Thinking about getting Powder Skis. Mantra? Stiff Bros? Help!

[sportderek]

So I'm thinking about picking a set of power skis during some of these late season sales. Never had a pair. I'm currently on 184 Stockli Stormrider XLs which I love but just don't cut it on a powder day.

Read the usual magazines it seems the Volkl Mantras are a solid choice.
Reading here, I see a lot of good information about Bros.

I haven't had the chance to demo any yet.... I'm just starting this hunt.

Any suggestions from the masses? I'm assuming I probably want to stay in the mid 180 length due to being 6'3''? Thinking of a waist of at least 85?




I'm 6'3 195 and ski in Tahoe.
I'd say my skill level on a 1-10 scale...about a 7. I can handle most stuff, getting better in the bumps, but I don't expect to be hucking myself off cliffs anytime soon. I'm relearning how to ski well as I had to take a 10 year break as coaches in other sports wouldn't let me so my skill level isn't on par with my athletic level. Been trying to ski with better skiers this year to push myself and learn more. It's working.


Off to search these forums for similar questions...

Thx

[pechelman]

188 Stiff Bros definitely over the mantras
also maybe consider
185 Stiff Fat Kingswoods (hurry up if you want in on that deal)
500$ shipped if I remember right

and if you got the cash any of the big skis from capital, dp, or igneous should work

edit: also at your size, for a powder ski dont get anything under a waist of ~100 and nothing shorter than 185.

[justcuz]

I second on the 188 Stiff Bro. I will add though; the 188 soft Bro is a reeeeaally nice ride too. A bit easier to ski and still very stable. I am 185 or 190lbs. and ski the 188 soft. I've decided that while I'm a pretty damn aggressive skier, I just don't need the stability of the stiff (yes, I'm a pussy). The softs are a little easier to ski (good for the bad knees), a little lighter, and still freakkkin rrrrripp. Plus they really aren't that soft.


{disclaimer/}Splat, can we change the name to "still remotely stiff" instead of "soft"? My dick shrinks every time I say that word.{end disclaimer/}

[splat]

The stiffometer did go up a tad on the softs this year. I love them, too.
But they make my dick hard.

[ShawnB]

I'm serious, Splat (kinda sorta): If you call the three types of 188's "Medium", "Stiff", and "Super Stiff", they'd be calibrated a bit more toward what maggots are saying is the collective experience of 'em.

I know it won't sell any more skis--the mags who have their hearts set on Bros are gonna buy Bros, and good on 'em--but the right guys would get on the right skis more often, and that could only benefit their experience and your rep, I would think.

Regardless, I've gotta get some Bros... salivating...

[splat]

Oh, I'm not arguing with you at all. That's the problem with switching up manufacturers. They never quite get things the same. We're looking to get things a little more consistent by doing our own manufacturing. The guys that have made the Bros so far have had no feel for the skis because they don't ski. So when you talk to them about the qualities of the ski, you might as well be speaking another language.

[Hicks]

From what you described soft Bros would be the ticket.

[slowbob]

Northstar demo shop has Mantras, 177 & 184. if you don't have a pass, you can find discount coupons in the gear shops that are good for the rest of the season.

[sportderek]

Northstar? Really? That's perfect. I stay right in Northstar when I go up. Looks like I'll be testing some Mantra's there.

Thanks.


I highly doubt there's any place to demo Bro's at this time, right?

[Toby]

I highly doubt there's any place to demo Bro's at this time, right?

Ask splat. Mebbe you can meet up with him and demo some. I'm sure he's got some demos floating around. It'd be worth your while, that's fer sure.

[Natedogg]

Screw it... I was going to post something similar sometime down the road, but it sounds like Derek has a similar situation to mine. Id like to get a pair of pow skis--thought about the Mantras, Squads, and Bros, and like what I hear about the Bros. I ski EC crap, and am 6'4 ~215/225. Athletic, but strength waning since going to work each and every day. Not a hucker whatsoever (maybe a 15 footer at most when I get out west once every year or two). I have my eyes on the super stiff Bro, but you guys are making it sound like that might be too much. Im a big fan of nice stiff slalom skis and figured that with my weight Id just flex and stress the crap out of a 'soft' ski. Advice?

[Toby]

I have my eyes on the super stiff Bro, but you guys are making it sound like that might be too much.

Not for me. I loved my supers last winter. 6'2" 200lb w/o gear. There are others on here who like the supers too, although it's not universally popular.

Having said that I am officially in love with my new 192s. It makes the 188 supers feel like a raceroom SL ski. And by comparison the 192 is a fat GS-Super G ski, but I prefer bigger turns so they're perfect.

[Pierre LeCouloir]

I can only speak to the 188 stiff, but I don't really consider it a pow ski. It's a ski. It's nimble and fun in all conditions and happens to kick ass in deep fresh snow. Natedogg, my experience before Bros was only on really stiff skis unless I was demoing, and most of the demos I rode were floppy and crappy or were one-trick ponies. The stiff Bros are responsive with even a bit of speed yet stable at warp stupid. Really, I don't know how Pat and crew accomplished that.

Sportderek, IMO a guy your size can easily pilot 188s. Judging by the fact that you rated your skills on a scale of one to ten in the first place, and that you're asking about "powder skis with at least 85 mm underfoot", I would recommend the softs. You'll probably like them in everything but ice bumps.

[SkiED]

mantras really arent powder boards.

[gamma]

200cm iggie FFL's

[Woolbury]

mantras really arent powder boards.

Agreed and I love the Mantras. They're best for all over the mountain, very turny. But when it dumps(even a little), I pull out the Goats.

[Big Blue]

why would you get a "powder" ski that's barely wider than the ski you're already on? the mantra is an all-mountain ski. it's designed to do everything pretty well, but nothing outstanding. If you already have a midfat, get a true fat ski for soft snow. Since you ski in tahoe you could grab a pair of praxis or moments and support a local company. (I know pmgear is also local, but bros are not fat skis). Look for something at least 120 in the waist. You already have an "every-day" ski. Go big or go home.

[workinforturns]

i have the 179 stiffs. they are not stiff.
according to marshals flex rating they are about a 4. should have gone with the super stiffs i guess. they are great in pow but since the tail is so soft i have a problem staying over the balls of my feet. my other stiffer skis i dont do that on.
Now my axioms i just bought at a 183 length with 110 underfoot and a stiff tail, now those are a powder ski. those things rip pow any way you want them to.