Looking for PNW DD

[EuroMan]

Looking for a new Whistler variable conditions ski for the resort, which I can happily ski on all except the deepest powder days.
Currently ski Rossi sender 106 Ti+ 187, which I have come to dislike. Edge engagement is a bit vague (it could be the tune), and I do not find them very composed at higher speeds.

Because of this, I have spent most inbounds days on touring skis: Volkl Katana VW 191 with ATKs. They always make me smile when it’s even slightly soft. They are mounted at +4 (+3 would've probably been better) and are easy to spin and slash, but they still charge. The primary and obvious problem is that they get thrown around in denser snow. It is probably the combination of reverse camber, pin bindings, and the weight of the skis and the ZGTPs.

Is there a ski similar to what I like in the V-Werks, but which feels much more at home in variable/denser conditions? Or should I just get a second pair, mount them with FKS and call it a day?

185cm, 85kg.

Based on the info I found on this forum, I’m thinking about the following skis:

- Dynastar m-free 108 192 (too much soft-snow bias?)
- Nordica enforcer 104 191 (not stable enough?)
- Katana 108 191 (too one-dimensional?)
- Mindbender 108 193
- Sender Free 110

Any advice is highly appreciated!

[Bandit Man]

You’re going to end up with a second pair anyway you look at it. I gave up on a quiver of one DD for the PNW. I’ve owned every ski on that list (except MB in 186). For WB, I’d do either the K108 or M102 paired with something like the V-Werks Katana or 192 Mfree108.

The K108 is much more versatile than it gets credit for, but it is a lot of ski in the 191 length. They haul on firm groomers and handle up to about a foot/25-cm of pow quite well. The tails can get bogged down a bit in deep manky snow, which is my only complaint. The new M102 is no slouch either. Just not as happy in deeper stuff.

I haven’t tried the update MB108, but the first Gen model was great everywhere but variable, where the softer tip go pushed around and deflected. The 191 Enforcer is a great ski, but it is a compromise on the stability end and the float end. Great for 80% of the time, but you will find the speed limit and you will wish for more float.

[lowsparkco]

I think it’s helpful if you explain the rest of your quiver… I know this is your daily driver, but are you in a 2 ski system with a powder ski? What is it?

I’m running the Heritage Lab 50/50 AM at Bachelor and a lot of PNW mags are appreciating this ski. This is the last weekend of pre-order for next season at discounted price and the FL 105 looks perfect for what you’re describing. Not affiliated, just a fan.

[EuroMan]

Thanks guys! Good point about the quiver: I'm looking for something that can handle heavier chop, where the KVW would fill up the spot for the soft day or 2 after the storm. I don't mind if the new ski doesn't perform great on groomers.
I can see myself adding another ski to the quiver later, which will be more appropriate for groomers and spring days.

Quiver would then be:
1) Powder/slackcountry ski: Katana VW
2) Inbounds dd (>104mm): What I'm looking for now
3) Harder conditions ski (<104mm): Will figure that out next year
4) Touring ski: BMT 109

@banditman: Have been reading your Volkl posts in detail, and indeed my main worry is the length and tail of the K108. Is the K108 an entire different beast than M-Free, or do they share some DNA?

[Sylvan]

Also in Whis, 6’2/195, tour on VWK, and have maybe 60 days on 191 K108. It’s like a burlier VWK, and super versatile for all the varied conditions we see in a day. Also echo the Heritage Lab option. Their FL113 is a sick soft snow charger; just ordered FL105s and plan to DD em next year. FL layup is more free ride, K108 more race-y. Can’t go wrong.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Obvious choice is the Prior Husume.

[phatty]

Don't discount the Moment Commander 108. Handles chop like a champ. It's on the "charger" end of the spectrum, but is still maneuverable even at lower speeds. If you like to go fast, it's as good as anything out there. Float isn't as good as the MFree 108, but it will do up to around 12". I've really been enjoying it this season.

[D(C)]

I don’t know what the answer is, but as someone who skis Whistler, I know the challenge of finding a daily driver that works there. The issue is that you encounter so many types of conditions and terrain in a single day, so you need a ski that does it all. There is lots of big terrain that favours a stable ski, but also a lot of hunting for stashes in the trees when things start getting skied out. And different elevation bands result it different types of snow.

The Sender 106, on paper, is the right type of ski, but it sounds like you just don’t really like them. There are many other skis that fit a similar profile, and it may be some trial and error until you find what works.

The ski I currently grab on most days is the 185 M-Free 99. But I think I’ve bought and sold 4 pairs in the past year before arriving there.

[SupreChicken]

Sounds like a deathwish

[rfconroy]

What about a more forward mount point on a Bender 108?

Somewhat neutral ski, that is really easy to get on the gas, while having some mass for stability in chop.