Best Big-Mountain and Freeride Skis of 2022-2023 | Powder7 Buyer's Guide

[@bretts7037]

Coming from the Ranger 102 (previous couple years models) and bent chetler 120, I bought the new QST 106. Bought the 189 which is 5-6 cm longer than I usually use, but man they are super confidence-inspiring. Unreal skis really. Haven't even got to use them in powder yet. Whistler had an inch of semi fresh snow but they killed it on the hardpack and groomers. I was able to charge super hard and confidently for a 106. I can only imagine how nice a 8" pow day will be.

[@darinsmith2458]

i do have to comment on the QST.. i did leave a good long comment on your other video about them so i won't say the same thing.. the only thing that i will say is that they are waterskis.. that and it looks like yours are 188s..

[@jarednelson4272]

Surprised you didn't include the Armada JJ in that line up, they are my favorite powder skis - all time!

[@powder7skis]

Hey Jared-- Alex here. A little different, but the JJ UL is an all-time favorite of mine too! We talk about it in the powder skis video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4nLmaavnLeJn8U. I skied that on one of my deepest days ever at Wolf Creek, and it made an incredible day even better.

[@bulgarianb3ast]

Are the JJ’s strictly powder skis? I’ve heard they they hold up surprisingly well on hard pack and groomers for 116’s

[@jarednelson4272]

@@bulgarianb3ast because they are 116 underfoot, most have them in a two quiver, but they absolutely crush the crude and chop and do hold on hardpack/groomers. With all the rocker the effective edge length is shorter so that comes into play as well.

[@bulgarianb3ast]

@@jarednelson4272 I have a pair of stance 102 so I’m considering adding these as the second in the quiver. I’m borderline 6’5”, what size do you think I should get? My stance 102 are 183. Do I get the 185 or the 192. Also I’m 210ish pounds, could the all wood core cause a durability problem or am I not heavy enough to worry about that?

[@jarednelson4272]

@@bulgarianb3ast A pair of JJs will be the perfect compliment to your Stance 102s! How long are your Stances? For someone as tall as you definitely go with the 192. I use the 192 in the UL version and i am 6'2" Advanced skier. They have a lot of rocker and pivot easy. If you go with the regular ARV JJ, you shouldn't have any durability issues. The UL version may be a little more prone to durability. BTW, I skied the ARV version for 6 seasons and the UL version for 1 season.

[@proverbalizer]

bent 100 and bent 110 are some of the most beautiful ski's I've seen. speaking of designs, pure white ski's (especially ones intended for powder) are kinda stupid....Imagine searching for them after a yard sale on a poor visibility day,

[@DoyleKeegan]

Surprised not to see the blizzard rustler 10s in here! Thoughts on that ski compared to the QST 106?

[@powder7skis]

We mention the Rustler 10 in our "all-mountain skis" video, so it doesn't go unloved! All in all, I find the Rustler 10 to feel more pivot-y and easier to slash and get sideways than the QST 106. The 106 feels remarkably damp and stable with all that cool technology they put in there, but just wants a bit more input from the pilot to get sideways or slash around more. The Rustler 10 also feels quicker and more responsive underfoot. -Alex

[@WallyTaylor-x6v]

Can you comment? What is the difference between the Icelantic Nomad 105 and the Icelantic Saba 107?

[@powder7skis]

We can! Those skis will feel a little different on snow. The Nomad has camber underfoot like most skis, while the Saba is a fully rockered shape, without any camber. Camber provides stability on edge and adds a bit of energy as you flex into the ski. Fully rockered skis still have stability on edge, but they don't carve like traditional skis with camber. I think the thing I notice the most about fully rockered skis is the lack of "springiness". They don't really pop you out of a turn. The Saba also feels a little stiffer than the Nomad. Overall, if you're looking for a ski has a bit more versatility for all-mountain terrain, I think the Nomad 105 would do it for you. The Saba is a sick ski, and if you ski with a really playful style and like to pivot and slash, it's a great way to go. I hope that helps clear that up! -Alex

[@peterdisch]

Moment wildcat 108 👀

[@matthewpontifes7534]

Hi I am an intermediate skier. I am looking for a more powder all mountain specific ride here near vail, co. I also want it to be a hybrid touring/ resort ski. With someone just wanting a ski for the whole mountain and occasionally doing some afternoon touring laps which ski would you choose? I feel like it should note that only reason why I wanted different skis was more capability in powder but also a ski I could be confident everywhere. Thanks! Deciding between the Qst 106 and the bent chetler 110 really…

[@powder7skis]

Howdy!! Thanks for the question! Both skis will give you a lot more capability in powder and are very versatile all over the mountain. Both are playful and manuverable skis, but the QST is a little more directional and a little more damp at speed. So if you really like to find speed or take bigger turns, I think the QST would be the way to go. If you prefer taking more turns, skiing more playfully, or spend a lot of time in the bumps and trees, I think the Bent will work well for you. Personally, I think the QST is a touch more versatile for skiing in firm snow conditions (little narrower + a little more damp), but in softer snow, the Bent is plenty capable for all-mountain conditions. Just if that trail is a little skied off or refrozen, you might get more chatter and instability out of the Bent. I'll add, the Bents are a good chunk lighter than the QSTs, about 500g for the pair in similar sizes. That makes it a touch easier to ski, and easier to take uphill. Hope that helps, let us know if you have more questions! -Alex

[@patryka11]

Guys, please, what do you think about K2 Mindbender 108Ti ? I need to buy freeride skis for Europe so the snow is like East Coast US.

[@powder7skis]

The MB 108 Ti skis pretty similarly to the 99 Ti, just in a wider package. It has a more directional shape and feel to it than some of the more symmetrical, twin tipped skis shapes out there (ARV 106, Atris, or the Blade Optic 104), which I think works well for people who ski with a more directional style and prefer to tackle the fall line with bigger turns, rather than trying to slash and get the ski sideways. I do think the weight and the metal of the ski helps push it through heavier, wetter snow, as well as help dampen the ski when moving over icy patches. The new version of the MB 108 has more metal at the contact points of the ski, giving you a little more purchase and a little more stability there. I hope that's helpful!! -Alex

[@mamuesito]

What about the blade optic 114?

[@powder7skis]

Only a handful of us got a chance to ride the 114, but they LOVED it! Our tester Drew described it as "slashy but drive-able". He has some Enforcer 104 Frees and said he could drive them like that ski, but the Blade Optic was much more playful. If you're dealing with deeper snow (or just like wider skis), the 114 could totally work as a big mountain charger.

[@christianokolski9701]

I ski a lot of trees, bumps, chutes and am trying to be more playful (grew up as a directional skier, but getting more smeary, landing small jumps switch, etc.). I'm torn on getting the Bent 110 vs Bent 100 for my one-ski quiver. I live in Houston and really don't have control to pick my powder days, so I'm a bit weary on owning the 110 for dry/icy trips to Utah, Colorado, etc. Any thoughts?

[@powder7skis]

That Bent 100 will be more maneuverable in bumps, chutes, and trees, and it's also fun/smeary/etc. Definitely the more versatile choice while also still being able to handle the fresh snow you'll hopefully get during your travels!

[@christianokolski9701]

@@powder7skis Thanks so much for your reply!! I was feeling that way from my research, but your confirmation is extremely helpful.

[@powder7skis]

@@christianokolski9701 Have a great season!