poll: what is the reference freeride ski for a boot test

[verbier61]

I'm preparing some blinded tests for boots with subtle differences, and would need to pick up a ski to be considered the current gold standard in freeride. Not every tester will be happy with the final choice, but - hey - too many skis would be a mess. And later we'll collect feedback from testers using their skis of choice.
Please indicate what you consider as a potential current gold standard in the field.
And yes, many thanks!

[Eluder]

Just make sure it is reasonably stiff

[mc_roon]

where will this test be happening?

[Mustonen]

I don't know what ski is the "right" ski, but unlike most of the skis on your list - it should be a demanding/burly ski.

Burly Boot + noodle =
Wimpy Boot + noodle =
Burly Boot + Burly ski =
Wimpy Boot + Burly ski =

As you can see from the chart above, happiness is possible with every variation except for the wimpy boot/burly ski combination - the ski you choose needs to control for that.

[toast2266]

I'd say something like an older Gotama (pre-rocker). I always considered the Gotamas the reference for most other do-everything type skis.

[digitaldeath]

this thread/poll is dumb as fuck, just buy the brand you had previously-hopefully Te3cnica

[nickwm21]

Those skis wouldn't work for what you are doing. Get a non rockered ski. Something classic that we all know skis well. LP, Goat, Explosiv, mantra...

[marshalolson]

of those listed, the dynastar 115 would test the boots the most evenly and effectively.

it is NOT however the gold standard for freeride skis. but it will tell you how tuned the forward, rearward, and lateral flex is, the snuggness of the heel pocket, and the overall performance of the boot, be it groomed, crud or powder.

if you need help, jsut ship me some boots

[verbier61]

where will this test be happening?

somewhere in the alps as soon as prototypes are ready (march?). Mebbe verbier or andermatt or tonale depending on snow trends. I'll post details when available.

[verbier61]

very interesting comments, thanks!

we are not going to test stiff boots, though. We'll test boots for scramblers, likely dalbello virus, scarpa maestrale, garmont radium...... and I made the list simply selecting the bestsellers in the brands that are most popular in yurp. Yes, there is a clear trend towards soft skis with rocker (katanas are stiff, though...)..... this seems to be where the market is going. I have stiff skis in my quiver, but as an average middle age skier my average day is now with soft rockered skis...

[verbier61]

if you need help, jsut ship me some boots

stay tuned. Organize a test day in Colorado, provide me some lodging, I'll bring the protos

[shirk]

very interesting comments, thanks!

we are not going to test stiff boots, though. We'll test boots for scramblers, likely dalbello virus, scarpa maestrale, garmont radium...... and I made the list simply selecting the bestsellers in the brands that are most popular in yurp. Yes, there is a clear trend towards soft skis with rocker (katanas are stiff, though...)..... this seems to be where the market is going. I have stiff skis in my quiver, but as an average middle age skier my average day is now with soft rockered skis...

Why would you test "scrambler" boots as you've called them with any of the skis listed?

Pick something 94-100 in the waist traditional side cut, possible an early rise tip and of reasonable weight. Something that the boots are actually meant to ski.

[verbier61]

Why would you test "scrambler" boots as you've called them with any of the skis listed?

Pick something 94-100 in the waist traditional side cut, possible an early rise tip and of reasonable weight. Something that the boots are actually meant to ski.

here is the main point: these AT scrambler boots have a lot of advantages: walking mode, rubber sole, decent weight, dyna inserts, etc. We'd like to improve them so they can better drive those 100-120 skis....

[hop]

The only skis my Spirit 4's drive are Pontoons (Dukes) or Anti-Piste/Coomback rockered Made'n AKs (Dynafits).

I'd put better buckles on the cuffs - no more ratchet straps please - and maybe a slightly taller liner, but other than that I'm totally happy with them. I think I will be 100% sold on the Maestrale this season.

[verbier61]

hop this is interesting. what about the 2011 obsethed as a reference? are they very easy to drive like the 2010 or more challenging?

[shirk]

The only skis my Spirit 4's drive are Pontoons (Dukes) or Anti-Piste/Coomback rockered Made'n AKs (Dynafits).

I'd put better buckles on the cuffs - no more ratchet straps please - and maybe a slightly taller liner, but other than that I'm totally happy with them. I think I will be 100% sold on the Maestrale this season.

ZOMG what?????? You don't need a race flex touring boot? This can't be right.

Madness, crazyness.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

If you want to match the ski to the boots listed, the gold standard from larger manufacturers is the Coomback. Why not test scrambling boots with a more touring oriented ski? On your list of skis, S7's are the safest bet.

[Ape_Natural]

I was going to say Gotamas, but after reading the thread I'm not so sure.

[Scottish_Skier]

IMHO you want a fairly traditional 100mm wide ski with 20-30m turn radius (movement sluff / coombak / legend pro / salomon shogun / old gotama).

Most of the skis on your list are > 110mm rocker-ed powder killers (and the snow may not be good on test day). Also something like an S7 you need to adopt a different style to make them really work properly.

For a boot test I would go for an all-rounder. Something that can be easily rolled onto edge - so you can see how the power is transferred from boots into the ski.

[zombinate]

Line Prophet 100's. standard shape ski, wide-ish, and an average performance among many skiers. I think comparing with one of the newer shaped skis which do much of the "work" would be a mistake.

[mntlion]

explosive...

not my fav ski at all, but a "standard" that just about everyone can get use to in a hurry.

[summit]

Why don't you just have the testers use their own skis so you aren't changing multiple variables for them?

Otherwise, the gold standard:

explosive...

not my fav ski at all, but a "standard" that just about everyone can get use to in a hurry.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Whatever ski you're used to skiing.

[verbier61]

lots of interesting opinions, thanks to everyone. I've seen things from different point of views, and this is one of the reasons why places like TGR are great.

We'll do some tests using the testers' skiers of choice and some with testers using maybe two specific skis (one more classic like an LP and one more recent like an S7). Guess the 3 sessions will give interesting and maybe not overlapping info.

Results posted as soon as available!

[hop]

hop this is interesting. what about the 2011 obsethed as a reference? are they very easy to drive like the 2010 or more challenging?

They are super easy like the 2008/9 and are plenty capable on-piste but make no mistake, their primary goal is to shred pow. Definitely a quiver of one for powder/soft snow seekers but I'd choose something else if I skied predominantly harder snow.

Anyways, it sounds like you're on the right track; I would also recommend doing a test with whatever ski the tester prefers, then another round with your two "standard" skis - a more traditional 105mm-class something and then maybe something in the rockered 115mm class. This allows for most potential biases to get somewhat canceled out.

If you need an experienced tester, you know how to reach me. I've got the whole winter off.