Big Mountain Ski Comparison - The Mid-fat Grudge Match
UPDATE: Check out the 2014 big mountain ski comparison here.
Last week we took a look at our most popular category, the 98 mm under foot skis, in an all mountain ski comparison. This week, we're taking a step up into the 100 to 110 mm range, what we'd call big-mountain skis.
There are wider skis that still fit into the big mountain ski category, but the 100 to 110 width are still solid quiver-of-one contenders for skiers in high snowfall ski areas that favor off-trail soft snow seeking to railing groomers all day, what Sierra Jim terms soft-snow oriented skis.
For this ski comparison, we're looking at the Armada TST, Atomic Ritual, Blizzard Cochise, Dynastar Cham 107, Head REV 105, Kastle BMX 108, Icelantic Nomad RKR and Volkl Gotama.
Strengths: Playful and full capable in the powder, thanks to big rockered and tapered tips that don't dive or hook in 3-dimensional snow. Camber underfoot keeps these skis capable on the hardpack, moderate flex for an easy-going feel.
Weaknesses: Softer flex than some in this group gives up a little edge grip on hard snow, big rockered tips make for a shorter running length, so size up.
Who it's for: The Armada TST is a playful powder oriented big mountain ski that's best for someone who likes to surf, smear and pop off terrain features rather than straight-lining down the fall line or laying down trenches on the groomers.
Full Armada TST Review
Strengths: A fairly traditional shape with some early rise in the tip and tail makes this ski a great all-rounder, and lightweight construction makes this a top pick for sidecountry or backcountry use with a binding.
Weaknesses: Lightweight gives up a little hard-charging, straight-lining ability, but the camber and sidecut means it'll hold an edge well on hard snow. Not the "surfiest" powder performer in the group.
Who it's for: Whether you're looking for a great in-bounds Swiss Army Knife ski to do it all in-bounds or want a dependable companion in the backcountry, the Atomic Ritual is a great choice.
Video Atomic Ritual Review
Strengths: This award-winning ski uses Blizzard's Flipcore technology to combine rocker in the tip and tail with a flat section underfoot for a really versatile shape, and added a metal layup for a stiff damp feel. This ski charges hard but surfs and turns quickly thanks to its shape.
Weaknesses: Not for the faint of heart - this is a ski that demands strength and technical proficiency, and it likes to go fast. That's not to say it can't make quick turns in the trees or slash powder turns, but it takes confident input.
Who it's for: Hard charging skiers with good technical skills who prefers fatter skis to do it all - from straight-lining big vert to surfing powder to ripping GS turns on the groomers, this is a seriously capable ski in the right hands.
Strengths: Part of the Dynastar Cham line that's turning heads and racking up magazine awards, the Cham 107 combines fairly stiff flex with a big rockered tip and a flat tapered tail for the best crud-buster in the group. This ski is unflappable at speed. Camber underfoot with a fairly short turning radius means it can pop off quick turns on the groomers too.
Weaknesses: The stiff flex means it takes a hard-charging skier to get the most out of it - not the most forgiving or easy-going ski out of this group. The flat tails don't slash around in 3 dimensional snow as easily as the others in the group that have rockered tails.
Who it's for: These are fantastic for skiers who want a little bit old-school (stiff flex, camber, sidecut and flat tails) for a lively ski on firm snow with a little bit new school (rockered tips and a tapered tail) for fun off-piste.
Video Dynastar Cham 107 Review
Strengths: This is an approachable ski that's tons of fun thanks to a moderate flex, wide, rockered tip and a fairly short turn radius. It floats well, turns quickly and has good grip on firm snow. Just roll your ankle slightly and it turns with ease.
Weaknesses: For those who like super-stiff skis, this is not for you. Fairly traditional shape is less surfy in soft snow than others in the category.
Who it's for: This is a great ski for anybody from the intermediate skier starting to get off-trail and into the powder to an advanced or expert skier who values versatility and playfulness over hard charging and straight line top speed. A sleeper in the group, this has turned out to be one of our favorites.
Full Head REV 105 Review
Strengths: Kastle's ineffable ability to blend light and lively with smooth and damp shines in this ski. It uses no new or extreme shape to achieve it's characteristics, and it's the kind of ski that disappears underfoot - you just don't have to think about it when your skiing, which is what you really want.
Weaknesses: It's the most expensive in the group - but it's one of those skis that's worth the price of admission if you know what you're looking for.
Who it's for: This is the European sports car of the test, so it's for a similar skier - refined taste, experience and the ability to appreciate the truly unique characteristics that Kastle is able to give each one of its skis.
Strengths: One of the first skis that Volkl went for full rocker with, it's since been tuned to a continuous low profile rocker from tip to tail, making it tons of fun in soft snow, surfing and slashing with skis well wider than it. Fully rockered may sound twitchy on the hardpack, but Volkl matched the sidecut to the reverse-camber so when you tilt it over, you get the full edge for carving.
Weaknesses: Flat on hardpack, these fully rockered skis aren't as stable as others in this test - you're better off keeping them up on edge. The Gotamas aren't the best in test in the crud, either.
Who it's for: The Volkl Gotama has had a strong following for a long time, and with the introduction of the fully rockered profile, it's become a little more polarizing. Like the pop and grip of the older, cambered version? This may not be the ski for you. Love quick turns and smearing around in different snow conditions? The Gotama is a blast.
Full Volkl Gotama Review
Strengths: This is a fun new school rocker-camber-rocker ski with moderate flex that's both playful and dependable. Bonus points from this indie manufacturer: it's made in the USA and carries a full 2 year warranty (double others' warranties). Definitely an all-rounder in this group.
Weaknesses: Picks playfulness over charging high speed and straight lines, but it's still surprisingly solid in the crud and carving on a groomer. It's more light and lively than big and damp.
Who it's for: For the skier who's looking for a fantastic ski from an out-of-the-ordinary ski brand. A worthy western quiver-of-one ski or eastern powder slayer.