The Pure 99 mold is used for the R99s. The R99 AM is nearly identical layup to the Pure 99.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quandary
Iirc, that’s what Marshal said
Printable View
The Pure 99 mold is used for the R99s. The R99 AM is nearly identical layup to the Pure 99.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quandary
Iirc, that’s what Marshal said
Yessir! Discussed at length in the AM 50/50 thread!Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnificentUnicorn
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...t=heritage+lab
R120 Comp Initial thoughts: I skied them half day this past Saturday and about 4 runs on Sunday. I wouldn't say spring corn is what the R120 is made for nor what I bought it for, but my excitement was too much. I mounted them on the recommended line with STH2 bindings.
I didn't detune them at all and haven't had any gripes. That said, I rarely detune any of my skis, unless I notice them feeling "hooky".
Very 1st run on them I transferred my weight to make a turn, thinking the outside ski would come around, it did not, and I fell face first. (This was my personal reminder that these skis have a 35m sidecut). After that 1st turn they were quite fun to ski in soft 3D corn. When carving these skis on groomed runs that by late afternoon had small 3D snow piles on them these skis felt like they were on rails. The tips deflected very little, if at all, when plowing through snow piles. I'd say these skis are significantly more stable at speed than my Ranger 107 Ti's, but do not carve quite as well. Then again, I wouldn't expect a 120mm underfoot ski to carve as well as a 107mm.The Ranger 107 Ti is my daily driver in Tahoe, so it is the ski I know best for making comparisons of feel. Carving through soft ungroomed crud I felt I could ski the R120 at dangerous speeds, like making 4 carved turns in 500 vertical feet.
When not carving, I found the R120 was actually pretty intuitive and not overly difficult to pickup the inside ski, transfer my weight, and make turns with. I like the lack to tip rocker and feel the snow contact point is right when making short radius turns.
I hand flexed these compared to a pair of brand new unmounted Ranger 107 Ti's that I have at home and the Ranger 107 Ti is definitely stiffer in hand. On snow they ski with similar stiffiness, I think because the lack of tip rocker on the R120 and rearward mount point.
More observations coming as I spend more time on these pink beauties! Great job putting these together Marshal!
Yeah buddy!!! Thanks for sharing. There are only a couple R120 Comps out in the world, so thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Awesome review man! Maybe the 120 needs it’s own thread, esp once more get into the hands of peeps.Quote:
Originally Posted by a-star
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Some thoughts on the 180
Mounted at -11.8 and maybe just as happy at -12
me:competent skier but no more than that, but own or have tried most skis (24 ski quiver)
As much into feel as shape/flex…
Was looking for a Bonafide replacement alternative-tried Volkl m5/102 (noisy fuckers) but didn’t click. Like Enforcers but not enough to swap.Also have some 13/14 Stockli 95 but they are a little tired…
I like the bonafides as an everyday Tahoe ski, supplemented by Wildcats and dps 138s as my usual quiver.
Skis I like: Bro 183, OG Legend pros-both have a quality feel and natural turn radius that allow a smooth fast style when I can muster it.
Thought 178-179ish real length would be an issue but it’s not. These are a bit more stable than the slightly longer Bonafides and superior in feel:
damp not dead while the bonafides can have a slight planky feel.
The 99s not stockli silky but more powerful and ready to run.
Clearly like a bit more input than Bonafides but like the LPs have a naturalness to them that inspires confidence at speed.
Also:be sure to do a 4” strong detune on tails -they hang up a bit if not done.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
+1 on this. I’m still trying to figure out what the R120 comp is and why I need it.Quote:
Originally Posted by 2FUNKY
Quote:
Originally Posted by CouloirInTheLines
Welp... as a general update on the Comps, long story short is that FedEx seems to have lost 4 of the 7 boxes of skis enroute from Italy to me a month ago. Unless they turn up very soon, Blossom will re-run the missing skis to get everyone their sticks over the summer/fall, but the bad news is that will likely take up my production capacity for next season, so unlikely that there will be any more compsn (or AMs) till 2024!
Blossom will make the order whole to me and everyone, so whatever is listed and available on the site is what is slated to come in either way.
Oh man, what a nightmare. FedEx just keeps f’ing up more. Sorry you have to deal with this and glad you’ve got a bunch of other exciting skis in the mix on a different production line.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal Olson
It's so painful to try and deal with FedEx. Like you literally cannot penetrate their outsourced call center, you never get a call back, they cannot tell you the problem, and when you submit documentation all you get back is automated responses. Never again. UPS and DHL only, going forward for me.
With that said, I am so grateful to everyone's patience on getting these things to them. At least everyone who has gotten on them has been super fired up on how they are skiing!
FWIW I bought the R120 comp as my go-to powder ski. I emailed back and forth with Marshal for a while, deciding between the R120 and the FL113. Ultimately I went with the R120. While not the most nimble ski for trees on a pow day, I imagine it will be quite fun skiing big open lines on deep days at Palisades/Alpine.Quote:
Originally Posted by CouloirInTheLines
Great thanks. The changes from the Pure 99 make sense to me. I never really got the design intent of the Pure 99. If I have 99 under foot its a soft snow ski or a day after snow ski and I want some rocker. The way the Pure 99 is designed I may as well be on my MX83s.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal Olson
Is the Comp 99 same changes to the Blossom just stouter?
Exactly! The Comp has a denser core, 3x the metal content and increased damping.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quandary
Nice!
Attachment 455756
Ohhhhh sweeeeeetness!
Attachment 455757
Props to this mag for the mount. We decided to go +1cm with the STH2’s.
Yeah dudes!
Got a few more days on the COMPS.
Skis straight up slay.
Took em to Big Sky and they are a very appropriate tool for that place. 20 turns down 2000 vert windbuff runs... 60mph giant groomers... the skis are unflappable.
Just so solid and composed. Laser-guided precision, and edge grip for miles, yet they'll drift with an easing of the edge angle. They demand balance and the tail will talk if your weight gets back, but I'd say they are forgiving with the turn shapes they allow. I detuned a tad more from my first and am now totally happy with the edges. I'd encourage others to not be shy with the detuning. Let those tails release and they're dang versatile for a ski with this build. I mounted 1cm back, with a 315mm bsl Lange RS, and am happy there.
Today skied them at Alpy in spring conditions... cold buff in the high shade and corn everywhere else with patches of creamed spud piles.
These are the best spring rippers I've ever had. Not in the bumps, ha, as they dont change direction quickly, but arcing GS turns through and over them, exploding the spudpiles and launching into the next high-g turn. Then shutting down and smearing through a choke before railing hard out into the apron. On slushy groomers they are insane. Narrow and stiff enough to slice through the chop like buttah, wide enough to not boot out when draggin elbow, and releasability to shut down before chopping up the children.
They are very damp. Any more damp and they'd be starting to feel "dead" for my 190lb. They do return good energy from getting loaded forcefully but the little vibes and feels are muted way down. Perfect for a charger.
These are hella rad skis man.
Only got a few hours on the 188 in weird spring snow, so these are necessarily extremely preliminary impressions, but given the fedex fubar I thought maybe worth sharing.
I’d echo a lot of what’s been written so far, the construction feels excellent and the skis are great. Unfortunately, I never skied the Monster 98/108, so I can’t comment there but the R99 Comp really reminds me of the ~2010 Kastle MX line which is very high praise from me, definitely requires some technique to get the ski to respond but rewarding on groomers. I haven’t been able to subject them to the typical “packed powder” New England groomer conditions which are one of my preferred acid tests for feel but the weird crusts I did encounter the ski did a great job of muting out.
Off piste, they were a bit challenging for me in the soft gloppy snow I was using them in and my first turn ended with my ass on the snow. I think this was partly because the snow conditions were quite challenging, but also reflected some of the sensitivity to tail pressure a few others referenced. Didn’t happen again when I made a point of staying forward. Also possibly tune and further testing is needed.
Some brief notes on the Comp 99 vs. a legend pro rider. I’d need to do a proper A/B with the Pro Rider to be fair (and unfortunately I couldn’t get both skis on the hill that day), but my suspicion is that the LPR is easier off piste than the Comp R99 in the sense the LPR somewhat harder to turn and therefore also harder to screw up a turn on. The FL105 thread referenced the R99 as a “race-car” I believe, and I presently think this comparison is quite apt because of how responsive the R99 is to technical inputs.
Overall, I would describe the R99 as being most like a more technically responsive Pro Rider. I am stoked on the skis and looking forward to the flex breaking in a bit next season (or later this season if snowpack holds up and I take a few field trips).
Interesting thoughts here! Love it. If I am reading your comment right, the LPR is a bit more of a smasher, smooths stuff out does a little more work for the skier, where the R99 is a bit more responsive to skier inputs, and needs to be skied a bit more actively?Quote:
Originally Posted by DumbIdeasOnly
That jives with an email I received (can't remember the TGR handle) making similar comparisions to the IM103 and OG Katana:
Quote:
I spent a couple more days on the r99s last weekend after some detuning and they are what I was hoping for. The ski areas were closed midweek so 3-6 inches of old snow ,some of it pow, some hot pow, some corn and some crust. The kind of day I always reach for something wider and/ or rockered . While not as easy as my old Katanas , they certainly handled some tricky snow without problem and I just needed to be deliberate and tip them up and they came around beautifully and had plenty of float for what they are . Kind of like skiing Monster 102s with much better float off piste and much better carving on piste. Kind of a win/win. I think they will come out most days , but the 120s are so much fun to ski that they will get out a lot as well. It may be a really nice 2 ski quiver for out west , which I wasn't expecting after having El Capos at 107 as my main ski for the last decade or so. Well done!
Wasn’t my email, but that is the gist of my comment. Off piste the LPR is more of a smash through kind of ski for me than the R99.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal Olson
I’m going to speculate somewhat baselessly that the tighter radius on the R99 (specifically 3mm wider tips with a 6 mm narrower waist from online specs) contribute to this responsiveness difference but I am not a ski designer.
Heritage Labs r99 Comp
Okay, after several lackluster early AMs on waning spring snow here are some initial thoughts:
Construction- Coming from the Blossom factory in Italy, this is one of their gems. The top sheet is texturized like 600 grit sandpaper and sparkles in the sunlight.
The sidewalls are absolutely works of art, and are sculpted with the race tune beveling. Skis are set from the factory at 1 degree base and 2 degree side angles.
Classy metal tail bar adds protection and sophistication. Uniform torsion box construction with tons of metal completes the rig.
Mounting point- After much consultation, starring, comparison to other boards and plain voodoo, I decided to go at plus one, which lands us at a mounting point of -10.5. I recently upsized to a 25.5 or 295mm boot FTR. This is a fairly conservative ski with minimal tip/tail taper & a lot of effective edge, yet still I didn’t want to be at -11.5. Marshal has initiated that the addition of the tail bar took some of the rear of the ski, but I didn’t want to be that far backwards. While marketed as a 180, this ski is only 1cm longer that my current model 177cm Black Crows Divus (which has a similar metal tail bar).
Clamps- Salomon STH2 WTR 16’s - not only is this one of the best bindings on the market, it is also one of the closest to being period correct for this Heritage Ski being a modern Bro Model. (Ok- it’s not on the market, but you can still find em & the 13 is still available.)
Initial rides- Recently, I’ve become quite the fan of Thomas Sowell’s “there are no solutions, only trade offs… so know what’s on the table….” as it relates to ski gear. Certainly a 165 cm slalom ski with a radius of 12 will be a lot of fun from the chairlift until it starts to get steep, then you need to scrub speed by shutting it down sideways. A 40m OG Explosiv will never dance until 50mph, but will hold a straight line. The r99 Comp doesn’t want to pivot or play in the trees or ski with your mom (unless she is a cougar). It does want to seek the fallline & go fast. Really FAST. It demands a quick transition & 100% commitment. Any hesitation will send bone jarring reverberations thru your skeleton & result in chunddering. The lollipop shovel is just waiting for you to fuck up so it can punish you with a hard slap.
However, get it right & it slays the gnar & will rumble over anything short of a school bus. Landings are balanced and stable with just the right amount of weight in the ski to provide confidence to drive into the next arc.
Bumpers need not apply.
How it’s similar & to what- While I have read other comparisons to legend pros and the head 88s/ 98s, the ski that most often comes forefront when I’m on the r99 comp is the head. im103 in the classic orange. Wide/ long radius/ powerful. Slightly more versatile than the OG Explosiv. Able to hug the turns like an fighter jet under a skilled pilot.
How it’s really different from the current market- Should you grab the run of the mill 97-100mm ski in a 18x cm, you will inevitably find yourself on a 16.5-17.5 meter ride. This badass clocks in at 24m; on the hill this translates to being able to spend more time going down the hill rather than across. Further stability is offered by an increase running length. Before you get ready to blow ur wad in the Cadillac, the shovels have a surprise via Hot Tub Time Machine- Blossom gifts you a 2008 non tapered muscle car grill that you’ll have to manage like a drunk stripper on meth.
Who’s the best pilot? Are you a 10 by 10 guy? Do you crush 3 hours from opening bell until your shift on the Mtn starts? Do ya love Leg Blasters? Is it always leg day? Then you may have a shot…… maybez. If you are tired of hi teen turn radius skis, this may be your last refuge.
If you can squat 2x your body weight & have skills of a legit patroller & appreciate turning it up to 11 whilst crushing mank like a Ford 350 equipped plow spanking Dollar General garden gnomes at a tourist rental, this is a good option.
Who is it certainly not for? Are ya looking for nice groomers? Do you like easy turns all day? These are not your skis. Also not your skis if you’re a bump & tree skier. These don’t play nice in either.
Improvements- First & foremost, let’s get this baby to a real 180cm; 180 is really the quintessential length. Next, we need some taper to the tip (maybe the tails). I’m a huge fan of the current crop of freeride tips as they don’t hang up when the trail gets cut up and trashed out. My plan is to take the base bevels in the shovels to 3 degrees & then detune the sides. Next grind these go to 3 on the side & 1.5 on the bases. Further, let’s add a Trad & Rad mount points @ -10 & -8cm. Modulation of / out of the torsion box construction at the distal 20cm fore & aft is also in order.
Final thoughts- I get to ski a lot of skis, these are like a Freeride SG on steroids. Marshal is a bad, bad man for putting these out to the world.
*FYI, I’m 145# ; 5’9”
Great review Irip. Now I need a pair.
Dramatically more articulate and better observed than I was. That said, I sign onto what I think you’re saying that one of the most standout attributes vs. similar skis today is the tip shape, the R99 “lollipop shovels” make them both demanding and very fun.
That's what I'm here for and you DO NEED a pair. There really is no comparable on the market to this ski. There is a reason that folks geek out over the Blossom built factory skis - there are zero compromises. They just aren't for everyone. With 3x metal, they're for the select few.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvan
Wow, that was an incredible review.
Almost makes me wish it was December already hehe
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
2 more days on mine in a little bit of everything at Alpine/Pallisades
they are significantly faster that the bonafides in a straight line, crazy stable.
I disagree that you gotta be on them 100%, but I’m 200lbs…The tip has enough give that I had no issues in variable/crud/junk bumps. So yeah, best to be on them a bit more than Enforcers/Bonafides but I’d say comparable to M5/M6.
Bottom line, they’re great and exactly what I wanted
(with the caveat that I agree a true 180 or even 181/182 might be even better…)
I love them, and hope Marshal sells enough to justify something like a 182/189 run.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
QFTQuote:
Originally Posted by iriponsnow
I approve of this message.Quote:
Originally Posted by otto parts
2600g inside of 185cm
Mounted on the line
Giggityhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...17557a0b15.jpg
Yeah dude!
Man these might be the coolest skis I've ever been on.
Fat monsters and surfier OG cochise/bodes all came to mind but these are surfier than I was expecting, and never wanted more ski. Hero slush for these today mind you. A 188-191 could be dope but not sure at what cost weight wise. Sporty SUV feel.
After some laps up top took them on the GS course which was still relatively crisp in places and didn't die. Can't wait for next season these things are in the pole position for any semblance of soft snow. Gonna just ski them the rest of the season.
My kid said they need a Kirby sticker.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...127d35bdd1.jpg
Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
^ They sound rad.
I dream of a future where a 190 HL R110 exists. Also, your kid is right.Quote:
Originally Posted by bry
After another 7 or so days on the 180s I like even more. Yup, more work than Bonafides and Enforcers, tad more than Mantras too. But they have the exact damp but not dead feel I love. Not exactly Stockli, kind of their own groove and on the money.
For 10% more effort you get crazy confidence and precision-was passing my pals on 187 Bonafides and 191 M5s pretty easily last week on salted Mammoth race course runs.
Buy these, can’t imagine mags not absolutely loving theirs like I do.
Thanks MO…
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Nice man! So glad they are treating you well.
Figured this thread needed a bump! Super fired up to get on my personal pair in a couple months, and thought folks would like to know that now the dust has settled and i've done a couple substitutions for folks, that is 1 pair of NEW Comps and one pair of BLEM Comps avaialable
For the carvy chargers, there are 2 pair of R87 175cm comps available as well.
These are the only 2 pair of Comps remaining this season! Better get on it while you can :D
Just reread the thread as I locked down a pair recently. Super boned up to get these on the hill. As usual tha homies comments bring the color and experience into life. Well done! Big salute to Marshal [emoji1373]
LFG [emoji1598]
My pair came in at 2306 and 2298. Right up my alley
Anyone have a pair of R99AMs and can comment on them?
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
I reviewed them here against the comp and in the AM thread here:Quote:
Originally Posted by 54-46
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...d-Thread/page6
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums