Post by livingproof on Feb 1, 2014 10:28:53 GMT -7
I've spent 3 days on the Q98's in very different conditons, so, time for a initial review. The most noticeable initial impression is how light they are compared to my traditional eastern carvers....night vs day. When I picked up the shipping box, I wondered if Phil sent one ski. Minimal tip rise, mild tail up rise. All three days at Snowmass at Aspen. They were purchased to be a western soft snow ski with the hope they could just be a one ski trip quiver for the week or so I get out west and in soft conditions at home.
Day 1 - Some new snow over both soft and harder old snow
So, I try to be an eastern carver in my technique, and, the transition to a 98 waist all-mountain ski takes adjustment. I read where wide skis carve, and, the 98's do get up on edge when you have the length to make that long a turn. When shorter, soft edge turns are needed, they come to life, think fun vs serious. I'm working on forgiving myself for purposely skidding and, it's not easy. No review of the ski can be separate from my skills to use them. On the lower parts of Snowmass where the conditions are very eastern like, so carving is required and it takes a lot more attention to technique, and, no they are not eastern carvers. On a extended bump run, they did everything I asked very nicely, without throwing me all over. Still, I need much work to become a better bumper. They cruise nicely at my moderate speeds. At end of the day, I'm smiling. This relationship has some possibilities.
Day 2 - Hero Powder
6" new powder overnight, snows all day, sometimes it's nuking. Skiing the mild Snowmass terrain, these are just great to stay in the fall line and have fun. Bump runs look a lot more inviting. Did some outstanding tree runs with mild bumps. The only downside is my body and legs are getting pushed to the max at Aspen elevations. I'm tired and my technique shows it, but, the Q 98's help get down by being forgiving. These skis were made for the conditions that day. I'm really smiling.
Day 3 - 18 more inches over yesterdays powder.
Holy S**t, I finally got one of the days everybody dreams of. Get off the lift and enter the world of snow up to your knees. Not blower, a little dense. Damn, why did this have to happen of tired legs and flat light (I know bitch, bitch bitch). Of the skis available to me, I was so glad that the 98's are underfoot. They just helped me be a better, more confident skier. I'd like to tell you that we ripped great lines at speed, but, I don't want to lie.
So, the duo of skier and ski continues tomorrow with 6 more Utah days. I'll keep mini-blogging about the journey of discovery. Can happiness be found on a 98 waist ski.
Hint, I think it's much more about the archer than the arrow.
Day 1 - Some new snow over both soft and harder old snow
So, I try to be an eastern carver in my technique, and, the transition to a 98 waist all-mountain ski takes adjustment. I read where wide skis carve, and, the 98's do get up on edge when you have the length to make that long a turn. When shorter, soft edge turns are needed, they come to life, think fun vs serious. I'm working on forgiving myself for purposely skidding and, it's not easy. No review of the ski can be separate from my skills to use them. On the lower parts of Snowmass where the conditions are very eastern like, so carving is required and it takes a lot more attention to technique, and, no they are not eastern carvers. On a extended bump run, they did everything I asked very nicely, without throwing me all over. Still, I need much work to become a better bumper. They cruise nicely at my moderate speeds. At end of the day, I'm smiling. This relationship has some possibilities.
Day 2 - Hero Powder
6" new powder overnight, snows all day, sometimes it's nuking. Skiing the mild Snowmass terrain, these are just great to stay in the fall line and have fun. Bump runs look a lot more inviting. Did some outstanding tree runs with mild bumps. The only downside is my body and legs are getting pushed to the max at Aspen elevations. I'm tired and my technique shows it, but, the Q 98's help get down by being forgiving. These skis were made for the conditions that day. I'm really smiling.
Day 3 - 18 more inches over yesterdays powder.
Holy S**t, I finally got one of the days everybody dreams of. Get off the lift and enter the world of snow up to your knees. Not blower, a little dense. Damn, why did this have to happen of tired legs and flat light (I know bitch, bitch bitch). Of the skis available to me, I was so glad that the 98's are underfoot. They just helped me be a better, more confident skier. I'd like to tell you that we ripped great lines at speed, but, I don't want to lie.
So, the duo of skier and ski continues tomorrow with 6 more Utah days. I'll keep mini-blogging about the journey of discovery. Can happiness be found on a 98 waist ski.
Hint, I think it's much more about the archer than the arrow.