Bro Model - Soft or Stiff for AT?

[screamrider]

Hey,

I'm really trying to get my hands on some Bros for my AT setup. I'll be mounting Fritschi Freerides and will use them for all my backcountry outings. Some background; I'm 6'1", 200 lbs and ski very aggressively.

I've heard great things about both the soft and stiff models but I was wondering if perhaps the soft would be more versatile in the backcountry? Any help is greatly appreicated.

One more point, is it even still possible to order a pair from the Jan 20th production run?

Thanks

[Lurch]

I prefer soft skis in the back country mainly because you often find yourself in tight trees at the bottom of descents where you are already tired.

[iceman]

Hey,
One more point, is it even still possible to order a pair from the Jan 20th production run?

I believe so but the best idea would probably be to PM Splat. I'm sure he'd be willing to talk about which ski is best for you too.

[cowdog]

I have a pair of the stiff bros mounted up with Freerides. I'm 6' 190lbs. I have not skied the softs, but I think the stiffs are very versatile and fun to ski. They have a great light feel both up and down. They tour well and are surprisingly maneuverable and nimble for short to long radius turns, although they are most at home with speed and big turns. I dont know that I would want the bros any softer flexing for my bc interests (with the caveate that I haven't skied the softs, or course), but I also have some noodly carbon surfs that fill that niche.

[splat]

Hey,

One more point, is it even still possible to order a pair from the Jan 20th production run?

Thanks

yes, you can still order, but we're only doing another 25 pair and they are selling out at a good pace. Also, that deadline has been extended two weeks.
I'll be reporting from the factory next week.

[screamrider]

yes, you can still order, but we're only doing another 25 pair and they are selling out at a good pace. Also, that deadline has been extended two weeks.
I'll be reporting from the factory next week.

Hey Splat,

Thanks for the update. I want to place my order today but I'm really debating between the softs and stiffs??? What do you recommend for AT? Thanks for your help.

[snorkeldeep]

it really depends on what you're skiing. i like to get into some more interest terrain with variable conditions, thus i have the super stiffs as i want the guaranteed edge hold in any conditions. they rail on just about anything and i love em. in heavier pow you cant get too forward on them, but for the most part they rip.

[screamrider]

I also want something that can handle all conditions, yet is light enough for long tours. Is there a significant difference in weight between the soft and stiff? From a manufacturing side of things what do they do to the ski to make it stiffer? Is it a different wood core?

[snorkeldeep]

i dont think theres a noticeable difference - the super stiffs are still way lighter than any other ski that skis similarly to it. ill let splat or the other pmgear guys speak to the construction.

[Xover]

screamer,

your decision really depends upon what boot you'll be using for touring

if you'll be using only alpine boots, go with the stiffs for sure
if you'll be using a dedicated AT boot, go with the softs for sure

as has been said many times 'round these parts, the softs are as stiff as most major companies stiff ski

i too prefer stiff skis, am of similar ht and wt, and ski similar to you and the bro stiffs are some of the stiffest skis i've ever had. a soft bro would be a touring ski dream come true.

[screamrider]

screamer,

your decision really depends upon what boot you'll be using for touring

if you'll be using only alpine boots, go with the stiffs for sure
if you'll be using a dedicated AT boot, go with the softs for sure

as has been said many times 'round these parts, the softs are as stiff as most major companies stiff ski

i too prefer stiff skis, am of similar ht and wt, and ski similar to you and the bro stiffs are some of the stiffest skis i've ever had. a soft bro would be a touring ski dream come true.

Thanks for the input Xover, that helps a lot. As for a boot, I'll be using either Garmont Adrenalines or Scarpa XTs, so basically a "stiff" AT specific boot. Regardless, I think you're right that for AT soft is the way to go.

Any other opinions out there before I pull the trigger on these bad boys?

[splat]

Softs rule for touring.
And they love to haul ass, so you won't lose much performance.

[verbier61]

Softs rule for touring.
And they love to haul ass, so you won't lose much performance.

I totally agree... and IMHO soft BROs are definitely stiffer than most (if not all) "soft-defined" skis.

[screamrider]

Thanks for all the input guys. I just ordered my soft Bros.

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cowdog]

soft bros sound fun. This is an interesting topic as I debated soft v. stiff when I ordered the bros. The stiff bros have a nice round flex and are not quite as stiff as the LPs I have mounted up tele. LPs are stiff but not overly stiff flexing or anything like that. From all accounts the softbros ski very well. For me, stiffbros ski very well in and out of bounds, with and without skins. I guess until I actually ski the soft bros, they will remain a mystery.

[The Dad]

For the record, my "soft" Bros (mounted alpine) exhibit nary a tip wiggle at mach looney.

[vano]

yes, you can still order, but we're only doing another 25 pair and they are selling out at a good pace. Also, that deadline has been extended two weeks.
I'll be reporting from the factory next week.

Oh! I'm dying to hear the report from the factory! The wait for my Soft Bros is killing me!

[screamrider]

For the record, my "soft" Bros (mounted alpine) exhibit nary a tip wiggle at mach looney.

I'm happy to hear that. I've been debating in my head if I should go for the stiffs instead?? If it was going to be my everday resort ski I would for sure, but I think for AT the softs may be more versatile....I hope!

[bc]

After much soul searching, I've made my choice. 188 softs. I'll use 'em for AT and resort, and they'll be $$$$.

credit card number sent.

back to crossing my fingers and hoping for snow...

[screamrider]

soft bros sound fun. This is an interesting topic as I debated soft v. stiff when I ordered the bros. The stiff bros have a nice round flex and are not quite as stiff as the LPs I have mounted up tele. LPs are stiff but not overly stiff flexing or anything like that. From all accounts the softbros ski very well. For me, stiffbros ski very well in and out of bounds, with and without skins. I guess until I actually ski the soft bros, they will remain a mystery.

So are you saying that the stiffs really aren't all that stiff?

[Core Shot]

So are you saying that the stiffs really aren't all that stiff?

having only fingered the stiff and super stiff, I would say the stiff is nicely stiff, but not too soft. Almost as stiff as as my LP's (but they may be flexed out) - definitely not as stiff as my Atomic R-Ex.

The super stiff is stiffer, but still not aggro stiff. Still nicely skiable. I love this ski.

For me, the soft Bros remain an enigma wrapped in a mystery.
For soft snow, I would have no issues with getting them based on the stiff, the super stiff, and Splat's and others descriptions of the softs.

[MTT]

Scream Rider!

I thought you orderd the soft Bro's?

The softs are soooo! far past that shit you were thinking about in (That other thread) No worries just wait for them and then have fun!

Oh and welcome to the real world JONG!

[screamrider]

Scream Rider!

I thought you orderd the soft Bro's?

The softs are soooo! far past that shit you were thinking about in (That other thread) No worries just wait for them and then have fun!

Oh and welcome to the real world JONG!

Ya, I did already order the soft bros. I was just having second thoughts on if I should go stiff or not?

[Boss Hogg Barbarian]

Ya, I did already order the soft bros. I was just having second thoughts on if I should go stiff or not?

Dude, no need to have second thoughts. The consensus among nearly everyone in this post and other posts (Marshal's recommended list included) is that the softs are the way to go for the AT setup. No more regrets, just get ready.

[Core Shot]

Dude, no need to have second thoughts. The consensus among nearly everyone in this post and other posts (Marshal's recommended list included) is that the softs are the way to go for the AT setup. No more regrets, just get ready.

If he did have any second thoughts, he might just resolved them over the last 372 days that have elapsed since he made that post.

FYI, for anyone else, the skis debated here are 2nd gen bros from 2006. The 2007 skis are a further refinement.