Masterblaster, MSP99 comparo

[chaka]

Love my MSP99 in a 181. Always wanted a pair of Masterblasters. For those that have skied both, are they essentially the same? Like one better than the other? Why? Also, curious if one skis longer than the other in a 181. Thanks!

[m2392b]

Not sure if you're still looking but the MB is much looser, more forgiving of getting backseat, and better than the MSP off piste. The MSP feels more directional and carves better. They're both very stable. A lot of the difference to me came down to tail rocker -- the MB has about twice as much splay as the MSP and it made navigating through late day PNW chop and bumps feel easier. I think the MSP skis longer for that same reason.

[chaka]

thanks m2392b! "navigating through late day PNW chop and bumps feel easier" is good info. That's precisely what I find myself doing most ski days. Unfortunately I read somewhere on here there is a trend for 4frnt and J to be lightening their skis in this segment? That kinda sucks, I enjoy the weight of the MSP99s for what I use it for. Guess I'll keep eyes open for lightly used heavier years.

[byates1]

I just got msp 99 in 188. Only have a couple days on them. Looking forward to skiing them a bunch next year

[m2392b]

thanks m2392b! "navigating through late day PNW chop and bumps feel easier" is good info. That's precisely what I find myself doing most ski days. Unfortunately I read somewhere on here there is a trend for 4frnt and J to be lightening their skis in this segment? That kinda sucks, I enjoy the weight of the MSP99s for what I use it for. Guess I'll keep eyes open for lightly used heavier years.

No problem, I heard J was doing that for the Hotshot but I was told by a J skis rep a couple months ago that the masterblaster was staying the same for this coming season. I don't see a ton of them on (ie) facebook marketplace or geartrade compared to MSPs though. If you find one pre-2021 they were 95mm width and similarly weighted to the present model