M5, Masterblaster, or Commander 98

[m10eae]

I'm looking for ski recommendations in the 95-98mm width range, and I'd welcome your feedback.

A little about me. I'm 38, with 34 years of skiing experience. I'm 6' tall and weigh 190 lbs. I ski in Tahoe (Kirkwood and Heavenly), and I'm looking for a ski to handle the typical firm snow conditions that Tahoe had before the 1/16/20 storm. I generally ski in the 25-40 mph range, include a variety of turn shapes, and ski the whole mountain: bumps, groomers/hard pack, crud, etc. Current quiver is the 18/19 Commander 108 @ 188cm (feels long; a lot of ski to get through big icy bumps) and the 19/20 Commander 116 @ 184cm.

I'd like a ski that's quick, yet stable, great edge, and that can pivot/snake through bumps. I've identified the three potential choices in the subject, and welcome any feedback or other suggestions.

[HAB]

I got a pair of 187 MBs this season looking for something similar, and so far I'm really happy with them, after 6 or 7 days on them. I'm recovering from a knee injury and not at full charge yet unfortunately, but they're a really good blend of damp, stable, and pivoty. Definitely not the strongest edge hold in the class (but that's largely in conflict with the pivoty part, and they strike a balance that I like). I haven't skied the other two though so I can't really help on comparisons.

I'm 6', 165-170, and ski in the PNW.

[waxoff]

Down SD95!

[DumbIdeasOnly]

Can only comment on the Masterblasters - I had the 181 out east and am around your size and use profile. I found them incredibly easy to use and very damp. If you think of them overall as being slightly heavier, less traditional Nordica Enforcers I think you’d be close to correct about how they ski.

I’d tend to guess they are the “easiest” of the skis you listed and least stable. I passed mine along because I was looking for more ski in a possibly less user friendly package.

Mantra M5 has been surprisingly hard to find a demo of in an appropriate size for me. I’m pretty excited about the 102 for the use case you’re describing fwiw. I think it’s dramatically more traditional and locked in feeling with a way further back mount point though.

You have infinitely more experience with the Commander line than I do, but I’d guess it’s in the middle of the J ski and Mantra on pivots vs. edge hold and centered versus traditional stance. Do you like the 118 and 108 and think a narrower version would do what you want here? What do you think of the 118 by the way?

[thecazdog]

I was in the same market. I've skied the Mantra and the Commander 98, but not the Masterblaster.

Mantra was a great ski, but not as playful as I like. Commander is lighter than both the other skis and you will feel it.

I ended up loving the Mindbender 99 Ti, and think it should be added to your list. Good balance of speed, playfulness and stability.

[iriponsnow]

I’m about to cut some CMD98’z loose to make room in the quiver.

PM if interested.

[MegaStoke]

I’ve got some undrilled 18/19 178cm Commander 98s if you’re interested. I haven’t skied them but I’ve got buddies who seem to really like them for low tide usage.

[m10eae]

Thanks for the info! Sent messages to MegaStoke and Iripon.