BD Zealot vs. ON3P Jeffrey

[BP Pow]

Time for a new pow ski set up, probably mounted with Dukes or Barons depending on prices during the off-season. I've heard great things about ON3P skis (build quality, stability, stiffness, and playfulness) but also like what I'm hearing about the BD Zealot. I have some questions about Black Diamond skis as I have heard mixed reviews regarding their build quality but also have heard some very good things. I don't think anyone has anything negative to say about ON3P as far as I can tell.

I'm looking for a medium-stiff, stable, yet playful pow ski that will be light enough to do short tours with and can bust through crud. I ski as much pow as possible, like to stay in the trees, and consistently hit booters and cliffs with speed. Low swing weight is a plus. Does anyone have experience on either the BD Zealot and/or the ON3P Jeffrey that can comment? I am open to other ON3P options like the Billy Goat or Caylor as well. I also like the looks of the Black Diamond AMP but heard it has a pretty soft tail. Any input is much appreciated!

[jonathanc]

I had a pair of Justice (slightly wider than the zealot) - fantastic ski, extremely light, excellent to tour on. Somehow one ski ended up breaking laterally/horizontally about 4-6 inches in front of the binding... Not clean through, but a definite internal core break. I could hear it cracking internally when applying pressure, and could feel it give.

Now, this was after a few fairly insignificant tours without any real aggressive skiing, so I can chalk it up to some kind of major manufacturing defect.

I'm now on the Amperage (full warranty replacement)... which is an incredible ski. It is fairly soft overall in the great scheme of things, but it's the tail rocker that gives me the 'soft' feel.

I honestly think that Black Diamond produces extremely high quality stuff... however just like any brand, sometimes something is broken out of the box, and stuff will break if abused. That said, I find myself purchasing based on the reputation of the brand, and quality of ride and features, rather than the perceived quality. Finding other stories online of people breaking stuff is just confirmation bias. I'd rather hear how easy the company was to deal with for fixes and customer service, than a couple random stories online.

[auvgeek]

From ON3P's line, I'd go for the new 191 BillyGoat Tour. Not a huge fan of BD skis, but it's been a few years since I've been on them. And I did hear their skis have improved significantly during that time.

For me, 186 Renegades with dynalook plate would be the way to go. But that's a heavy ski to have a Duke/Baron binder on, and maybe too wide for the east coast anyway.

[Shorty_J]

Comparing the Zealot to the Jeffrey is... confusing. They're completely different skis... how did you settle on these two?

Zealot is directional, Jeffrey is a twin-tip and therefore, more playful.

You're welcome.

[allTandA]

what shorty said....was thinking this as soon as I read the title.

jeffery= more like moment PB&J. a lil jibby, do all ski with tip and tail Rocker
Zealot= more like XXL or ON3P Wren. GS sidecut with tip rocker, fall line charger

but whatevah

[JFE24]

Zealot= more like XXL or ON3P Wren. GS sidecut with tip rocker, fall line charger

Just to be clear, the 182cm Zealot isn't remotely close to an XXL or ON3P Wren. The 192cm Zealot, however, is stiffer than the 182 (I don't know how much; I've only skied the 182), and is a fairly different ski. But OP doesn't mention the sizes he's considering.

[BP Pow]

Comparing the Zealot to the Jeffrey is... confusing. They're completely different skis... how did you settle on these two?

Zealot is directional, Jeffrey is a twin-tip and therefore, more playful.

You're welcome.

The reason I compared the two was because I saw the Jeffrey as a medium-stiff, stable ski that could charge when needed and, in addition, also be a very good backcountry jib ski. The 182 Zealot seemed more of a proven charging ski than the Jeffrey but also could be useful for kickers and some backcountry jibbing. I know they aren't totally similar but whatever the Jeffrey lacks in hard-charging capabilities - the Zealot has, and what the Zealot lacks in jibby characteristics - the Jeffrey has. What I really like about the two is the not-too-mammoth 110mm waist width and the stiffness of each. I feel I could use both very well in trees, bc kickers, cliffs, crud skiing, etc.

I'm 5'10" 175 BTW and would probably go for 182 Zealot / 186 Jeffrey. 182 may be a tad short but I'm not sure the 192 would suit me better in EC treeskiing which is mostly what I do besides the annual western trip.

[BP Pow]

Just to be clear, the 182cm Zealot isn't remotely close to an XXL or ON3P Wren. The 192cm Zealot, however, is stiffer than the 182 (I don't know how much; I've only skied the 182), and is a fairly different ski. But OP doesn't mention the sizes he's considering.

Did you find the 182 to be overly damp at all? Or would it be useful for backcountry kickers, cliffs, jibs, etc.?

[chewski]

Did you find the 182 to be overly damp at all? Or would it be useful for backcountry kickers, cliffs, jibs, etc.?

i ride the 187 xxl and am about your size. this year i set my buddy up on the newest model 182 zealots. he's smaller than either of us and his technique is still maturing, but he's an athletic freak of nature. swapping skis back and forth, we both decided the xxl's (w/ stiffer flex and straighter sidecut and conventional camber) were SMASHY and PIVOTY and that the zealots (w/ very moderate flex and moderate sidecut and rocker) were actually insanely CUTTY and CARVEY. i could not believe the edge grip that the zealots could deilver (110mm waist, rocker and all). it was just stupid. and their ability to quickly shut down speed (maneuverability due to light weight and rocker) combined w/ the reliable edgehold, these were truly a do it all ski on a softer day. we were both carrying so much stupid speed on the zealots (which don't get me wrong, are NOT as stable as the xxl's) just b/c we knew we could carry the speed further into the line and shut it down if needed. i've never found myself saying a ski was stable ENOUGH, but the ski was stable enough for anything but truly pointing it and truly BASHING crud. but i've found that the skis that truly shine at that have never been this good everywhere else. just my $0.02. i think you are on the right track, personally. maybe look at the 192 if you get a LOT of pow/crud or will have just this one ski