
Originally Posted by
Nic.A
I jumped on a pair of wren 88s [184], wrens 98s [189] and steeple 98s [184] at WWSRA at mission ridge last season - spring like [February] slushy snow. ME: 6'1", 190#, technique geek, beer leaguer, steep and deep lover, tourist of the PNW. Can drive 'em, pivot 'em, slarve 'em - just depends on the ski and conditions...i like turns [tight or large] and skiing fast. Boots: Head Raptor B3 RD [wrens] and Scarpa Mastrale RS [steeples].
I have limited time on the Brahma, but in comparison, the wrens are more forgiving and playful. I found the Brahma wasn't alive unless you were skiing fast, and it seemed to be better at home on piste, doing larger GS arc'd turns, at least the 187 did. Wrens, at both lengths/widths, and steeple 98, responded well whether being skied hard or gently, did well at a variety turn shapes and skiing styles [best response was 'driving' them, like the brahma]. If the dimension of the wren 88 is more appealing to you, go 184, or 189 in the 98. They don't have the speed/stability capacity of the Brahma, but they make up for that in versatility and more fun category.
I skied about 80+ pairs of skis at WWRSA, from FIS race skis to weight watchers touring skis, expert to beginner skis, all in a variety of lengths, widths, and designs. The wren 88, 98 and steeple 98 were quite impressive in the all around category. I plan on adding the 98
Steeple in the 184 to my quiver [nice compliment to my steeple 112s] as my all around winter touring ski / non pow play days at the resorts. If I could justify the $$ for an extra 5cm and choice in top sheet, i'd submit an order for a wren 98 with the tour layup and tail in a 189.
Hope this helps some.
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