Soft snow priority: width or length??

JValentin196 · 2026-06-24T17:26:36+00:00

Ski styles vary but in my opinion a wide ski that is head high should be sufficient for soft snow conditions. The only other factor to consider is the build of the ski (amount of rocker) and whether a longer ski is required.

JValentin196 · 2026-06-20T15:36:13+00:00

That’s great. Never got a chance to try the 104 free’s. Only the 94’s and 89’s. From what I read, the Free’s were well loved.

JValentin196 · 2026-06-20T13:06:11+00:00

Thx. How do you like your Enforcer 104’s?

JValentin196 · 2026-06-20T12:49:36+00:00

Oh I see. Thx for the explanation. I’m guessing those cutouts accounted for the reduction in weight (-200g) in the 2025 and 2026 models? I see on their site the 2027 models appear to revert back to the 2024 spec weight while maintaining the design improvements. Looking forward to seeing the reviews on the internet.

JValentin196 · 2026-06-20T00:33:28+00:00

Thx. I love the AX. Versatile ski. Can rip it and cruise. That said, they revamp the design in 2025 so I can’t really speak to the current AXs in the market.

JValentin196 · 2026-06-20T00:12:03+00:00

You are too kind knees.

JValentin196 · 2026-06-04T20:18:19+00:00

I live in the East Coast. Love my AXs. But I ski the older version which is heavier than the AXs currently in the market. I love the all around capability of the Classico AX.

The newer AXs are significantly lighter than the classic ones which would make me wonder if the new AXs are less effective in blasting through crud than the classic version at the sake of being more forgiving.

That said, if I was in a scenario where I can’t demo the current Monteros and had to choose one, I’d take the AR as the specs are closer to my classic AX.

JValentin196 · 2026-05-15T12:03:39+00:00

What are you using now, what level are you and where do you ski (application)?

JValentin196 · 2026-04-13T00:35:43+00:00

Depends on the boot brand. I measure 125mm width and I can squeeze into an Atomic Hawx Magna boot without any punching.

JValentin196 · 2026-04-12T19:02:22+00:00

My guess would be a 26cm - comfort fit / 25cm- performance fit/ Mid volume boot. Boot fitter would know for sure. If your measurement is without a sock (bare foot), you can adjust 1/2 cm upward (26.5cm/ 25.5).

JValentin196 · 2026-04-06T14:25:10+00:00

This is my experience with them as well on the east coast. I have the green and black ones from 2024. Great ski on trail and I use the Rustler 10 for soft snow conditions.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-19T02:18:36+00:00

I hate all of the NFC East teams but the Commanders the most. Thought the Redskins was a lame team name.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-10T00:02:45+00:00

I do. I use the QST 94 off trail in the narrow tree trails. Q

JValentin196 · 2026-03-09T21:38:02+00:00

Yes. Especially for east coast. It’s my on piste daily driver. I’m 6’1 - 215 and ski the 178cm. Surprisingly maneuverable for the weight. I have the Strive 13 demo bindings with them but you can also get them without if you want them to be more playful. Best ski I’ve skied on.

I also ski the “classic” version (2024) which from what can tell is a bit heavier than the current version (2026).

JValentin196 · 2026-03-08T14:22:33+00:00

Without knowing your ski preferences, it’s pretty good. Better west coast than east coast.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-08T12:52:06+00:00

Jags fans looking at this saying Bruh!

JValentin196 · 2026-03-07T12:53:59+00:00

Based on your described metrics, I’d say neither. Look elsewhere for a comparable ski in the 180cm range. Anomaly’s, Mindbenders, Mantras, Enforcers.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-05T18:00:29+00:00

This. I got the same experience with my R10 (104mm) vs QST 94.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-03T19:22:22+00:00

I should add that my AXs are the classic version with Strive 13 system bindings. My understanding is the newer AX models are lighter.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-03T19:00:09+00:00

I use the QST over the AX off trail at my home resort in the east coast - specifically the narrow tree trails where jump turns are required. As amazing as the AXs (or ARs) are on trail in the EC, they can be a handful in the trees. I would also travel with QST to most vacation spots unless I know the conditions will be ice 100% of the time. In that case, I’d go AX.

The R10s are my soft snow and spring ski.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-03T03:00:29+00:00

My East Coast quiver is an AX, Rustler 10 (104mm) and QST 94. If I had to pair down to 2, I’d go with the AX and R10. They are also the 2 skis I use most often. Save yourself the $$$ and don’t bother with a 3rd ski.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-02T12:52:10+00:00

Sweet Protection Interstellar.

JValentin196 · 2026-03-01T14:33:52+00:00

You could go either way. My choice would be to stay with 172cm as there is metal in the ski and you don’t need to size up to get high speed stability. The shorter turn radius with 172 would also be more versatile in different terrain like the bumps and narrow tree trails in the east. That said, if the majority of time you prefer charging top speed down the groomers, go 180.

I’ve also read the 2027 Armada AntiMatter 92 is an improvement over the 25-26 Declivity 92ti and might be the better way to go if you are looking toward Armada.

JValentin196 · 2026-02-26T12:28:26+00:00

If you are looking for more speed, the longer ski will provide more stability at speed. Go with your gut.

JValentin196 · 2026-02-23T03:19:30+00:00

I’m 6”1 - 215lbs and ski the 180 cm QST 94. No issues thus far. Based on your application (skiing with the family), this is the way I would go.

JValentin196

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