InTheSnow review the Best Mens Freeride Skis Winter 22/23 at the SIGB's ski test in Kuhtai March 2022.
Chris James and Rob pick their favourite freeride skis for 2022
Chris chose the K2 Mindbender 99Ti because it's very flexible and easy to ride in any conditions, hard pack on piste or in the crud it really handles the same every time. Bt give it some real drive and it's all there, for somebody who wants to grow as a freeride skier or somebody that really wants to progress. It dampens the bumps really well, it's cuts into the turn really quickly, and it felt like even in deeper snow it would also be great.
See what K2 says about the ski a bit later
James chose the Black Crows Atrius, loved that ski, it's big being 190 ski for James but it was easy to turn, very stable under foot at 105, so also great for the pow days and twin tips also means it can be very flexible if you like plating around in the parks.
Rob loved the Faction Mana 2, but he actually ended up choosing the Black Diamond Impulse 98, big rocker ski, and even on piste it gripped really well in the big turns, maybe a little pivot for shorter turns. Cruddy bumpy snow and it literally ate it up, so maybe a more aggressive skier might get on better with this, that said it is super easy to turn on piste, but overall loved the ski I would just say more suited to a more aggressive skier. Chris mentioned the 104 full on freeride version of the ski is also great.
K2 says
The jack of all (freeride) trades introduces the Mindbender 99Ti — where a quick turn radius meets the effortless float of a 99mm waist. Strapped with Titanal Y-Beam Construction, and our All-Terrain Rocker profile The 99Ti boasts the most well-rounded skill set in the Mindbender collection. A gradual rise in the tip creates versatility in all conditions, and a low tail creates control in variable snow.
The Mindbender 99Ti boasts equal parts agility and versatility. With the hard charge you’d expect from a narrower ski, the Mindbender 99Ti utilizes its Y-Beam construction to remain maneuverable underfoot. This men’s freeride ski is the go-to model for confident ripping all over the mountain, and is loved by pros like Jonny Mosley and Greg Hope.
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Black Crows says
This is the third edition of this iconic blackcrows ski that first appeared in 2014.
For this new 2022 version, it is slightly refined, to gain even more accessibility and versatility. It is truly the everyday big mountain ski, for skiers who like powder but who want impeccable behaviour in all conditions. The lines have been revised and will distinguish it from its predecessors for the discerning eye, but the essential is inside, for a ski that achieves its objectives and delights the heart of the most demanding ones.
Technical details
Good floatation: 105mm at the waist
Double rocker: great maneuverability, control, pivot
Classic medium camber: classic camber underfoot with intermediate ski/snow contact, balance between stability and handling
Slightly straight sidecut (20m radius): more stability at high speed, better balance between firmness and manoeuvrability
Progressive tip floatation: great consistency in turns, easy to get off the ground
Firm and constant flex: very stable ski
Mounting point: -8cm
Drilling: diameter 3.5mm x L 9mm
Construction: semi-cap
ABS sidewalls all around
Core: poplar / fiberglass
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Faction says
The Mana 2 with its versatile 102 mm waist is the sleekest in the family, making it the ideal tool to transition from all-mountain, to backside, to park. This is a high-quality, high-performance craft that effortlessly responds to your movements and your commands. Its lightweight Poplar Core construction helps the ski to pop off booters, butter over rollers, and whip effortlessly between turns. Yet the the Rubber/Carbon stomp pad keeps it strong enough to take hit after hit. Enjoy the finest, most durable Austrian construction, powered 100% by renewable energy.
You'll love this ski if:
You like to hit every feature that you can find (the mountain is your playground)
You like to carve tighter style turns
You want to be able to go backwards or land switch
You prefer a stiffer tip and tail for stability at speed, with flex underfoot to pop
For more info - [ Ссылка ]
