ON3P SKIS Discussion

[thebrucemac]

man oh man (not to get stuck on repeat here) wren108s are simply amazing. Their chunder/tracked out fresh eating abilities are right up there with the BGs. I am getting along pretty well with my wren88s also. They rip the groomers and i have found them to be tolerably good in soft snow too. The awesome shape does its magic there, even if the stiffer flex necessitates a bit more rear biased weight distribution (though, that is probably more due to me riding conservatively due to limited time on em in deeper snow and not wanting to tomahawk, than any significant shortcoming of the narrower ski). I am not 100% sure whether the w98s i originally was intending to buy or the w88s that i ended up buying (due to the w98 being unavailable) is the best pair for a two ski quiver (with w108s) for me - so if anybody have time on both (especially if the 98s was slightly more beefy than stock) and want to chime in, then i am all ears.

Reading this bums me out they disco'd the 88's, but I can understand if they weren't selling. I'd like to find a pair. Picked up a pair of slightly used W98's, but am waiting on bindings and am currently saving for the new W96. Haven't had near enough time on the W108 this year, still getting acquainted, but loving it so far. Goal for next year is to have a W88, W96, W98, W108 and a BG if I can swing it.

[kid-kapow]

to be fair, i did not do a whole lot of turning with the 88s out of bounds (and the ones i did were long ones), but tried to maintain speed and crush through stuff. It worked pretty well, even if the 88s were less damp than the 108s in the refrozen chunder i was riding (mostly just to find the limits of the skis - did not find it/them). I have no idea how they perform at slower speed in untracked fresh or in non-coastal denser snow - submarining might be the name of the game there. It kinda goes without saying driving 88s in softer snow is not the 100% carefree experience of the 108s, though some boot drag is kinda par for the course with skis this narrow (in softer snow). Will they still be doing 88s as custom skis though? And yes, w96 + w98 overlap seems a bit excessive even by my standards For myself - i have been considering whether a w114 is a better fit for me than BGs or potentially a good compliment, though the w108s performance in soft snow kinda have me second guessing if i really need a wider ski for the denser coastal snow i usually ride

ah, a playful kartel98 176 might be the ticket to happiness then. Though, to be fair, kartels are bit softer shovels and in the rear part of the ski compared to a w108, so a k181 might ride as a shorter ski compared to a w108 in 179 yet retain a bit of lift in softer snow due to overall lenght. Again, not having ridden em, i would suggest just talking to the on3p guys - their advice is usually pretty spot on

[thebrucemac]

to be fair, i did not do a whole lot of turning with the 88s out of bounds (and the ones i did were long ones), but tried to maintain speed and crush through stuff. It worked pretty well, even if the 88s were less damp than the 108s in the refrozen chunder i was riding (mostly just to find the limits of the skis - did not find it/them). I have no idea how they perform at slower speed in untracked fresh or in non-coastal denser snow - submarining might be the name of the game there. It kinda goes without saying driving 88s in softer snow is not the 100% carefree experience of the 108s, though some boot drag is kinda par for the course with skis this narrow (in softer snow). Will they still be doing 88s as custom skis though? And yes, w96 + w98 overlap seems a bit excessive even by my standards For myself - i have been considering whether a w114 is a better fit for me than BGs or potentially a good compliment, though the w108s performance in soft snow kinda have me second guessing if i really need a wider ski for the denser coastal snow i usually ride

ah, a playful kartel98 176 might be the ticket to happiness then. Though, to be fair, kartels are bit softer shovels and in the rear part of the ski compared to a w108, so a k181 might ride as a shorter ski compared to a w108 in 179 yet retain a bit of lift in softer snow due to overall lenght. Again, not having ridden em, i would suggest just talking to the on3p guys - their advice is usually pretty spot on

Yup yup
RE the 98/96; I was under the impression the new W96 is going to be a little stiffer than the current 98, but I hear ya on the overlap. I think I read above that's their plan (even without metal), but could be wrong. That could be enough for me to justify the overlap! If it's not, I'll just use the money I'm saving for BG's. I scored on Divison.Bell's old W98's--16/17 customs and they're darn near mint. Couldn't pass them up.

[blackalps]

went the the ON3P demo day at Loveland today. They had limited offerings. BG's, Wren 108's and 98's, Kartel 108's and 98's, jessies, and I think that's it. I skied the Wren 108's in 184, wren 98s in 179, kartel 98's in 181, and the BG's in 184.

The wren 108's reminded me of my Line Sick Day 114's but not as burly. It's a lot of ski. Fast, stable, chud busting, etc. My legs were totally beat from skiing the Beavers and Palli yesterday at A Bay, I just didn't have the legs for these today. The Wren 98's were perfect for today, which was about 3-4" of dust on choppy hard crust. stable, busted through nice, held an edge great, quick enough turning to handle the shitty conditions. The Kartel 98's reminded me a whole lot of my Icelantic Nomad 95's, just stiffer and a bit more burly. Centered, quick turning, smeary, playful, nice pop. The BG's, I liked but only got 2 quick runs in as I had to take off for an appointment, sadly. Not real great conditions for them, anyway. Would have liked more time on those and to try the Kartel 108's.

Think I might grab some Kartel 98's. I love my Icelantics, but always want them to be a bit stiffer, so these should fit the bill. I'd like to ski the Wrens and BG's in conditions that were better for them. Rep said they were 86'ing the Steeples for next year and adding touring versions of the Wrens and Kartels.

[blackalps]

Actually, the more I think about it, I might do the Wren 98’s. I could really use a stiffer ski that can hold an edge better but still has enough pop to be fun. The Kartel’s might be too similar to my Nomads.

[Blackbeard]

Reading this bums me out they disco'd the 88's, but I can understand if they weren't selling. I'd like to find a pair. Picked up a pair of slightly used W98's, but am waiting on bindings and am currently saving for the new W96. Haven't had near enough time on the W108 this year, still getting acquainted, but loving it so far. Goal for next year is to have a W88, W96, W98, W108 and a BG if I can swing it.

I just picked up Wren 88’s from an ON3P dealer in Ohio - Aspen Ski & Board. Only place I could find them in 184. I’ve been looking for an EC ski and was glad I grabbed a pair since they’re going away next year. A nice addition to the quiver.

[kid-kapow]

nice!

Note to self - include more photos in my posts

Note to self #2 - remember to snap more photos...

[FlimFlamvanHam]

People on this year's (2018 just in case not clear) Wren 108, is this assessment from Blister accurate?:

We’d summarize the flex pattern of the Wrenegade 108 like this:

Tips: 6-7
Shovels: 7-8
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel piece: 9-8
Tails: 7-7

...that seems almost noodle like.

I've heard the Wren compared to a Cochise in terms of crud blasting, but sure with flex numbers like above, that is impossible? Is that the '18 Wren?

Any advice would be appreciated as I have zero access to fondling a pair but have access to a great price on a pair (or even the ON3P site pricing which is similar with the code).

Thanks

[TahoeJ]

Tips are stiffer than that when you're actually on the skis. I really appreciate everything Blister does or attempts to do (especially properly measuring and weighing skis) but those flex ratings can vary quite a bit.

They are not noodles - AT ALL - but the tips are just soft enough to make them pretty damn great in powder. Like others have said in this thread, Wren 108's are great fucking skis. Don't get too caught up in this or that. Cochise may have slightly stiffer tips but they also dive in powder in comparison.

[iamryan21]

I wouldn't really use "noodle" to describe any ski discussed in this thread. I have limited experience (2 demo days on 2019's, never ridden cochise) but crud busting is definitely a strong point. Depending on where you ski, width would be the only limiting factor, but that's just splitting hairs as they are still good when shit gets deep. Billygoats also dominate the chop. Are you a large human?

[crank54]

^^^Yeah if you can get a good deal on this year's W108s, I would just do it. I never wished this season I was on a stiffer ski. And the tips do plane so nicely in pow. I've decided (like kid-kapow was mentioning) that I don't need a wider ski.

Glad I got mine this year before the stiffer version comes out next season.

[FlimFlamvanHam]

^^ this is where I'm at too. I'm a believer that there are 108ish skis out there that can kill deep snow, still be driven in the deep.

No ryan, light-ish human. 5'10" 160.

[TahoeJ]

I posted this a few weeks ago but here it is again: Wren 108’s (184cm) on basically the deepest (or 2nd deepest) day of the year at Squaw:

https://instagram.com/p/Bgb4gRGhnrR/

The fall at the end was fully intentional if it’s not obvious. They are fine in deep snow, actually pretty damn fun. I’m about 180 pounds right now / 5’ 11”. Most versatile ski I’ve ever been on.

[klauss]

^^ this is where I'm at too. I'm a believer that there are 108ish skis out there that can kill deep snow, still be driven in the deep.

No ryan, light-ish human. 5'10" 160.

I don't think you'd regret the stock w108 with those measurements. great fkn ski. my favorite to be on. mine are a hair stiffer than stock but I have 40 lbs on you which is significant .

[Cdubmpdx]

^^ this is where I'm at too. I'm a believer that there are 108ish skis out there that can kill deep snow, still be driven in the deep.

No ryan, light-ish human. 5'10" 160.

I'm 5'9 165-170lbs, and just bought the w108 after skiing it one day on a pretty deep day, maybe 12 inches of fresh close to 3 feet over 3 days and storm riding. Skied maybe 10 skis this year looking for one to buy and ended up with a w108 in 184. Very solid ski, likes to be driven, those blister hand flex digits are BS in my opinion but the Wren isn't overpowering. It's solid but still snappy and almost poppy but I wouldn't call it playful. It wants to go fast and it is comfortable in everything I have skied it on so far, there is probably a speed limit somewhere but I haven't found it to the point that I need to slow it down. I'd buy it and recommend it in a heartbeat at full price, if you have a deal get it before its gone.

[Kootenai]

Just another +1 on the w108. Great daily driver and up to 6” fresh. Then I go to bg. I’m on 184’s with a custom layer of carbon for 6’ 195#. Strangely they don’t feel too short.

[Kootenai]

On another Wrenegade note, does anyone have experience on the 11/12 Wrenegade, the infamous most chargey, stiff, straightliner of them all. I am fighting the urge to drill another set of holes to give them a try. Thought I’d pass them on to another mag in their minty state. Please chime in with experience, both love and hate.

[Norseman]

I have the 11/12 191Wren. Currently they sit in the corner of my garage unmounted.... waiting for me to either gain 50lbs or start doing comps again.

They're amazing in the right conditions but just not as fun as other skis in the mix. Too much work to make them turn.

[Kootenai]

I have the 11/12 191Wren. Currently they sit in the corner of my garage unmounted.... waiting for me to either gain 50lbs or start doing comps again.

They're amazing in the right conditions but just not as fun as other skis in the mix. Too much work to make them turn.

Seems to me most people see this is as a test piece, either you got bucked off the bronco right away or you hang on long enough for bragging rights. Seems like a great ski for alpine/no tree speed hucking. Maybe not so great for tight trees. Not sure it's the right ski for Schweitzer?

[thebrucemac]

^^ this is where I'm at too. I'm a believer that there are 108ish skis out there that can kill deep snow, still be driven in the deep.

No ryan, light-ish human. 5'10" 160.

Echoing pretty much everything mentioned above. I'm just over 200 at 5'11" and went with a 189. Only have a handful of days on them so far as I bought mid-season, but zero regrets. They are a lot of fun. Very stable and damp. Speed pays dividends in confidence and stability. Very impressed with their performance in soft and chop. No time yet on firm/hardpack or groomers, but didn't buy them for that. Was pleasantly surprised at the build quality. They are solid. I doubt you'd be disappointed.

edit - and FWIW I like them enough that I bought a slightly used pair of 16/17 W98's.

[Cdubmpdx]

Echoing pretty much everything mentioned above. I'm just over 200 at 5'11" and went with a 189. Only have a handful of days on them so far as I bought mid-season, but zero regrets. They are a lot of fun. Very stable and damp. Speed pays dividends in confidence and stability. Very impressed with their performance in soft and chop. No time yet on firm/hardpack or groomers, but didn't buy them for that. Was pleasantly surprised at the build quality. They are solid. I doubt you'd be disappointed.

edit - and FWIW I like them enough that I bought a slightly used pair of 16/17 W98's.

How are the 98s? I'm considering the 96s next year or trying to find some 98s as well.

[prsboogie]

How are the 98s? I'm considering the 96s next year or trying to find some 98s as well.

I got out on my pair of W98s for the first time today in full on New England clam chowda and they made me a believer. They do evenything everyone has said here. Skied firm groomer to corn and they just took it. Tails released in bumps but held on the cord. Blasted through piles like they weren't there and never really deflected at all. They did an admirable job on the north facing slopes where it was FIS conditions (not the ski of choice here though). Can't wait for tomorrow.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Gepeto]

Wren108 impressions


Served up to be my bbi bs tool of choice and with just 30k of vert in EC 2d snow, I brought the 189Wren to Big Sky and Bridger to sort out. To think I was going to dial these in while navigating in a new space time continuum and wax targeted at 0-f was nonsensical at best. Dialed in mediocrity from a comfort level kept these mostly on the bench differing to a bunny slipper

First impressions crushed my hopes of hopping on my dream machine. Enter the Swiss Army knife with to many attachments. Three full detunes before the forth effort yielded results and they stopped turning up-hill on their own. My guess is the de-tune during QC was missed as it was a paper cutter from stem to stern. - finally got me to manageable indices and the first asymmetrical tune.

From “what a beast/work load” turned out to be a luxury liner and to much ski for the ec. You can pretty much point them at any bull wheel and get there post haste with a modicum of effort. Any way you like too... just strap them up and hold on or precise stable arcs; off the fall line if it suits your pleasure - no diff. These skis will be scrubbing speed into the queue they got pointed at and having you trying to remember where the vert went.

Mounted 0 and thinking +1 is where I would rather be. Can someone authenticate - is this a common impression come this ski? I was searching for something damp and dammed if I didn’t find it. A feeling of dead weight out front and not fully quiet when running flat makes me think I want to creep up some. I’m always content with a larger paddle out back.

ToAdd; This ski feels true to length and still quick if you are deliberate to edge than 108 would lead you to believe. Shape lends itself to less than marginal conditions. The 18/19 bump in stiffness appears merited. I’m hoping the bump forward (pending ratification) might yield some more energy out of the tail?

Unlike a praxis this seemingly impenetrable base has sucked up wax readily. I center punched a hidden shark with the right and a cursory look yielded narry a scar.

Looks to be my bigger travel ski or the only traveler once I figure out how to put the tweezers back and where the toe nail clipper is

[Bruce Springskiin]

Help needed!! My girlfriend demo’d some Black Crow Camox Birdies in a 165.2 a couple weeks ago and has not had a good day of skiing since. She has been bitten by the Blackcrow Bug that too many other sheeple here in Jackson have. Logically I should just look for a pair for her. But being the fan boi of ON3P I am , I want to get her on some Jessie 98 in a 166 before going down the Black Crows road. Any demo skis finishing out their season? Any one looking to sell a used pair? Anyone going to be in the Tetons area with a pair to try? I feel bad I am raging around the mountain on BG’s and Kartels and she is hating her current setups.

Not the best direct trade, but I have a quiver of ON3P skis I might even trade with you.

[Cdubmpdx]

Help needed!! My girlfriend demo’d some Black Crow Camox Birdies in a 165.2 a couple weeks ago and has not had a good day of skiing since. She has been bitten by the Blackcrow Bug that too many other sheeple here in Jackson have. Logically I should just look for a pair for her. But being the fan boi of ON3P I am , I want to get her on some Jessie 98 in a 166 before going down the Black Crows road. Any demo skis finishing out their season? Any one looking to sell a used pair? Anyone going to be in the Tetons area with a pair to try? I feel bad I am raging around the mountain on BG’s and Kartels and she is hating her current setups.

Not the best direct trade, but I have a quiver of ON3P skis I might even trade with you.

Just buy them for her. You will be able to unload them of she doesn't like them.