Rocker2 108 as a BC ski? Others?

[Bobcat Sig]

Yup, it's October, that time of the year and as we wait for snow on Wednesday, I'm obsessing over the next set of sticks for the quiver. (Oh, if you're going to comment on Salomon as a company, there's a thread for that. This is not that thread.) Therefore, we get to talk about it.

Me:
185 lbs.
Skiing for 25 years
Racing background
I fucking love to ski and do so anytime and anywhere

My current quiver:
Moment Bibby 190
Dynastar XXL
Blizzard Titan Atlas
K2 Made'N AK

I love all the skis for what they are, including the Made'Ns (if nothing more than for the Iron Maiden top sheet ). They all serve a purpose.

I'm after an off day ski that I can goof off on across the mountain or ski those days when there's only a bit of new snow. Think between storm days at Bridger and Moonlight. They don't need to be a charger or a big line ripper; I have the XXLs for that. I want something fun, carveable and playful. I also want to fit them with SollyFit (or similar) plates so that they can also be my AT ski. The backcountry use is what is really driving this.

I've searched and read and I even watched Mike D's videos where he mentioned that he took these into the backcountry. At 4.8ish pounds per ski for the 182, this looks like it might fit the bill, even if they might be a wee bit short.

I have also been watching the 4FRT Cody thread and read a bit about the Armada TST as those are the others that I'm considering.

Talk to me: would the R2 108 be suitable for an AT ski? The Cody or TST? What others am I missing or should consider?

[Kim Jong-un]

It has a speed limit on hardpack snow, it used to come in 186, last years version is still available cheap, its playful = S6/Sickle. I'm a bit bigger than you 6'2 205, so 186 was a bit short to me.

But worth a try. Not sure why this years iteration is only 181.

[whyturn]

maybe cochise or S3

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Praxis BC

[XavierD]

It has a speed limit on hardpack snow, it used to come in 186, last years version is still available cheap, its playful = S6/Sickle. I'm a bit bigger than you 6'2 205, so 186 was a bit short to me.

But worth a try. Not sure why this years iteration is only 181.

It is a new ski?

I have a pair of 190s on the way that I am planning on mounting Dynalook plates to. Most likely going to end up being my soft snow touring ski. It won't be super light, but should fit the bill. The 190 rocker2 108 is also 111 underfoot.

[toast2266]

Praxis BC

X2. Just got a pair of these for my wife. They look fucking sweet. They've been sitting in the middle of the living room floor for a week so people can take turns standing on them until the snow flies.

[Bobcat Sig]

It has a speed limit on hardpack snow, it used to come in 186, last years version is still available cheap, its playful = S6/Sickle. I'm a bit bigger than you 6'2 205, so 186 was a bit short to me.

But worth a try. Not sure why this years iteration is only 181.

You're referring to the R2 108 or the Sickle?

It is a new ski?

I have a pair of 190s on the way that I am planning on mounting Dynalook plates to. Most likely going to end up being my soft snow touring ski. It won't be super light, but should fit the bill. The 190 rocker2 108 is also 111 underfoot.

I read that about the 190 R2, which doesn't kill it for me, but certainly makes it heavier than I'd like. Plus, I want something in the quiver in the 100ish mm waist category. 111 seems to be pushing that a bit much.

As an aside, I did look at man of the ON3Ps, but seems to be too much tail rocker in most of the skis I'd be after. At least I think that anyway ...

[XavierD]

Wrenegade (112mm), Vicik (106mm?) and Tychoon (98mm?) all have less tail rocker than the 108s. Vicik is also available in the lighter, touring option. The weights have been posted somewhere in this forum.

I am going with the 108 because they look fun, and give me something different than the rest of my quiver. I also have a pair of Viciks with dukes.

[nobueno]

I have the 192 TST's and think they fit exactly what you're looking for. They're super light, playful and float pretty well for 103 waist. No tail rocker and they hold an edge extremely well. Only downside is that they're not super stable at high speed and get tossed around a bit in the crud but overall I love em.

[TahoeJ]

I'm pretty sure the R2 108 is a new ski this year... so there is no last year's model.

[undertow2]

As an aside, I did look at man of the ON3Ps, but seems to be too much tail rocker in most of the skis I'd be after. At least I think that anyway ...

I think the 186 Vicik would fit the bill for you big time...! Rockered tip, but not tail - just a slight turn up... Absolutely love this ski and have two pairs... Mine are 104 underfoot and the 2013 has upped it a bit and are now 106. And also agree on the Praxi BC... If I did not go with the Vicik than it would have been the Praxis BC... I should say I am def. partial to ON3P as I have the Vicik, 191 Wren and 191 Billy Goat and my buddy has the 191 Caylor and 186 Jeffrey...

[Kim Jong-un]

It has a speed limit on hardpack snow, it used to come in 186, last years version is still available cheap, its playful = S6/Sickle. I'm a bit bigger than you 6'2 205, so 186 was a bit short to me.

But worth a try. Not sure why this years iteration is only 181.

To clarify...I was referring only to the Sickle not R2. In particular last years model so if you only want a new 2013 ski then disregard. I haven't skied this years yet. The max size Sickle last year was 186 cm --straight tape ~183. Not sure why it got shortened for 2013, but Rossignol is showing largest size this year is 181. I thought it was a nice playful, do it all type of ski for what you describe. If it came in a true 188-ish I would put it in my quiver.

[Bobcat Sig]

Wrenegade (112mm), Vicik (106mm?) and Tychoon (98mm?) all have less tail rocker than the 108s. Vicik is also available in the lighter, touring option. The weights have been posted somewhere in this forum.

I am going with the 108 because they look fun, and give me something different than the rest of my quiver. I also have a pair of Viciks with dukes.

Excellent. I'm glad I asked.

Weight isn't huge deal with me as my Cochise boots are lightish and Dynafits aren't tanks, but keeping things under 5lbs per ski is a good start. I did like the dimensions of last year's Viciks at 104, I think. This year's definitely necessitates some reading. Plus, being from ye olde Stump Town, I was looking for an excuse to pick up a pair of ON3Ps.

I think the 186 Vicik would fit the bill for you big time...! Rockered tip, but not tail - just a slight turn up... Absolutely love this ski and have two pairs... Mine are 104 underfoot and the 2013 has upped it a bit and are now 106. And also agree on the Praxi BC... If I did not go with the Vicik than it would have been the Praxis BC... I should say I am def. partial to ON3P as I have the Vicik, 191 Wren and 191 Billy Goat and my buddy has the 191 Caylor and 186 Jeffrey...

Excellent info. Thank you.

Again, no idea why, but I had it in my mind that the Viciks would be too stiff for this application as I was going for something slightly playful and poppy.

How is the Vicik in that sense? Super gnar stiff like the other, bigger ON3Ps or a bit less so and more playful and poppy?

[Alkasquawlik]

I'm still honored that 4FRNT named their pro model ski after me. Really really cool.

[Bobcat Sig]

Wrenegade (112mm), Vicik (106mm?) and Tychoon (98mm?) all have less tail rocker than the 108s. Vicik is also available in the lighter, touring option. The weights have been posted somewhere in this forum.

I am going with the 108 because they look fun, and give me something different than the rest of my quiver. I also have a pair of Viciks with dukes.

Found it:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...99#post3712999

12/13 186 Vicik: 2200g
12/13 186 Vicik Tour: 2050g

[Caucasian Asian]

I'm still honored that 4FRNT named their pro model ski after me. Really really cool.

I had no idea your name was Aretha.

[XavierD]

Found it:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...99#post3712999

12/13 186 Vicik: 2200g $699
12/13 186 Vicik Tour: 2050g $799

For reference:

12/13 190 Rocker2 108: 2370g, $650
12/13 182 Rocker 2 108: 2105g, $650

[CarlE]

Just to let you know, the entire Rocker2 series measures short by approx. 2cm. The 182 is going to be a bad choice considering your weight and skill level so if you think the 190 seems big for the purpose, maybe the TST or BC is what you should look at.

[Bobcat Sig]

Just to let you know, the entire Rocker2 series measures short by approx. 2cm. The 182 is going to be a bad choice considering your weight and skill level so if you think the 190 seems big for the purpose, maybe the TST or BC is what you should look at.

That's what I'm getting from this thread. Thanks for the input; it's good to know. While the 190 R2 does look fun, it would be too much overlap with my current line-up. At this point, I'm think more the Vicik, TST or Cody. I'll also take a look at the Praxis BC.

[undertow2]

Excellent info. Thank you.

Again, no idea why, but I had it in my mind that the Viciks would be too stiff for this application as I was going for something slightly playful and poppy.

How is the Vicik in that sense? Super gnar stiff like the other, bigger ON3Ps or a bit less so and more playful and poppy?[/QUOTE]

So the one pair I have is the first gen Vicik (Grizzly Corn) and I had an extra layer of carbon added to make them a bit stiffer! I am an ex racer and enjoy demanding skis and even with the extra carbon added the skis are easy going and not at all demanding. They do get after it, but at the same time fun and really do everything well! Truly love this ski! I bought a pair of last years Viciks and it has a much rounder flex and it is poppy, playful and still does it all very well! I would not give these skis up for anything! The perfect two ski quiver for me is 191 Billy's and 186 Vicik. And will say this - Armada and Sollies build quality do not even compare to ON3Ps! And I am not a Sollie hater as I ski in Falcon 10s and the new 130s! Call Scott or Rowen @ ON3P and talk to them about the Vicik and they will tell you anything you want to know. And I did ski the TST and it was a nice ski, but it does have a decent amount of tail rocker. Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

[MJbumper1121]

+1 for vicik, good float for a sub 110 waist ski, bomber construction, not terribly heavy, great in all conditions (imo)

[Shorty_J]

I'll do another +1 for the Vicik as a great ski... it really is an all-rounder, carving really well, floating very well for a 104 waiste (probably due to large shovel and tip profile).

I don't know if I'd call it playful, though. It is poppy, and the version I have has a decent amount of camber to go with a supportive tail. In the ON3P line at about 108 under foot, if you're looking for playful and fully rockered. I'd say the Jeffrey is the best bet... but I haven't actually skied it so take that for what it's worth.

[Bobcat Sig]

I'll do another +1 for the Vicik as a great ski... it really is an all-rounder, carving really well, floating very well for a 104 waiste (probably due to large shovel and tip profile).

I don't know if I'd call it playful, though. It is poppy, and the version I have has a decent amount of camber to go with a supportive tail. In the ON3P line at about 108 under foot, if you're looking for playful and fully rockered. I'd say the Jeffrey is the best bet... but I haven't actually skied it so take that for what it's worth.

The caveat there is that I don't want a fully rockered ski. This is an off-day ski to goof off on around the mountain. That means ripping groomers, Ridge or Tram laps in busted up snow, playing in the trees and looking for natural features to huck my meat. When I'm not doing that, I'd have these ski mounted with SollyFit plates so I can get in the backcountry. It sounds like the Vicik might be the ticket.

[XavierD]

The 10.11, first generation Vicik (which I have) is stiffer and burlier than the more recent iterations. The more recent versions are softer, and have a slightly turned up tail (still flat enough for attaching skins, and finishing the turn).

Hopefully Scott will come in with his 2c.

[bluesbrother49]

Check out the Dynastar Cham 107 High Mountain, ripping ski.