SkiEssentials.com - What's In Your Quiver - Episode 2: Jeff Neagle

[@wayne_vt]

Jeff can rip switch faster than I can ski forward. Loving this series, great work!

[@c_kennmusic5737]

I'm embarrassingly excited about watching this!

[@DavidKLiu-fc6um]

Not gonna lie I've legit checked your YT channel every day for this video since Bob's came out (I'm subscribed too). Totally did not disappoint!! I can finally sleep calm at night. Now I just gotta get a pair of Soul Riders.

[@tadeuszjastrzebski7791]

After the brilliant introduction, I'm still sweaty on my back. Bravo Jeff !!!

[@dmiroy]

Beauty. Loving this series. Thanks Jeff.

[@connorquinn7071]

Jeff has flexed a lot of skis in his reviews but I have never see him flex SO HARD as those Enforcer 110s with Dukes! Loved the video and hearing your thought process on how you pick a ski for each use case.

[@etacata2]

Great video, love seeing peoples ski choices/quivers!

[@christopheroakes5673]

Nice Jeff! Such a good idea for a series, informative and fun to watch bud! Keep em coming!!

[@wallstreetoneil]

As your beer-league, race ski consultant, I would like to see a nice florescent yellow Fischer RC4 CT on the far left side of your Quiver wall - I think it would provide some bling and possibly concentrate your focus to get out of that gate faster

[@SkiEssentials]

Appreciate the consulting! I'm actually planning on replacing the MTI with a Disruption Ti2 for a little more power, although I've been really happy with the MTI. Pretty sure that footage was my 1st or 2nd time back skiing gates after breaking my collarbone earlier in the season. Can't remember exactly, but I look tentative. I also purposefully let Jay (on the left course) out in front of me as he's a former D1 NCAA racer and is one of the fastest in our little race league, but then he missed a gate so that plan kinda went out the window. I promise I'll go faster next time!

[@pewpewpew8390]

@@SkiEssentials mti is so much fun.

[@gnarshar]

This was great Jeff!

[@NoProDad]

How bout those reckoners?! You can use them as you daily driver Jeff! It's been my go too this whole season. Such a fun ski! 🤙

[@SkiEssentials]

I've thought a lot about whether I'd rather ski the Reckoner or the Soul Rider. I'm so used to the Soul Rider at this point that it's hard to give it up. I do love that Reckoner 102 though...

[@greghughes6449]

Been waitin on this vid! Saving for tonights viewing lol

[@zbqb84a]

LOL, I love the 110 beasts. It's cool to see that you are very much a Nordica guy. I'm kinda the same way (with fewer skis) with Volkl. It's not all I own but I feel like I can step into just about any Volkl and they'll feel familiar. I really need to give Pivots a try...

[@SkiEssentials]

You'll notice similar trends with other skiers on our staff as we do more of these videos. Some have a lot of Volkl, some Blizzard, etc etc.

[@wallstreetoneil]

It's ok to ski both - that's what I do: Volkl (Racetiger SL170 & Racetiger GS175), Nordica (Enforcer 88, Enforcer 104FR). If I had enough functional ligaments left in my left knee, my Heli-ski would be EXACTLY the love child Jeff created. I've owned older Volkls and some newer ones I never really liked (all the RTM stuff), so I re-started with the Racetiger SL 170s, fell in love again, and then bought the GS version (which is really too much ski if others are on the mountain - but I love it)

[@stuartbowling8681]

That was awesome, thanks for sharing your ski children. Added stoke on getting the Declivities now 👍🤘

[@gc3-]

Surprised how much reviews talk about the power of certain skis like the Brahma but the reality of what y’all ski is something a touch more down to Earth like Enforcers. Really brings credence to how much y’all tout skis needing to match the skier.

[@griccini]

Great now I have to buy all of these models too!

[@michaelaldrich8994]

Your delight over the "funness" of the Ripsticks makes me surprised that none of them made the cut into your quiver.

[@SkiEssentials]

That's a ski I would love to get to be honest. I think a Ripstick 106 Black would be cool as I don't have any full directional skis wider than the Declivity.

[@GlobalCuts]

Thanks for making me feel better about my 154/139/144 ”go big in Alaska” skis that I probably will never get any use of! 😂

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, but it's nice to know you have them!

[@predatorpwr]

I love jeff because he has a ski problem and so do I. He had me at the “heli-ski pair for that one time when I eventually hit an impromtu heli-sesh in the not so distant future” #inevitable #stayPrepared #neverSkiedHeliButDefWill

[@SkiEssentials]

You never know when the opportunity might present itself!

[@michaelhuber3610]

Bruh Jeff low key a park ripper🤐

[@SkiEssentials]

Haha, thanks. I'm not as quick or as brave as I used to be, but still have some tricks in the bag.

[@greenchilleeski]

New to the channel (unfortunately!), great stuff man! Really struggling between the FR102 and enforcer 104.. from Taos NM and love to charge but here in the Grand Mesa it’s been dry consistently. Currently own volkl 98’s for skiing with the wife and some JJ’s for deep stuff (184, 186 cm), looking for that sweet spot

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Jake! If you're a charger, go with the 104 Free. That ski has so much strength and stability, but is still playful and agile too. Love that ski. So strong, so versatile.

[@jacekkawczynski4066]

I love these videos

[@rogervalade1781]

Merci pour. Toute. Tes. Belle. Informations. Très. Bien. Expliquer. Merci. Et. Bonne. Été

[@noahale]

Hey Jeff; super sweet quiver! I just saw your comment about wanting to get some Ripstick Blacks in the 106 to complement your Declivity's and I was wondering if you could give a short comparison in the feel of the Ripstick Black 96's vs your Declivity 92's. Both seem to fall in a similar category and waist width of directional all-mountain fun skis and I've heard great things about both, so I'm having trouble deciding between the two.

[@fumiis4218]

i am in the exact dilemma

[@SkiEssentials]

Sure! Those skis do, overall, feel pretty similar to me. Too close to justify owning both, which is why I'd rather have the 106. There are, however, still differences. I think the Declivity feels more precise, which has a lot to do with its narrower width, but also its shape and construction. Ripstick 96 Black feels smoother and more playful to me, and still carves really well, it's just not as quick when you're engaging the turn.

[@christopherg.argyris8923]

Fantastic quiver selection, Jeff. I ended up going with the V-Werks Mantra and Duke PT 16 as my lightweight touring ski with heavier hybrid binding setup (to compliment my Corvus Freebird and Shift wider Chamonix setup) when there was no word of an M-Werks Duke PT 16. I also have the Strider 130 Pro, but I still don’t own any Nordica skis. My first will likely either be the 104 Free or the Soulrider 97. Do you plan to do an in depth review of the reshaped Cochise 106 that came out last season? It’s either that or a Spitfire 80 to fill a “gap” in my 2-dozen-ski mega-quiver!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! We don't have an immediate plan to do a Cochise 106 review, but we'll try to work that in! Some snow on the way here tomorrow, maybe we'll take them for a spin...

[@zaviwaher9536]

This is an awesome video. I have watched you reviews a lot so interesting to see what you actually get for yourself. Being based in the east I am bit surprised you do not have some sort of short turn race skis and Disruption is your only hard snow dedicated ski! Also no super fat bottomless powder day skis (for the snow you WANT to ski but almost never do). I kinda thought you would own a Bent Chetler

[@SkiEssentials]

I swapped my MTI for a Disruption Ti2 and as of yesterday, I do own a Bent Chetler! A Bent 90 just worked its way into my quiver and I'm pretty psyched about it. Would love to own a slalom ski, that'd be sweet.

[@darinsmith2458]

I watched Bob's video first and I commented that I thought I had a more similar style to his. I would say the K2 race skis I would ski those. I would be interested in the Armada, infact my spine doctor skis Armada JJs that I think are 116 width and he says they are the best ski ever. I would ski all of the Nordica's except I have never moved my binding closer to center. I have always been a directional skier. And I have a pair of K2 powder skis that I got from GoodWill that are really short. I skied them once and they chatter too much on groomers but I did want to see how they handled slush.

[@ericaminoff]

Really awesome quiver. I am looking for a 1-2 ski quiver for use in Sweden. I tried the k2 mindbender 99ti and it was the most fun I have ever hade on skies. I am only 17 years old but I have skied all my life. I am thinking about the mindbender 108ti. I currently ski the K2 Fujative from 2006. Really fun but I need wider skies. Probably thinking most about the mindbender 108 and then a wider ski (115-125) and then something to replace the Funatives later on. Any notes on the differences in riding the 99ti vs 108ti. And do the ski short or long in your opinion. I am about 176 cm. My fujatives are 169 cm and the are good fun. Probably picking up the 172 108 or maybe the 179. But I like more nimble skies with a lot of energy coming out of the turn into the next. Thanks a lot! Kind regards from a big fan from Sweden

[@SkiEssentials]

The 99 and the 108 feel very similar to me. They have the same construction and a very similar shape. You're basically just getting more float and more stability through chop in the 108, while giving up some edge to edge quickness of the 99. If you skied the 99 and liked it, I can pretty much guarantee you'll like the 108 too. In my opinion, they ski very true to size. I never felt a need to size up or down on the Mindbenders. 172 cm feels perfect for you, I don't think you need to size up to the 179.

[@VidarMinkovsky]

Hey Jeff, great video! What brake width are the bindings on your 104s, did you have to bend them, and would they still fit if they were mounted at the recommended position? In general, do you think it's better to bend the brakes on a pivot in, out, or leave the overhang, if your ski width is between brake widths? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hello! They are 95 mm brakes. Little bend, if any at all, and yes, I do think they would fit if in the recommended spot. I've recommended 95 brakes to other 104 skiers and no one seems to have had an issue.

[@philippefagnant1841]

When do we get to see the 2022 ski comparaison?

[@SkiEssentials]

We typically start releasing those late summer/early fall. You'll probably see the first one sometime in early September.

[@philippefagnant1841]

@@SkiEssentials god, i forgot that summer was that long hahaha .

[@greghughes6449]

@@SkiEssentials oh god🥺 September? I can't wait that long, please take a trip down to south america, Chile? and ski and video something for us there in July? THAT would be pretty epic, and you KNOW I'm right!! 😆

[@mitchthegreat]

Nordica seems to make solid products. What does touring mean?

[@Bushwacked487]

Hiking up instead of using a chair lift

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Touring involves using a set of mohair skins that attached to the bottom of your skis. The mohair will slide forward but not backwards. A touring binding allows the toe to hinge freely upward and your heel is not attached so you can slide each ski forward like you would do on cross country skis. Backcountry touring boots have the ability to unlock and allow the boot cuff to hinge backwards about 49-60 degrees so you can easily slide the ski forward. This allows you to venture out into the backcountry to find fresh snow. This part is called the accent. When you decide you want to descend you transition. Take the skins off, roll them up and put them in your backpack. Lock the boot hinge in to the ski position. Put the ski brake and heel piece into the ski position then step into the binding. Your ready to make some fresh tracks. Always tour with a group and know the terrain. Be aware if you tour in an Avalanche zone you would need beacons, shovel and probes and training on how to use them.

[@mitchthegreat]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 awesome! Thanks for explaining that.

[@koehlza]

What made you buy the 177 over the 184 for the Reckoners. In your initial review, it looks like you skied the 184 and gave it pretty high marks and didn't mention it feeling too long.

[@SkiEssentials]

Mostly just what I want to use it for. I do think 184 is the better length for me if I used that ski for everything, but I have the 186 Enforcer 104 already. 177 in the Reckoner 112 makes it noticeably quicker. It's not as stable, but I don't really care about stability for that ski as that's not how I planned to ski it. I mostly focused on what would be easiest for doing tricks. I'll hit spring park jumps on it, slide rails, etc, and I like the shorter length for stuff like that.

[@mikhailm4594]

Hi Jeff. You have quite a few Nordicas, including 104 Free. I own 104 Free as well and I enjoy them a lot in soft snow conditions. Why did you decide to go with Armada Declivity 92 Ti instead of Enforcer 88 or 94? What drove you towards them? If it is your MSRP money, would you buy Declivity 92 once again after 1 year of ownership or would you pick something else? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi! I mostly just wanted something different, as well as something slightly more forgiving for when I'm skiing slower in a group (think family dynamic, skiing with lower level skiers, etc). If I had to do it again, yeah, I think I would make the same choice. I really like that ski in how well it performs at different speeds and different levels of aggressiveness. Allows me to do a lot of different stuff on one pair. I would like to own an Enforcer 88 ALSO, but I would use it for a slightly different application, probably mostly when I'm skiing alone and want to go fast.

[@nfalker7671]

Jeff - i ski the promachine 130. i ski aggressively. it's time to replace them and I'm considering dropping down to the 120 flex, thinking it will be more comfortable and plusher skiing out west. That said, I like to ski hard snow very fast a lot. Your thoughts about dropping down from 130 to 120 flex? i have an east coast racing background, but I'm 40 now, and 75% of my ski days are now out west. Thanks in advance.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hello! I actually did the exact same thing this year. I wanted a Speedmachine for a slightly more comfortable foot, but couldn't get a 130 (I'm a 24 and there just aren't many in that size), so I went with the 120. I was somewhat concerned at first, but they perform really well. More comfortable and I don't lose a ton of performance. The only time I notice it at all is on relatively stiff, narrow, almost-race skis. Even then, however, I can still ski them, just have to be a little more balanced. I think you're going to appreciate being in a slightly softer boot. I still kind of want to get a Speedmachine 130 too, but after having the 120, I think I'd always like to have a 120 flex boot too.

[@ck_defender]

Jeff, great stuff! Lots to enjoy while watching. I’ve reached out before on the soul riders, black crow captis as I know those are up your guys wheel house. I’ve always eyed the declivity 92’s as I enjoy fast, playful skis but with decent stability. Are the Armada’s at all playful? Anything in comparison to the captis or soul riders? I like that they are pretty light weight but at all fun/playful not having a turned up tail or more for ripping? Thanks!!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Declivity definitely has a playful side, that's why I enjoy having it in my quiver so much. I'm not forced to just rip carves all the time, I can play around too. Less playful that a Captis or Soul Riders, but better edge grip and more precise for sure.

[@maksymmaletskyy6803]

Hi, so, Duke pt or Shift, which one do you like/use the most, why, thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

I use the Shift more personally, but I like owning both as I definitely think the Duke is a stronger binding overall. If I'm planning on big airs, cliff drops, high speeds, etc, I'll take the Duke.

[@funjam4015]

Awesome quiver!! What do you have your armada shifts on? Mine kept popping off on hard stops on firm snow and on nose butters. I had them on 8,5 front and 9 in the back when they still popped off now they are on 9 front and 9,5 back. 190 an 6'2". they are on Armada JJ116s (2020). Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

Most of my bindings are set at 10, sometimes I go a little higher with park skis. I have really small feet (24.5 boots) so that bumps up my DIN setting compared to most people.

[@funjam4015]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks my boots are 28.5 but I'm also a good 30-35lbs heavier

[@explorationgabe]

Holy crap new boots every season eh..

[@SkiEssentials]

Makes the break-in process kind of frustrating each year, but to me that's better than sloppy boots that don't flex right halfway through the 2nd season.

[@explorationgabe]

@@SkiEssentials Makes sense, especially when you get as many days on snow as you do!

[@whoisthe1412]

Hey Jeff I think I’m the same size as you. What size are your Orage Jacket and Bib?

[@DescentAtBest]

Really surprised to see Jeff and Bob combining for 6 pairs of Nordicas. Gotta be a rep hookup on price, right? I went into this assuming you'd both have 2 pairs of Kaestles and 2 pairs of Stocklis!

[@SkiEssentials]

I (Jeff) used to have Nordica as a boot sponsor when I was competing, so I have some history with the brand and I suppose some lingering brand loyalty. That said... if we tweak your assumption to say that we'd both LIKE to own 2 pairs of Kastles and 2 pairs of Stocklis, you'd be 100% correct. I'll take a Stormrider 102, Laser AR, MX88, and ZX108 please.

[@raymondmsenecal]

Jeff, Dig this video man! I'm starting my search for next season's ski and I have a question on the Enforcers. I absolutely relate to the comment you made on your Enforcer 104s about skiing them hard but breaking them loose if you get into trouble. I'm thinking about either the Enforcer 100s or the 104s and I'm curious if you would say the same thing about the 100s. I currently ski a 2021 184 Bacon and a 2022 183 Nexus but I'm getting older and looking to add a more directional ski to my quiver. I like the idea of the 100s for groomers, but I haven't skied anything less than 106 in about 5 years so the 104s would be my first choice. Is there maybe another tighter turn radius 100mm + ski that I'm missing? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Ray! I wouldn't necessarily say that about the 100, no. There's significantly longer tail rocker in the 104, which really lets you throw it sideways a lot more easily than the 100. That said, I would say the 100 is easier than some of its competitors in that category. Compared to Bonafide 97, M6 Mantra or Mantra 102, the Enforcer 100 is easier to release. Have you considered Fischer Ranger 102? Maybe even Stance 102? Stance 102 definitely doesn't have a tighter turn radius, but it's easier to release than the Enforcer 100.

[@raymondmsenecal]

@@SkiEssentials thanks for the feedback! I definitely have thought about the Ranger 102, it's on my list right next to the Enforcer 104s. I'm pretty open to anything as I've only skied wide twin tips for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love the way the Bacons carve, the radius is tight and they have plenty of pop. The Nexus, which is essentially a grown up Bacon, doesn't carve as tight or have as much pop, but it has better edge hold and is much more stable at speed. The goal with this next ski is to find something that is still really carvey, but even more stable at speed. I ski a lot at Mount Snow and Okemo and traffic on the trails can get a little thick, so I want to have the option to hold the throttle wide open but also easily hit the breaks when the I need to. I'm not so much worried about the soft snow performance, I like wider skis because you can lay them way over without ever booting out.

[@Edou2001]

Hey I see you guys also review dps skis have you ever thought of buying one of those? What part would they play in your quiver if you did? And I saw your review on phantom treatment are you still rocking it on some of your skis? By the way its nice to finally see some clips of you hitting the park I knew you were good but not THAT good! Keep it up loving the content

[@hitch6161]

Dps are my Heli skis. lol

[@Edou2001]

@@hitch6161 good one lol

[@SkiEssentials]

If I had a DPS ski, I would get something relatively lightweight and put a touring binding on it, so kind of like how I use my Zero G 95s. I've always been a fan of the Wailer 100, which is turning into the Pagoda 100. If I had a DPS ski, it would almost definitely be that one.

[@Edou2001]

@@SkiEssentials cool good to know! Thanks for the quick reply

[@allenchristopher8095]

can you confirm which ski you were on during the intro?

[@SkiEssentials]

186 cm Enforcer 104 Free with Pivot 18 mounted about 3.5 cm back from true center.

[@bigdahhwg89]

Hey Jeff! 31 year old Josh here ;P I don't see these options on here, but what do you think of this combo? Faction C 3.0 (POW/Fun days), Atomic Backlanders or Nordica Enforcers(Everydayish)? I don't want to have a stacked quiver until I can spend more than 20 days a season. I need to stick with two! I don't care about speed, as much as I do freestyle/tree/pow/agility skiing, but its always at a resort.. Any advice would be great!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Josh! The Enforcer feels like a better all-mountain ski than the Backland if you're looking for versatility in a 2-ski quiver. The Backland skis are really designed more specifically for touring, or at least with a lot more emphasis on touring. They perform really well as alpine skis considering how light they are, but if you're not doing much alpine touring, I'd recommend going with the Enforcers over the Backland.

[@bigdahhwg89]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you for the feedback! I am thinking the enforcers are the way to go! I feel more confident they would be a great combo with this input! :)

[@svenodsvik569]

Nice. When rippin you want long radius. If light and moguls and speed yuo shuold go for "zero G 95". if deep then WNDR 110.

[@johnaronson5974]

And I thought my 3 pairs of skis was excessive, (you know, telling my wife that these skis followed me home and were on sale) but Jeff you are in the skiing business after all. We all due respect, I guess you don't pay MSRP? That said, I'm ready for a "ASK Jeff" segment for ski buyers. Your recommendations would be educational and entertaining.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi John! No, I generally don't pay MSRP on skis. It's one of the perks of being in the industry, I suppose! That would be really fun to do live, especially if we brought in a few other people from our staff. We'll look into doing something like that late summer or into the fall.

[@jameschurchman2255]

what brand is jeff's jacket from?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey James! Everything I've been wearing for the past 3-4 years is from Orage.

[@Colbyobrien378]

why do you center mount the 112s?

[@SkiEssentials]

For switch takeoffs and switch powder landings. It's like my powder jump ski, that's about it. I ski it in the park on super soft spring days too, it's fun!

[@gurdipbering]

I'm looking at getting some new enforcer 104s and some k2 mindbender boots was wondering if the k2 boots with grip walk will work with the rossignol fks bindings?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! Just make sure the Pivots you get are GripWalk compatible. Older FKS bindings will need alpine soles, but newer Pivots are GripWalk compatible.

[@klubstompers]

You use your skis for fun?

[@flosim5087]

Do you have any touring setup ?

[@jasonvtmd]

I am looking for something for the middle of my quiver. I live on west coast and mostly ski tahoe, with a yearly trip whistler or colorado. I am on 184 moment blister pro (Bibby OG like wildcat) 116 for pow. Black crows Navis freebird for Backcountry ( which I never do cuz I work too much) and a 179 black crows Captis for when it hasn't snowed....I am looking for a playful 100 or so ski that has simliar characteristics of the captis but a little more width and heft. I ski everything. except park and like trees and moguls at the resorts because such spaces are less crowded...I am 51yo 5'11" 169# expert. Thx for feed back.

[@SkiEssentials]

We're pretty impressed with Dynastar M-Free 99 for that application. Atomic Bent Chetler 100 has also been a pretty darn good ski for a lot of people--no need to do park on either of these twins, and they both EXCEL in trees and bumps.

[@incand3nza]

letsss gooooo hahahaha

[@scottbryant9425]

Over 40 feet 🤔

[@kodyadams5589]

Wow thought he would have far better Skis than this . Seems to be a Nordica guy for both skis and boots.

[@SkiEssentials]

Love my skis! Certainly not the quiver for everyone, but they work great for me! I replaced the MTI with a Ti2 and have some other skis to mix in this season. Can't wait to get on snow!

[@shredcavemedia3764]

sell me those cool K2s! :)

[@SkiEssentials]

$1,000,000

[@kodyadams5589]

My ski quiver is better than this entire board . I have 2022 Stockli Stormrider 95 with Marker Jester ID 18 pro bindings and Dalbello DS AX 120 boots with Leki SG poles.

[@SkiEssentials]

I might add a Stormrider 102. That was one of my favorite skis last season.