2024 Men's 110 mm Freeride Ski Comparison with SkiEssentials.com

[@mastpg]

...the best, most perfectly perspective setting reviews. Year after year....thank you.

[@SkiEssentials]

Wow, thanks! We'll keep them coming!

[@cams3425]

Always enjoy the comparison videos and your guys honest take on the options available. It's also great you guys emphasize your different skiing styles and other attributes during your assessments. Great stuff! Can't wait for the other comparison videos. PS Nice job getting lots of on hill footage of many of the skis on the wall.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks so much! The fatter the skis get, the harder it is for us to get decent footage, so thanks for noticing!

[@tremblayguillaume]

Personally, my everyday resort ski is 98mm and I have a 118mm for powder days. My touring setup is 106mm and I don't feel the need of another ski. I think 110mm would be perfect for a one ski quiver out West. Cheers!

[@KevinLaut]

I took the Rustler 11 out more than any other ski last year. Daily driver when it never went a whole week without a good snowstorm.

[@danielholombo7593]

QST Blank. Tips diving on 178s. 5'9" 180lb advanced, directional skier. Move the bindings back 2cm or go to the 186 or a stiffer ski? Rustler 11?

[@bimfred]

Blank and Rustler 11 are similar performers. Both STANDOUT performers in this list.

[@NoProDad]

now getting into the good stuff.. sender free 110 and m-free 108 🤤🤤

[@TigerNash21]

I’m torn between those 2

[@NoProDad]

@@TigerNash21 Rossi has better top sheet.. m free is boring. I’m gonna go with sender free 👍🤙

[@TigerNash21]

Personal opinion, but I'm kind of partial to the M-Free top sheet. Imagine it with the gold Look Pivot 15s...@@NoProDad

[@Penguinmuncherdady]

@@NoProDadwhat do you think about sender 110 vs bent 110?

[@connorrit]

I looked though SE’s 2024 videos this morning for this and they answered hours later. they know what the people want

[@kentgoldman]

I loved the Ranger 107ti (182cm) as my daily driver but wanted a slightly more playful ski. And I wanted this to be the Ranger 108 (185cm) but after 8 days or so on the ski I gave up. They both carve extremely well but the Ranger 108 does not want to mob the hill and chase the fall line with abandon the same way the Ranger 107ti did. Both are quite good carvers though. I wound up moving on to a Sender Free 110 (184cm) mounted 2cm behind the directional line and have been thrilled. It mobs. It invites you to find air. It can hold an edge through a big GS turn through crud and on firm snow. The tradeoff is that it would rather slarve than make short radius turns. I've got no complaints. Hope this helps someone looking to make a similar decision. Western skier. Height and weight much closer to Jeff than Bob.

[@jeremys2029]

I just recently bent the living hell out of the tip on my 2019 Enforcer 110's in 191cm. Never seen anything like it. All lamination and edges held, but its got 2" of additional rise now after I slammed into a catwalk on a blind day. I'm 6'3" 235 lbs, so I'm a FF. Contacted Nordica yesterday. No dice on any type of warranty (expected). But hey, Nordica is the real deal, so they directed me to their pro website and gave me 40% off a brand new set of Enforcer 110 Free (same ski). No hesitation, none, I couldn't get my credit card out fast enough. If your tall and 190lb + I can't say enough about the enforcer. J - Snowbasin, UT

[@choski76]

What if you're short and heavy? 5-7. 189#

[@jeremys2029]

@@choski76 They stopped selling 110 for 2025 but for your weight and size I imagine you would love the Enforcer 104 in 179 or 185. The new unleashed line which picks up the larger widths is a less burly ski for lighter skiers so I just know nothing about it.

[@choski76]

@@jeremys2029 thanks. Short and heavy, I am.

[@mconti564]

Haha luv the comment on the HEAD KORE 111’s “for An aging powder skier out west…” Yup 👍🏼 that’s me 1000% best ski ever mounted +2 for even quicker turnability in tight trees 🌲

[@lorenroot7667]

I skied 112 days in Utah last year - at least 60 of them on the Salomon Blanks (606” has its perks 😊)- and just can’t think of a better all’round ski for out West

[@Jaq365]

Nice, sounds like a real dream-season. Those days when your skis are only visible on the lift.

[@Nilex1994]

I currently have to decide between the Bent 110 and the Salomon QST, stilll not sure right now... Do you think the 186 are to long? My hight is 180 and i guess 178 is to short..

[@lorenroot7667]

@@Nilex1994 6’2” 185. I have the 186cm. I ski a lot of trees and can’t avoid moguls on many parts of the mountains here, so the slightly “shorter” length (effective edge) works well for me. I will say on the deepest days last year - 18-22” overnight plus 8-12” throughout the day, I did find myself wanting more ski, but those conditions are so rare. It’s darn near perfect for 8-16”, which is more typical of a powder day for us. I know a few people that love the Bent 110, but they’re far more playful skiers than I am. The Blank is fairly heavy - 2250g or so - vs 1860g for the BC 110. Do you like to hop and jump and be light on your feet in chop (BC), or would you rather plow through with some stability (Blank)? Answering that question should help your decision.

[@Nilex1994]

I am 180cm tall and weigh 83kg, so I am hanging between the 178 or 186 Blanks. The Bent would fit perfectly at 180cm. I like playful skiing with jumps and small beginner tricks. However, the ski should of course be smooth at slightly higher speeds for typical Freeriding. I don't really ski switch, so I don't necessarily need the strong twintip shape of the Bent.@@lorenroot7667

[@yisakii8397]

Just bought the sender 110. Hyped for the season coming up

[@patrion6028]

Iirc, Hedvig Wessel used the Kore 111 for FWT competition, so yea, on point here Jeff!

[@GordRadelet]

I use the bent 100 when it hasn’t snowed for a couple of days but the m free 108 is my go to ski

[@unknowablerootvegetable]

I could use one of your recommendations (I'm honestly amazed how many you respond to, huge kudos, you guys are awesome). I have the QST 98 (like them a lot now that I'm used to them, I think I prefer the BC Atris though), and snagged the QST 106 on a deal (after demoing on a choppy powder day - pretty good! Felt like slightly larger 98's) but I'm thinking I want a powder ski instead. 110mm+. I tried the Blank, honestly, didn't feel like it worked for me but the conditions weren't great for 112mm underfoot (maybe a foot of skied out fresh snow). I liked the Atris because it was light + maneuverable in the trees - anything in powder width that might feel similar? Blizzard Hustle? Head Kore? I'm also 6'6" 210 lbs and an advanced skier based in Alberta.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! If you're looking for similar to Atris but wider, the slightly obvious place to start is the Anima. That ski is a bit stiffer than the Atris, but other than that they do a lot of the same things really well. If you're looking for light, then maybe that's a non-starter as the Anima is on the heavier side. Hustle has great bounce and energy to it--very fun and maneuverable in softer snow for sure. More pop than the Blank, which I felt to want to roll a bit more than jump. Kore has a similar reaction to the Hustle in that the carbon provides the energy, giving it a snappy feel at a lighter weight. Volkl Blaze 114 also fits into the lighter and more maneuverable side of the spectrum--I'd give that a look as well. Overall, I do like the sound of the Hustle as it seems like you're interested in maneuverability.

[@unknowablerootvegetable]

@@SkiEssentials thank you! I was already thinking about the Hustle but I think I'm going to pull the trigger now :)

[@stefanazcarate7914]

This is the best ski range to review!

[@bimfred]

You guys nailed it. The Blank is wicked good. And underrated. So is the Rustler. Both outstanding.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's actually a lot harder to find negative qualities in skis than positives!

[@bimfred]

@@SkiEssentials That’s exactly the sign that they’re bangers!

[@bimfred]

@@SkiEssentials and there are plenty of pigs out there too.. yes it’s all subjective but… some are bad

[@antonkammhuber9570]

You messed out on two of my favorite skis in this category: Blade Optic 114 and Faction Mana 3.0. But anyways, I love your videos. I spend so many hours in watching your ski videos, that I don´t know anymore, if I study ski models or my actual studies. ☺

[@SkiEssentials]

We didn't have either of those available at the time of production, but they are certainly worthy of being on this list for sure. You can go back and check out the 114 in our overview that we did last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Gxk5WKaLaLZtU or check out them individually in our ski test videos.

[@simonverrill]

This one is specifically for Bob, as I feel we share a similar build. I am 6'2" and weigh 200lbs. I picked up a the Unleashed 98 this season as an all mountain ski/one ski quiver. I have been loving the skis on groomers but have found them exhausting for me in deeper snow and I find they aren't the easiest to turn. Also the weight is a problem for me. I am not the strongest skier but love to bomb all over the mountain and am already looking at something else for added flexibility. I demoed the Salomon QST Blanks (186s) yesterday and I was absolutely stunned. I thought I was going to find them too wide and too much to handle but I was shredding groomers and hammering through crud and even took them through deep snow with no issues. So much more confidence using these then my own Unleashed 98s. I thought these would be naff on groomers but were so fun. My only complaint with the Blanks are their weight. Not crazy heavy but they do start to feel noticeable after a while. That said do you have anything to compare that runs similar. For the longest time I have been wanting the Bent 110s but I think they will be too soft for my build. I feel honestly that I could use these Blanks as a daily driver but want some others to compare. I love the Dynastar 99s and wonder if the 108s would be a good comparison. I also like the look of the Amada 116 JJ or White Walker and wonder how they compare. I love to ski fast and carve, but also love to slash and go through crud and deep snow. You may say that the Blanks are the perfect ski for my needs but open to others. Any ideas from you or the team would be greatly insightful. Thank you.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's funny how certain skis just sneak up on you and make an impression. We talk about including the metric of "whelm" in our testing, as in, how over or underwhelmed you are by a certain ski. Maybe it'll catch on, maybe not. For you, in the meantime, I'd take a stronger look at that M-Free 108, but I think you'll find the weight issue will creep back in. One of the skis that has stuck out for blending lighter weight with decent stability is the Blizzard Rustler 10 at 102 mm underfoot. The Head Kore 111 if you're looking for that 110/112 zone.

[@simonverrill]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for responding. Def keen on the Dynastar 108 for sure. You think the Bent 110 would be too soft for me? Thoughts on Armada White Walker 116 or even the new Salomon QST X thats just come out. Im likely going to keep my Unleashed 98s for the groomers. This quest is more for the powder days but can handle the hard pack and go fast and be somewhat playful. :)

[@SkiEssentials]

@@simonverrillI haven't had much success on the Bent 110 in fresh snow--I've actually liked it a lot more in lower snow days and even in more spring-like conditions I have appreciated the energy--similar to the M-Free, but not quite as aligned with my weight in deeper snow. the Armada is interesting because it's light and stiff--more similar to the Kore 111 than other skis, I find.

[@tdrcar]

Such a great review - thoughtful and thorough. I bought demo Elan Ripsticks for my son from your store 2 years ago, and they've been great! If you're still covering comments, I would love some advice. I'm a middle-aged Mammoth, Utah and Tahoe resort skier, 6'01" & 205#. I currently have the Mantra M5, which has been great but I want better performance on powder, soft snow moguls, and between trees. Playful would be nice. I want a ski that's easier going than the M5, particularly when I'm getting tired (that's probably most any ski!). But, I will take my free ride skis off cornices and sometimes carve on steep, hard, windblown snow. The free rides I have in mind are M-Free 108, Declivity 108 Ti, Sender Free 110, Rustler 11, and QST Blank. What 2 or 3 skis do you recommend for me?

[@SkiEssentials]

Awesome! The Mantra is a challenge, especially if you're looking for more playfulness. Going wider, I love the energy of the M-Free and the smoothness of the Declivity. If you're looking for carving at this width, the Declivity is likely your best bet. The QST and the Rustler are more pure floaters and the Sender Free has more freestyle in mind with a more central mount point (which you don't have to adhere to if you don't want to) and a lot of symmetry in tip and tail splay. I bet the Declivity is a safe bet--one of my personal favorites in this range.

[@tdrcar]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks very much for the advice. I watched your video about mid-100s skis ... do you recommend any ski around 106mm that has similar qualities as the Declivity?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@tdrcar The Salomon QST 106 is pretty darn close, maybe a bit lighter duty in terms of power, but very versatile and exciting, especially in softer snow.

[@Seriksy]

You guys should get a hold on the SGN Rakkar skis

[@ThePro116]

I love my Bent 110's for powder days!

[@bobbolton135]

Hi Jeff and Bob, thanks for your great work. Your videos are much appreciated. I am looking to add a new big mountain ski to my quiver. I ski mostly Vail ~ 100 d/season and ~ 3M Vertical. Favorite runs are Apres Vous, Genghis Khan, Red Square, Seldom, Prima, Forever, and OS. My daily drivers are Mantra 102 in a 185 and Confession in a 186 (on my second pair). Also really like the Blizzard Cochise when it was the 108. I have the 106 now and am not impressed. The Mantras are deadly accurate but somewhat limiting with >8" snow. They do well in the crud but the Confessions are better. I would have to say that the Confession is my favorite ski of all time. Out of this lineup I am considering the Enforcer 110, Sender 110, and the Revolt 114. I did demo the Patron a few years ago and had fun on them but I really have limited experience with them. If you guys have other skis that I should consider, please feel free to recommend. I am built like Bob and tend to like his ski picks over Jeff. Looking forward to any advice you can offer. PS. I would be happy to drag you guys around Vail anytime you are in town :). Best Bob-

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! I think the Enforcer 110 is a nice option here--similar flotation to the Confession but a way better turner. Sender 110 follows this theme but it does feel more like a fat twin tip vs. the Enforcer's more freeride flair. The Revolt 114 is very stable, solid, and sturdy, but not a lot of energy here--you definitely have to put in the effort to make it go. In that ~110 range, I also really enjoy the Armada Declivity 108. It's smooth and powerful and I actually really liked it in the longer 190! Hope that helps! bob

[@OnTheHorizonSomewhere]

I'll be on the K2 Mindbender 108ti (186) this season as my only ski here in the Northwest. I weigh 200 pounds and enjoy everything off-piste. Replacing my 20 (!) year-old K2 AK-Launchers (190). I am hoping the mindbender will keep me on top of the Cascade Concrete better than the AK's did, and I have no doubt they will after demo-ing them last year.

[@SkiEssentials]

Nice! Have an absolute blast! My guess is that you'll be pretty darn stoked.

[@ran981248]

Looks like there's more variety in this video becuase of more twin tips included, still awesome video! Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

It's tough to get to this range without adding twin tips in some shape or form. We'll still get to the more freestyle-oriented skis in the wide twin tip comparison.

[@RafWys]

Great review! Looking for a fun, easy, wider ski for those rare fresh snow days here in Alps but as well something I can use to learn park jumps etc when it haven't snowed for a while. Already got narrower (90mm), stiffer skis to charge on piste. Bent 110 seems like a good fit but I am 5 9 ft 220lbs and am afraid they will be noodely. Should I still go with bent 188cm?

[@SkiEssentials]

They ski a bit short, so if you do want some extra stability, the 188 is the way to go.

[@markfriedman8892]

Guys, Love all of these comparison Videos I want 3 new skis now, best in the game! So I am on the orange Rustler 11 and love it really shouldn't be able to do what it can do at 112 under foot. Do I need to upgrade to the 2024 rustle 11? What does it give differently compared to the outgoing rustler 11? Thanks as always.

[@SkiEssentials]

I mean, yes, you should definitely upgrade to the 2024! In all seriousness, the shape is very similar, but the build is pretty different. With the use of the upgraded wood core and the metal on the sides, the ski does take on a different personality. It's not as carvy as it was, which sounds like something you liked. That said, it's a better floater, more nimble, more flexible, and easier to ski than the outgoing version. Maybe it's a bit of a downgrade when it comes to hard-charging performance, but I don't think that is the whole story, nor does it make up for the increase in sophistication and snow feel.

[@peoplewatchingotherpeople]

I like that you guys specify what you like for a Stowe ski... but most people watching this one specifically, I'm assuming are West Coast skiers. I think it'd be helpful in all your reviews to mention what the recommended mount point is for each ski, as well as the stated radius. Love that you weigh them though, that's dope. I feel like mount point and radius/sidecut is huge though, and it seems to be neglected. Genuinely, just trying to give constructive feedback. You guys do it better than most, especially on KZbin.

[@SkiEssentials]

We mainly attempt to include the radius of the ski within the discussion, especially if it's a standout feature of the particular shape. Mount point is trickier and requires a bunch of measuring, and we're already on a truncated timetable as it is. Our friends at soothski.com have all of this information readily available and measured--definitely check their site out. If you're wondering about suggested or recommended mount points, that's a much longer conversation and we frankly try to stay away from telling people where to mount their skis. This is a journey that each individual skier has to walk themselves.

[@Lo-cj6ski]

Just reviewed you vid again.. wow, a lot of good skis on that wall! Interested in comparing float in pow for Sender110, E110 and Rustler11 and Blank in similar lengths?

[@SkiEssentials]

This is a fun wall for sure! For pure flotation, I do think the Blank has more to offer due to the dramatic taper shape and rocker profile. It's a very surfy ski. The others are pretty close, but given the Enforcer's weight, I'd put that at the lower end of the list.

[@kokibr91]

I am wondering, if Bent 100 in 180cm is on the long side, would 110 in the same length be just right? Bent 100 has a lot of camber where 110 has much more rocker. Or go all the way to Bent 120 in 176 cm. Glad that you mentioned these are totally different skis.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say your choice of 110 in the 180 is accurate and true. When you go to the 120, you get the same rocker profile as the 110, but the build gets the carbon backbone performance boost. Given that and the added surface area, it's okay to maybe go to the 176 in that ski versus the 184.

[@n-da-bunka2650]

Great review as always. I had thought that I has settled on the M-Free 108 but... now I am thinking the BentChetlers instead. Rented the 188 M-Free when I was in Telluride and found it to be quite HEAVY. Heavier than my 187 Bonafides which surprised me TBH. Didn't really ski "that" much differently from each other either so... nope! Now thinking of doing the Atomics perhaps with the Salomon Strike 2 bindings to keep the weight down and give me a ski with that option

[@SkiEssentials]

I skied the Bent 110 the other day in some spring like snow and really liked it. While light, it still held up to some pretty aggressive skiing. I always liked the M-Free 108, but can definitely see the weight being a turn off. You'll get wonderful playfulness and flotation out of the Bent 100 for sure.

[@keithpearson1552]

When you speak about the “old ways” of the Bacon, the changes in the tips and the thicker base, do you think it’s going back to the real old days of the 2012-2013 version the first year the SFB went to the 108 waist? I still have my 2012 SFBs and love bringing the out for my Midwest ski days on just about anything except hard ice…. How do the new Bacons perform on the groomers? My 2012s are pretty fun to have on them especially if you get them up on their edges…

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think the new one is as rugged--it definitely has a very flexible nature. On soft groomers, they'll be great. Anything remotely firm, and you'll start to see some waver/chatter.

[@redilinxa]

Thank you for the great detailed review. Watching till the end as always 😄. Looking forward to the next.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks so much! Glad you spent some time with us!

[@jrock652]

How do you guys feel about the M-Frees vs the Blanks?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's a bit more pop and energy to the M-Free while the Blank has more float and dampness. The Salomon feels like a pretty substantial ski from a construction perspective, but the shorter radius and mix of rocker and taper allow it to be extremely floaty and nimble. The deeper the snow, the more I'd lean to the Blank, while the more mixed the conditions and terrain, the M-Free has a better overall snap and energy to it for more active skiing.

[@hughdavidson4069]

great video as always! is there a reason the Reckoner 112 isn't here or will that be in a twin-tip comparison?

[@SkiEssentials]

No, you got it--we'll put that in a twin tip one most likely. If it was in this wall, it'd be right there with the Bacon 108 and Bent 110 in terms of flex and playfulness.

[@mathiashald1168]

Hi, thanks for the great review! I'm looking for a pair of off-piste skis and really think that the rossignol sender free 110 is good for me who likes a bit of playfulness. I'm from Europe, so I'm used to skiing in the Alps where there is nowhere near the same amount of powder snow as over where you are. So I'm not used to doing a lot of off-piste. However, for the whole next season i'm going to Canada on the west coast (maybe Whistler or Revelstoke). So would really like to hear what you guys think about the sender free 110 for me and what size I should choose. Should I choose them in 184 or 191, I'm 6'4 and 170lbs ish and an advanced skier. You are also very welcome to recommend another ski if you think it fits better. Thank you very much in advance!

[@SkiEssentials]

Love the Sender 110! I'd go with the 184 in that ski based on your stats and application.

[@EdBauer-x8g]

Looking for some advice and love the reviews of my favorite size. Older skier in PNW so lots of variable and often deep snow. Love my SOUL7 but need to replace. Between the Kore 111 and Hustle 11 which one would you recommend? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Hustle will give you more compliance/flex in the turns while the Kore does push back more. If you're looking for something that'll provide as much feedback and energy as you put in, the Kore has a higher ceiling. For more playfulness and a driftier mentality, the Hustle 11 is fantastic. I'd say the Hustle aligns slightly closer to the Soul mainly due to that flex, although the Kore is closer in shape.

[@reddottx]

Not sure I agree with your assessment of the Anima. I’m only a so so + skier and enjoyed it all over the mountain in Utah. I thought it had good grip and came across the fall line really well on firm snow and danced in the trees with a couple of feet of powder. Confidence inspiring. I could ski it all the time. Thanks for putting all these comparison videos together. They are super helpful even if my experience was slightly different.

[@SkiEssentials]

This is great feedback to hear, and only reaffirms our theory that there's not a one best ski out there--many different skis work great for a wide range of skier!

[@ericmehling3620]

As always, great video, but the new Blank bottom looks kind of abstract i.e. less appealing. Bent 110 has a better base from on the wall and the Prodigy series has been fire the last couple of years! Mana 3 would have been a perfect ski on this wall since this is a "freeride" collection.

[@SkiEssentials]

We did not have Mana at the time of production, but certainly would have fit right in!

[@Kohl7]

Would love to see more faction skis in theses reviews! Great vid!

[@SkiEssentials]

Noted!

[@Chris-hh8zl]

Jeff, Great reviews as usual! I know you like the M-Free 108 from your previous reviews and I'm thinking of picking it up for my trips out West instead of renting. I'm 6 ft, 215 lb. advanced skier and have the Mantra M5 for the East coast, but want something with more rocker, forgiving and maneuverable, but still stable to take in the Vail back bowls next year. I'm not looking for powder skiing, but mostly for the variable (un-groomed) snow found in the back bowls or Imperial bowl at Breck. Something easy to maneuver and smear turn your way down steep bowls, with an easy release tail. Your descriptions of the M-Free 108 sound like I'll be happy with that. Agree, or any other suggestions? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Agree! Love the M-Free 108 for a Vail/Imperial Bowl application. If you need another ski to look at, on the slightly more directional side, check out the new 2025 Armada Declivity X108--that ski is super fun in variable conditions and terrain and feels like it's just a bit more stable than the Dynastar with less tail rocker.

[@Chris-hh8zl]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks, great to hear. From what I remember of your reviews I also like the energy aspect of the M-Free, but it doesn't appear to come with any hookiness from the camber so it still pivots and slashes easily - correct?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@Chris-hh8zl Correct!

[@witty0_062]

I might be wrong, but I can see threw the top sheet of my QST blank a bit and there seems to be a little bit of metal in there. But yeah agree with you totally. I took a chance and haven’t been disappointed by its performance at all (on and off piste). And on a side note, the resilience has me perplexed to this day. I once jumped on a big pointy rock and struck right between the edge and the base. Little self repair and now not even visible anymore. No Ski I have ever owned has survived something like that this well (might be just luck tho)

[@alancochrane1748]

Great review guys. How about the direct choice between Enforcer 110 Free and Sender 110 Free?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's more agility and flickability to the Sender Free while the Enforcer is sturdier and more powerful. That said, it's not a huge drop in either realm. I think if I were presented with wider spaces and deeper snow, I'd prefer the Sender due to the maneuverability. For firmer and more technical zones, the Enforcers power and dampness comes out on top.

[@alancochrane1748]

Thanks again guys and keep up the great work! @SkiEssentials

[@YouTubeBurner-hv5sp]

Would really love love love to see you guys finally click into the Sender Squads and give your impressions.. It’s been for sale on the site now for years, but with no reviews or first-hand impressions offered yet. There’s vanishingly little available online in the way of on-snow impressions from decent skiers, tho what is out there suggest it’s a pretty special ski.. And low and behold it looks like Stowe may have just the right conditions on deck in the coming days to give it (and the skis behind you in this week’s Top 5 Friday 😉) a whirl, in what’s relatively close to its natural habitat.. Plz plz 🙏🏼 and thank you 😌

[@SkiEssentials]

While I hesitate to say "never," it's almost "never" around with a demo binding--at any industry day or any media day we have with Rossignol, that ski is too niche for the general public. You are correct, we've had it on our site for a while and I've never really seen one sell! My guess is probably as good as yours--this thing is built for high speed aggressive skiing in wide-open spaces. In that realm, I'm sure it's right there with some of the other very heavy hitters, but for some reason, Rossignol doesn't seem too boastful about it.

[@bstrac77]

Question for you guys..... While you can't go wrong with any ski on the wall when it comes to skiing powder, if you could only take one ski on a trip out west, which one would it be? Maybe you are in Utah for a week and want something that could be fun enough on groomers, but also rip when it dumps and you have knee deep powder to contend with. I had the Rustler 10 (186) for a trip to Utah that I recently took. Roughly 50% of the time I was happy with it, but the other 50% I was looking for something wider. Is there a ski in the 110mm range that comes reasonably close to the groomer performance of the R10, but has the added benefit of more float? Busting through choppy 1-2 day old variable after a storm is also a big consideration as well.

[@SkiEssentials]

There's always a sacrifice to be made. For one week in Utah, I'd go with the QST Blank at 112. Really fun on groomers and no lack of float.

[@bstrac77]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks!

[@mustbescud]

What bindings would you guys pair with the Black Crows Anima? Would Look Pivots pair nice with them? Main use will be for Resorts in those pow days, or days with variable terrain.

[@SkiEssentials]

Great Pivot ski! matching widths at 115, so no brake issues!

[@LukaszGabrysia]

Hello Guys!! Love Your reviews. Have a little question. I’m 177cm and 81kilos of weight. I’m looking for something playful for offtrail that can also handle groomers. I’m advanced-expert skier, have carving and park skis and looking for some fatter allmountain skis that leans more to pow and offtrail. I ski mostly in Alps, 10-25” of fresh pow. This year I skied Mana 2 183 but they were sinking to much for me. Wondering Bacon 108, Reckoner 112, Bacon 115, Mindbender 106 or 116. Any advices or thoughts?? Really like Your insight. I think that I’m able to put any ski on edge science I had rocker flat rocker skis and was carving on them. My park skis (armadas t-hall 2012, flex 5/10) almost has no edges and I was doing on them 96km/h. Greetings from Poland!!

[@SkiEssentials]

I skied the Bacon 108 a bunch of times this year and loved it. I'm about 100 kg and on the 185 I found that it had enough float but still versatile and fun. Certainly going wider to the 115 or K2 116 is going to boost that surface area, but if you're mixing in groomers, I do think sticking to the 108's is a good idea.

[@LukaszGabrysia]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for that! How would You compare Bacon 108, Bent 110 and Reckoner 112 in terms of flex and how they feel - short, long, true to length?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@LukaszGabrysia the Bacon is the sturdiest underfoot. The tips and tails of all of them are quite flexible--no real distinctions here. The Reckoner feels the shortest, with the Bent right behind. Due to the Bacon's thicker underfoot zone, if you ski it in the middle, it feels quite a bit more substantial than the others, and I suppose that could equate to it feeling longer than the others in similar lengths. The 185 Bacon feels longer than the 188 Bent 110, if that helps. Generally for me, at 225 pounds, the Reckoner is simply too flexible.

[@benjaminjohnson4697]

Been meaning to ask what brand are those camo pants with the black knees? Sick!! Enjoying the content, thanks!!✌️

[@SkiEssentials]

that's an Armada bib--can't remember the name, but they're pretty sweet!

[@baptistehure7078]

Hi guys ! First of all i'd like to thank you for your videos, definitely the bests ski tests on youtube ! I'm looking for a powder ski and i'm now hesitating between Blizzard R11 (previous version) and QST blank. How would you guys compare those 2 ? About me, i'm a 27 advanced french skier, i'm 184cm and 75-80kg (6"04' / 170lbs). I'm a charging/agressive skier, skiing mostly big open powder fields more than trees except when the weather is too bad. always up to walk up the mountain to catch a line, but not doing touring. I ski almost everyday and every conditions, my daily and all conditions ski is a Scott Pure mission 98 Ti in 184. I love it for its versatility in all terrain and all snow condition but i'm lacking a bit of something when jumping rocks and stuff off pistes. Before i used to ski freestyle type skis, but not doing much now and i'm not looking for a freestyle/offpiste skis And a second question : what size would you recommand, more my size +2/3cm or +7/8cm. I'm also open to any other suggestions of course ! Thanks in advance guys ! See you around when you'll come and ride in Val d'Isere 🤙

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! The Blank feels like a smoother and more satisfying ski experience. By omitting the metal, you're getting more snap and pop out of the C/FX material but they also do a fantastic job keeping it smooth and stable. The turn radius is a bit different as well, with the Blank having a shorter and more turny style to it. I'd also say the Blank is more playful, allowing for more creativity and input from the skier while the Rustler 11 is more locked in. I'd think the 186 is the length for you in this ski.

[@charleswill497]

Great Vids guys especially the Alta ones! I am trying to decide between a 178 and the 186 length in the Blank. I ski Vail 25 days a year at a "69 year old" expert level and 5'9/ 175lbs. Daily driver is K2 MB 99Ti and frontside a Elan Rip 88 but looking for a powder ski for 8"+ days. What do you suggest?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! The Alta ones are fun. I'd say the 178 is a good option given your stats and application. They're pretty heavy skis, so going up in size means more weight. I'd imagine you'll still get excellent flotation and stability out of the 178 as it's a very sturdy ski.

[@geoffroest7191]

I'm looking for end-of-season deals for a ski somewhere in the 110-114 width range. I'm in northern Arizona - very high elevation with dry snow, but overall less snow than somewhere like Utah. This would be a soft-snow-specific resort ski and not a daily driver. I'm 5'8" and 170 lbs. I ski the QST 106 in a 173 cm which is a tad short, but I've also skied the 181 cm and that was a tad long. I love the versatility and combination of playfulness and stability/smoothness, but I want something a bit wider for deep snow. I demoed the Bent 110 in a 180 and absolutely hated it - maybe the least stable ski I have ever been on in chop/crud. Having said that, I don't want to go super heavy/demanding. I'm thinking of the QST Blank (178 cm), the Rossi Sender Free 110 (176 cm), Head Kore 111 (177 cm), or a Rustler 11 (174 cm or 180 cm). Or should I wait for the Atomic Maverick 115 CTI next year?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're looking for deals, there's no real reason to wait for a future ski. We have plenty of great deals on skis like this right now. Volkl Blaze 114 we have for a great deal and that ski is a ton of fun! www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-volkl-blaze-114-skis?ski%2520size=176

[@danielturczyn6773]

I'm intrigued why Unleashed has not had the sales success for the hype it got. I'm out West skiing a mantra m6 as my daily driver and like the sound of a great carver/round turns. Compared to a Mindbender 108ti or something directional, does it feel like the tail is easier to break free on the Unleashed 108 or is it a similar feel? Thanks for all the reviews and on snow vids. Its super interesting to see how your descriptions translate to on snow performance. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! And it's not just hype about the Unleashed, everyone that gets on it truly loves it. I think the wide twin tip concept scares some people off for some reason. I think the tail is way easier to release than the 108Ti in these skis. Hopefully we'll see some more enthusiasm for these skis this year!

[@mikkelsode1925]

Carving on a wide ski is just so much more rewarding

[@SkiEssentials]

It is very fun and satisfying accessing higher edge angles on wider skis!

[@samedhadzic3630]

What skies would be recommended overall as the best for being playful and flexible while still not being to bad on the trails

[@SkiEssentials]

In this range, I really like the Kastle ZX 108. Nice energy in the tail for good trail skiing and the shovels still float and flex playfully with the terrain. This is a great directional option--also check out the Dynastar M-Free 108 for a more playful ski with more rocker and taper. But if you're looking for good turning in this zone, I'd definitely check out the ZX.

[@mattkaden3483]

Can you guys do a glossary? There are dozens of terms used here that could use some explanation.

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, I think that's a stellar idea. We get pretty comfortable with these terms and can forget that they're not part of most people's lexicon.

[@richmeyer2659]

Hi guys, Great videos. Really helpful. I'm finally replacing my Gotama 186's. I'm 6'2 and a fairly solid 230 lbs. Still ski aggressively at 60. Like trees, bumps and ripping wide open whatever. Looking for something a bit more forgiving in the tight stuff that I can still lay out and trust at speed. Per your videos my list includes Black Crow Justis, Armada Declivity and Volkl Blaze 104. Any of those I should put at the top of my list? Anything else I should be trying? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

While the Justis and the Blaze occupy more opposite sides of the spectrum on your list, the Declivity is a great mix. I feel that whenever this happens, the one in the middle is usually a very strong choice. Declivity has all that you are looking for--stability at speed, maneuverability in softer snow and technical zones, and some playfulness as well. The Blaze is on the light side and the Justis does take some more work to access the entirety of the performance. Blizzard Rustler 10 is also a very strong contender in this category.

[@richmeyer2659]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help.@@SkiEssentials

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Great review-i’m one pf those “out west” skiers..what would be your choice for a ski that has enough float for pow(will ski a lot in jackson and utah this season)..but..is the most stable for steeps recovery on sketchy icy snow-yeah i know “all mountain”. i can float 2x4s but want to enjoy the softer days.. currently Skiing vintage Volkl Gotama’s. stiff but no fear on 50degrees.

[@SkiEssentials]

I like skis that have a blend of metal (or similar) underfoot and then more rockered tips and tails. Rossignol Sender 110 and Nordica Unleashed 108 make a lot of sense in this regard. Great grip when needed but also very playful characters.

[@bigwave_dave8468]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you!

[@src248]

What's wrong with naming your ski Rossignol Black Ops Sender Squad? Rolls off the tongue! :P

[@SkiEssentials]

Maybe add a SoulSinSquad to the mix as well.

[@src248]

​@@SkiEssentialsdoesn't even have any numbers! Gotta at least add a 112 R25 to the end :P

[@AndreasJacobson]

Having a hard time choosing between the bacon, bent 110 and Sakana. For reference, I'm 66kg and skis I've loved; JJ's, Pescado, Mordecai.

[@SkiEssentials]

Sakana is different in that it is an actual ski and not a crazy combination of light/flexible like the Bacon or Bent. If you're looking for pure flotation and playfulness, I think the Bacon is amazing, but that's not taking anything away from the Atomic. There's even more flex in the Bacon, as it now uses the same core as the Blend, which has felt very soft over the years.

[@mikkelbm]

Hey guys, love your videos! How does the Black Crows Anima compare to the Volkl Katana? And would it make any sense to have both- the anima as a powder ski and katana as an all mountain charging ski (I already own the anima). Or do their power and stability feel too similar for it to make sense?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd much rather use the Anima as the powder ski, and as such, the power and stability of the Katana is certainly different. There's not a lot of rocker, especially in the tail, of the Katana, so you're getting much more sturdy directional performance. I think it makes sense, especially for those non-deep days--nice to have a charger in the back pocket like the katana.

[@Out-O-Here]

Your suggestions? Skiing out West mostly (Mammoth & Utah). Looking for suggestions on Sierra heavy pow and Utah light pow ... 205 lbs 6' tall. Would be nice to also (?) use smthg in Mammoth spring crud very late in the season.. Just subed and spent last 2 days reviewing your 2023 ski reviews to see your thoughts on current skis and am watching the 2024 ski reviews for this season's planks. One more thought, not adverse to getting 1 or 2 of the clearance 2023 skis on your site if the characteristics are primo in comparison to the 2024 versions. Reviewing what I ask.. quite a bit to ask! Thanks for your thoughts Great reviews! will be spending the next several days on your videos and site. thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think there are some good options in the 108-110 zone. The Armada Declivity 108 and K2 Mindbender 108 do a good job of crossing over conditions and terrain. They're great turners, but also operate well in mixed snow conditions as well as pure powder. Neither will float in dry powder as well as the wider Salomon Blank or Rustler 11, but for mixing properties, these 108's are very versatile. If you find a 2023 on our site, both models are unchanged structurally for 2024.

[@samwilson9668]

Hi ski essentials, I’ve got a question. I’m currently skiing the Bent 100s but Head have offered me a sponsorship. What ski in the head range would be most similar? I was leaning towards the oblivion 102 but I’m worried all of heads skis are going to be too stiff. Any advice? Cheers

[@patrickmahomesslingit272]

If ur looking for a softer ski like the bent use the head kore

[@samwilson9668]

@@patrickmahomesslingit272 I’ve heard the oblivion is softer than kore?

[@matth3903]

@@patrickmahomesslingit272 There is nothing soft about a head kore

[@SkiEssentials]

Don't be worried about the 102 being too stiff--it's more in the torsional sense rather than longitudinal. When you get it up on edge, you can feel that it's hooking in, but fore/aft, it's not that much stiffer than the Bent.

[@carterhudson2306]

No K2 reckoner 112? Wanting a maneuverable fun ski with a little more heft and stability than a bent 110. Good description for those?

[@src248]

Yes, but also: Sender 110 Free

[@SkiEssentials]

Not a whole lot heftier than the Bent 110. Feels like both that ski and the Bacon 108. I'd say it's slightly heftier than the other two, but not by a whole lot. It'll pop up in our wide twin tip category, most likely.

[@Sokolva]

Have you looked at the Moment Wildcats? Famous for being very stable and yet playful in this category of freeride wider skis in that range.

[@carterhudson2306]

@@Sokolva very familiar with both the wildcat and deathwish series. Unfortunately, being in Canada it’s extremely expensive to get their skis, and even their “discounted” ski burger and blem offerings still come in at over $800 CAD. I can get both K2’s and atomics for around $400 CAD.

[@SkiEssentials]

@@SokolvaThey're on the list for sure, but since we're not a Moment dealer at the moment, it's tougher to find the time to get on the skis.

[@barleyboy13]

Hey Guys, I've been looking at the Declivity 108 and the QST Blank. What are the main differences between those two? I'm a PNW advanced to expert skier with race background. I like the thought of the lower weight of the Declivity but QST seems very intriguing as well. I love playing all over the mountain plus carving ability.

[@SkiEssentials]

Metal and turn shape are the two main differences. The Declivity has metal while the Blank only uses it as binding retention. Combined with a longer turn shape with the Armada, and that ski is a straight-shooter with more stability and smoothness. The shorter arc and more playful nature due to the taper and rocker make the Blank an ideal choice for slightly shorter turns with greater mobility. If you have a race background, you'll likely find more in common with the Declivity.

[@lakermagic1]

Love the videos! Looking for a resort powder ski. 230 pounds or so, advanced intermediate. The Sender and the Kore have my attention. The Kore is interesting because it’s lighter, which helps towards the end of the day. (Will be getting the longest size in both) The Blank might be an option as well. Any insight would be appreciated.

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the Kore as well, mainly due to the blend of light weight and high energy. You're not quite getting the same energy out of the other two skis, but the Blank and Sender Free are more flexible and amenable to making different shape and style of turns.

[@justinlillie8281]

Hey any comparison on the flex of Volkl Revolt 114 and Blaze 114 to Mantra/Kendo flex pattern? Thanks for great content!

[@SkiEssentials]

They're not very similar in flex. The Revolt has a thicker core profile so that one lines up a bit more with the mantra, but the Blaze is more flexible and lighter.

[@justinlillie8281]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you! Both such interesting skis that could be very fun in VT. Have yet to actually see either on the snow.

[@jdjsnwsh9674]

Hello! How does the unleashed 108 compare to the sender 110? I am an advance skier looking for pow ski and will be using mostly at open bowls. I am 186cm and 85kg so which size would i be better at? Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a very fair comparison--great skis, the both of them! The Unleashed is likely a bit smoother and damper from tip to tail thanks to the full length metal and longer camber profile. In open zones and deeper snow, though, I like the 110's more freeride character I think it works better in those situations while the Unleashed has a great on-trail personality and can really lay down some turns.

[@gavinshum3230]

Hey! How would you compare the blaze 114 to the sender 110?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Blaze likes to make easier and driftier turns while the Sender 110 has a bit more power and oomph to it and is happier at higher speeds and in more technical and challenging terrain. For pure powder, the Blaze is fantastic--so easy to ski, but if you're looking for something with a higher performance ceiling, especially in adverse conditions and terrain, the Sender 110 is the way to go.

[@mathiashald1168]

Thanks a lot for the great review! I've been looking at the QST Blanks as my Powder ski. I am 195 cm (6'4), 80 kg (176 lbs) and advanced/expert skier. I am torn between 186 and 194 QST Blank, would i sacrifice anything with the 194? I like to ski off-piste/Backcountry, but would also really like to be able to ski touring, is it possible with this ski or are there other skis that are better for this combination? Thanks! There aren't many skis at my height.

[@SkiEssentials]

When in doubt with the Blank, go longer. They have a short radius and a lot of taper and rocker so they ski a bit short. Even with the bc application, your size puts you in the 194. Have fun!

[@Bogdan_Ch]

I'm 183, 6 foot and had the 194 Blanks since inception. They are a bit shorter in reality ( 190sh according to blister) but can't fault them. Maybe, just maybe on tight wood turns you get worked a bit more but otherwise they are a dream to ride.

[@jasonburgess-conforti2021]

Recommendations on a ski for someone learning to ski in deeper powder? I'm very comfortable in "normal" conditions but many powder skis require speed to work well. I'm hoping there is a ski out there that is maneuverable/easier to turn at lower speeds?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sure, the lighter the better when it comes to learning powder and making it easy. On this list, I like the Blizzard Hustle 11 or the Kastle ZX 108. The Hustle is more playful while the ZX feels more traditional and like a normal ski.

[@Lost19i]

Hello is there difference between this year bent 110 and the one from last year ?? Great video !

[@beeegeeedeee]

geometry and weights seem to be the same, i think they added a shorter and longer one to the range.

[@SkiEssentials]

Just the shorter length 164 was added, same ski otherwise!

[@fedeconfa5112]

Hi! Just wondering: Sender free110 vs reckoner 112 vs faction mana 3?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Reckoner is the most flexible and playful of the three. The Mana tips the scales and feels like a sturdy option while the Sender is kind of a mix. If I'm at the top of a deep mountain face, I'm liking the all-around nature of the Rossignol. I can't quite wrap my head around the lack of energy in the Mana as it kind of likes to go straighter and faster. The Rossignol is more engaging without losing too much in terms of stability and power. If creative skiing and more freestyle character is in your mind, then the Reckoner is the way to go.

[@theokerner535]

What ski would you suggest for a 6‘3 and 180 pound guy. I live and ski in Austria where we mostly have 10 inches of pow. I would use them in the pow but still get to the pow on piste what is a good ski for that purpose?

[@SkiEssentials]

I really like the Dynastar M-Free 108 for his application. Great floater but also tremendous energy when you pop out on the trail. Also Kastle ZX 108 is a more directional pow ski that can still offer good on-trail performance.

[@SergiuGeorgeJiduc]

What would you recommend between Black Crows Justis, Faction Dancer 3 and Sender 110 Free paired with a Pivot 15 and Cast Freetour binding for that extra versatility in and around the resort?

[@SkiEssentials]

From a skiing perspective, it's tough to beat the crisp carving of the Justis. The Sender is the floater of the group, while the Dancer is somewhere in the middle. It's a wider-bodied ski but has a lot of camber. Justis and Sender have more dramatic rocker profiles, even in the 100 mm Justis. None of these skis are particularly light, so for any type of uphill capabilities, you basically need to weigh what you want from a flotation perspective vs. what you do most of the time.

[@perrrrrrrrrrrtrrrr]

Hi, considering a head 111 with atk fr14 for a power touring set vs a corvus freebird ? What do you think of a kore with ATK bindings? PS your vidéos rocks, contrats from thé french alps?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think that's awesome! The Kore has a lot to offer in terms of weight and performance. They're light and strong, so the touring capabilities are fantastic and wonderful.

[@MrWnlittle]

Can you compare the Sender 110 and the Declivity 108?

[@SkiEssentials]

The main difference is in the shape. Both have burly builds with metal and carbon, but the Sender has dramatically more splay in the tips and especially the tails. This makes the Sender far less directional and more freeride/freestyle oriented than the Declivity, which is awesome, but is more of a straight shooter and a smooth carver. Sender floats better and has more of a drifty character, even with the metal underfoot, while the Armada likes to be used by someone who likes to turn a ski and stand on the edges.

[@mikabots]

Thanks for your amazing work guys! I'm based in Switzerland and skiing mostly steep pow - although like you guys mentioned you cant always avoid a cat trail or firm snow between lines. I'm torn between the Blanks, Bent 110 and Rustle. Not dropping anything above 20ft and like a surfy ski that's maneuverable. Will mount it with shift bindings to be able to tour to get to fresh snow peaks in & out of the resort. Appreciate your thoughts and keep up the quality content!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Rustler might be a good choice because it's not that heavy while still containing a high end ceiling. Blank is nice and surfy but there's some more heft there, even without metal. Bent 110 just doesn't do it for me personally, as a heavier skier, I find it to be on the flexible side.

[@glucia805]

How does the Declivity 108 compare to the Sender 110?

[@SkiEssentials]

The directional nature of the Declivity stands out in that it prefers to make long, direct, and sweeping turns at speed. And it can handle those things at a high level of performance. the deeper the snow and the more playful the skiing, the more I'm leaning to the Sender 110 as it has quite a bit more rocker in both tips and tails to allow for creativity and flotation. While all-mountain versatility is more of a Declivity thing, freeride applications, deep snow, and big mountain terrain all fall more under the Sender 110's purview.

[@beaupirnat2827]

How does the enforcer 110 compare to the Anima?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Enforcer is a more complete turner than the Anima, which prefers more of a direct line down the hill. Enforcer still has that on-trail capability and carving potential while the wider Anima is more big-mountain and off-trail focused.

[@Krilid10]

I need some help, I’m going to start competing in the national league in my country in free ride. I need a playful free ride ski that I can do some spins and still be able to do some aggressive free riding on. I’ve been looking at the bacon 108 bent 110 and reckoner 112. I don’t want to go wider then 112mm and don’t want to go slimmer then 107. I also want it to have a light swing weight so I can do tricks, grabs etc and having be more manouverable.Any recommendations??

[@SkiEssentials]

I had a blast on the Bacon 108 earlier this season--it follows similar construct to the Chronic 101 and 94 with thinner tips and tails and a pretty meaty mid-section. The Bent and Reckoner feel too soft for me, and don't seem to have the upper end stability of the Line. I was very impressed with this ski and wouldn't hesitate to be aggressive on it.

[@Krilid10]

@@SkiEssentials is it easy to to 360s, 180s etc on these??

[@matth3903]

If I wanted to replace my Mindbender 108ti's with something that can still charge through chop decently but is a little bit more maneuverable and easy going, what would you recommend? Is the Ranger 108 a contender?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the Dynastar M-Free 108 has more to offer than the Ranger. Good charger but easy to turn. Lots of energy, but without the demand of the K2.

[@alancochrane1748]

How does the Revolt 114 compare to the old Volkl One's - my present Japan skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

The One is unique in that it's full rocker, and the Revolt 114 is a much heavier duty ski. We found the Revolt to be a bit demanding, especially at slower speeds and in tighter turns. When you open it up and let it run, it starts to come alive for sure. The One is a lot more amenable to moderate turns and speeds and is one of the smoothest and driftiest floaters ever made. I don't think it has the high end from an aggressiveness standpoint as the new Revolt 114.

[@alancochrane1748]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks for that. I find that in all but deeper pow my One's haven't really got much to offer. On a hard piste (not their design surface I know, and luckily a rarity in Japan) their usable edge isn't much more than your boot length. I'm looking for something that can sing in the deep (which the One's do beautifully) but also be of use in less than perfect conditions. I ski pretty fast and hard - 183cm tall and 95kg +/- a pizza or two. BTW, do you guys ever get your hands on Icelantic skis? I'd love to see/hear your thoughts on the Pioneer 109?

[@PreciousLettuce]

How would you compare the Sender Free 110 to the Black Ops 98?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Sender Free 110 feels a lot more substantial for a few reasons. The first is the obvious one--there's just a lot more mass here. With the added material, you're getting a more powerful and resilient ski, especially when it comes to big mountain lines, deep and choppy snow, and overall powder performance. Second, the narrower shape of the 98 makes it a lot more agile in terms of trees and bumps, and it's got more torsional stiffness and reactivity in a groomer/on-trail format. If you're looking for a ski specifically targeting soft and deep snow, and you have something else for when the conditions are not bottomless, then I'd go with the 110. If this is to be your one and only ski for a variety of conditions and terrain, the 98 would make more sense.

[@zanereservitz]

Debating over the rustler 11s and Rossi 110s whats a general comparison between the two?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's more similarities than differences here for sure. There's longer and more dramatic rocker in the Sender Free, so that ski will float really well in a playful manner. The Rustler still has some abrupt splay, mainly in the tips, making it bouncier when encountering shorter turns in fresh snow. Both have metal underfoot, and while the Rustler's metal extends along the edges to the tips and tails, Rossignol uses their carbon alloy matrix to stiffen the flex in the forebody and through the tail. The Sender is more of a twin tip from a freestyle perspective, so if you're looking for a more creative ski, I'd go that route.

[@darinsmith2458]

I made sure that I watched up to Kastle.. I think my issue with the Kastle 96 FX HP was that it was so soft in the tip and so stiff in the tail.. I am interested in the Unleashed but I want to see what you have to say about the Enforcer first.. The way you described the Unleashed it sounded like an Enforcer..

[@darinsmith2458]

I still need to wait for you guys to talk about the Enforcer but how does the Sender Free compare to it?

[@darinsmith2458]

Enforcer.. I am so glad Bob brought up Peak 7 in BRECK.. This past season late season when they closed down Peak 8,9,10 I skied Peak 7 a lot with my Enforcer 104 Free and my last run of the season we hiked to the top and I skied all the way to the bottom.. There were some moguls in the trees that I didn't really like but that is just me.. The top the snow was just starting to soften up and on the bottom it was a slushy tidal wave and the ski did amazing.. I have no down that 110 would surf even better.. I think I mentioned this before but the word that I use with Enforcer is Overconfident.. The ski is amazing and will go through anything.. I just have to keep reminding myself that I won't go through anything.. The ski can handle a 50 ft cliff but I won't be able to handle that.. Early season I would love to use these skis but I know that hitting rocks wrecks any skis.. I would also get tired if I have to do a lot of short turns to avoid people.. That and my race skis are literally meant for short turns on icy hills.. The last thing is that my guess is that the Enforcer is just more of a ski than the Unleashed.. Would you say the Unleashed is more like the Sender Free than the Enforcer?

[@darinsmith2458]

Kore.. I think I am on the same page as Jeff.. When I demoed the 99 it was too reactionary for me but when I talked to people who had wider width it sounds like the ski got more damp.. You guys used the word stable but to me the opposite of reactionary is damp and I like the damp skis.. My guess is that I would like the 111.. It sounds like even the 106 has enough dampness for me..

[@darinsmith2458]

DPS.. So glad you guys got that ski in there.. Very similar shape to my Foundation 100 RP.. I can see that it is a lot thinner.. Would you say that it is less reactionary than the Pagoda or Alchemist construction? With that shape I have to be forward on the ski or I will catch my tails and spin around.. A deep powder ski that ski is great.. Slush is different.. I better be forward or I am going to get spun.. I have to throw this out there but my top speed for the past 2 years came on DPS.. 78.6 mph.. The weird thing is that I am pretty sure that I was skiing it one day when my top speed was 39 mph.. I will say that you can turn this ski at 5 mph..

[@darinsmith2458]

Tangent Alert.. When you guys started talking about the Hustle and the Rustler it got me thinking about my Kore comment.. For the most part it sounds like the wider the ski is the less metal and it sounds like carbon just acts differently than on a narrower ski.. I don't think all carbon is the same so that is something to look into.. It does sound like metal is the same but how they apply the metal can really change the performance of the ski..

[@kevinhiggins7478]

Great video guys. Curious how you would compare the Rosignol Sender Free 110 and the QST Blank as a daily driver for trips out west. I have ski'd the Deathwish and then the Wildcat 108 for several years and looking for a change. 75% resort/ 25% Cat or Heli trips and I only take 1 pair of skis. I don't mind the extra width underfoot on resort when conditions aren't perfect. Mostly enjoy skiing trees and picking my way down technical lines.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the Blank is one of the best tree and technical skis out there. It's also a blast on trail thanks to the shorter turn radius. I like the Sender, but LOVE the Blank.

[@kevinhiggins7478]

@@SkiEssentials good stuff and thanks!

[@myashkov1975]

Can you guys say if any of these skis have similarities with the legendary 2015-2016 Salomon Q-Lab? I'm searching skis, that have such incredible behavior... Maybe Volkl Blaze?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Blaze has the lighter weight of the Q-Lab, but it's not quite as stiff in the shovel. In the mid-100's range with the same two sheets of metal, I'd look to something like the Armada or K2 108, leaning more to the Declivity as it has more rocker and float than the K2.

[@maxnordstrom9858]

Hey! I would like to see a review of the mana 4 from Faction

[@SkiEssentials]

It's definitely got the market cornered on big, fat twin tips! I'd put it right there with the Rossignol Blackops 118 and Volkl Revolt 121 as some of the most playful and surfy skis on the planet.

[@danielmaude1580]

How does the Salomon qst blank compare to the faction prodigy 4?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Prodigy is more flexible and creative while the Blank still has some all-mountain notes that bookend the floaty freeride feel. If you're looking for playfulness, go with the Prodigy 4.

[@choski76]

encyclopedic knowledge of these skis' characteristics. Professors Jeff and Bob. PhDs in ski analysis. University of Skis.

[@hello-7008]

How would you guys compare the bent 110 to a k2 reckoner 112 both are playful twins but is there a major stability difference?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not really, neither one is particularly stable. I guess you could make the argument that the Reckoner's use of carbon takes the performance to the next level, but it's still pretty darn flexible. If given the choice between the two, and stability was my only determining factor, I'd go with the K2 in the 191.

[@hello-7008]

@@SkiEssentials thanks I own unleashed 98s for teaching at Stratton but wanted something wider and more fun for bigger snow days still wanted a little stability so thanks for the feedback I’ll go with the k2s

[@lukachachanidze6570]

Why don’t you guys review faction skis?

[@SkiEssentials]

In addition to including relevant Faction skis into our comparisons, we also do Ski Test videos on most Faction skis, specifically the ones we carry to sell. It is true that we haven't done any in-depth reviews on any Faction models as it's a relatively new brand to us. Additionally, I don't believe our retail location where we get most of our demos has any Faction skis for demo, making it just that much more difficult to consistently get out on a Faction.

[@bradl1369]

They should have called it the hustler

[@mattsmith3367]

Very interesting, but I wish ON3P, Moment, 4frnt, and J Skis were in the mix.

[@SkiEssentials]

What are your favorite choices for these brands that would fit into this category?

[@nzheliking1278]

Rustler 11 vs Sender 110? thanks Nick

[@SkiEssentials]

Sender feels like it makes deeper and cleaner turns. It's also heavier, so you're getting more stability and power. The new Rustler 11 is kind of on the light side, and I think it works great, but it's not as damp or stable as the Rossignol. Depends if you're looking for more agility (Rustler) versus more power and aggressive skiing (Sender).

[@nzheliking1278]

@@SkiEssentials 185cm 96kg advanced but not overly aggressive skier on the 110-184 or 191? Thanks nick.

[@SkiEssentials]

@@nzheliking1278Probably 184 if not overly aggressive. I'm a bit taller and heavier than you and the 184 was great for here in the tighter VT zones. I'd probably go 191 if I were in wider spaces and deeper snow, but I'd have to think about it.

[@sascha20706]

191cm sender free 110 for 6,4 guy good or bad idea?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say if you're north of 200 pounds you should be all set!

[@dru24334]

Hard to even bother watching without Moment in there

[@SkiEssentials]

Which Moment ski would you like to see in this comparison and why?

[@dru24334]

@@SkiEssentials deathwish, wildcat, wildcat 108, countach 110; because they are a company focused on freeride and the skis are amazing. plus, made in America!

[@C.oleCarson]

I love my Moment Wildcat 108 and my Bent 120s, but I want something new that charges hard for going fast down chutes. I still need it to slash and slide though, what should I get?

[@andrewsargent340]

Deathwish

[@C.oleCarson]

@@andrewsargent340 that would be perfect and I've even skied some and loved them, but I can't afford brand new moments rn

[@Zahava]

Countach

[@C.oleCarson]

@@Zahava Also can't afford 😂

[@Sokolva]

Did you register with SkiBurger?

[@andrewallin7856]

c'mon you dont even have the best brand of skis on the market - moments

[@SkiEssentials]

Hopefully we'll get on them this winter. Until then, I think Bono said it best: "You've got to get yourself together You've got stuck in a moment And now you can't get out of it Don't say that later will be better Now you're stuck in a moment And you can't get out of it"

[@zdravkosim]

what about Faction?

[@SkiEssentials]

Love Faction! Mana 3 would fit in great here, just didn't have one at the time of production.

[@gmerola2652]

Guys can you help me : what would you say between bent 110 vs K2 mindbender 106 c

[@SkiEssentials]

The K2 feels like a sturdier ski and has a more directional shape/rocker profile. If you are more of a traditional skier making directional turns down the hill the K2 is more appropriate. If you are looking for something more playful and creative, the Bent has some really great energy and versatility, but it's on the flexible side if you are heavy and/or aggressive.

[@gmerola2652]

@@SkiEssentials I still don’t know I usually ski with my line 100 prophets so I can go one ski for everything or two one more playplayful , trees , quickly turn and the other one more stiff big mountain with one would you pick ? I don’t fell my line is light weight just want up date. It’s 2011 I’m light weight living in Colorado I like to spend more time off trek Thanks appreciate