THE biggest consideration for width (in my opinion) is WHERE you ski - WHERE your local mountain is and WHERE on that mountain you spend most of your time. The daily driver for a Northeast skier who carves the groomers most days is going to be different that what works best for a Northwest skier who spends their day in the trees or out a gate looking for leftover powder.
Yes, all skiers just skiing on groomed runs whether on the east or west coast should skiing on nothing more than 80mm, this includes bumps. Look at World Cup mogul skiers, their skis are under 65mm. There is a reason why pro racers ski on narrower underfoot widths. Now, most of us will never even be as good as a high school racer who has been skiing since they were 2/3 years old. However, if you want to become the best skier you can be, it is time to get on a sub 75mm ski and learn how to properly turn and carve, whether this means a racing fun league, ski lessons, etc..., Of course, these skis won't work when there is more than 8 inches of powder and that is why you will then have another pair of skis which could be up to about 95mm. There is not a need for anything more, unless you hit a massive storm and then you could use something above 100mm+, but then this ski would be brought out, how times per year, 2-3 times maximum. I cannot believe how many skiers I see going out of bounds or the side country and they cannot make a proper turn, the only reason they feel confident out there is because the skis are now doing all of the work for them. There is hardly any technical skiing going on any more. But I guess, as long as people are having fun on the slopes then that is all that matters, all I know is they will never know the feeling of making a great turn.
I have a pair of 80 Nordica Spitfire's. I live and ski the east. They turn on ice like a hockey skate. Completely changes confidence level on sleeps. They only lose an edge when there's operator error.
Hey Elliot. Thank you so much for these videos. I consider myself an intermediate skier. I ski out in Snoqualmie mostly, but I do get over to Brundage. Unfortunately Snoqualmie still hasn't opened due to lack of snow, but I did get up to Whistler this weekend. Last season I bought used 2018 Atomic Vantage 90 CTI, and for this season, after watching many of your videos over the summer, I was able to pick up new Maverick 88TI's, and I absolutely love them! Even after the 8 month break from last season, I was instantly skiing better, making better turns edge to edge, and they handle amazing even in icy conditions. My friends were having a difficult time in the icy hard pack, but these skis made it easy. I'm so impressed with them and can't wait to try them in different ski conditions this year. Thank you so much for your honest reviews. Now I'm considering picking up Atomic Bents for powder days, but I want to see how the Mavericks handle deeper snow with the Horizon tech. I'm glad I listened to your advice about learning better form and technique on narrower skis, where my friends and store folk tell me to go over 100 width because that's the trend. Thanks for the info on Gortex products. There's so much to research to cut through the marketing BS. Like many, I was sold on Gortex being the best, period, end of story.
Goretex is not the most weather proof material, but it's one of the most breathable weather proof materials. Goretex really isn't designed for resort skiing it's more for people who overheat and still need weather proofing as it vents heat better than most weatherproof materials.
Yes I ski off-piste 80% and the time and hike around. Plus I am the guy that over heats. In the Pacific Northwest I trust Gore-Tex with wet snow and freezing rain.
Bought some 2023 Volkl 121 Revolts and did a week in Japan and didn’t take them off for all snow types. Even Icey corduroy in the morning were a bunch of fun. Soft, mushy, hard and everything in between was wonderful. Matching the 177 to my 5,9” height and skiing style worked a treat. No chatter for charging either. I found it a great example of a ski that makes most snow conditions easier to ski, while of course perfect in powder. I still did a fun bumps run 😮 modern skis are getting so clever… people get very hung up on size… they resist a wider ski for years and then love it when they try it 😅 each to their own except if you ski your then don’t ski with other in powder under 100mm please - no one wants to wait for you 😂 thanks Elliot, love the content so refreshing and great opinions, keeps doing your thing your way!
I am new(ish) to skiing. I was on a pair of Blizzard 0Gs (for touring) last year, this year got a season pass to Baker, and was really struggling to see improvements, keep up with friends ext. I decided to do a demo day and tried the QST 92, 106, and a lib tech wreckreate 92 and wow, what a difference. All of them were way less punishing for getting in the back seat, easier to turn way more stable at speed and through crud, but I fell in love with how the 106s felt, even on a no-powder day. I went home and immediately bought the 106s because, while I did notice the 92s were better at carving, I don't care about that much, I want to have better options in the powder, in the steep/not groomed, and I really like the "slarvy" turns the 106s made (I think this is the snowboard feeling you talk about). I also didn't notice any hip pain that you seem to mention. My question is: As a newer skier, looking to get better at trees, powder, steeps, jumps and drops did I make the wrong choice (106 vs 98/92)? Are there "bad habits" I should watch out for developing while learning on a wider ski?
Very impressed. You're asking a lot of good questions for a new skier. I think you made a great choice with the 106 for Baker. I also own them, mounting them today actually. Sadly being an East Coaster I won't get as much use out of them as you!
I found for on piste skiing 80-85 (like a deacon 84 or head v10) is the best. Brahma and kendo 88 are good also if you want a little wider but for groomed that is the upper limit. Unless you ski big mountain where you find powder often over 92-99 is overkill in my opinion. Watch the best skier and most of the time they are on slalom type skis 70-72 mm. On hard pack firm snow wide skis put a lot of torque on articulation to put them on edge. That is you want maximum performance. If you just want to chill and explore i guess anything goes.
It’s been nice to hear people come to their senses on this. Wide skis definitely have a place! Saw somebody post a 10+ ski quiver recently only with one option under 100
even 120mm+ skis have hardpack performance mentioned in their product descriptions now. we're at a point in ski tech now where you barely have to compromise on anything, so you may as well go as wide as you reasonably need to for when things get deeper. do I find it hard to carve a groomer on a modern 106mm ski? hell no, they're super fun. a bit slower edge-to-edge but after a couple runs, you've gotten used to it. do I find it hard to ski waist-deep pow on my 81mm carving skis? absolutely. and way less safe. and harder on my knee ligaments etc.
Hey Rickety! Wanted to chime in on the Gore-Tex discussion, many of my family members including my dad work there and develop the garments. First there is some confusion here which many people have. The coating that is put on all jackets to “weather proof” it as you say, or have water drip off, is completely separate from the Gore Tex membrane. Many companies use it, Gore is working on making more green and eco friendly coatings. US law is also requiring for all companies to use more eco friendly coatings on the jackets, and this is what we are currently seeing as a large shift in the market. Gore uses the same coating, just a premium high quality version, and many of their other brands they work with use their own or similar high quality spray coatings. This coating wears off over time and if it gets dirty can be reactivated by washing the garment and drying it on high heat. You can also buy sprays and reapply this coating on any garment. Now for the Gore Tex membrane. It is patented and only Gore has the technology to make that exact material originally, which is PTFE. Because of various environmental concerns there are laws that are coming that will require PTFE to no longer be used in consumer products. This is a wide sweeping law despite PTFE itself being stable and safe, and because of that Gore has developed over the last several years a new membrane that has some qualities that are better, some that are worse. For instance, the new membrane is not as fire resistant, thus for military applications and firemen, they will continue to use PTFE. For other applications such as skiing, the new membrane works really well, lasts longer in some wear conditions, and is breathable just like PTFE. Here we get to what makes Gore Tex membrane when used in any jacket unique. It allows water vapor droplets to pass through garments while not allowing water to pass through. This allows sweat to evaporate through a garment while you are skiing hard, running, etc, without soaking or chilling you, but the membrane doesn’t allow water to pass through. This means that the coating spray on your Gore tex garment that makes water bead on it and can be reapplied is just the first stage protection. The main water proofing is the membrane itself which is laminated and sewn into the garment as a thin layer, and that you will not see unless you tear the garment apart. It has been tested and used in space (it was used in the astronaut space suits) and also enabled the first trans arctic expedition to cross the poles on sled teams. It is extremely durable and prevents severe hypothermia in harsh conditions because it lets you sweat but keeps you dry even if the outside spray wears off. My family are constantly torture texting the garments to extreme situations and Gore requires every company that works with them to submit to their rigor tests to ensure it meets their safety and user standards. That is why the gore tex brand can be expensive, and then on top of that each brand that utilizes the membrane can choose to charge higher or lower for their product, since the price is not determined by Gore. It is essentially a material that is included in jackets if the company chooses. It also makes its own jackets on a much smaller market and that is downsizing, most Gore tex jackets sold by the company go right to our military (every Marine and Navy shell jacket uses it, so if you want an amazing ski jacket for cheap just buy a gore tex military shell. I’ve used mine for years. Check the inside to make sure you are getting a gore tex, it has the logo sewn into the jacket). Anyway, hope I clarified that. I’m not sure why someone would claim that most jackets have better spray waterproof than Gore tex brand as we use the same ones in many cases, you can buy them to reapply, and the sprays have simply changed to become more environmentally friendly across the market. Hope this cleared this up with you and everyone, and I’d be happy to answer questions on the brand! I grew up in the company as I have so many family members deeply involved.
Hi Elliot, my friend used the same Gore-Tex Jacket and bib for 20 years in a row in the Northwest and skied between 20-100 times a year. The reason I like the shorter jackets is my mainly ski off-piste.
I ski in the Eastern Townships in the Province of Québec and I’ve done a ski trip in a big resort for the last two years (Whistler and Verbier). I own a pair on carving skis (Rossignol V60 Forza) and I just sold my Salomon QST 98 to buy a pair of QST 92 because they’re going to be a better allrounder. I use them for the glades and touring and for the occasional pow day.
The salt from the roads destroys your skis and they'll require cleaning. For that reason I use the enclosed case on the roof. The only downside is the car doesn't get washed basically all winter. Maybe it's an east coast thing but it's always heavily salted and a non-stop mist of salt on everything
I've been saying this about width for awhile online and people generally laugh. 100+mm skis as an all mountain skis work but its not the best and the people saying it works in reviews a lot of the time have race backgrounds or ski 100+ days a year. Everyone is going to find a 80mm ski easier to role onto edge and your knees with thank you for it too. These days I ski a 76mm Fischer CurvGT and Ranger 102, I love both, both have their place.
Please review DPS skis. I am specifically interested in the one-ski quiver DPS Pagoda Tour 100 vs 112. It carves better than any powder ski should be able to. But I can't make up my mind for the width.
Hi Rick, thanks for another video. I hope when you review ski liners that you will talk a bit about your boot fit experience. Everywhere I read suggests sizing down for a performance fit and better results. As a former ski racer, I'm curious about your take on this.
Elliott, got a full season on the 88TI's last season and would piggyback on the comments from the guy in eastern Canada minus the complicated relationship with an inanimate object lol. Yeah, the Maverick 88TI's rip. Quick, nimble, precise in any turn shape. Great in bumps, trees, ~6" new snow, old snow, frz granular like now here on EC. They were damn fast yesterday at Wildcat but with the precision of a fine chef's knife sliced through the ice and death cookies. They don't reward any sort of an accidental back seat position when you get tired but that's just a reminder that you're getting tired and it's not the ski's fault. Probably some of the best skis I've owned. My old 1st gen Brahmas were a close 2nd but w/o the soft snow versatility or light swing weight.
Hey Elliot! I'm planning on demoing a bunch of skis this season, but i don't know what i value in a ski. Can you recommend some representative skis from different categories/styles (surfy, damp, etc.) so i can ski then back to back and get a better idea of what i like? I'm an intermediate-advanced skier at Snowbasin this season. I rode the QST 98 last season and I've got the Nordica navigator 85s and elan ripstick 106s this season.
You've already got some fine skis there. My advice would be to keep an open mind and try everything you can even if it's just for one run. I guaranty that you'll surprise yourself with what you end up liking. If you are doing a Demo day then get there early be preconditioned to skiing well before that day so you can maximize your time on snow. Don't wait for the right ski to come back just take out whatever you can and take mental notes.
great quiver so far, I'm gonna address this fully in my next video since it's a complicated question, but keep an eye out, you should see it tonight or tomorrow.
agreed, that's how I got my trailer hitch, I got the bike carrier from one person and the tram from the other, though some of the deals I've seen have minimalized how much I actually saved lol. but overall if it's in good condition I agree.
Meanwhile I am here in Europe on 68mm wide skis. Last season I tried some of those famous all mountain skis, but didn’t really like it (for on piste). I felt like they made me a worse skier: more sliding than carving. I guess the snow is quite different as well.
Hey Elliott, I am new to the channel and have been devouring the content. Per your suggestion, I bought the 2023 ski of the year QST 98 to be my first ski! Now that I am getting it set up with bindings and wax, it seems like there is quite a big online debate as to whether new-from-the-factory skis should be tuned immediately or if they should be taken out a few times to see if it’s necessary. For what it’s worth, REI recommended taking them out first, but I’m worried as someone who’s only used rentals before that I won’t be able to distinguish between an issue with the ski versus me simply getting used to a new style. Care to weigh in?
Ski the factory tune. You should know what they are supposed to feel like before you start messing with the tune. Often factories send them out in excellent condition too. Enjoy it. Beyond that I'd say learn how to tune them yourself. You'll need an edge angle guide of 87 or 88 degrees a diamond file of 400 grit and a small clamp. Takes two minutes to do them. I wax my own as well but it's messy and time consuming. Check out some YT vids on how to tune your skis.
@@bearclaw5115 do you file/sand the edges every time? i got a proper wax kit this year but am apprehensive to work on the edges to be honest, and i'm not sure how often would be acceptable!
I guess it depends on what kind of "all mountain" skier you are in the end. Early season I hit mostly groomers and the non shitty moguls, but once there's a large base 80% of my time is in bowls, hike to terrain or general steeps. By mid season my 97's and 107's get all the action. I have been really enjoying my black crows orbs(88) in early conditions this year though
i have followed your opinion and bought myself a Kore 93 after my trusty Kore 99. I don’t agree with you on the fun factor, the 99 is A LOT more fun to ski on when I push them hard. but i agree with you the 93 almost automatically turn themselves. that also makes them little, boring. i don’t know, all in all, 99 will be what i bring for all mountain then. i dont mind more exercise on the day. 🎉
I could totally see loving the 99's I think it might just be personal preference in part due to my home mountain. My only point is that for a lot of people the width difference can have a big impact.
@ very true, weight is the key for that ski i think you and many others also mentioned that. my daughter which is 11 years old obviously doesn’t enjoy the kore 99 as much as the kore 87. maybe off topic, but i dont have much more money to buy all those skis so i just use the kores as example. yeah i am big fan of kore after i bought the 99 as result of your videos last year. then i bought 93, 87.
Hey Elliot, I’d like your advice on which ski I should bring to my first out west ski trip this year. I’ve skied in upstate NY and PA my whole life and am finally taking trips to UT and CO later this winter. I currently own a Nordica enforcer 88 and Salomon QST 92. I love both skis. Here on the east coast I generally use the enforcer 88 during the first half of the day when the conditions are firmer for carving and then switch to the QST 92 after lunch when it softens up for bumps, glades, etc. I am planning to only take 1 ski out west with me and id love to be able to stretch the legs of the enforcer on the bigger trails but also make the most of the powder and off piste skiing with the QST in conditions we don’t see a lot of here on the east coast. I know I’ll have a good time regardless of which ski I take but I’d like to hear your thoughts so I can make the most of the trips. Thanks in advance!
I'm in nearly the same shoes! Live in WNY and contemplating my trip ski for Utah in March. With your options I'd take the QST's as they will let you do stuff you can't back home. I'm taking a QST 106 myself which makes for a great West Coast trip ski. You'll be fine on the 92, floats good for it's width.
Ranger 96 or Rustler 9 for a east coast all mountain one ski quiver? Looking for overall best (Good edge hold on icy terrain, good in bumps, good in trees).
You realize that your goals are somewhat contradictory. A ski that's good in the trees (QST 92) is not going to have the best hold on ice (carving skis with two sheets of metal). But of your choices I think the Rustler 9 is more fun and more versatile.
Im short 5ft4inch New skier... I just bought the Dynastar M free90. 147cm. Wish ya had info on that. If u have a better suggestion that would be amazing.
Not enough info to give you a 'better' suggestion. But your probably in good shape. Don't fret the equipment right now, you just need time on snow. Have fun!
I’ve got a pair of black crow atris 105 and thinking about picking up another ski for more range of conditions. I’m curious as to if the qst 98 would be too little of a difference in skis. If so, I’m also considering the 92 or maybe something in that range.. Is there much of a difference between upper 90’s and lower 90’s or even maybe upper 80’s for width? I’m an advance skier looking to get better in bumps and trees this season!
having owned the Atris, you might feel disappointed by the QST line when charging really hard, or riding big mountain lines. but if you're looking for something playful, unserious and quick in the trees at the resort, the QSTs are dynamite! great edge hold too. they're beefy and damp, i was blasting thru windswept crust yesterday like it was nothing. i'd go 98 if you plan on getting into the deeper stuff often. I daily drive them out west and have zero complaints.
@@ayyyyeeee1403 I appreciate the feedback! I’m also out west, should have mentioned that at the start. Speaking of dampness on the qst, is it a chatter problem at speed? I used to own a pair of old bent 100’s so I’m used to the feeling. Compared to the Atris, what do you like more with your qst 98? I’d prefer a ski that’s quite different to my current setup. Have you skied the 92 width? If so, what were the major differences?
@@13iplayhockey the QST 98s won't chatter like a pair of Bents because they weigh a LOT more. which is why people tour with Bents/Rangers but not QSTs, and why Salomon has a dedicated touring line! i skied both last year for an entire day before buying the 98s. the hardpack gains you get in the 92 don't outweigh the soft snow gains you get from the 98. hope that helps dawg. either choice is a good one though, i'm still impressed with my 98s after 20+ days out on them. they ride like a cadillac baby
Current gen hoods with the bigger openings that wrap tight around your face / helmet don't flap like older jackets, my home mountain is extremely windy and I like skiing the super G hill and don't get the flapping.
EVERY roof rack I've had since 1995, Yakima, have gone through the car was fine. Plus, if you're smart, you put your skis in a bag if they go in a rack. Curious why you don't talk about the issues with a box, frozen locks, frozen gear (when left in it overnight) horrible gas mileage, and NO car washes, period
THE biggest consideration for width (in my opinion) is WHERE you ski - WHERE your local mountain is and WHERE on that mountain you spend most of your time. The daily driver for a Northeast skier who carves the groomers most days is going to be different that what works best for a Northwest skier who spends their day in the trees or out a gate looking for leftover powder.
Yes, all skiers just skiing on groomed runs whether on the east or west coast should skiing on nothing more than 80mm, this includes bumps. Look at World Cup mogul skiers, their skis are under 65mm. There is a reason why pro racers ski on narrower underfoot widths. Now, most of us will never even be as good as a high school racer who has been skiing since they were 2/3 years old. However, if you want to become the best skier you can be, it is time to get on a sub 75mm ski and learn how to properly turn and carve, whether this means a racing fun league, ski lessons, etc..., Of course, these skis won't work when there is more than 8 inches of powder and that is why you will then have another pair of skis which could be up to about 95mm. There is not a need for anything more, unless you hit a massive storm and then you could use something above 100mm+, but then this ski would be brought out, how times per year, 2-3 times maximum. I cannot believe how many skiers I see going out of bounds or the side country and they cannot make a proper turn, the only reason they feel confident out there is because the skis are now doing all of the work for them. There is hardly any technical skiing going on any more. But I guess, as long as people are having fun on the slopes then that is all that matters, all I know is they will never know the feeling of making a great turn.
Not just too wide, but with big floppy tips that don't even touch the snow. I call them Uncircumcised skis. 😂
I have a pair of 80 Nordica Spitfire's. I live and ski the east. They turn on ice like a hockey skate. Completely changes confidence level on sleeps. They only lose an edge when there's operator error.
Hey Elliot. Thank you so much for these videos. I consider myself an intermediate skier. I ski out in Snoqualmie mostly, but I do get over to Brundage. Unfortunately Snoqualmie still hasn't opened due to lack of snow, but I did get up to Whistler this weekend. Last season I bought used 2018 Atomic Vantage 90 CTI, and for this season, after watching many of your videos over the summer, I was able to pick up new Maverick 88TI's, and I absolutely love them! Even after the 8 month break from last season, I was instantly skiing better, making better turns edge to edge, and they handle amazing even in icy conditions. My friends were having a difficult time in the icy hard pack, but these skis made it easy. I'm so impressed with them and can't wait to try them in different ski conditions this year. Thank you so much for your honest reviews. Now I'm considering picking up Atomic Bents for powder days, but I want to see how the Mavericks handle deeper snow with the Horizon tech. I'm glad I listened to your advice about learning better form and technique on narrower skis, where my friends and store folk tell me to go over 100 width because that's the trend.
Thanks for the info on Gortex products. There's so much to research to cut through the marketing BS. Like many, I was sold on Gortex being the best, period, end of story.
Goretex is not the most weather proof material, but it's one of the most breathable weather proof materials. Goretex really isn't designed for resort skiing it's more for people who overheat and still need weather proofing as it vents heat better than most weatherproof materials.
Yes I ski off-piste 80% and the time and hike around. Plus I am the guy that over heats. In the Pacific Northwest I trust Gore-Tex with wet snow and freezing rain.
It is so nice but it doesn't last. $180 garments only good for a few seasons 😭😭😭
Bought some 2023 Volkl 121 Revolts and did a week in Japan and didn’t take them off for all snow types. Even Icey corduroy in the morning were a bunch of fun. Soft, mushy, hard and everything in between was wonderful. Matching the 177 to my 5,9” height and skiing style worked a treat. No chatter for charging either. I found it a great example of a ski that makes most snow conditions easier to ski, while of course perfect in powder. I still did a fun bumps run 😮 modern skis are getting so clever… people get very hung up on size… they resist a wider ski for years and then love it when they try it 😅 each to their own except if you ski your then don’t ski with other in powder under 100mm please - no one wants to wait for you 😂 thanks Elliot, love the content so refreshing and great opinions, keeps doing your thing your way!
I am new(ish) to skiing. I was on a pair of Blizzard 0Gs (for touring) last year, this year got a season pass to Baker, and was really struggling to see improvements, keep up with friends ext. I decided to do a demo day and tried the QST 92, 106, and a lib tech wreckreate 92 and wow, what a difference. All of them were way less punishing for getting in the back seat, easier to turn way more stable at speed and through crud, but I fell in love with how the 106s felt, even on a no-powder day.
I went home and immediately bought the 106s because, while I did notice the 92s were better at carving, I don't care about that much, I want to have better options in the powder, in the steep/not groomed, and I really like the "slarvy" turns the 106s made (I think this is the snowboard feeling you talk about). I also didn't notice any hip pain that you seem to mention.
My question is: As a newer skier, looking to get better at trees, powder, steeps, jumps and drops did I make the wrong choice (106 vs 98/92)? Are there "bad habits" I should watch out for developing while learning on a wider ski?
I didn't get hip discomfort until like 5 hours of the qst blank. I own the 106 and love them with 0 hip issues.
@@RicketySkiReviews Heck yeah, I'm gonna tell everyone to go 106 for their daily driver.
Lol they're my powder skis 🤣
Very impressed. You're asking a lot of good questions for a new skier.
I think you made a great choice with the 106 for Baker. I also own them, mounting them today actually. Sadly being an East Coaster I won't get as much use out of them as you!
@@ref498106 is a great daily driver for Baker. I ski Alpental and Stevens; my powder skis are 108s.
I found for on piste skiing 80-85 (like a deacon 84 or head v10) is the best. Brahma and kendo 88 are good also if you want a little wider but for groomed that is the upper limit. Unless you ski big mountain where you find powder often over 92-99 is overkill in my opinion. Watch the best skier and most of the time they are on slalom type skis 70-72 mm. On hard pack firm snow wide skis put a lot of torque on articulation to put them on edge. That is you want maximum performance. If you just want to chill and explore i guess anything goes.
It’s been nice to hear people come to their senses on this. Wide skis definitely have a place! Saw somebody post a 10+ ski quiver recently only with one option under 100
even 120mm+ skis have hardpack performance mentioned in their product descriptions now. we're at a point in ski tech now where you barely have to compromise on anything, so you may as well go as wide as you reasonably need to for when things get deeper. do I find it hard to carve a groomer on a modern 106mm ski? hell no, they're super fun. a bit slower edge-to-edge but after a couple runs, you've gotten used to it. do I find it hard to ski waist-deep pow on my 81mm carving skis? absolutely. and way less safe. and harder on my knee ligaments etc.
sorry for the background noise, apparently it's leaf blower season in my neighborhood
It’s ok bb ❤
good content is king🎉
Hey Rickety! Wanted to chime in on the Gore-Tex discussion, many of my family members including my dad work there and develop the garments. First there is some confusion here which many people have. The coating that is put on all jackets to “weather proof” it as you say, or have water drip off, is completely separate from the Gore Tex membrane. Many companies use it, Gore is working on making more green and eco friendly coatings. US law is also requiring for all companies to use more eco friendly coatings on the jackets, and this is what we are currently seeing as a large shift in the market. Gore uses the same coating, just a premium high quality version, and many of their other brands they work with use their own or similar high quality spray coatings. This coating wears off over time and if it gets dirty can be reactivated by washing the garment and drying it on high heat. You can also buy sprays and reapply this coating on any garment.
Now for the Gore Tex membrane. It is patented and only Gore has the technology to make that exact material originally, which is PTFE. Because of various environmental concerns there are laws that are coming that will require PTFE to no longer be used in consumer products. This is a wide sweeping law despite PTFE itself being stable and safe, and because of that Gore has developed over the last several years a new membrane that has some qualities that are better, some that are worse. For instance, the new membrane is not as fire resistant, thus for military applications and firemen, they will continue to use PTFE. For other applications such as skiing, the new membrane works really well, lasts longer in some wear conditions, and is breathable just like PTFE.
Here we get to what makes Gore Tex membrane when used in any jacket unique. It allows water vapor droplets to pass through garments while not allowing water to pass through. This allows sweat to evaporate through a garment while you are skiing hard, running, etc, without soaking or chilling you, but the membrane doesn’t allow water to pass through. This means that the coating spray on your Gore tex garment that makes water bead on it and can be reapplied is just the first stage protection. The main water proofing is the membrane itself which is laminated and sewn into the garment as a thin layer, and that you will not see unless you tear the garment apart. It has been tested and used in space (it was used in the astronaut space suits) and also enabled the first trans arctic expedition to cross the poles on sled teams. It is extremely durable and prevents severe hypothermia in harsh conditions because it lets you sweat but keeps you dry even if the outside spray wears off. My family are constantly torture texting the garments to extreme situations and Gore requires every company that works with them to submit to their rigor tests to ensure it meets their safety and user standards. That is why the gore tex brand can be expensive, and then on top of that each brand that utilizes the membrane can choose to charge higher or lower for their product, since the price is not determined by Gore. It is essentially a material that is included in jackets if the company chooses. It also makes its own jackets on a much smaller market and that is downsizing, most Gore tex jackets sold by the company go right to our military (every Marine and Navy shell jacket uses it, so if you want an amazing ski jacket for cheap just buy a gore tex military shell. I’ve used mine for years. Check the inside to make sure you are getting a gore tex, it has the logo sewn into the jacket). Anyway, hope I clarified that. I’m not sure why someone would claim that most jackets have better spray waterproof than Gore tex brand as we use the same ones in many cases, you can buy them to reapply, and the sprays have simply changed to become more environmentally friendly across the market. Hope this cleared this up with you and everyone, and I’d be happy to answer questions on the brand! I grew up in the company as I have so many family members deeply involved.
Nice write up!
Hi Elliot, my friend used the same Gore-Tex Jacket and bib for 20 years in a row in the Northwest and skied between 20-100 times a year. The reason I like the shorter jackets is my mainly ski off-piste.
I ski in the Eastern Townships in the Province of Québec and I’ve done a ski trip in a big resort for the last two years (Whistler and Verbier). I own a pair on carving skis (Rossignol V60 Forza) and I just sold my Salomon QST 98 to buy a pair of QST 92 because they’re going to be a better allrounder. I use them for the glades and touring and for the occasional pow day.
The salt from the roads destroys your skis and they'll require cleaning. For that reason I use the enclosed case on the roof. The only downside is the car doesn't get washed basically all winter. Maybe it's an east coast thing but it's always heavily salted and a non-stop mist of salt on everything
I've been saying this about width for awhile online and people generally laugh. 100+mm skis as an all mountain skis work but its not the best and the people saying it works in reviews a lot of the time have race backgrounds or ski 100+ days a year. Everyone is going to find a 80mm ski easier to role onto edge and your knees with thank you for it too.
These days I ski a 76mm Fischer CurvGT and Ranger 102, I love both, both have their place.
Please review DPS skis. I am specifically interested in the one-ski quiver DPS Pagoda Tour 100 vs 112. It carves better than any powder ski should be able to. But I can't make up my mind for the width.
Hi Rick, thanks for another video. I hope when you review ski liners that you will talk a bit about your boot fit experience. Everywhere I read suggests sizing down for a performance fit and better results. As a former ski racer, I'm curious about your take on this.
Elliott, got a full season on the 88TI's last season and would piggyback on the comments from the guy in eastern Canada minus the complicated relationship with an inanimate object lol. Yeah, the Maverick 88TI's rip. Quick, nimble, precise in any turn shape. Great in bumps, trees, ~6" new snow, old snow, frz granular like now here on EC. They were damn fast yesterday at Wildcat but with the precision of a fine chef's knife sliced through the ice and death cookies. They don't reward any sort of an accidental back seat position when you get tired but that's just a reminder that you're getting tired and it's not the ski's fault. Probably some of the best skis I've owned. My old 1st gen Brahmas were a close 2nd but w/o the soft snow versatility or light swing weight.
Dang Elliot. You’re on my browser again.
Right below the GearJunkie review of the ShredShox. 😂
Hey Elliot! I'm planning on demoing a bunch of skis this season, but i don't know what i value in a ski. Can you recommend some representative skis from different categories/styles (surfy, damp, etc.) so i can ski then back to back and get a better idea of what i like? I'm an intermediate-advanced skier at Snowbasin this season. I rode the QST 98 last season and I've got the Nordica navigator 85s and elan ripstick 106s this season.
You've already got some fine skis there. My advice would be to keep an open mind and try everything you can even if it's just for one run. I guaranty that you'll surprise yourself with what you end up liking. If you are doing a Demo day then get there early be preconditioned to skiing well before that day so you can maximize your time on snow. Don't wait for the right ski to come back just take out whatever you can and take mental notes.
great quiver so far, I'm gonna address this fully in my next video since it's a complicated question, but keep an eye out, you should see it tonight or tomorrow.
Francois sounds like a hoot, maybe I'll run into him when I'm in Quebec later this winter. 😂🤣
I am trying to ski the Kore 99 at Chamonix today. It is horrible
If you're skinny, you can subtract some MM's from the standard powder/BM/AM/carving designation. Probably a full class. Maybe 2.
There is a ton of used Thule equipment on marketplace. You can save a bunch buying used.
agreed, that's how I got my trailer hitch, I got the bike carrier from one person and the tram from the other, though some of the deals I've seen have minimalized how much I actually saved lol. but overall if it's in good condition I agree.
Meanwhile I am here in Europe on 68mm wide skis.
Last season I tried some of those famous all mountain skis, but didn’t really like it (for on piste).
I felt like they made me a worse skier: more sliding than carving.
I guess the snow is quite different as well.
Hi Elliott, unfortunatelly it's not possible to order from Germany 😢
Hey Elliott, I am new to the channel and have been devouring the content. Per your suggestion, I bought the 2023 ski of the year QST 98 to be my first ski! Now that I am getting it set up with bindings and wax, it seems like there is quite a big online debate as to whether new-from-the-factory skis should be tuned immediately or if they should be taken out a few times to see if it’s necessary. For what it’s worth, REI recommended taking them out first, but I’m worried as someone who’s only used rentals before that I won’t be able to distinguish between an issue with the ski versus me simply getting used to a new style. Care to weigh in?
Ski the factory tune. You should know what they are supposed to feel like before you start messing with the tune. Often factories send them out in excellent condition too. Enjoy it.
Beyond that I'd say learn how to tune them yourself. You'll need an edge angle guide of 87 or 88 degrees a diamond file of 400 grit and a small clamp. Takes two minutes to do them. I wax my own as well but it's messy and time consuming. Check out some YT vids on how to tune your skis.
@@bearclaw5115 do you file/sand the edges every time? i got a proper wax kit this year but am apprehensive to work on the edges to be honest, and i'm not sure how often would be acceptable!
I guess it depends on what kind of "all mountain" skier you are in the end. Early season I hit mostly groomers and the non shitty moguls, but once there's a large base 80% of my time is in bowls, hike to terrain or general steeps. By mid season my 97's and 107's get all the action. I have been really enjoying my black crows orbs(88) in early conditions this year though
i have followed your opinion and bought myself a Kore 93 after my trusty Kore 99. I don’t agree with you on the fun factor, the 99 is A LOT more fun to ski on when I push them hard. but i agree with you the 93 almost automatically turn themselves. that also makes them little, boring. i don’t know, all in all, 99 will be what i bring for all mountain then. i dont mind more exercise on the day. 🎉
Interesting opinion. Makes sense to me as well.
I hate my Kore 99s!! Even my ancient Helldorados carve better. Bag of shite
I could totally see loving the 99's I think it might just be personal preference in part due to my home mountain. My only point is that for a lot of people the width difference can have a big impact.
@ very true, weight is the key for that ski i think you and many others also mentioned that. my daughter which is 11 years old obviously doesn’t enjoy the kore 99 as much as the kore 87.
maybe off topic, but i dont have much more money to buy all those skis so i just use the kores as example. yeah i am big fan of kore after i bought the 99 as result of your videos last year. then i bought 93, 87.
Hey Elliot, I’d like your advice on which ski I should bring to my first out west ski trip this year. I’ve skied in upstate NY and PA my whole life and am finally taking trips to UT and CO later this winter.
I currently own a Nordica enforcer 88 and Salomon QST 92. I love both skis. Here on the east coast I generally use the enforcer 88 during the first half of the day when the conditions are firmer for carving and then switch to the QST 92 after lunch when it softens up for bumps, glades, etc. I am planning to only take 1 ski out west with me and id love to be able to stretch the legs of the enforcer on the bigger trails but also make the most of the powder and off piste skiing with the QST in conditions we don’t see a lot of here on the east coast.
I know I’ll have a good time regardless of which ski I take but I’d like to hear your thoughts so I can make the most of the trips. Thanks in advance!
I'm in nearly the same shoes! Live in WNY and contemplating my trip ski for Utah in March. With your options I'd take the QST's as they will let you do stuff you can't back home. I'm taking a QST 106 myself which makes for a great West Coast trip ski. You'll be fine on the 92, floats good for it's width.
+1 on the previous comment. i doubt you'll find any floatation issues with those QSTs, they're miraculous in soft snow.
Ranger 96 or Rustler 9 for a east coast all mountain one ski quiver? Looking for overall best (Good edge hold on icy terrain, good in bumps, good in trees).
You realize that your goals are somewhat contradictory. A ski that's good in the trees (QST 92) is not going to have the best hold on ice (carving skis with two sheets of metal). But of your choices I think the Rustler 9 is more fun and more versatile.
Any opinions on Maverick 88ti versus 95ti? Im on 95's and feel a little bulkier than I want when carving on blues/blacks.
You answered your own question. If you are planning on keeping both skis then get a real carving ski and keep the 95's for deeper stuff.
@bearclaw5115 I think my question is more about how different they feel, and if I have a skill issue more than an equipment issue.
Im short 5ft4inch New skier... I just bought the Dynastar M free90. 147cm. Wish ya had info on that. If u have a better suggestion that would be amazing.
Not enough info to give you a 'better' suggestion. But your probably in good shape. Don't fret the equipment right now, you just need time on snow. Have fun!
@bearclaw5115 Thank you!
Love your channel. You are fun to listen to. Great Job 👍
I’ve got a pair of black crow atris 105 and thinking about picking up another ski for more range of conditions.
I’m curious as to if the qst 98 would be too little of a difference in skis. If so, I’m also considering the 92 or maybe something in that range.. Is there much of a difference between upper 90’s and lower 90’s or even maybe upper 80’s for width?
I’m an advance skier looking to get better in bumps and trees this season!
Yeah, do the 92. You'll have the ultimate tree ski and also something for deeper days too.
having owned the Atris, you might feel disappointed by the QST line when charging really hard, or riding big mountain lines. but if you're looking for something playful, unserious and quick in the trees at the resort, the QSTs are dynamite! great edge hold too. they're beefy and damp, i was blasting thru windswept crust yesterday like it was nothing. i'd go 98 if you plan on getting into the deeper stuff often. I daily drive them out west and have zero complaints.
@@ayyyyeeee1403 I appreciate the feedback! I’m also out west, should have mentioned that at the start. Speaking of dampness on the qst, is it a chatter problem at speed? I used to own a pair of old bent 100’s so I’m used to the feeling.
Compared to the Atris, what do you like more with your qst 98? I’d prefer a ski that’s quite different to my current setup. Have you skied the 92 width? If so, what were the major differences?
@@13iplayhockey the QST 98s won't chatter like a pair of Bents because they weigh a LOT more. which is why people tour with Bents/Rangers but not QSTs, and why Salomon has a dedicated touring line!
i skied both last year for an entire day before buying the 98s. the hardpack gains you get in the 92 don't outweigh the soft snow gains you get from the 98.
hope that helps dawg. either choice is a good one though, i'm still impressed with my 98s after 20+ days out on them. they ride like a cadillac baby
I go very narrow. Pay for it in any deep powder. I have some others for that.
Yes 👍
You have a hood on your ski jacket??? I ski at 40 mph as much as possible, I could never stand that flapping in the wind.
Current gen hoods with the bigger openings that wrap tight around your face / helmet don't flap like older jackets, my home mountain is extremely windy and I like skiing the super G hill and don't get the flapping.
Trailer hitch rack would never work around here. Way too much salt and sand on the road.
EVERY roof rack I've had since 1995, Yakima, have gone through the car was fine. Plus, if you're smart, you put your skis in a bag if they go in a rack. Curious why you don't talk about the issues with a box, frozen locks, frozen gear (when left in it overnight) horrible gas mileage, and NO car washes, period
I talk about that in the original video referenced, but yes agree, though the locks have improved somewhat in recent years
i have a Thule box from the 70s that's still rockin, i get lots of compliments at the hill for it
You wash your car? 😂
Metal skis sounds horrible. There's no way that feels anywhere near as nice as a wood core
Quite the opposite. Metal skis are generally smoother than wood skis. Wood skis typically have a livelier ride though.
Try going fast on piste, or skiing through crud aggressively, then no metal is definitely horrible.