1]

Hi guys, small mistake in the video title. 32 instead of 132. Great job as always.

[@gregor1]

@@edgarwilliams3904see the other comments. Not so obvious for others too.

[@SkiEssentials]

Got it, thank you for letting us know!

[@jannick2499]

Is the Armada JJ a good choice to learn freeskiing?

[@SkiEssentials]

I suppose so. The twin tip and dramatic rocker make turning very simple and smooth.

[@wonyakomenuras1247]

114mm to 32mm comparison eh? thats a hell of a range, surprised you chose so few!

[@SkiEssentials]

There aren't many 32's out there anymore these days--those things are old, old school. Fixed the title, btw.

[@niklasmuller8081]

how would you compare the ranger 116 to the arv 116 ul?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Armada feels like a more progressive and modern ski with a lot of tail rocker and a rounder profile. The Ranger is slightly more spoony in shape, so that's going to make it pop up and down in the snow while the surfier Armada will stay more at the same level. I was very impressed with the flex and weight of the ARV 116.

[@mats8851]

is the arw 116 vjj ul built the same as the zero arv 116 jj ul?

[@SkiEssentials]

As far as I can tell, the only difference is that the Zero has Armada's laminate matrix (additional directional fiberglass) while the ARW does not. That said, the catalog still lists them as having the same weight in the same length, so who knows. The shapes are all the same and the build is VERY close, if not identical.

[@EindjuhMU]

13:19 im exactly the type of guy your describe here, and i can’t decide between the Elan Ripstick and the Mindbender 116C. I’m an advanced skier if i say so myself, but more a freerider type of skier instead of a freestyle skier. Want to ride big lines instead of landing switch and doing other tricks. I live in Europe (Netherlands) and most of the times i ski in France or Austria for about 2 weeks. i just want a versatile ski which is able to do the following things; - does its job on and offpiste aswell - have enough float for powdays but also (and maybe even more important) is able to go through chopped snow with old tracks and stuff like that Should i be picking between the ski’s i mentioned or should i even look for a more narrow ski like for example the Nordica Enforcer 110 from the other category you did a video about? Would like to hear from you, big fan of the content🫶🏼

[@EindjuhMU]

Also liking the Atomic Bents 110 and the Rossignol Sender Free 110, but maybe the Atomic Bents are too much specialized for the powder days instead of a more allrounder. I’m around 1,85 cm and 85kg

[@SkiEssentials]

If this is to be your only ski, I do think there's a lot to like about the 110's, especially from Rossignol. The Nordica's are great too, maybe a bit too heavy/demanding while the SEnder 110 is fun and substantial.

[@juryacquittal]

The only comment I would make about your video is in regards to the design of the Nordica Unleashed series. The Unleashed 98 is the best "all mountain" ski I have ever skied. By "all mountain" I am referring only to all mountain terrain, not all snow conditions. The Unleashed design is a carving machine while also allowing for slight (maybe moderate?) playfulness and a lot of versatility (when compared to the Enforcer, Mantra, Ranger, etc.). It excels on the groomers, trees, moguls, and steeper chutes and couloirs in hardpack or softpack snow conditions (not ice). I cannot speak to its freestyle performance in the park. However, as powder ski, it is severly limited by its shape and profile. I used the Unleashed 108 on a 22" powder day at Snowbird a few weeks ago and there just is not enough tip rocker to produce enough float. They kept wanting to sink down. They are competent (not excellent) in fresh snow 1-5" in depth. From my point of view, there is no use for the Unleashed 108 or 114 since the 98 is a better all mountain width and still competent in 1-5" of fresh snow. No one really wants to jump turn or carve a 108 or 114 versus a 98 when the there is no benefit in deeper snow. Nordica should have made an Unleashed 96 and 102 only (96 for the east and 102 for out west). While the Unleashed 98 could be a one ski quiver in the east, one ski quivers out west don't make sense. Daily drive the 98 and then get a dedicated wider powder ski (with a proper powder rocker) for 6" plus fresh snow days. Just my thoughts.

[@michizer0]

As a touring guy I would opt for the Armada jj or the Atomic bent

[@SkiEssentials]

Seems reasonable!

[@fadet0green]

When backcountry/skitouring comparison is coming?

[@SkiEssentials]

We're pretty deep in this year and next year's ski reviews. If time allows we'll get to that one, but not a whole lot has changed or been added, so you can likely refer to the 2023 touring ski comparison and get a lot of the same information. Draco from Black Crows and Transalp from Fischer are the two main skis we'd add to this year's list.

[@skibear3469]

No touring ski comparison this year?

[@SkiEssentials]

We're thinking about it due to responses, but since we're kind of full-on with skiing this/next year's stuff already, it's more of a time constraint. There are very few new skis that'd find their way onto the wall, so if you want to consult last year's touring comparison, I don't think there's a whole lot of change. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGK5i4avjs-pkNk

[@aloebeara]

The Black Crows Nocta seems intriguing. I'm 195cm in height and weight 290lbs. Would my bigger size take away its "pop and pep"?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd think so. The Nocta is a pretty light ski for its width. If you're still looking for energy out of the ski with your size, I'd think the K2 Mindbender 116 would be a good lighter option with the Dynastar M-Free 118 as a great choice that falls on the sturdier side of the spectrum.

[@m.r.9.0.7.]

No Magic J UL?

[@SkiEssentials]

We don't have it, unfortunately.

[@TheBTG88]

You mislabeled the Dynastar in the video breakdown as a Rossignol.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! Got it cleaned up!

[@alpenjodel24]

A little carbon in the Bent 100 would be cool. We would then have the 120 and 100 with Carbon, and the 110 and 90 without, would be a pretty cool lineup to be honest.

[@SkiEssentials]

That's a nice idea and a good start. I'm betting that if it trickles into the 100, skiers will then start to realize that they like the added precision and energy. So few skiers get to ski the 120 (or the Backlands for that matter) so they don't even know what they're missing!

[@alpenjodel24]

@@SkiEssentials would you say the backlands are good as a downhill freeride ski only? or are they too light with touring in mind?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@alpenjodel24 You'd think they're too light, and at high speeds on firm snow, they kind of are, but at the same time, the performance is very surprising. Active, engaging, and a ton of fun. I think if you're fine with a little chatter in those situations, this is a highly useful and effective resort ski for a wide range of skiers.

[@Randomposter132]

The candide 121 i sooooo on my list. Unless the reworked reckoner 122 actually gets the hellbent shape

[@SkiEssentials]

Will find out soon about Reckoner. Until then, the 121 is incredibly interesting.

[@stonecoldsteez]

Jeff and Bob Bob and Jeff Jeff Bob Bob Jeff Jeff Jeff Bob Bob Jeffrey and Bobby Bobby and Jeffrey Love these dudes!

[@user-wz2zl5bh7t]

You guys should do a review with no lids one time., throw people for a loop, or top five Fridays.

[@tomcooke8558]

But then how would we know they work at a ski shop 🕺

[@seansavage9769]

@@tomcooke8558😂

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think either of us are self-conscious about the coif, but I will say that the studio lights do a number on unshielded eyes and make our faces really shiny. We'd then have to get hair and makeup done before shooting.

[@user-wz2zl5bh7t]

@@tomcooke8558that’s a great point! Hahaha

[@user-wz2zl5bh7t]

Keep up the great work guys! You are definitely my go to for ski reviews. Next time your out in BC let us know, I would love to take a few laps with you guys.

[@anthonyteichroeb917]

I'm surprised theres no white walkers 4frnts or ON3P's

[@SkiEssentials]

We did not have a Whitewalker for 2024, although it is a very fun and light ski that's surprisingly stout. Since we don't deal 4FRNT or ON3P, it's a lot harder to test and evaluate these brands so they don't usually make it into our comparison videos.

[@Vitaliy_113]

Where is Head kore 117?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sadly we did not have it in stock at the time of the comparison. It's pretty awesome though!

[@bakerfly305]

I know its subjective but why do powder skis tend to have much cooler graphics? Is it the ”narrower skis are owned by more people so we dont go crazy so we can cater to as many people as possible?”

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't know, but that Spur is pretty hideous. We do notice some trends in coloring, like the front side skis are red and fast, the all-mountain 90's are pretty muted so as to appeal broadly, and then they get zanier from there as you get wider.

[@Tanner731]

I ski blackops 118s every day and any other skis feel like full carbon touring skis

[@SkiEssentials]

I bet!

[@jmanswat2457]

I call it the "quintessential resort powder ski". Makes any and all ski conditions fun to ski on powder days.

[@lukaspik.freeride]

unleashed 114 = world champ skis!

[@robruf]

Why did my comment get taken down??

[@SkiEssentials]

This one is still up, did you send another one? I really like your videos. However, any ski over 95mm is a speciality category. One will only use these skis 3-5 times per year out West and 1-2 times per year out East. They are the least required skis in a quiver. Love your reviews though, keep them coming. You should also do soft goods reviews.

[@robruf]

I really like your videos. However, any ski over 95mm is a speciality category. One will only use these skis 3-5 times per year out West and 1-2 times per year out East. They are the least required skis in a quiver. Love your reviews though, keep them coming. You should also do soft goods reviews.

[@falllinemaniac]

While I agree with you I constantly ride the lift with skiers who refuse to go narrower than a hundred mm. They basically live off piste and cannot envision using anything less than midfat

[@lincolndepagnier360]

​@@falllinemaniacwhy i wouldn't refuse to go narrower, I do find that around 100mm is a good do it all ski for many mountains out west. There will be days were you wish you had a 115 and days you could easily get away with 85mm skis 100 seems to be a pretty great sweet spot for primary off piste skiing.

[@robruf]

I live in California and go to Tahoe a few times a year. If it snows a lot, the mountain will be closed for days for avalanche control and the traffic is ridiculous also. Plus the snow carries a lot of moisture, so you don't typically get the cold dry powder of Utah, Colorado or Wyoming.@@kbek102

[@lrn2swim___]

Hahahah, what? Totally depends on where you ski. I usually ride about 50 days a years here in WA, I'm on either 106 or 112s most days and use 116s to 122s all the damn time too. Most narrow ski I ever use is 102

[@falllinemaniac]

@@lincolndepagnier360 Good, I'm an off piste guy myself. Skiing triple digits per year, I love hard snow off piste and 88mm is a great width, so is 78mm. Even if I was a weekend warrior I'd still use a skinny stick when appropriate.

[@yeagerbomb4124]

Grat job guys! My biggest question as an Eastern skiier is always about the groomer performance. We hope for the deeps but rarely get it, and if you are an average skiier like me, you cant always shred it. The ski they is fun on the groomers, light enought for my AT frame binding/skin setup, but able to take advantage pow when we get it is the ski that gets my money. All the bros poit me toward Ripsticks or Backlands, thoughts? Thanks a million boys and keep it up!😁👍⛷️

[@SkiEssentials]

For mixing light weight and high energy, I do think there's a lot to like about the Ripstick and the Backland. Since Ripstick has more of a foundation with their narrower skis and the resulting groomer performance, I'd look to those first..

[@yeagerbomb4124]

Just bought a shiny pair in 106 in 188. Thanks much and enjoy the big storm tomorrow!😁👍🌨️🏔️⛷️🍻