Hi guys. I liked this one better than anything you ever done, with the "list" of questions. When you answer questions directly like that, it really narrows down the explanation and makes it way more clear what the ski feels like. I appreciate you both. Good job
Now that we have a feel for the skis you own and are doing a Q&A during your reviews; I would find it very helpful if one of the questions was something like: ‘When are you are bringing this ski to the mountain instead of the other skis in your quiver?’ Among other things, I’m learning a lot about mount point and associated ski behavior in your reviews. Thanks
Hey Bob, just a comment on the mount point. I know this might not necessarily apply to the dancer but I have an agent 2 that I mounted with strive demos specifically for the reason that I was not confident about the "progressive" mount. So long story short, I am very traditional skier and I liked my agents at "traditional" to -1 from "traditional". To me, this is where you will get plenty of shovel to push against and "quick" tail to swing around in tight, technical terrain - without burning your legs to crisp :)
I think the difference between me and Bob is that we are both the same weight but Bob is taller.. I think with that Bob absorbs the energy from skis and camber seams to work well.. Bob has a pair of long straight skis.. I really liked long straight skis with camber because I could absorb that energy and use.. This particular ski has camber and 2 sheets of metal so my guess is that I could absorb some of that energy.. Mantra, Stormrider, and Enforcer really doesn't have camber.. I think you guys mentioned that the Paragon has camber.. I know that Maverick TI has camber and that ski has too much energy for me.. I really like when you do question/answer videos and I really like it when you do on snow ski comparison videos.. Also I like it when you include Matt even though he has way too much energy for me.. Me like 30 years ago;)
Hi guys, I’ve been diving into your reviews lately, and I really appreciate the detail you put into them. I’m looking for a versatile ski for the Alps. Mornings are on groomed snow, but by midday it warms up, creating mixed conditions with moguls and soft piles on the pistes. I’d like something playful for mixed terrain, with enough float for light off-piste/powder, stable and responsive enough because I love to ski fast. I’d also like to experiment with natural jumps or basic tricks like grabs and 360s. I’m 183cm, 77kg, and an advanced skier. After watching your videos, I’m considering the Blizzard Rustler 9, Salomon QST 92, Faction Prodigy 2, or Armada ARV 94, but I’m open to suggestions. Thanks for your help!
If you're not leaning into park and freestyle all that much, the QST 92 is such a great and well-rounded ski. The Dancer takes it to the next level with the added metal for dampness and power, but the QST does quite well. Rustler 9 is very comprehensive as well, but a bit wider than QST and not quite as peppy out of the turn. I'd go QST 92 in the 176.
Great timing (for me) I am looking at getting a "post-storm" CO ski. Have been experiencing a poor December here in Breck and finding way too many skid spots under the bumps or on the more steeper spots of the groomed blues/blacks. Skidding out is No Joy when I lose grip. How would these Factions hold.... compared to K2 Mindbenders 99Ti? (Bob and I are similar build though he is technically more sound on skis) I like a wider ski but would a Mindbender 89Ti hold an edge better?
The Faction doesn't feel as planted as the K2 99, but it's a lot more agile and mobile. In a vacuum, and on paper, the 89 will hold an edge better, but won't be as versatile for off-trail activities.
TIA, I ski an older M5 and want to upgrade. Above average skier, over 200 lbs, like bumps and steep more than on Piste, but still need to hang with the wife.. I just demoed, the Rustler 9, didn;t like it, too soft. Demoed enforcer and head Kore and liked them just fine. Is the M7 best? What ski out of these new ones, would you recommend?
Thanks for the reviews guys, really helped a lot learning more about those skis. At the moment I am searching a new one for like 50% piste and 50% backcountry. I did ski racing back in the day so I guess the dancer 2/3 are pretty good because of the stiffness for higher velocity? Do you maybe recommend another one or can’t I go wrong with one of those? Thanks in advance! 😊
I think skis in the mid 90's work great for 50/50 skiing, so Dancer 2 would be a great fit here. If you want a stiffer ski for faster speeds, I'd also take a look at the Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl Mantra M7, and Blizzard Anomaly 94.
This ski came up in post-filming conversation. You're absolutely correct in that the build is very similar, even down to the caps in the tips and tails. The Atomic still feels more directional and happier in carved turns on firmer snow and I still think it lacks the off-trail agility of the Dancer. One of the things I liked most about the Dancer, which I forgot to mention in the video, is that when you're skiing bumps, or bumpy terrain, it's super easy to set a hard edge with confidence when needed. The Maverick would take me for a ride if I tried to do the same turn, that is, you get the grip of the metal but also the forgiveness of the shape. The Atomic lacks that forgiveness in my experience, especially in rough and rugged terrain.
@SkiEssentials thanks for the detailed answer. I just purchased the Maverick 95. The dancer was also on my short list. I just happened to get a great deal on the atomic, (plus I also had a chance to rent the Maverick in tahoe. I know I liked.. it so it was a sure bet). Very curious about the dancer though... however I have a blaze 94, so that's really my bump and tree ski for soft snow. I can't imagine it would be better than the blaze at those things.
I'm not going to say no, but it is an interesting setup with a very light ski and a very heavy binding. I'm not convinced that the Playmaker is a "stable" ski, but certainly playful! I often think of the Duke as an alpine binding with touring potential, so don't expect a lot of efficiency from the binding portion of this combo. I have a Duke 16 on an Enforcer 104 Unlimited and it's an awesome setup, but is a hefty uphill pairing.
@@Londo-Games Not in terms of downhill performance! Full confidence on the Duke when buckled in. I'd say the toe piece that removes for touring is the sticking point for most skiers. It's on the finicky side and is best to practice the removal and installation process inside before heading straight to the top.
There's still more confidence in a carved turn on the Enforcer, but the Dancer is more mobile and agile in tighter spaces. In softer snow, the Dancer is more fun, but the Enforcer is more powerful and will plow through crud and chop. I'd say flotation is about equal.
I am an experienced skier but can't decide my next ski. I ski 50% piste, 30% off piste/trees and 20% park. I LOVE short and quick turns but speed is as important. Also getting into switch as well as 360s. Came across the Rustler 9 & ARV94. Could you guys help me please?
I think if park and tricks are emerging as a standard part of your repertoire, then the ARV makes a lot of sense here. They're pretty darn sturdy for a twin tip. The Rustler is very nice, and will hold up better on-piste, but not as much for off-piste and park.
Hi guys. I liked this one better than anything you ever done, with the "list" of questions. When you answer questions directly like that, it really narrows down the explanation and makes it way more clear what the ski feels like. I appreciate you both. Good job
Thanks for watching. We appreciate the feedback.
Love the hard hitting reviews! I imagine these will fly out the door.
I agree with jeff.. every ski is a bump ski when Bob is on Them!! He casually rips enforcers through east coast bumps!! 😂
Now that we have a feel for the skis you own and are doing a Q&A during your reviews; I would find it very helpful if one of the questions was something like:
‘When are you are bringing this ski to the mountain instead of the other skis in your quiver?’
Among other things, I’m learning a lot about mount point and associated ski behavior in your reviews. Thanks
Youre lookin pretty damn quick on those skis Bob... on pretty damn hard snow. Impressive thru those tight/steep bumps!
Thanks! These skis have a very high wiggle factor, especially for having two sheets of metal.
Hey Bob, just a comment on the mount point. I know this might not necessarily apply to the dancer but I have an agent 2 that I mounted with strive demos specifically for the reason that I was not confident about the "progressive" mount. So long story short, I am very traditional skier and I liked my agents at "traditional" to -1 from "traditional". To me, this is where you will get plenty of shovel to push against and "quick" tail to swing around in tight, technical terrain - without burning your legs to crisp :)
Thanks for the feedback! I just re-mounted them to the classic line, so stay tuned! It's about -1.5 from the Progressive.
Full review for the studio 2 coming soon? 🙏
As soon as Stowe opens their bigger park and I can hit some jumps on it!
I think the difference between me and Bob is that we are both the same weight but Bob is taller.. I think with that Bob absorbs the energy from skis and camber seams to work well.. Bob has a pair of long straight skis.. I really liked long straight skis with camber because I could absorb that energy and use.. This particular ski has camber and 2 sheets of metal so my guess is that I could absorb some of that energy.. Mantra, Stormrider, and Enforcer really doesn't have camber.. I think you guys mentioned that the Paragon has camber.. I know that Maverick TI has camber and that ski has too much energy for me..
I really like when you do question/answer videos and I really like it when you do on snow ski comparison videos.. Also I like it when you include Matt even though he has way too much energy for me.. Me like 30 years ago;)
Hi guys, I’ve been diving into your reviews lately, and I really appreciate the detail you put into them.
I’m looking for a versatile ski for the Alps. Mornings are on groomed snow, but by midday it warms up, creating mixed conditions with moguls and soft piles on the pistes. I’d like something playful for mixed terrain, with enough float for light off-piste/powder, stable and responsive enough because I love to ski fast. I’d also like to experiment with natural jumps or basic tricks like grabs and 360s.
I’m 183cm, 77kg, and an advanced skier. After watching your videos, I’m considering the Blizzard Rustler 9, Salomon QST 92, Faction Prodigy 2, or Armada ARV 94, but I’m open to suggestions. Thanks for your help!
If you're not leaning into park and freestyle all that much, the QST 92 is such a great and well-rounded ski. The Dancer takes it to the next level with the added metal for dampness and power, but the QST does quite well. Rustler 9 is very comprehensive as well, but a bit wider than QST and not quite as peppy out of the turn. I'd go QST 92 in the 176.
@ Thanks for the response!
Happy New Year ski essentials family!!!!!!!!
Happy New Year to you too!
will you guys be talking about the dancer 4 this season?
I'd love to get on the Dancer 4. We're working more and more with Faction this year, so it's more probable than not.
Great review! Do you guys demo these at Pinnacle?
I don't think we have a strong Faction demo fleet at Pinnacle, unfortunately. I'm looking into it.
Great timing (for me) I am looking at getting a "post-storm" CO ski. Have been experiencing a poor December here in Breck and finding way too many skid spots under the bumps or on the more steeper spots of the groomed blues/blacks. Skidding out is No Joy when I lose grip. How would these Factions hold.... compared to K2 Mindbenders 99Ti? (Bob and I are similar build though he is technically more sound on skis) I like a wider ski but would a Mindbender 89Ti hold an edge better?
The Faction doesn't feel as planted as the K2 99, but it's a lot more agile and mobile. In a vacuum, and on paper, the 89 will hold an edge better, but won't be as versatile for off-trail activities.
Check out a Maverick 95. Or maybe a leftover Kastle fx 96ti.
TIA, I ski an older M5 and want to upgrade. Above average skier, over 200 lbs, like bumps and steep more than on Piste, but still need to hang with the wife.. I just demoed, the Rustler 9, didn;t like it, too soft. Demoed enforcer and head Kore and liked them just fine. Is the M7 best? What ski out of these new ones, would you recommend?
I'd say you will like the M7. More crispness and energy than the Enforcer and more stable than the Kore.
Thanks for the reviews guys, really helped a lot learning more about those skis.
At the moment I am searching a new one for like 50% piste and 50% backcountry. I did ski racing back in the day so I guess the dancer 2/3 are pretty good because of the stiffness for higher velocity?
Do you maybe recommend another one or can’t I go wrong with one of those? Thanks in advance! 😊
I think skis in the mid 90's work great for 50/50 skiing, so Dancer 2 would be a great fit here. If you want a stiffer ski for faster speeds, I'd also take a look at the Nordica Enforcer 94, Volkl Mantra M7, and Blizzard Anomaly 94.
@ Great, thanks alot!
Would the Maverick 95 be lighter?.their shape doesn't seem that similar but the build seems kind of similar
This ski came up in post-filming conversation. You're absolutely correct in that the build is very similar, even down to the caps in the tips and tails. The Atomic still feels more directional and happier in carved turns on firmer snow and I still think it lacks the off-trail agility of the Dancer. One of the things I liked most about the Dancer, which I forgot to mention in the video, is that when you're skiing bumps, or bumpy terrain, it's super easy to set a hard edge with confidence when needed. The Maverick would take me for a ride if I tried to do the same turn, that is, you get the grip of the metal but also the forgiveness of the shape. The Atomic lacks that forgiveness in my experience, especially in rough and rugged terrain.
@SkiEssentials thanks for the detailed answer. I just purchased the Maverick 95. The dancer was also on my short list. I just happened to get a great deal on the atomic, (plus I also had a chance to rent the Maverick in tahoe. I know I liked.. it so it was a sure bet). Very curious about the dancer though... however I have a blaze 94, so that's really my bump and tree ski for soft snow. I can't imagine it would be better than the blaze at those things.
@@carterfan80 I'd rather ski the Blaze 94 in bumps than the Dancer!
Would you recommend a elan playmaker with a duke pt 16? Been looking for a playful & stable ski to wack a hybrid binding on?
I'm not going to say no, but it is an interesting setup with a very light ski and a very heavy binding. I'm not convinced that the Playmaker is a "stable" ski, but certainly playful! I often think of the Duke as an alpine binding with touring potential, so don't expect a lot of efficiency from the binding portion of this combo. I have a Duke 16 on an Enforcer 104 Unlimited and it's an awesome setup, but is a hefty uphill pairing.
@ Thanks for the response! I’m not concerned about uphill performance, just downhill performance, is there any drawbacks with a Duke?
@@Londo-Games Not in terms of downhill performance! Full confidence on the Duke when buckled in. I'd say the toe piece that removes for touring is the sticking point for most skiers. It's on the finicky side and is best to practice the removal and installation process inside before heading straight to the top.
How is it up next to enforcer 99?
There's still more confidence in a carved turn on the Enforcer, but the Dancer is more mobile and agile in tighter spaces. In softer snow, the Dancer is more fun, but the Enforcer is more powerful and will plow through crud and chop. I'd say flotation is about equal.
I am an experienced skier but can't decide my next ski. I ski 50% piste, 30% off piste/trees and 20% park. I LOVE short and quick turns but speed is as important. Also getting into switch as well as 360s. Came across the Rustler 9 & ARV94. Could you guys help me please?
I think if park and tricks are emerging as a standard part of your repertoire, then the ARV makes a lot of sense here. They're pretty darn sturdy for a twin tip. The Rustler is very nice, and will hold up better on-piste, but not as much for off-piste and park.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks for your reply!!!