2025 Men's 100 mm Ski Comparison - Part 1: Freeride Skis - with SkiEssentials.com

[@istevepointo]

Bob and Jeff... Your ski personality and rapport are top notch. Thank you for yet another beneficial ski comparison. I appreciate your down to earth and friendly vibe.

[@ADHski]

The days are getting even shorter! Almost that time

[@brenmangood]

Very cool!! I found part 2 and added my question there. You guys are so helpful!

[@NorthernSkiAndCycle]

That ski suit while skiing the playmaker 101 was chefs kiss. I don’t have a reason to buy that ski, but the pink and white colorway makes me want it.

[@adammorrone875]

I really like slarvy to carvey, I kinda think this should be the standard! It just makes a lot of sense to me, and feels like a foundational thing I think about when I'm deciding what I want, and where a ski fits in my quiver

[@phrides]

You guys keep lusting after multiple skis in each of these videos. It will be interesting to hear what you end-up adding to your personal collections. I also think that getting a larger group together to build your hypothetical 2025 quivers could make for a fun video.

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the sound of a hypothetical quiver video! Honestly, other than stuff that just shows up at our desks that we are able to keep, we don't really actively seek out personal skis anymore--mainly because we never have time to ski them. If we're on snow, we're generally on a ski that we're testing or reviewing. I have no idea how many different skis I was on last year, maybe 150-200? That just leaves little room for much else. I have, however, started accumulating boots in a personal collection, much to my wife's dismay, and that's been fun to see how boots vary the experience with different skis.

[@tuckercosby5409]

Appreciate all the work you all put into this channel! Bought the MFree 99 + Strive 14 bindings from SE two weeks ago, and counting down the days to opening day 🙌

[@vincentboileau1991]

Thanks guys great video again. Watch your reviews every year now

[@RHsteep]

Great video. Looking forward to the carving video.

[@mathieug6136]

Slarvy to carvy for the win!

[@calleX]

Thanks guys!

[@richardcole4776]

Just a heads-up...your chapter list shows the Armada Edollo as a Line Edollo. Probably not a big deal unless you're the Armada rep 😃. Great content, as always - you never disappoint!!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks, looks fixed on our end!

[@georgeriviere7887]

that Strafe outerwear kit looking good!

[@carterfan80]

We need more purple skis! Both look great 😮

[@johnroden3431]

My wife agrees!!!

[@SkiEssentials]

Liberty Scope 104 and the new Elan Playmaker 111 also come to mind as purple skis!

[@nashvegas631]

First Chair!

[@sebastianrieker1390]

Hey I am from Germany so i mostly ski in the alps. I really like the arv 100 (gotta admit that its especially the design :) but don't know if it is the right one for me. The Bent 100 does seem like a good choice too. I always ski in the deeper snow right next to the slope/piste. Of course I often have to carv as we often miss out deep snow on shorter sections. And I love to ski through shorter tree sections and also would love to get into more tricks like driving backwards, 360°, jump on rails etc. So yeah as you may notice I am looking for something that really is the perfect allrounder for all these things. Oh and sometimes I like to go faster too :). Would love some feedback. Sidenote: I own an All- mountain Nordica enforcer 88. Greeting from Germany

[@SkiEssentials]

If you still like the twin tip style and are looking for a bit more power, I'd check out the Nordica Unleashed 98. It's a bit heftier than the Atomic and Armada, but still quite playful and off-piste oriented.

[@stefanbuchberger1166]

Exited for Freetourer Backland 102, comparing to the old 100s.

[@mitchp3431]

This is my happy place

[@johnhughes6749]

I know it’s a little wider, but where on this Slarvy to Carvy spectrum would you consider the Moment Countach 104? I’m interested in the Blizzard Rustler 10, but Moment is right up the street from me, and I like supporting local small businesses. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

We look forward to the day where we get to answer this question empirically. As of yet, we have not sourced or tested Moment skis so cannot formulate an accurate answer here. Additionally, we're all for supporting local businesses like Moment.

[@alpenjodel24]

Exactly what I've been waiting for: What would you recommend as a ski for hitting as many sidehits as possible, getting as much airtime as possible in general and the occasional butter and wheely? I rarely ever ski switch, so I don't know if something like a Mindbender 106C would be better than a Reckoner or maybe a Faction Prodigy 2 is the way to go?

[@williambryson6418]

Armada arv 100 for sure such a fun ski or look at on3p woodsman 100 with a ripper build

[@SkiEssentials]

If switch isn't part of your game, then I do think a more directional ski like the Mindbender makes more sense. You could meet in the middle with a burlier twin like the Super Blackops or the Unleashed and I bet you'd be pretty stoked.

[@alpenjodel24]

@@SkiEssentials is the Mindbender soft enough for butters tho?

[@alpenjodel24]

@@williambryson6418 on3p is not an option for europeans sadly

[@alpenjodel24]

@@SkiEssentials also, could you mount the Mindbender a little more forward than the recommended line?

[@chachiejoanie4190]

Hey, I'm looking for an all mountain twin tip that is both playful and I can charge hard on for the east. A one ski quiver so to speak. Suggestions? Tia .

[@SkiEssentials]

In the 100 mm range, I like the Nordica Unleashed 98 a whole lot. Rossignol Blackops 98, Black Crows Camox, and Line Optic 96 also fit this bill quite well.

[@chachiejoanie4190]

@SkiEssentials thanks for the reply and suggestions, wound up getting the dynastar m free 99.

[@justin_0922]

Thank you for the videos! Excited for part 2 (which hopefully is soon). Of the skis on the wall, what would you consider to be the “easiest” or most forgiving for tree and bump skiing, and developing more free ride skills? I am a strong intermediate in the Canadian Rockies, 6’ tall and 200 lbs. I was between the QST 98 and Atomic 100, but there were more options on the wall between the two than I expected.

[@SkiEssentials]

We can easily start on the left with the Playmaker as being the easiest and most forgiving in the trees and bumps. If you want a bit more performance, you can size up on this ski. The Bent is a nice middle ground as it's more comprehensive than the Playmaker. QST 98 has some weight to it, but will also hold up to the most aggressive skiing and operate best in variable conditions and challenging terrain, you just have to be more active in the process vs. Bent or Elan.

[@matuspavlik8091]

Hi, so I'm an advanced skier 18yo 155 pounds, looking for an all mountain ski. I like to go fast and agressive on carving and charge the speed up, but i wamt to get into the twin tip, I like to ski some trees, do some side hits, and get into a park a bit, but need a ski that can carve but is plaufull. I cant decide between oblivion 102 and unleashed 98. Could you gyus help?🙏 thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

While the Oblivion is an uncommonly good carver and a very energetic twin, the Unleashed is very difficult to top in this realm. The Oblivion feels lighter and more mobile while the Unleashed is more traditional in feel. If carving and speed are big parts of your priority list, I do think there's more upside to the Unleashed.

[@geoffroest7191]

I currently have the Chronic 101 and Salomon QST 106 in my quiver for soft snow days but not full on powder days. I would love something that blends those two - low to mid 100's width that is a good combination of composed and playful in crud/moguls/etc, and then hit a couple of rails in the park on the way back to the lift. If the QST 106 was less directional and a touch softer, it would be perfect. Anything you would recommend? Faction Studio 2? ARV 106? Is the redesigned Rustler 10 usable in the park?

[@SkiEssentials]

ARV makes good sense here--it's lighter and more agile than the Studio, and I think that's a good place to be. I do not think Rustler is really usable in the park while ARV is.

[@davidagranovich6252]

Anxiously awaiting Part 2 release. Just about ready to pull the trigger on either Enforcer 99 or Declivity X 102, would love to know how those two compare and contrast.

[@SkiEssentials]

Both 10/10 ski experiences. The Declivity is quieter and smearier while the Enforcer is more precise and powerful overall. We don't really touch on these two as specific competitors in the video, but they're right up there for us as top choices in this category for sure.

[@paulsteinlechner1001]

Great Video! I am based in Europe and want to buy a new freeride ski this season (around 100mm waist) and I am still between the Nordica Enforcer Free 104 and Blizzard Rustler 10... I heard that the durability of the Rustler is not good. Can you guys please give me your 2 cents :)

[@carterfan80]

@paulsteinlechner1001 my friend skied his rustler 10 all last year. West coast and east coast of the US. Not one chip or issue. If that helps

[@SkiEssentials]

Nothing sticks out to us as worth noting in the durability department. Seems like a well-made ski to us--any chips or scratches would only be from use and do not affect functionality.

[@nathansihvideo]

Hey! Really enjoy all your ski reviews! I just picked up a set of Bent 100s and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to navigate the wide 10cm mount point range? I am leaning towards moving it forwards, since I intend to use these skis as a lighter, more playful compliment to my Enforcer 104 frees, but I do not spend too much time in the park, so I am cautious of moving it too far forwards - primarily a bump and tree ski with some switch and smaller hits. Thanks!!

[@SkiEssentials]

I say start on the factory line and if they feel too far back, then go forward +2.

[@nathansihvideo]

@@SkiEssentials Sounds great, I’ll take a look. Thanks!

[@jamess.7261]

I'd love to know Jeff's mount point for the Unleashed 98. I've had mine on recommended for 2 years and am thinking of moving it forward.

[@andrewdiamond2697]

I remember another video where Jeff was talking +4 cm. To me, that seems like a lot. I'm thinking of going +1 or +2 because the factory line is already a bit more forward than most factory lines.

[@jamess.7261]

@@andrewdiamond2697 I was thinking +2 myself

[@alexdashev3206]

hey hoping for some suggestions. Mostly ski east coast (vermont and eastern canada). I like going off trail and through trees etc. I do however stay on groomers often when with friends/family. Rarely do park but actually do prefer twin tip. Looking for an all mtn ski that can carve as I will be doing east coast groomers and off piste east coast, but want something that can handle some powder as well. I am thinking 92-99 width. I'm thinking Nordica Unleashed 98 or Rosi Black ops 98. Any other suggestions - maybe something more narrow? Also was looking at icelantic Nomad & black crows camox.

[@SkiEssentials]

You're in the right zone for sure. The Unleashed 98 has an uncommonly good carving capacity for a twin tip. Camox and Blackops 98 are very similar in terms of weight, snow feel, and heft, although the Camox has a bit more bounce and pep. Haven't skied the Nomad.

[@goldyg6511]

always enjoy ur reviews, might place my tech bindings on that unleash 98 - hopefully that's a good match up for back country, also have to say that Rossi is crack up 90s retro graphics still ugly lol

[@whoisthe1412]

So QST98 is more carvy than Unleashed? Because it is 3rd from last.

[@SkiEssentials]

Happy to discuss! Unleashed, as we talked about, is the best carving twin tip for sure. Directional shape factored into the arrangement, and we also moved the Unleashed over at the end of the video.

[@johnroden3431]

Do you all ever try out the mom and pop ski makers like J Skis and Shaggys? Love the video, just wanted to give a shout out to those small American companies trying to gain a ski edge on the big name competition!

[@carterfan80]

@johnroden3431 I think one video over 5 years. They did address this in one video. They said they just really don't have time because of the amount of mainstream skis they have to try throughout the season. I agree. I'd like to hear how a few of these independent Brands compared. It's hard to get good information on those brands. Most people who post reviews are big fans and they don't really tell you the positives and negatives

[@SkiEssentials]

As the above commenter notes, we simply do not have a lot of time to go beyond the products we currently review, test, and sell. J Skis and Renoun should be somewhat easy to get as they're both relatively local to us, but there's a lot of independent ski brands out there. Icelantic and Moment are also on our list to reach out to, if time allows.

[@teoo_5014]

Where shoud I mount the reckoner 102’s for all mountain skiing?

[@SkiEssentials]

Probably -4 from the line.

[@drewgillespie7842]

Would this mean that the unleashed 98 is much better for the aggressive (and heavy - 210lbs) skier that loves to carve and also have some fun on the mountain compared to something much narrower like optic 88? Better edge grip/carving even at the wider size?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm not sure about "much" better but there is an increase in stability overall with more mass which is oftentimes more rewarding for heavier skiers.

[@JairedDeegan]

Hey ! Bent 100 vs ARV for all mountain skiing with mixed conditions (lake LouiseAB, and kicking horse BC) more all mountain skiing with wanting to get into park as well.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the ARV has a bit more pep and zest to it while the Bent is smoother and quieter. I also think ARV has more park prowess with a modern taper shape.

[@youssefj4061]

Great vid! I am an intermediate skier in the french alps looking for an « easy » freeride ski to start venturing off piste and compliment my skinny carving skis. What would be the most approchable skis? i would think the directional slarvy ones like the mfree? Am I better off with a qst 92? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the QST, either the 92 or the 98, would be better than the M-Free. You probably still want something that can hold up on-piste, and the QST's are better in that realm.

[@mattclark1278]

BO98 rider here: aside from graphics did the BOps Super change (design / construction) from last years' 98? I love that ski, but if I would add anything to it maybe a bit more stiffness...

[@whoisthe1412]

No just color update

[@SkiEssentials]

99.9% sure it's the same, but it's also the first time I've seen the term "Titanal Beam" in the Rossi catalog regarding this ski. Catalogs have been wrong in the past, so we have learned not to treat them as gospel.

[@ShelleryBellery]

Great vid - but how do I choose?!! I want to buy some skis this year, and been looking at the Bent 100's for some time, having ski'd the 2023/4 version in January and really enjoyed them (intermediate ish skier, done 1 season in the alps and generally 1 week per year). I'm 183cm, 200lb male, love to go fast and carve on groomers, but really want a playful ski overall for side hits and off piste, some switch skiing and light park use!! I heard the 2025 Bent100's are a slight improvement to the 2024 version, but not sure if they're the right option - any recommendations? (thinking 186cm would work for my height/weight)

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're looking for a Bent-like ski but a bit more performance, you can narrow focus to the Rossignol Super Blackops 98, Nordica Unleashed 98, and Black Crows Camox. Of those, the Unleashed is the best carver while the Camox and Blackops are very similar in terms of feel and performance. If you're looking for stability, 186 (182 in Rossignol) is the place to be.

[@natea5298]

Yall get to check out the Salomon Depart 1.0 yet?

[@SkiEssentials]

Skied it last year--very fun and interesting ski with good heft and solid feel! Like a twin tip QST 106 with a sharp tip. Hopefully will get more time on it very soon.

[@Jp6M]

Is it true that the 185 Mfree 99 measures out to be a 182? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

We have found that to be true.

[@lukaheinrich2293]

any thoughts on season skis (nexus or kin)? I know you guys don't sell them but I am curious if it's something you have ridden/tested before.

[@SkiEssentials]

Never skied, but the Kin looks right up my alley. Nice build, great shape, and a somewhat symmetrical shape.

[@Greggs3035]

Black Crows Justis or Rustler 10? 5'10" 180lbs expert skier in the midwest that skis in the west mountains 50% of the time. Looking for 1 ski to own.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'll never talk someone out of the Justis if it's on their list. Rustler comes close, but there's just something about the Justis that makes it stand out. It's got a very unique blend of carving power, turning capabilities, and modern freeride creativity that's tough to top. I'd go 177

[@BubbaSkisR6]

I was wondering if you guys could give me your thoughts about buying my first ski, I go to Colorado every year and will be going to big sky as well this year. Ive always used rentals, I ski basically only trees, chutes, and bowls. But I will ski groomers when I'm not with my friends and when I'm with family. I'd say I'm a high intermediate to low advanced skier. Just wondering what skis on this list would be good for me to demo when I go out to Colorado this year?

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely try the Salomon QST 98. That's a very comprehensive ski that can fit a ton of skiers and their abilities. Elan Ripstick 96 is fun and energetic while the Atomic Bent 100 is fun and playful.

[@Travelling_wm]

You guys ever think about doing a retro day ski review?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not really as we're now kind of working on 2026 skis! But definitely check out Bob's Quiver video as there's nice representation in there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqSUkJeJo92hg9E

[@tadshantz1645]

Of this test, which would you say are the top floaters and most “surfy”?

[@SkiEssentials]

QST 98 is right there. M-Free 99 as well.

[@TwinSunArchives]

i’m really debating to get either prodigy 2 or k2 reckoner 102 2024. i’m a 17 year old at 155 pounds. i love freeride but also park

[@SkiEssentials]

Reckoner is very flexible--be prepared for that. Prodigy is a safer ski for what you're looking to do.

[@NorthSideCoop]

WE ARE SO BACK!

[@drdiggler]

Playmaker vs Mfree 99? Seem similar in terms of maneuverability. Could you summarize primary differences? Thx!

[@SkiEssentials]

Weight and sturdiness are the biggest differences. The M-Free 99 feels like a much more substantial ski than the Playmaker. If you're looking for any real stability and edge grip on firmer snow, the Dynastar is the place to be. That comes at a cost, though, in terms of mobility and playful flotation, in which case the Playmaker 101 is a rare bird.

[@drdiggler]

@@SkiEssentials sounds like a quiver expander

[@robertvilter9196]

I own the new Rustler 9 (purchased from you). Considering getting the Unleashed 98. How do these skis compare with carving and handling in firm, icy snow and in crud? Cheers.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Unleashed is a phenomenal carver for a twin tip. It makes very clean and round turns on firm snow with greater ease and poise than the Rustler. The longer effective edge of the Unleashed is the culprit here regarding its smoothness.

[@robertvilter9196]

Thanks!

[@allenwells64]

im in between the line pandora or the faction prodigy 2 i mostly do side hits and tree skiing

[@SkiEssentials]

The Prodigy has more of a freestyle influence. If you're looking for any type of park or side hit performance, I do think the Faction makes good sense--the Pandora is more peppy and energetic but not as playful, especially in softer snow and trees.

[@petertsolymosi]

Maybe I'm seeing things but it used to be that the Bent 100 was a decent carving ski - however, in this video it looked like you had to really force your turns on the new Bent 100. Does it have a larger turn radius or is it the result of the changed design of the ski? Or am I just seeing things? As always, thanks for the great reviews!

[@SkiEssentials]

Same shape, I think these are all just more challenging conditions, if I remember correctly, at least when it comes to carving. The new ski does feel more competent and capable in a carved turn, even if that doesn't come through on video.

[@peterbayvel-zayats7172]

Are there any issues with remounting skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not the first few times, and especially if there's a metal layer or mount plate in the ski. You also have to watch out for hole overlap.

[@peterbayvel-zayats7172]

@@SkiEssentials not mount plated - redrill. just to watch out for overlap then ok?

[@Bob-ru6nw]

Best for Japan trees?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the Blizzard Rustler 10 or the Salomon QST 98.

[@Bob-ru6nw]

@@SkiEssentials thanks, would you go fatter?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@Bob-ru6nw Do you already have something narrower? If so, then sky's the limit in terms of width. You could even simply stay within these models but go wider, so Rustler 11 or QST Blank.

[@Mr_Dusty]

No Candide Resort 101?

[@natea5298]

crazy how the price for the 24 version hasn't dropped really at all for that ski.

[@Mr_Dusty]

@@natea5298 I think it's because the 2025 version is the exact same ski.

[@SkiEssentials]

It is the same ski as last year from what we can tell.

[@carterfan80]

2 parts! This is a 1st..

[@SkiEssentials]

28 skis is the max for both wall space and human capacity apparently!

[@03bdurden]

2nd

[@Sapper9911]

I am looking for recommendations for a west coast of Canada bumps and tree ski , I love short turns am a heavy 245. Pounds. I am on Vancouver island so we get some wet snow and some good heavy snow days.

[@SkiEssentials]

Check out the Dynastar M-Free 99 or the Blackops 98--both are great in bumps and trees and work well in variable snow. They have some heft to them as well, so will be supportive of your stature.