Love these ..can't wait to get delivery of the Wrangler ~ ordered it after your reviews & advice! gonna be back & forth between the Kendo & Wrangler but that's a good problem to have. Hope the childcare situation works itself out - as always - thanks for all you do.
Thanks for a great vid! Would you consider doing an East Coast daily driver review? Like FIS slalom skis with 3 degree edges? Lol. Skis that work in icy bumps, icy groomers, and East Coast powder (slush)? I have some Salomon NFX's but don't know what to replace them with...
I found out why you like the Atomic Maverick yesterday. Demo'd a pair at Perisher Australia in icy conditions and felt very comfortable on them, made me realise how dull the edges on my old 2016 Kendos had gotten 😂
Hey Elliot. Great stuff. Can you do some videos on skis for short guys and women. I prefer a 152-162 as I’m 5’4” 148lb. My wife is exactly the same. I got the atomic maven 93c in 156 for her after her old skis pooped out. She was having trouble getting forward on them but she only got a few days in them in April. ($329 at EVO!). Anyways my suggestion is go into a little depth on the women’s line of said ski that has the same shape and chassis. Maven/maverick, etc. thanks.
Kore 93 guy here. 6'1", 210. I skied 22" of powder in the trees of WV last January. These did awesome for me. Also they're damn near telekinetic on hardpack. 180 length
Oh awesome! I hope you love them! I just found out my Atomic Mavericks didn't get covered under warranty so I'll probably be getting more days on the Wranglers this season.
If you haven't already, you should try some Faction Dancer 2s (96 underfoot). Local shop next to Highlands Hollow typically has some to demo. I bought a pair of demo skis end of last season (got final weekend at Bogus on them) and was blown away. They carved, floated, and drove through the chop and slush with such ease - finesse and power (like a dancer). Can't wait to get them back on the mountain. Plus they were demos so good for early/late season conditions without worrying about beating them up.
@@carterfan80I love my faction agent 1 as my spring touring ski. footprint is the same as the dancer just with different materials inside for weight savings. Very interested in testing the dancers also
@@carterfan80 With what I've used they would be similar to the Stockli SR 102s or Ripsticks. Little more stiff/solid than the Stocklis though even though both have 2 sheets of metal (Stocklis are a little more damp with their rubber dust). Can't beat the Ripsticks for swooping/carving fast lines on piste but I'd say the Factions are a little more stable and maneuverable off piste and carve almost as well. If good snow and I'm skiing first to last chair I'll use the Ripsticks (or Stocklis) as skiing all day on the Dancers can be a little more tiring. If more crud/icy conditions, the Factions handle themselves better. Also for reference, I'm a bigger guy (~6'3" and 230lbs) which also makes a difference since I like stiffer skis that I can bend vs. softer skis that act like noodles when I'm on them). I replaced some Liberty Origins with the Dancers as the Libertys were way too soft and unstable for me. I also have some Faction Mana 2s (more of a stiff twin tip with no metal vs. the Dancers with metal that are a little more directional) I got on discount last season which I think may be a little better off piste in the trees but I haven't had enough time on them to form a good opinion yet (and note I've had way more time on the Dancer 3s than the 2s but was super impressed by how versatile the 2s are).
You should try the armada declivity 88c this upcoming season! Got them after moving on from maverick 88s TI that were too long (184) and landed on the 176cm
I have four 93-96 waist skis that I'm hoping to demo this winter in mixed conditions to fill my gap between 76 and 104 underfoot, all of which would be more laid-back and playful than any of the skis in my quiver: Black Crows Serpo, Blizzard Rustler 9, Kästle Paragon 93, and Meier Wrangler.
Just haven't been able to try them, none demoed locally, I did however like the Ripstick 96 Black Editions, just not quite in the paramaters of a daily driver I would want personally, but a beautiful ski.
@@RicketySkiReviewsthe 96 BE’s are wonderful skis, but having skied them back to back with the Volkl Kendo 88; the Kendo is far more versatile. You can hit icy groomed runs, bash through crud and handle 6 inches of heavy wet Cascade concrete on Kendos and they feel great.
Elliot.. This is God and you really want to get Stockli;) I would make sure that the Stormrider series got the heal area fixed before getting them.. If my 88s go I might actually go narrower since I have a lot of really good wider skis.. Maybe do the Montero.. Either AR or AX.. I would like to get on the kendo/mantra and see how they are....
I have no NEED for another daily driver, yet this channel's corrupted me I want something a bit more narrow w/a carving emphasis. QST 92 is nice but I think I want more precision in a narrower ski (96 is my least width ski). Which leads me to either the Head 93 or the Kendo. I've seen the Kendo lots at Squaw last spring. Usually on spring snow, although I saw someone rocking them pretty well in over 3ft on Cinco Dey Mayo. I'd like something with carving emphasis w/the option to hit off-piste in 3-9 inches of fresh, or corn/slush.
Hey Elliott! Born, lived, and always (and only) skied the mid atlantic (VA, WV, MD, and PA). Just found out in a couple months Ill be moving to park city utah and would like some feedback. Ive already asked about my quiver before and the commenters say i should get a pair of narrow carving skis. I own a pair of salomon stance 90s and i love carving but if I moving to utah is this still the move? Ive settled on a rossignol hero mt for a carver but haven't purchased anything so i still have money to switch to a powder ski if you guys think i should. Again ive never skied outside the mid atlantic so any feedback is appreciated!
I am predicting you will get the Octo over the other skis if your Mavericks are gone forever. But getting a discounted price on that ski before the start of the season is very unlikely. Maybe Black Crows will send the ski back to you to use for the season since you like it so much? QST line is probably a good softer snow ski, but way too playful on harder snow groomers to be a daily driver for me. Smart move on your part to the QST 106 as your POW ski.
@@RicketySkiReviews Agreed... but the Octo is a brand new ski and I was reading that some Black Crows skis sell out of inventory quickly. I am just predicting that the Octo may seel out quickly. I have been looking at the 88 Kendo on the ski essentials website for $350. I could throw an old pair of bindings on it and add a third ski to my quiver. It could be fun when I am stuck on the groomers anyways during the early season or when off piste is just too crusty.
Elliott, do you have any experience with ski exercise machines like "Skiers Edge". Do you think they are a good thing to use before the season starts. Which ones are the best.
omg you just gave me flashbacks, yes I had an early one in my home as a kid, but that was 25 years ago, the machine I believe has changed a ton. Most big ski racers don't tend to use them, I would use the summer to take a break from skiing and weight lift mixed with other sports like swimming or mt biking. but just my 2 cents. I'm sure they don't make you any worse of a skier.
May be worth looking at the Pro Ski simulator- less pricey that the higher end skiers edge models. The power version has bindings so you can use it in your ski boots. It’s neat toy but at 2k may not be worth it unless you specifically like exercising on it. You can move your feet a couple inches forward and backward. The stance width is fixed but reasonable. There is no rotation ability for your feet. It’s ok and does simulate short turns because you are going back and forth on it quickly. That said, it approximates some elements of skiing. It is not a substitute though. If you were looking for a machine to really get your heart rate up, then this is not likely the best machine for you based on my experience. On the other hand, it is fun and if combined with a 3-D projector could simulate some aspects of skiing and be entertaining , however, again not sure this is worth the money. As Elliot says there are other things you could be doing during the off-season that would be effective and I would add a whole lot cheaper.
I hear you always reccomending the qst 92, but how does the qst 98 compare to the 92? Is it a better all-mountain ski? How does it compare to a ski like the bent 100 2025? Love the videos!
I really need to get on some Octo’s. That ski seems like it would be perfect for me. My only concern is the lack of metal. The last 3 seasons my daily driver/drivers has been the Brahma 82 in 180 and 173. A Good carving ski with some all mountain chops seems to be the right balance for me. Any thoughts you guys? Thanks ⛷️🔥🤙
Next season goal: get Salomon on board and demo the Stance 90. If I was in the market, I found a new set of 176 Maverick 88 for 376 banana leaves on eβay.
Hi Elliot Have you ever skied the Nordica unleashed 98? I currently ski kore 93s but I’m looking for something that is a little easier off piste and in the bumps. don’t get me wrong, I love my Kores, i’m just thinking if I can get something that is a little more versatile without giving up the core quality on piste. I’m 6’ 200lbs and home is in the NE. Thoughts?
Hi! please if u can, i´m 5.9 tall and 200 l´d like kore 93 in 1.84 can be to mach for me? for the length, i been skied last ten years, i´m advanced skier, thanks! no trees, only wide open run! fast
You gotta make that decision for yourself haha, I make enough impulsive ski purchases myself. I really liked them, but honestly there's no harm in waiting if you have a local shop that let's you demo Blackcrows. Have you tried the mirus Cor?
I was WRONG! You can buy the Black Crows Octo Now! Thanks everyone! www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=372417&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=886239
They were $1300 when you reviewed them during the winter. Nice to see the prices have come down.
Why am I watching ski content at 8am in the summer? Elliott.
In same boat. Maybe because it’s so hot here in Phoenix
Nightshift is cool Elliot, just have to ignore the crickets 😉
Not familiar with the Meyers….but great picks for the rest. Would love to try the Octo one day.
It's definitely worth trying!
Love these ..can't wait to get delivery of the Wrangler ~ ordered it after your reviews & advice! gonna be back & forth between the Kendo & Wrangler but that's a good problem to have. Hope the childcare situation works itself out - as always - thanks for all you do.
Awesome, hope you love them!
Thanks for a great vid! Would you consider doing an East Coast daily driver review? Like FIS slalom skis with 3 degree edges? Lol. Skis that work in icy bumps, icy groomers, and East Coast powder (slush)? I have some Salomon NFX's but don't know what to replace them with...
I found out why you like the Atomic Maverick yesterday. Demo'd a pair at Perisher Australia in icy conditions and felt very comfortable on them, made me realise how dull the edges on my old 2016 Kendos had gotten 😂
Oh awesome! Glad you liked them
Hey Elliot. Great stuff. Can you do some videos on skis for short guys and women. I prefer a 152-162 as I’m 5’4” 148lb. My wife is exactly the same. I got the atomic maven 93c in 156 for her after her old skis pooped out. She was having trouble getting forward on them but she only got a few days in them in April. ($329 at EVO!). Anyways my suggestion is go into a little depth on the women’s line of said ski that has the same shape and chassis. Maven/maverick, etc. thanks.
Kore 93 guy here. 6'1", 210. I skied 22" of powder in the trees of WV last January. These did awesome for me. Also they're damn near telekinetic on hardpack. 180 length
Can't wait till my Wranglers come in. Another great video. I would like to try an Octo if it ever comes out at a sale price.
Oh awesome! I hope you love them! I just found out my Atomic Mavericks didn't get covered under warranty so I'll probably be getting more days on the Wranglers this season.
If you haven't already, you should try some Faction Dancer 2s (96 underfoot). Local shop next to Highlands Hollow typically has some to demo. I bought a pair of demo skis end of last season (got final weekend at Bogus on them) and was blown away. They carved, floated, and drove through the chop and slush with such ease - finesse and power (like a dancer). Can't wait to get them back on the mountain. Plus they were demos so good for early/late season conditions without worrying about beating them up.
Did you ski them in the trees? How is the maneuverability? What do they compare to?
@@carterfan80I love my faction agent 1 as my spring touring ski. footprint is the same as the dancer just with different materials inside for weight savings. Very interested in testing the dancers also
@@carterfan80 With what I've used they would be similar to the Stockli SR 102s or Ripsticks. Little more stiff/solid than the Stocklis though even though both have 2 sheets of metal (Stocklis are a little more damp with their rubber dust). Can't beat the Ripsticks for swooping/carving fast lines on piste but I'd say the Factions are a little more stable and maneuverable off piste and carve almost as well. If good snow and I'm skiing first to last chair I'll use the Ripsticks (or Stocklis) as skiing all day on the Dancers can be a little more tiring. If more crud/icy conditions, the Factions handle themselves better. Also for reference, I'm a bigger guy (~6'3" and 230lbs) which also makes a difference since I like stiffer skis that I can bend vs. softer skis that act like noodles when I'm on them). I replaced some Liberty Origins with the Dancers as the Libertys were way too soft and unstable for me. I also have some Faction Mana 2s (more of a stiff twin tip with no metal vs. the Dancers with metal that are a little more directional) I got on discount last season which I think may be a little better off piste in the trees but I haven't had enough time on them to form a good opinion yet (and note I've had way more time on the Dancer 3s than the 2s but was super impressed by how versatile the 2s are).
@BikeandSkiGeoff thx. I'm a lot smaller 5 5" 165. I get along with some stiffer skis, but not all. I was wondering about the dancer.
You should try the armada declivity 88c this upcoming season! Got them after moving on from maverick 88s TI that were too long (184) and landed on the 176cm
I think he's more a a Declivity skier
I have four 93-96 waist skis that I'm hoping to demo this winter in mixed conditions to fill my gap between 76 and 104 underfoot, all of which would be more laid-back and playful than any of the skis in my quiver: Black Crows Serpo, Blizzard Rustler 9, Kästle Paragon 93, and Meier Wrangler.
Hi Elliott, great reviews as usual.
Are going to do any reviews on K2’s or Dynastar in the future ?
Keep up the Honest work
Why not the Elan Ripstick 88’s?
Just haven't been able to try them, none demoed locally, I did however like the Ripstick 96 Black Editions, just not quite in the paramaters of a daily driver I would want personally, but a beautiful ski.
@@RicketySkiReviewsthe 96 BE’s are wonderful skis, but having skied them back to back with the Volkl Kendo 88; the Kendo is far more versatile. You can hit icy groomed runs, bash through crud and handle 6 inches of heavy wet Cascade concrete on Kendos and they feel great.
Elliot.. This is God and you really want to get Stockli;) I would make sure that the Stormrider series got the heal area fixed before getting them.. If my 88s go I might actually go narrower since I have a lot of really good wider skis.. Maybe do the Montero.. Either AR or AX.. I would like to get on the kendo/mantra and see how they are....
I have no NEED for another daily driver, yet this channel's corrupted me I want something a bit more narrow w/a carving emphasis. QST 92 is nice but I think I want more precision in a narrower ski (96 is my least width ski). Which leads me to either the Head 93 or the Kendo. I've seen the Kendo lots at Squaw last spring. Usually on spring snow, although I saw someone rocking them pretty well in over 3ft on Cinco Dey Mayo. I'd like something with carving emphasis w/the option to hit off-piste in 3-9 inches of fresh, or corn/slush.
Hey Elliott! Born, lived, and always (and only) skied the mid atlantic (VA, WV, MD, and PA). Just found out in a couple months Ill be moving to park city utah and would like some feedback. Ive already asked about my quiver before and the commenters say i should get a pair of narrow carving skis. I own a pair of salomon stance 90s and i love carving but if I moving to utah is this still the move? Ive settled on a rossignol hero mt for a carver but haven't purchased anything so i still have money to switch to a powder ski if you guys think i should. Again ive never skied outside the mid atlantic so any feedback is appreciated!
have you tried the Volkl Mantra M7 ?
I am just beginning my journey w the Atomic Maverick 88Ti. What do you recommend for Binding brake width?
I am predicting you will get the Octo over the other skis if your Mavericks are gone forever. But getting a discounted price on that ski before the start of the season is very unlikely. Maybe Black Crows will send the ski back to you to use for the season since you like it so much? QST line is probably a good softer snow ski, but way too playful on harder snow groomers to be a daily driver for me. Smart move on your part to the QST 106 as your POW ski.
It's hard to predict sales too, like for example there's a very small window where I tend to see the mirus cor on sale before it sells out
@@RicketySkiReviews Agreed... but the Octo is a brand new ski and I was reading that some Black Crows skis sell out of inventory quickly. I am just predicting that the Octo may seel out quickly. I have been looking at the 88 Kendo on the ski essentials website for $350. I could throw an old pair of bindings on it and add a third ski to my quiver. It could be fun when I am stuck on the groomers anyways during the early season or when off piste is just too crusty.
Elliott, do you have any experience with ski exercise machines like "Skiers Edge". Do you think they are a good thing to use before the season starts. Which ones are the best.
omg you just gave me flashbacks, yes I had an early one in my home as a kid, but that was 25 years ago, the machine I believe has changed a ton. Most big ski racers don't tend to use them, I would use the summer to take a break from skiing and weight lift mixed with other sports like swimming or mt biking. but just my 2 cents. I'm sure they don't make you any worse of a skier.
May be worth looking at the Pro Ski simulator- less pricey that the higher end skiers edge models. The power version has bindings so you can use it in your ski boots. It’s neat toy but at 2k may not be worth it unless you specifically like exercising on it. You can move your feet a couple inches forward and backward. The stance width is fixed but reasonable. There is no rotation ability for your feet. It’s ok and does simulate short turns because you are going back and forth on it quickly. That said, it approximates some elements of skiing. It is not a substitute though. If you were looking for a machine to really get your heart rate up, then this is not likely the best machine for you based on my experience. On the other hand, it is fun and if combined with a 3-D projector could simulate some aspects of skiing and be entertaining , however, again not sure this is worth the money. As Elliot says there are other things you could be doing during the off-season that would be effective and I would add a whole lot cheaper.
This question will be featured in our next video! so keep an eye out
I hear you always reccomending the qst 92, but how does the qst 98 compare to the 92? Is it a better all-mountain ski? How does it compare to a ski like the bent 100 2025? Love the videos!
I really need to get on some Octo’s. That ski seems like it would be perfect for me. My only concern is the lack of metal. The last 3 seasons my daily driver/drivers has been the Brahma 82 in 180 and 173. A Good carving ski with some all mountain chops seems to be the right balance for me. Any thoughts you guys? Thanks ⛷️🔥🤙
Next season goal: get Salomon on board and demo the Stance 90.
If I was in the market, I found a new set of 176 Maverick 88 for 376 banana leaves on eβay.
Hi Elliot
Have you ever skied the Nordica unleashed 98? I currently ski kore 93s but I’m looking for something that is a little easier off piste and in the bumps. don’t get me wrong, I love my Kores, i’m just thinking if I can get something that is a little more versatile without giving up the core quality on piste. I’m 6’ 200lbs and home is in the NE. Thoughts?
You forgot the Nodica Enforcer 😉
I do actually love the 2025 99 enforcer unironically
Brahma 88 ?
What resort are you skiing on your videos? Looks very nice.
Bogus Basin in Idaho
@@RicketySkiReviews Thanks. The terrain looks interesting.
Armada Declivity 92 Ti!
I want so badly to review those, but can't get my hands on a pair from Armada or a demo shop
Hi! please if u can, i´m 5.9 tall and 200 l´d like kore 93 in 1.84 can be to mach for me? for the length, i been skied last ten years, i´m advanced skier, thanks! no trees, only wide open run! fast
So….Octo is 899.99 at Evo. I imagine I should not run out and grab it at that price, no?
I personally tend to wait, BUT these skis are amazing imo so idk 🤷♂️
You got to stop reviewing such great skis - this may be too exciting to pass up - 😊
You gotta make that decision for yourself haha, I make enough impulsive ski purchases myself. I really liked them, but honestly there's no harm in waiting if you have a local shop that let's you demo Blackcrows. Have you tried the mirus Cor?
I have not. Part of the reason is that I can do really short turns with my Rossi senders 94ti.
Great comment! this will be featured in our next video so keep an eye out!