Powder skis for the South East?

I am a patrol here in the south east and I am looking for a wider ski for those random snow days where we get 6in to 2 ft. or when they are making snow.  I have a set of Volkl S5 super sports in 168 that i love because it almost takes no effort at all to get them on edge and they hold on the narrow ice scatting rinks we call slopes here and i love the rebound they have. I am 6ft 220 lb with all my gear on would say i am a lower level expert.   I  am lacking some float that i need on those snow days where everything is open and poached lol I had been looking at a set of Nordica afterburners in 170 but have been interested buy the new volks AC50 and Grizzles with the wide bindings..  dose that help them get on edge better?   how do they compare to the twin tips like the Mantra?

 

 

My fat skis for NC are 70mm wide.

Should you decide on the AC50's I have a pair to sell.  Only 10 days on them...same as new.  $600  We probably are located in same vicinity.

If you're patrol, you probably don't need to be ripped off paying that kind of dough ^^^ for the AC50 used. they are very commonly available used or in end of season sales. Not mjuch of a powder ski anyway. The Mantra is more suitable to your need. jeeez, rip off a patrol: what kind of karma is that??

Hey Blaster7Romeo,

 

The AC50 is a decent ski, but I agree with the others there may be better values out there.  For a ski with a bias for softer off piste/powder conditions, there are other choices.  You may want to check out the Fisher Watea 84/94 (great deal at sierraskis.com) - softer bias but may be what your looking for -  skis with binding will be well under $400.  Since you already have your Volkl's, I am not sure you need another carver, unless you want just want a one ski quiver....

 

PS: I am not sure how much you really need a powder ski in your neck of the woods (NC).  I would not spend too much money on fat skis unless you are going to spendmore than 30% of your time in those conditions.

 

 

I'm you in the NW.  6' 210 lbs.  Skied the AC50 here in cascade cement, and they did just fine.  Will not turn like your other Volkls but they are stable and will hold an edge.  They like going fast like most Volkls too.

 

These skis are cousins, but the 50's come from the mountain country.

An All-mountain ski is probably a more rounded board for your needs, some where around 90mm under foot. I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs,, I've been using Ninthward Firstbloods for the last two seasons with Railflex bindings set back of center to help from going over the handlebars in deep powder. They have just enough edge grip for the firm snow when Sugar or Beech gets tracked out. You can find them around for about $289 or better, and they take a flat ski binding. Try Level Nine Sports for great deals on Railflex bindings. 

First off thanks for the replies

 

I am pretty much just looking for something wider on the days I wished I had something wider which is like 20% to 25% of the time.. and to be prepared in case I am at snowshoe when they get dumped on.  I am plenty happy with the S5's most of the time..     just want something like it that floats more lol

 

And i dont think Ski 314 was trying to take advantage of me he just may not no the secret prices the pros get lol 

Edited by Blaster7Romeo - 5/18/2009 at 01:34 am GMT

 My quiver constantly evolves, but I like the Head Mojo 94 and Fischer Watea 94 as "wide" skis for the mid-atlantic.  I had my Wateas out in about 12-16" of powder at Snowshoe in February, and they were wonderful.  That was the first time I pulled them out in this area, previously I had only skied them out west.  I have since put more local days on them, and find they make a good powder-day ski for the mid-Atlantic.

 

The Head Mojo 94 has similar dimensions but adds some metal layers and damping, which gives them a wider envelope than the Wateas.  They will do pretty well on hard snow and ice, and absolutely slay spring snow.  So I'd probably give that a nod if you want just one ski.

 

I'm 6'1" 195-200 lbs, and ski the Watea 94 in 186cm and the Mojo 94 in 187cm.  You'd likely want to go for the same sizes.

 

I think part of the reason you're lacking some float on the S5 is that they are so short.  That's OK for hardpack carving, but too small for soft snow.

 

BTW, AC50s have been going for $570 on www.tramdock.com/.  I would not recommend this ski based on what you're asking for, however.

You're correct Blaster!  Rest assured no ripoff intended!  I fully expected you to be fully capable of getting the best price on whichever skis you choose.  And, who's to say my price was "firm"?  Nevertheless, the other posters are correct in that the AC50's aren't powder skis.  Regarding davluri's karma comment---My experience has taught me that karma deals harshly with arrogant jerks.

 

Good luck on finding the right skis!  The Blizzard Argos 180's do well for me out west, but might not handle the hard-pack, icy conditions at Sugar, Beech and Snowshoe that you'll face on a regular basis.

I patrol on Mount Hood and although I do have some wider skis, the AC50 would do just fine, I have found they have an uncanny knack for staying up in the snow plus they are money throughout the day. A mid fat like the Heads' and fischers' suggested would be cool too. I have a pair of bridges that I like for pulling sled. Anything wider than 85 for tobbagan will be a revelation for you especially if they are twin tips. Twins are hard to do scene safety with but, its a trade off.

   BTW the grizzly is a pretty bad-ass ski, make sure you are up for it. Its not a toodle around on patrol ski, it demands your attention.

Thanks for all the replies guys. 

 

As for the length of my S5,s i like the 168 because I can whip them around a little bit easier on the narrow trails on my home mountain.  I am up in the air as well in terms of what length to get 170ish or 177ish  I just like being able to kick out that rear end a little bit better..  and have yet to find the speed limit on the S5 in 168 and i have tried. 

 

dose any one have any opinions on the Nordica Hellcat or Helldiver?  

 

how do the new AC50's compare to the first year AC4's on the matter of how quick they get on edge with the new binding the AC50's have.

 

 

 

 

The only real difference is that the 50's delta(ramp angle) is -1mm and the old binding +3mm , It can be a big difference for some people(me). Rumor has it that all volkls' system bindings will be this way next year.  Also length turns easier in deep snow, take what size you are thinking of and up it one.

Well since i got my first ski mag of the year.  this topic have been resurrected in my head lol

After reading some other discussions on here i am thinking of a little more of a powder specific ski like i said for the random pow days here. 

I am thinking maybe some Mantras, or Enforcers, but those Helldivers do seem to be stuck in the back of my head.  Any compare and contrast or feedback would be greatly appreciated 

Don't do it ... don't even consider going with a wide ski on this side of the 'Divide'.  The widest ski I've ever use for Eastern skiing is 84 underfoot ... Dynastar Mythic Riders.  My usual ski for this part of the country are Head Monster IM 75's.  The "powder" you're calling powder is not POWDER ... it's fresh snow but very wet and sticky as compared to real POWDER.  I've skied for years over here on this side at Snowshoe, W-Green and yes ... western NC ... and never, ever needed a phat ski. 

So my 2 cents worth is why waste your money?  When the fresh is soon gone, you're left with a wide ski which will not hold an edge on concrete surfaced ice.  A good mid-fat ski ... 80-90mm underfoot is plenty wide for the South East resorts.

Thanks for the input   But I was just going off this and it maid some good points  http://www.epicski.com/wiki/powder-skis-and-skier-size#user_easternskiers    And i am looking to add on to my quiver I am not limited to having one ski   or just skiing one ski in a day.  And i am not planing on paying retail price either lol

Ok I am thinking about ether the Nordica Enforcers or the Volkl Mantras       opinions on ether ?

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like I said before, my "powder"skis for western NC are 70 mm.
Would you need more?
I own 60's,63's,65's,70's,80's,90's,100's, 120's.
Ski what you like, but wider is not always the answer.

Once again !!!!!!!!!!!!    this is not going to be my every day ski..  I usually ski 30 to 40 days a year in the south east I am just looking to fill a need in my quiver

Never had a POWDER Day in NC, Have had Fresh days, that being snow that may make your boots disappear for a while. But needing FLOAT in NC is a JOKE. You may need float for that 18"-24" dump you speak of. But that will happen every 4-6 yrs., and will be skied out in 1 hr.  and by that time your now old fat POW skis will be just your everyday off-Piste ski. So anything in the mid 70's waist will be JUST FINE!

I have owned the Mantra for 3 years (2 pr) and honestly can't say I've ever warmed up to it. I find it especially weak as a soft snow ski. The Enforcer is in the same category but is somewhat better in soft snow due to a somewhat softer and more balanced flex especially in the tail. Our experience with demos over the last year really confirms my personal feeling. While the Mantra has a lot of buzz, the Enforcer sells better in head to head comparisons.

We had 2 of those dumps last year!!  and all i had in the locker was a set of 69mm waist skis    that is why i am looking.... 


Sierra Jim:  thanks for your honest feedback it is greatly appreciated

Ah, the perceived need for a powder ski in North Carolina: A triumph of marketing and Internet peer pressure.

ONCE AGAIN!!!!  this is not my only set of skis...    But then there are also the days where they are blowing soft wet snow to deal with as well...     This thread was not started as a question to ask if i need wider skis it was to solicit advice on what some goods ones would be and thank you to all the people that have provided info

My new skis this year are 2010 Fischer Heat 76 w/Railfex. I think it will do the job in the deepest NC to Maryland conditions, the slopes I can easily drive to. No flying to ski this year.

Are you new to Western NC?  I've lived in NC since 1999 and have only seen/heard about an overnight dump of over 12" once.   But, I am in central NC so I haven't seen the best we have to offer on a regular basis.  stats indicate we get 70" in a good season so that is about 20" a month.  That said, I am an optomist and have two pairs of skis over 90mm underfoot, however I have only used 80 and under in this state to date.  I hope to see you there someday should we get another epic day this millenium.

Where are you patrolling at this season?  I get to Beech, Appalachian, and Sugar occasionally.  I haven't made it to Wolf or Cat yet though.

 Ok forgetting the fact of whether the OP needs a pow board in the mid Atlantic, here are a few i would suggest.  This is also coming from someone whose everyday board is a 168 supersport.  I have not tried all of these but this is where i would look first

head monster 82-90....will have the edge for hardpack after the "pow" gets tracked out in your neck of the woods

watea- 84- nice nice ski, never heard a bad word said about em

prophet 90s- not skied but others have proclaimed their versatility in this situation

Scott - punisher- not skied but others also tout there application here.

 

May also want to check out the moment tahoe or blizzard titan cronus/mGNUM 8.7

 

Well when people in Central NC at 400 ft elevation get an ice storm or a cold rain, the people in western NC along the TN border at 4,700 to 5,500 Ft get  snow! it is not a weekly thing but it dose happen.    I am just looking for something in the 85mm to 100mm underfoot range for the about 10 day of my season i wanted something wider....  and for some trips out west. 

Yea, Those ice storms we get usally translate to rain or nothing at all in western NC due to the piedmont wedge, that being cold air traped up against to mts. leaving the piedmont colder with the warm air at the higher elevations.
I was at sugar for one of those dumps you speak of and in a good spot there may have been 10" of fresh. But needing a fatter underfoot for the east being snowshoe or timberline/canaan
and trips out west is better than needing one for patrolling western NC.

Go try some this season....  Only in the best terrain is powder a daily ritual, most of us buy them for those special days... 
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