Daily Driver

[The SnowShow]

Looking for suggestions of daily drivers to look at. I ski CO and UT. Current ski is 4Frnt Turbo. Really have liked it for 3 years, but find I have a lot more fun on my powder skis, Bent Chets, even in like 2" new. I have the version with the stringers, so they're stiffer than they used to be.

Are the Automatics like a mini Bent Chet? Never been on one. Other skis to recommend in that 105-108 spot?

Thanks

[galibier_numero_un]

I liked my Automatic 109's (no experience with the 117's) until I got a pair of Praxis GPO's. I was fairly new to new school skis, with my 1st pair being a pair of Carbon Megawatts, and both the Megawatts and Automatics were a revelation to me at the time.

The GPO's showed me that the Automatics are a bit soft for my tastes as an inbounds ski, and I decided to convert them to touring duty with a pair off Vipecs. I was out testing the Vipec mount on the Automatics yesterday and I haven't changed my opinion about them (the bindings BTW, are very solid feeling as reported elsewhere).

I was in medium density Spring snow (4-7") with a bit of chop (at A-basin). After two runs, the Vipec test was over and I went back to the car for the GPO's and I felt way more stable (less tip deflection) than with the Automatics.

I'm also gravitating back to the upper 100's number for a daily driver, and for this reason, I'm about to order a pair of Freerides in their Spring, custom sale. In the Praxis thread, you'll find some interesting comments about the Piste Jib which is a bit narrower. I'm thinking you might be interested in the MVP, or (by virtue of the 50% Springtime custom sale) a beefed up Backcountry in a stiffer flex with veneer.

[edit] Obviously, there are tons of great choices and multiple brands. Hopefully, the comments about the 109 Automatics added a bit of context.

Cheers,
Thom

[snapt]

Blizzard Peacemakers compliment my Bent Chetlers nicely.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Armada Invictus 108ti. Made by Atomic and looks to be the same construction as Automatic, Atlas, etc. Two layers of metal. Definitely not too soft yet not too stiff. You can probably find the original Invictus for less.

[PNWbrit]

Countdown 107.

[TAFKALVS]

Praxis RX

[adrenalated]

Whatever ski I personally ski on regardless of its actual appropriateness for your use.

[eskido]

Whatever ski I personally ski on regardless of its actual appropriateness for your use.

Concept FTW

[CaliBrit]

Billy Goat, I skied it all season even on harder days and I own skinnier skis, it is so good, the word you used is right, FUN. Although I did just buy some monster 88's to rip around on so they may get pulled a bit more often.

[Lindahl]

Next years Wrenegade 108? Cochise?

[TAFKALVS]

Whatever ski I personally ski on regardless of its actual appropriateness for your use.

202 Lotus 138 r3

[abraham]

202 Lotus 138 r3

Good call. With all that rocker you're approaching the limits of grip on that 5cm of edge that actually touches the ground

[auvgeek]

202 Lotus 138 r3

The R3.1 or R3.2? I rate the R3.2 a 104 on hardpack and two thumbs up in pow while the R3.1 is merely a gold star on hardpack and big grin in pow.

[NW_SKIER]

202 Lotus 138 r3

I thought he was a soul 7 guy

[Lindahl]

Good call. With all that rocker you're approaching the limits of grip on that 5cm of edge that actually touches the ground

Actually they work really well on 45 degree raincrust in Alaska (sucks that I know that). Its the flats where they're tricky.

[abraham]

Actually they work really well on 45 degree raincrust in Alaska (sucks that I know that). Its the flats where they're tricky.

Ha! I've skied some flavor of 138 on a few mediocre days of snowbird laps, I have an idea of how it'll do as an everyday ski.

[bigdude2468]

Looking for suggestions of daily drivers to look at. I ski CO and UT. Current ski is 4Frnt Turbo. Really have liked it for 3 years, but find I have a lot more fun on my powder skis, Bent Chets, even in like 2" new. I have the version with the stringers, so they're stiffer than they used to be.

Are the Automatics like a mini Bent Chet? Never been on one. Other skis to recommend in that 105-108 spot?

Thanks

Moment Deathwish, 112 under foot

[2FUNKY]

191 Lhasa FAT!

[galibier_numero_un]

Praxis RX

Whatever ski I personally ski on regardless of its actual appropriateness for your use.

Well played! I nearly wet my pants when reading this.

... Thom

[gregL]

I like the Invictus 108 Ti too. Also Black Crows Atris, Faction 3.0, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARV 106 all kill it.

[Kopi_Red]

191 Lhasa FAT!

After hand flexing your pair that ski is on the top of my short list of skis I want to buy. I really would like to find a pair in good condition with only one mount.

[2FUNKY]

After hand flexing your pair that ski is on the top of my short list of skis I want to buy. I really would like to find a pair in good condition with only one mount.

You'll have to beat me to it! Always hunting for a back up pair.

[LC]

I like the Invictus 108 Ti too.

A few mentions of the Invictus here. It's on my radar as my new bigger touring ski but I've never bothered to check it out in the flesh. How does it flex compared to a Cochise? Even flex pattern or soft tip?

[TAFKALVS]

A few mentions of the Invictus here. It's on my radar as my new bigger touring ski but I've never bothered to check it out in the flesh. How does it flex compared to a Cochise? Even flex pattern or soft tip?

Way stiffer, pretty even flex.

[LC]

Way stiffer, pretty even flex.

Good to know, thanks. I'll try to see it in the flesh in one of the big shops outside of town who keep skis out all summer.