PM Gear 183 not really that Soft Bros

[philipw]

After much forum reading, finally got out on the 183 Soft Bros for a couple of days at Crystal Mountain in Washington. Mounted 3mm forward of the line with Mojo 15s

Me: 5’ 9”, 165 lbs, expert skier but not hucking cliffs or anything. Like to ski with good form and in control so probably a little slow compared to the more typical hellbent mags out there

Day 1: 12” blower powder that set up into cascade concrete by the afternoon

I was a little surprised the Bros did not float better than they did. My last powder day like this was on a pair of Salomon Guns which floated and pivoted beautifully on the powder. The Bros just wanted to arc big GS turns straight through the pow, not necessarily on top of it

To their credit, though, it was very easy to initiate turns with the Bros. So despite the fact they wanted to carve the fall line, I could easily control them with shorter turns. In the chutes, I discovered I could crank a few short turns to position myself, and then at a certain point just let ‘em run into the open terrain below. The Bros felt quite stable while doing all this

I will also say that I tend to ski with a forward stance, even in powder. And using this technique I never once felt like I was going to take a header

The second chair I hit ended with a bump run at the bottom. Again the Bros wanted to rip GS turns through the bumps, but were easy to control with slalom turns. They have a nice flex in the bumps, able to absorb a few hits but also snappy enough to pull off some quick turns. I wouldn’t say they’re easy to throw around, but they’re quick to carve, if that makes sense. I never felt like I was getting tossed in the backseat either, which was nice

In the trees I was still getting used to the turning radius. They are not “turny”, and won’t initiate a turn unless you engage them. But this is easy to do, you just have to do it. So don’t get lazy because you might end up in a tree well like I did. (thanks for pulling me out, Paul)

As the day warmed up we took our last runs in some fine northwest crud. Even in this heavy snow it was easy to initiate turns with the Bros. I noticed a little tip deflection here but I also felt that the ski was absorbing some punishment that would normally throw me around. Overall, I thought they felt pretty stable as I picked a line of moderate turns. Next time out I wouldn’t hesitate to ski a little faster through the crud

Day 2: Beautiful spring day with quickly softening corn turning to big slushy bumps

I rarely ski corduroy but made an exception to test the Bros for speed and tip chatter others have mentioned. At 165 lbs, I could not get the Bros to chatter. This might have been due to the soft snow, but I liked the dampness quality and they felt waaay more solid carving big turns than my skinny Xscreams. Never felt uncomfortable at speed

I then hit up north facing Powder Bowl to ski some firmer corn snow. Steep at the top then descending into bumps. By now I was getting really comfortable on the Bros. They felt very stable cranking tight turns in the steeps

In the slushy bumps below I could easily carve my way through by mixing up slalom and GS turns. By my second run here I just started carving GS turns around every other bump as the Bros just slayed the soft snow

In conclusion: I never got to ride the Bros in hard snow, but that’s pretty typical of the Northwest. Nonetheless, I think the soft flex makes for a versatile, west coast one-ski quiver. They never felt like a “soft” ski in the conditions I was skiing. They actually have a nice combo of dampness at speed, forgiveness in the bumps and overall stability

If they have one special quality it’s their constant desire to charge big GS turns while maintaining the ability to easily initiate shorter turns, even at slow speeds. I always felt like I was carving turns, which contributes to their stable feeling

I also felt a bit like a minor celebrity riding the Bros as they sparked numerous questions like: what kind of skis are those? Do you have a nickel in your pocket? Are they worth the hype? Dude, first time I’ve seen those

As mentioned numerous times before, the PM Gear guys are really cool to deal with. Just be careful when talking to Pat because he’ll probably sell you a pair of skis

[splat]

You better believe I'll sell you a pair of skis - a pair you won't regret owning - or I'll make it right.
I'm sure they took a bit of getting used to after skiing Xscreams, but it sounds like you rose to the occasion.

[snoboy]

A pair? More like a couple.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Nice review, and nice to not hear about a tree-well death.
Splat, what is the actual tape measure from tip to tail but not pressed down on the top sheet length of the 183 and the 188. Just curious. The "soft" is actually about a medium flex in retail skis, no?

[splat]

I don't remember and just left the shop, so I don't have a pair on hand, but I think Marshal said they pulled out to around 185 (?) maybe. I don't know how he measured. The softs are very different from most skis in the way they flex, in that the tips and tails flex, but mid body is still pretty damn stiff. I haven't even skied the softs yet, but might take them out for a whirl tomorrow. We only have three pair left. Not sure if we'll order more from Europe or reverse engineer them and make them here with aspen cores. Just got a roll of carbon. It's designated for Brockers and 192s, but we'll probably make a 183 mold and see how they compare.

[pechelman]

for 183s
straight tape from tip to tail is right about 183
a tape curved along the base following the contours is damn near exactly 185

[stuckathuntermtn]

any chance of a layaway plan on Brockers?

[splat]

Yep, we're doing a few layaways with mags right now. We understand the ways of the ski bum all too well and encourage layaways.

Skied the 183 softs today at Alpine while powdork skied the Brockers. Damn those things are too fukkin fun. They killed everything I put them on. Lots of top to bottom railers. And there was quite a range of snow to be had. I only ever skied the 183 stiffs before. powdork railed the Brockers good, too. I got some shots of him in idiots on them, but they're on his camera..

[SnowHot]

I've been dragging my feet on completing a review on my recently purchased 174 Soft Bros.
My review will have many similar phrases that you've used:
"I was surprised at how well it initiated short turns"
"I was impressed with the confidence inspiring feeling of these skis"
"I was energized by the nimble feel and light weight of this Big ish ski"

Thanks Pat. You and da boyz were ultimately helpful.
Ron was right on target when he said 2mm was juuuuuuust right!

[splat]

Originally Posted by SnowHot

I've been dragging my feet on completing a review on my recently purchased 174 Soft Bros.
My review will have many similar phrases that you've used:
"I was surprised at how well it initiated short turns"
"I was impressed with the confidence inspiring feeling of these skis"
"I was energized by the nimble feel and light weight of this Big ish ski"

Thanks Pat. You and da boyz were ultimately helpful.
Ron was right on target when he said 2mm was juuuuuuust right!

Damn, girl, I was wondering when we'd hear from you. Stoked as hell you're diggin them.
Now you need to get on out to Mammoth May 8-11 and strut your Bros with the rest of the wingnuts showing up.

Schwaaaaank.

[SnowHot]

Originally Posted by splat

Damn, girl, I was wondering when we'd hear from you. Stoked as hell you're diggin them.
Now you need to get on out to Mammoth May 8-11 and strut your Bros with the rest of the wingnuts showing up.

Schwaaaaank.

And I was wondering if the 174 would be too long for me?
Pfffft!!!!

[cl1953]

Glad to read the review on the softs. Sounds like a great ski and reinforces my decision to buy some.

Looking forward to getting the delivery even though I will have to wait until next season to ski em.

[mtaylor]

183 bros on hardpack=sex
183 bros in powder=sex
183 bros in crud=sex

In short:
183 bros=sex.

love mine.

[cornmeal]

I would really like to know how they do in the trees?

[art2d2]

183 in trees=buttsecks

[jfost]

good use of your unprolific posting art2d2!

[cornmeal]

Originally Posted by art2d2

183 in trees=buttsecks

is buttsecks better then other sex lol, but thanks

[RootSkier]

Yes, yes it is.

[slope-a-dopers]

Originally Posted by cornmeal

I would really like to know how they do in the trees?

they are really fun in the trees. the skis are just straight up chargers. uve got to be "on them" at all times, so dont get lazy or ull get ur ass handed to u. they are sooo light, yet super stiff (i have the 183 stiffs from europe). since they are so light u can really throw them around. they arent gonna turn for u being a 33m radius but u can still carve them. when i wan to "ski" i grab the 183s. get on a pair and ull see what the hype is all about. dont bitch out and go short!

[hutash]

Just got back from Steamboat, and while snow conditions weren't great, the 183's slayed it all. They did great in the trees, which is the only reason to ski the 'boat, but ripped the groomers like a GS ski (again, conditions weren't great so I spent more time then usual on groomers.) The also turned well in the few short steep tree lined chutes up top where the only good snow was to be found (all eight turns) I also skied some corn, and slush bumps when things got really soft. The only time I had problems was when the bumps were rock hard in the AM, and that was more my fault then the skis (I suck at hard bumps.)

The 183's are the best all around ski out there...period. I have skied them in waist deep blower, and while they are not a true pow ski, they did fine. Pat and company it a home run with these. I have the stiffs, but the soft's aren't really all that soft anyway.

[DoWork]

I took my 183s to Sunday River for a few days last week aftrer i got them mounted with Barons at +5mm... There was nothing but ice and cement-hard snow unfortunately but they STILL FUCKING KILLED IT! Much like Hutash said, the only thing they didn't absolutely slay was the icy bumps, but I suck at them so I'll chalk it up to user error. Hard snow = huge, balls-out GS turns. They seem to whisper to you "Dood, c'mon, that's all you've got? Quit being a pussy and nail that fucking lip, I want some air!"

As for the flex, I think they're perfect. I'm 5'9" and 165 lbs and I think the soft flex is the tits. And the ass, come to think of it. I was suprised as they are pretty easy to ski, but they just want you to RIP all the time. STAY ON THE TIPS and you will be hootin and hollerin all day, no matter what shitty surface is clinging to the slopes. They're longer and wider than my Mojo 90s yet lighter and they hold edge on ice and whatnot just as well- just as quick edge to edge too... Was David Copperfield on the design team??? FKNA, that was a nice suprise! (thinking about selling the mojos now to be honest)

Pat, you and your guys make some badass shit. Thank you for making a ski that's everything I hoped it was and more! If somoeone wants mine they'll have to pry them from my cold, dead hands.

[PuderLuder]

Right now I am on a pair of 179 K2 ObSETHed's and really love them. I might like a pair of 179 fat soft bros one day..... but don't think my ability is up to justify owning such a cool, or expensive, ski. Maybe in a year or two I'll be good enough not to embarrass myself by owing a pair.

Puder Luder

[DoWork]

Originally Posted by PuderLuder

Right now I am on a pair of 179 K2 ObSETHed's and really love them. I might like a pair of 179 fat soft bros one day..... but don't think my ability is up to justify owning such a cool, or expensive, ski. Maybe in a year or two I'll be good enough not to embarrass myself by owing a pair.

Puder Luder

Dude, you are wrong. Get them. You'll never regret it. BTW, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

[crispy4505]

do the 179 fat bros, have any rocker to them?

[splat]

Not normally, but we have a couple rockered pair of 179s for sale.