What's Blizzard up to?

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Originally Posted by wasatchback

There won't be any of the new Cochise, Brahma, Bonafide, Black Pearls available for early purchase this spring, at least in
NA (not sure about the rest of the world). There will be lots of demos floating around I'm sure.

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Just NA, obviously. The new Bonafide is on the way to me. If you want to grab some new Blizzards check out www.sport65.de

After more thought, and I’ve been tossing this around in my head a bit, I still wish the new Spur came in a 193, but the 189 (if it’s really 129mm wide) would be an awesome Japan ski for me. I’m trying to sell my Protests, and won’t have a > 120mm wide ski in the quiver, and the new Spur might slide in there with a touring binding.

I didn’t get along with the Gunsmoke either originally, until I moved it to +2 of recommended, then it came alive. I wish I had grabbed a few extra pairs when they were discontinued.

The new Bonafide is on my short list to take for a rip if I can find a pair of the longest pair. Doubt it will replace the 194 cm MX 98, but the previous versions of the Bonafide were awesome skis. Hard ice to 12in of pow, they did it all.


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Originally Posted by sf

Great info. Can you say something about how they perform on hard groomers / semi-ice?

The way you describe them makes them sound like a ski that fixes a big problem I feel the Enforcer 88 has. It's too stiff relative to the amount of tip rocker it has. Makes it difficult to initiate a turn from the tip and bend the ski on very hard snow. They have good edgehold, so you can ride the sidecut, but it's difficult to ski shorter turns cleanly. The 93s felt better on ice because of this. Obviously weight and skill matters, but still......
On anything slightly softer the tip will engage, and they are pretty easy to bend.

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They're still 2.5 sheets of metal and the core, especially under foot, is made up of more dense
material. On harder snow they feel more stable in the middle of the turn than the present ones I
think especially if you're really tipping them up and trying to push the radius of the skis.

One of biggest differences I've felt on groomers or harder snow when you ski the new ski back to back
with the present model is the new skis feel like they engage much further up tip where as the present model
feels like it engages much further down the forebody of the ski. That's a combo of more sidecut, less rocker, and
flex profile of the tip.

When you're arcing on groomers it just feels like there's more ski on the snow. However it is slightly easier
to break them loose or change the radius now. Less of that feeling of "stuck" in the turn.

Hope that helps

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Originally Posted by wasatchback

One of biggest differences I've felt on groomers or harder snow when you ski the new ski back to back
with the present model is the new skis feel like they engage much further up tip where as the present model
feels like it engages much further down the forebody of the ski. That's a combo of more sidecut, less rocker, and
flex profile of the tip.

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Absolutely. You probably made me go Nordica - - > Blizzard with that description

Am I the only one that wishes Blizz would make a 100mm-ish Bodacious? I love the OG 186, and I think a skinnier version would be the tits on hardpack days.


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Originally Posted by Caucasian Asian

Am I the only one that wishes Blizz would make a 100mm-ish Bodacious? I love the OG 186, and I think a skinnier version would be the tits on hardpack days.


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No you are not. I happen to think the OG Bode is one of the best skis ever made and a skinny version would complete my quiver.

Will the new 88 be better on hard pack than this years 82? I need new hard snow skis in my quiver and have multiple soft snow options to pull out when fresh.

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Originally Posted by wasatchback

They're still 2.5 sheets of metal and the core, especially under foot, is made up of more dense
material. On harder snow they feel more stable in the middle of the turn than the present ones I
think especially if you're really tipping them up and trying to push the radius of the skis.

One of biggest differences I've felt on groomers or harder snow when you ski the new ski back to back
with the present model is the new skis feel like they engage much further up tip where as the present model
feels like it engages much further down the forebody of the ski. That's a combo of more sidecut, less rocker, and
flex profile of the tip.

When you're arcing on groomers it just feels like there's more ski on the snow. However it is slightly easier
to break them loose or change the radius now. Less of that feeling of "stuck" in the turn.

Hope that helps

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Attachment 313610Attachment 313611
Absolutely love my 3 Blizzard quiver...

196 OG Bodacious (aka black angels of death)
192 Rustler 11s
193 Gunsmokes

And my OGs to this day are one of my top 5 skis - kill everything just keep them out of trees and bumps and not over demanding...!


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Love the OG Bod. Even have had fun in trees and low angle snow.

same here. Bring em up to speed and they become pretty agile.

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Originally Posted by carlh

Will the new 88 be better on hard pack than this years 82? I need new hard snow skis in my quiver and have multiple soft snow options to pull out when fresh.

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Not dramatically better but maybe slightly? 82 will still be quicker due to it being narrower. 82 is an awesome ski honestly, great bang for your buck kinda ski that skis way above its price point. Sadly it’s a little lost so it doesn’t get much attention. Same construction as it’s wider more expensive siblings but a lower price.

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Originally Posted by Ottime

Love the OG Bod. Even have had fun in trees and low angle snow.

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Loved my OG Bodacious as well but to tell the true Rustler 11 is far superior in soft conditions. More agile, floats as well or even better, any turn shape possible, and don’t give much up in terms of stability, at least in the 192 length.

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Originally Posted by roQer

Loved my OG Bodacious as well but to tell the true Rustler 11 is far superior in soft conditions. More agile, floats as well or even better, any turn shape possible, and don’t give much up in terms of stability, at least in the 192 length.

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Hum, I wonder if I didn’t give the 192 R11 enough of a shot, but I didn’t own Bodes and was comparing them to 193 Gunsmokes. But I am getting SVSs Bodes tomorrow, and I think I will like them. The suspension, flex, and full rocker seem like they will work, but I’m slightly afraid of the weight since we do hike/sidestep to/from our resort access backcountry.


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Originally Posted by skibrd

Hum, I wonder if I didn’t give the 192 R11 enough of a shot, but I didn’t own Bodes and was comparing them to 193 Gunsmokes. But I am getting SVSs Bodes tomorrow, and I think I will like them. The suspension, flex, and full rocker seem like they will work, but I’m slightly afraid of the weight since we do hike/sidestep to/from our resort access backcountry.


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Bodes definitely work if you have the power, the skills and the space to let them run. Really fun to go through whatever is in your way at mach stupid as long as it‘s softish. A very fascinating blend of stability and maneuverability. Although I skied some of the best lines of my life on them, unfortunately at the end it was just half-a-day ski for me. Afternoon I was completely wasted.
Once in a life you have to own them anyway.

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Originally Posted by roQer

Bodes definitely work if you have the power, the skills and the space to let them run. Really fun to go through whatever is in your way at mach stupid as long as it‘s softish. A very fascinating blend of stability and maneuverability. Although I skied some of the best lines of my life on them, unfortunately at the end it was just half-a-day ski for me. Afternoon I was completely wasted.
Once in a life you have to own them anyway.

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I believe I have the space for them to run, skill/power, hopefully, to be determined?

I’m hoping they replace the 203 and 193 Shiros, a bit more playful and close to the same stability of the 203s yet more maneuverable, and more stable then the 193 Shiros but have some of the same playfulness. And if it’s all in a package that gets rid of that insanely large tip that catches on everything, I’ll be happy. I’ll see and report back.


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Playful is not the first word that comes to mind when talking about the bodes, but i am about half your size so maybe you'll feel different about it. I've never been on a shiro, but have gunsmokes that I like, except for the tail rocker. Maybe I should get some Rustlers: are they the middle ground between smokes and bodes? Or I should just shut up and go skiing, it is finally dumping again :D

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Originally Posted by roQer

Loved my OG Bodacious as well but to tell the true Rustler 11 is far superior in soft conditions. More agile, floats as well or even better, any turn shape possible, and don’t give much up in terms of stability, at least in the 192 length.

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I thought about adding a Rustler, but instead went with a 193(Spur’d) Bodacious. I think that will be different enough from my 186 Bode in the soft stuff.

I like how easy the 186 is to pivot and slarve and how nimble it is, but how stable they are when you stand on them and let them run. Mntlion has to remind me to “watch my speed” in unfamiliar areas.


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Any beta on mounting the new true core (or whatever they call it) Brahma? Measured my pair and it comes out at -11.5 cm from center recommended. Seems to my pretty far back. Any thoughts from those who skied them about mounting at +2, i.e. -8.5 from center?
I’ve got the Brahma in 189 cm.

Edit: sorry, it’s the Bonafide. I always confuse them.

I wouldn’t go forward, plenty of tail as it is. Hang on when you open them up. Feels like there is a rocketship on the tail which just takes over just before the apex of the turn. 183 was more versatile in non groomer firm snow and turn shape. 189 just wants to go down the hill in the fastest way possible.

Different core per size. 189 isn’t just a longer 183.

Anyone been on the new Cochise yet?

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Originally Posted by XavierD

I wouldn’t go forward, plenty of tail as it is. Hang on when you open them up. Feels like there is a rocketship on the tail which just takes over just before the apex of the turn. 183 was more versatile in non groomer firm snow and turn shape. 189 just wants to go down the hill in the fastest way possible.

Different core per size. 189 isn’t just a longer 183.

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Thanks for the insights. I meant Bonafide not Brahma. Always confusing them.
I‘m a little bit in doubt now because I didn’t click with skis mounted further back than 8-9 cm for a while now. I was 2 days on a Mantra 102 in 184 and found it not really well balanced with not much tail support. It could be the 184 was just to short for me. I guess the longer tail on the Bones with almost non existent tail rocker should work better. Appears to me a tad stiffer as in M102 as well.

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Originally Posted by roQer

Thanks for the insights. I meant Bonafide not Brahma. Always confusing them.
I‘m a little bit in doubt now because I didn’t click with skis mounted further back than 8-9 cm for a while now. I was 2 days on a Mantra 102 in 184 and found it not really well balanced with not much tail support. It could be the 184 was just to short for me. I guess the longer tail on the Bones with almost non existent tail rocker should work better. Appears to me a tad stiffer as in M102 as well.

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I would not go any farther forward than 1.5. The sidecut and construction is based off that specific mourning point. If you go too far in either direction from said point the skis don’t feel right IMHO. How big are you? (Sorry if you’re answered that recently. ) The 189 skis pretty big in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by wasatchback

I would not go any farther forward than 1.5. The sidecut and construction is based off that specific mourning point. If you go too far in either direction from said point the skis don’t feel right IMHO. How big are you? (Sorry if you’re answered that recently. ) The 189 skis pretty big in my opinion.

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Thanks, that’s something to work with. I’m 185 cm/85 kg.

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Originally Posted by phatty

Anyone been on the new Cochise yet?

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I was able to spend a couple days swapping through the new Blizzard lineup last month at Big Sky. I spent the most my time on the 185 and 177 Cochise. We got lucky and hit a low crowd 8" pow day with some gate drops that let us ski up untracked snow for more than half the day.

Im 37, 5'7" 140 lbs, former racer blah blah. I tend to like skis with a little bigger radius that can be made to turn shorter by the skier.

Current skis in the quiver over 100mm that I still use on the regular.
2014-2015 177 Cochise
2017 186 Blizzard Peacemaker
2020 180 Dynastar Menace Proto

My 2015 Cochise's have hundreds of days on them at this point and I have been searching for a replacement for several seasons but just didn't get along with the carbon tipped and tapered current version. Depending on conditions I currently bounce between the above skis going to the Cochise when its cut up or warmer snow that needs some muscle. The spot where I always wished the old version did a little better was in fresh snow, its well documented that they kinda submarined when it started to get a little deep.

For me the new 106 performed noticeably better in fresh snow, I've read that there is less rocker in this version but the profile of the rocker and balanced flex of the ski is just superior in fresh snow. I found this the case in both the 185 and 177 versions. I can happily ski either length of ski, for my terrain in Whitefish I think the 177 makes more sense for me but if I was local to a bigger mountain the 185 would be my choice. I noticed the bigger radius and stiffer flex right off the bat with the 185 but the ski has a great ability to shut down quickly and change direction that was kinda laking in recent past versions. I do find the tune can change affect this as well but I think the core, camber and flex are big players here. I found that if you got in the back seat on the past skis you went for a ride and that just doesn't happen on this ski. I agree with what the blizzard marketing team has said about this ski, that it is more accessible but not dumbed down. A lot of core skiers will read that line as bullshit but in this case its actually true, the ski still rips but is easier to get your self out the those "oh fuck" moments that happen when you are trucking.

A quick synapses for me is Its ability to blast cut up snow is top notch but now with improved soft snow characteristics. That being said this is no powder ski.... I'm getting a pair.

Wasatchback...you've got some great intel...thank you for sharing.
Couple questions on that new cochise. I've been on the OG's since 2011...had about 8 of them now.
I'm on my last pair so wondering; 1) does the top sheet of titanal span full length tip to tail (like OG's) or stop short w/binding plate (like latest iterations)? and 2) I've loved the heavier wood cores with the full 2 1/2 sheets of titanal and am a bit disheartened to hear of the switch to the lighter Rustler type core...can you comment on the comparison of stiffness/dampness?
Thanks !

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Originally Posted by cderose

Wasatchback...you've got some great intel...thank you for sharing.
Couple questions on that new cochise. I've been on the OG's since 2011...had about 8 of them now.
I'm on my last pair so wondering; 1) does the top sheet of titanal span full length tip to tail (like OG's) or stop short w/binding plate (like latest iterations)? and 2) I've loved the heavier wood cores with the full 2 1/2 sheets of titanal and am a bit disheartened to hear of the switch to the lighter Rustler type core...can you comment on the comparison of stiffness/dampness?
Thanks !

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So on the previous generation of Cochise the top sheet of metal doesn’t extend right to the edge for durability purposes. It stops 3-4mm short of the edge past the underfoot section but it goes tip to tail just not right to the edge.

The first gen Cochise actually had a pretty lightweight core. Issue was the two top sheets of metal created too much torque when the ski would really compress and the core would actually explode. All those ones where it looked like the top sheet ripped off, it was actually the core detonating inside the ski due to the force created by the two top sheets of metal. First solution was to make the core stronger (and heavier) but honestly the skis got too heavy with that much metal. Engineers then found that if they added a really thin piece of rubber between the two top pieces of metal it helped the metal layers shear so they wouldn’t create as much force on the core and the skis wouldn’t pull apart. This allowed us to go back to a lighter core like the original design. New Cochise was tested with the new heavier Trueblend core but everyone felt the ski was just too heavy. It lost a lot of the versatility at that weight so decision was to go with the R11 core. Which I’m glad we did.

I think the first gen Cochise (11/12, 12/13, 13/14) weighed slightly less than the present one. 2250 to around 2300 on the new one.

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Originally Posted by wasatchback

So on the previous generation of Cochise the top sheet of metal doesn’t extend right to the edge for durability purposes. It stops 3-4mm short of the edge past the underfoot section but it goes tip to tail just not right to the edge.

The first gen Cochise actually had a pretty lightweight core. Issue was the two top sheets of metal created too much torque when the ski would really compress and the core would actually explode. All those ones where it looked like the top sheet ripped off, it was actually the core detonating inside the ski due to the force created by the two top sheets of metal. First solution was to make the core stronger (and heavier) but honestly the skis got too heavy with that much metal. Engineers then found that if they added a really thin piece of rubber between the two top pieces of metal it helped the metal layers shear so they wouldn’t create as much force on the core and the skis wouldn’t pull apart. This allowed us to go back to a lighter core like the original design. New Cochise was tested with the new heavier Trueblend core but everyone felt the ski was just too heavy. It lost a lot of the versatility at that weight so decision was to go with the R11 core. Which I’m glad we did.

I think the first gen Cochise (11/12, 12/13, 13/14) weighed slightly less than the present one. 2250 to around 2300 on the new one.

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Thanks! That is really interesting info...I guess I was lucky as none of mine exploded! I've found the OG's really durable along with the OG Bodacious and the 2nd gen Bonifides...those are all I ski...I stocked up each of them. So, looks like the new Cochise will be about 100 g lighter then the current version...does it still ride as stiff/damp? I love that heavy/damp ride and wondering if I should stock up on the old one before they are all gone. Thanks for the quick reply!

Posted to gear swap too but there's a new set of 2018 192 Spurs on evo right now for $480. Thought I'd pass it on in case someone's looking.

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Ok, I change my mind.

I'd said that I wasn't very interested in a 180's Cochise/Bodacious.
I'm not sure how I'll like a Bodacious, but I've spent a couple of days on a 185 Cochise, and I'm rather astonished at the step-up in stability.
I'm an old, 52 - 140#, 5'7" (and shrinking)

My last time on a mid 180cm ski was a pair of 2014 Mantras. They were fine, but seemed kind of cumbersome.

But the last two days on 185 [the current carbon tips - the blue ones] have been pretty eye opening. I haven't had them into really steep, technical terrain, where I'm sure I'll feel they are not ideal, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to live with them. Landing airs has a lot wider of a sweet spot vs the 177/179 (I can't recall exactly how long).

This is thread drift, as this is all about what's new with Blizzard, but I want to just bring it up so others might consider a length they think is a little nuts, and just too long.

I'll start shopping for a cheap Bodacious in 186. I might not ski it in trees, but above treeline and on larger open faces, it may well make me very happy. [And more happy than the R11. Though I should demo the R11 this year, just to see. I just know when I've tried different stuff - more tank-ish vs more fun - I almost always like tank-ish++ more.]

After one day on the new 20/21 Bonafide in 189 here my initial impressions:
I skied the Bones with a Pivot 12 mounted at +1. Snow conditions ranged from soft mank to 20 cm of powder. I’ll draw some comparisons to a Mantra 102 in 184 which I skied for 2 days in similar conditions up to now.
The Bones ski much more like a fat GS ski than M102. Whereas M102 likes to pivot and turn across the fall line the Bones like to go with big turns down. Scrubbing speed is not an easy task so you have better to commit to your line.
On hard snow I found the Bones to be damper and quieter. The tips of M102 are kinda pingy there, at least acoustically. I could easily carve trenches on the piste without ever feeling coming close to the speed limit of the ski. There was no way I could overpower the tails like in the M102.
In powder the Bones were OK but didn’t float as well as M102. Given the minimal tail rocker and very conservative tip rocker as well as 5 mm narrower waist in the Bones, this could be obviously expected.
In summary, I like the easy pivotability of the M102 but with the Bones I can ski faster. The 189 length of the Bones suits me much better than the 184 of M102. I think at my size the Bones for hard snow conditions/piste and the new Katana in 191 (or Cochise?) as DD will be a awesome combo covering everything outside of big dump days.

Interesting data point for me - I skied the 183 Bonafide and found it tip heavy, balky and hesitant to turn at any speed below full gas. Then, on the advice of the reps (who know me fairly well), I tried the 177 and it was right on. Surprising, as the 185 Cochise and 183 Brahma were great, and my daily driver is a 188 Rustler 11.

roQer's summary of the Blizzard vs. Volkl style is also spot on, both superior skis but the M5/M102 come across as edgier and quicker while the Bonafide is damper and more confidence-inspiring at high speed.

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Originally Posted by gregL

Interesting data point for me - I skied the 183 Bonafide and found it tip heavy, balky and hesitant to turn at any speed below full gas. Then, on the advice of the reps (who know me fairly well), I tried the 177 and it was right on. Surprising, as the 185 Cochise and 183 Brahma were great, and my daily driver is a 188 Rustler 11.

roQer's summary of the Blizzard vs. Volkl style is also spot on, both superior skis but the M5/M102 come across as edgier and quicker while the Bonafide is damper and more confidence-inspiring at high speed.

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I was really surprised how much of a full gas charger the new Bonafide turned out. I was thinking they mellowed it down a bit and made it more accessible but damn, this ski is far far away from easy going.
Sizing down might help but the 189 is a beast for sure.

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Originally Posted by lake_effect

Posted to gear swap too but there's a new set of 2018 192 Spurs on evo right now for $480. Thought I'd pass it on in case someone's looking.

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I'll sell my 19/20s for cheaper.

Skied the 196 Arnie tribute Bodacious today and I get them, but am not a fan. Got my ass kicked. Cool ski but not getting a spot in my quiver.


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Originally Posted by wasatchback

The first gen Cochise actually had a pretty lightweight core. Issue was the two top sheets of metal created too much torque when the ski would really compress and the core would actually explode. All those ones where it looked like the top sheet ripped off, it was actually the core detonating inside the ski due to the force created by the two top sheets of metal.

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Interesting, this happened to one of my OG pairs. Didn't look like the top sheet ripped off though, it was very clear the core exploded. I of course attributed it to my hard charging badassery instead of the ski construction, however.

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Originally Posted by skibrd

Skied the 196 Arnie tribute Bodacious today and I get them, but am not a fan. Got my ass kicked. Cool ski but not getting a spot in my quiver.


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I really like the 186, but the idea of that ski in a 196 sounds a little bit terrifying. I do only weigh about 165lb, so that's that.

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Originally Posted by HAB

I really like the 186, but the idea of that ski in a 196 sounds a little bit terrifying. I do only weigh about 165lb, so that's that.

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I’m 210 naked and for the chutes and tight spots I was in today, then 196 is terrifying. The 186 would of been better. I hope someone grabs them and enjoys them.


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Originally Posted by HAB

I really like the 186, but the idea of that ski in a 196 sounds a little bit terrifying. I do only weigh about 165lb, so that's that.

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The 186 is one of my favorite skis ever. I've always wanted to try the 196 but I can't imagine skiing it very often and enjoying it. 5'11" 180lbs fwiw.

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Originally Posted by snowaddict91

The 186 is one of my favorite skis ever. I've always wanted to try the 196 but I can't imagine skiing it very often and enjoying it. 5'11" 180lbs fwiw.

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I got a pair of 196s I’m sure we can figure out how to get into your hands.


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I Fing love my 196 Black OG Bodes... That ski has been grabbed more than many of my bigger sticks and it just kicks ass... It honestly shocks me that you did not dig it Skibrd - I do not think of it as a over demanding ski... I def keep them out of bumps and tight trees...!


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