I can't comment on the old 112 or the new 116, or even really where the current Steeple 108 (RIP) fits on the B.G.A.S., but I can say that the 108s have been pegging the needle for me as an all around touring ski. My limited time on BGs suggest that the 108 isn't far off the mark in pow performance, performs better on hardpack, doesn't crush inbounds crud quite as well and destroys 3D variable junk in the same smooth, un-hooky, couldn't give two shits sort of way. My initial concerns with the touring layup were based on old comments that I read on this forum and were largely based on earlier Steeple 102 and 112 reviews. As others have suggested, the current tour layup feels like a really nice balance between dampness and pop that works great in the back country and holds up surprisingly well inbounds. The limiting factors in high speed chop for me are my skiing ability (don't have Hoji-like balance) and current touring boot (Maestrale RS 1.0). The faster I go the more likely I am to be thrown off balance and the more likely it will be that the boot folds forward/doesn't have the cuff height/rear support to get me back forward as quickly as I'd like. I don't think the skis have played much of a roll in achieving a speed limit in chop, which is pretty impressive given that I am comparing them to other skis in my quiver which are recognized crud/chop performers (OG Cochise 185 & 190 Bibby Pro).
Bookmarks