BRO's...No Cons?

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 05:31 PM

Hope this doesn't tick anyone off around here, but just curious. I can search/research in this forum and others, and can find legit anti/pro reviews/testimonials of other skis in this class (goats, KW mid-fats, etc.), but can't seem to find any negatives with regards to the Bro (other than preferences between the 179 and 188 for obvious reasons, as well as mounting points).

There has to be a naysayer somewhere for christ sake. I don't believe there has ever been a ski made that suited everyone's style or taste, but the BRO seems to be dispelling that myth. I sure as hell can't speak for PM or Splat, but constructive criticism is usually more insightful than positive testimonials. Don't mean to start shit, just interested if anyone has any slight criticism of the the bros.

**f2f** · 05-17-2006, 05:32 PM

here's a con: i'm not man enough to ski them beautifully

**marshalolson** · 05-17-2006, 05:36 PM

they are too short and skinny. MAKE MY BIG BROS BITCHES!

**bklyn** · 05-17-2006, 05:38 PM

NAY
That's right, I said it.

Cons:
Hard to get due to limited supply

**shirk** · 05-17-2006, 05:39 PM

Construction level might not be up to where it should be. I have had several delams in the tip and tail. But on the other side of this, other skis could have exploded from what has only been a delam on mine.

I smoked a rock on about day three on the skis and have treated them as rock skis ever since.

**P_McPoser** · 05-17-2006, 05:41 PM

Only thing negative I have experienced is that the topsheets on my 179s seem to chip very easily compared to my other skis. Whoop de doooo though.

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 05:53 PM

Marsh - don't know ya, but tried to track your MO, and I hear ya

Other guy - Interesting about the easily chipped top sheet. Don't remember who or when it was said, but wasn't there a complaint about recent KW topsheet chippage? Hand made topsheet chippage prob?

**alpinepronghorn** · 05-17-2006, 05:53 PM

There are better skis out there for doing many of the things the bro does. Better skis for just ripping groomers, better skis for just deep pow, etc. But none of them do all these things as well as a bro.

And I don't think there's a better backcountry touring ski out there right now than the 179. Everything else is either heavier, narrower, or softer.

So yeah, there are many things to criticize, as with any ski. I can't land backseat on my 179's from 10 feet up. I wish the bases had come finished. But if I had to ditch the rest of my quiver, I think these would be the last to go.

ok splat, you can send me my tshirt now...

**El Chupacabra** · 05-17-2006, 06:01 PM

I had a pair of last year's (2004-05) 188 stiff Bros, sold them.

To me, what distinguished the Bros from other skis is that they had a much deeper flex throughout the whole length of the ski, and it's an even flex -- felt about the same at the tip, under foot, and at the tail. They're also really light weight for the size.

Turns out I like heavier stiffer skis, particularly with stiffer tails (Bros felt too soft in the tail). Volkl Explosivs are probably the most similar ski that I've tried in comparison to the Bros, but they are heavier and the tails are stiffer.

I only have 2 days in on them (before the lifts closed), but am looking forward to spending some quality time with some Head im103s that I picked up at the end of this season. Stiff, heavy, plow through everything.... fun.

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 06:06 PM

Not all customs with regards to topsheet probs. Can't vouch for Ig's or Cap's, which I'm sure answer the bell. They better, way different target audience. But the more manueverable/versatile customs. My bad.

**f2f** · 05-17-2006, 06:10 PM

i'll tell you one thing: you can't go to any big company's marketing department with the question "what sucks in your skis?" and expect to get an honest answer. here you've gotten a couple already...

part of what makes the bros "feel" good even when they have deficiencies is the community around them. it's the placebo effect: you like them because you want to like them. they make you make yourself feel good

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 06:19 PM

Yeah, I know. I think way too much goes into "light weight". Unless you're touring that is.

**marshalolson** · 05-17-2006, 06:21 PM

pretty much all sandwhich skis w. abs sidewalls suffer from easily chipped topsheets (graphic igneous, monsters, dp, bros, KW etc) compared to a cap ski, however minor aesthetic damage vs. easily blown sidewalls on a cap ski is worth it. if you are proactive, and put some epoxy on the damage immediately, then its NBFD.

as el c said, the bros have a fairly round flex. basically the tail is not alot stiffer than the shovel. they are really good for everyday skiing, inbounds and out of bounds. nice damp feel thats stable at speed.

i only sold mine because i had stiffs and would prefer supers. they really do ski well.

**soul_skier** · 05-17-2006, 06:29 PM

the only complaint i have so far is that i havent touched any of the other skis i own since i started skiing bros, and i think the rest of my quiver may be plotting a muntiny against me and launching an attack against the bros to restore the balance that existed before pmgear.

**mojorisin** · 05-17-2006, 06:35 PM

I remember seeing a complaint from somebody regarding tip dive ("not enough float"). Not sure if it was pilot error, however.

bc · 05-17-2006, 06:39 PM

Tip dive? Mounted a bit forward perhaps? Big heavy dude? I can't make mine dive...

**descender** · 05-17-2006, 06:44 PM

The bases are not totally perfect out of the box, you need a tune right?

I demoed the 188s last year and didn't like them, so there you go. I don't know why exactly.

**meatdrink9** · 05-17-2006, 07:03 PM

I think the perceived tip dive that actually never happens is due to crazy amount of camber (on the 179s anyway). I've skied both the 188's and 179s. I like the 179's better.

**funkendrenchman** · 05-17-2006, 07:27 PM

(-) They don't hold wax very well at all. My Bros have graphics that are misaligned. The top sheets have peeled easily. They have what I think is too much camber.

(+) Other than that... their bases are extremely durable, the super stiffs are the most stable ski I have ever been on, they have excellent edge grip, perfect all around size, very light weight, excellent customer service

I didn't like them until day 15 or so. They still won't ever be my powder ski... more of an everything else ski.

**harpo-the-skier** · 05-17-2006, 07:39 PM

I had an order in for the 179 softs that I cancelled. My only problem with the Bros has to do with the ordering process; I have never skied them. I cancelled my order because Splat was unclear about what he would send me. He apperently had some blemishes with the flexes mismatched. I would still like to get a pair of soft or stiff 179s, but I don't want to plunk down my money until Splat can tell me what I am getting, and Splat doesn't have that information yet on the next batch coming over the summer.

I still want a pair of Bros; these are problems inherent with a start up, custom ski company. On the plus side, Splat has been totally up front about what info he has, and what info he doesn't. He responds to all my emails as long as they are not repetitive about what to expect from the next batch of Bros. He also immediatly refunded my money when I cancelled the order. On the other hand, Drake Powderworks doesn't charge your card until they ship.

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 08:09 PM

I heard they are thirsty. But serious alls ya, thank you.

**cito** · 05-17-2006, 08:12 PM

Even with the grind to the stone, I hear they crave.

**MTT** · 05-17-2006, 08:20 PM

Bro's have allot of diffent bases (I think) Mine are impregnated with wax, I have only had them hot waxed 2X this winter and have 60+ days on the ski's. Mt only complaint is that i have these Tang colored bases and they glide way too good! When I am on traveres behind other people I keep catching up to the person in front of me and constantly make akward moves in single track to slow down.

Out in the open, Catch me if you can?

Good skis, exelent support! perfect all mountain utility ski. Only the top skiers here will find limits.

PS: I have been surprised by how many people really like the ski's. I ask other guys riding them how they feel about them, they always say They ROCK! I go no, What do you really think? I get Dude they fuckin ROCK. Some have fallen in love on the first run, some have grown to love them.

Squatch · 05-17-2006, 08:33 PM

keep in mind that bros were designed for use by maggots. Here is the place where you'll find the most positive reviews...go to somebody with different goals and desires in skiing (I want to ski bumps, I want to make short slalom turns, etc.) and they will be less satisfied.

That being said, there is some bandwagon love for them. I'm in love with the idea of them, and since they've reviewed so well, I really want to love them. I'll probably buy a pair next fall. But no, I've never skied a pair, and yet I still point them out as an option for so many people. But I think they're probably a very good product, and they would do well for a lot of people in a lot of situations, and I want to see PMGear succeed.

It does seem to be the duct-tape solution to any quiver problems people have. Which is a pretty good thing...think how much duct tape has brought people.