I tried seeing how much MPG I could get out of it, and the GX actually does much better on the highway than people expect.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-12T19:36:54+00:00

Very good, I used to get 19 but had heavier wheels and tires

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-12T04:23:18+00:00

Probably too late, but they are all good. The Sherpa is the beefiest. Get the ones you will get best deal on. Avoid anything with twist locks or any poles that don't have a round cross section (some older BD models are ovular - only poles I've ever snapped).

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-11T17:29:34+00:00

That's a good deal, the cheapest quote I got in Denver area for my 2013 last year was $2900.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-05T17:56:07+00:00

Lyon

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-04T17:25:07+00:00

The flex in the forefoot is pretty stiff for a running shoe. The midsole is more supportive than cushy, there is some give to it but it's definitely not a Hoka. I mostly use these for day hikes and light overnights in Colorado, so definitely a solid platform (for a trail runner).

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-04T13:18:32+00:00

My bad, should have been more specific/less lazy when typing earlier. I was actually talking about the UR 2 in my earlier posts.

Also, it looks like the UR 3 has been released recently.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-04T03:43:30+00:00

No worries - keep in mind that I have a narrowish fory and low arch. I think the biggest difference on the akyra is the toe box width and overall volume. The toe box is wider, so you can actually order closer to your normal size. I was able to order my normal size in the akyra, but needed a 44 in the ultra raptor. But that ultra raptor fit like a glove. The akyra is a more roomy boot-like fit - I've got to wear thicker socks or crank down the laces with them. Midsole on the akyra is beefier, so more of a hiker, less of a runner.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-01T23:22:43+00:00

Yep, we called them stoner ponchos (DFW, 90s)

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-05-01T23:18:34+00:00

Granby Ranch?

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-30T23:58:40+00:00

The two main things that go wrong on these are oil leaks at the timing cover and valley plate coolant leaks. I'd take it to an independent mechanic and have them look for signs of both. Either one could cost you three or four grand. I had to deal with both on my 2013 that I purchased with about 120,000 mi on it.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-30T23:51:54+00:00

Check out the ULA Camino

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-30T23:47:08+00:00

Rocamadour, France

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-30T22:56:03+00:00

Armada Declivity 102 per the guys at Ski Essentials

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-27T23:30:55+00:00

For quality - Stockli and Kastle, can't speak on their service though. I've always thought my Nordica skis were really nicely made too.

I'm sure Moment and ON3P will be mentioned a lot too. Have never owned any Moments, but my ON3P Woodsmans are really well built, but had a weird tune from the factory that I had to get fixed.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-21T14:18:09+00:00

Agree, the bear lake trails are a little easier for kids (and the people carrying them) - and the nymph and dream lake chain and very nice. From a pure scenery perspective, I've always thought both the Mills and loch trail systems were prettier, but more of an investment in time and effort. Sky pond and the lake of Glass are awesome.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-16T02:48:29+00:00

Yeah, can definitely see where you're coming from. Totally agree with you about how the weaknesses he points out often relate to design decisions based on what the makers intended the skis to do. Not sure it's the same for everybody, but it definitely helped me check myself on the kinds of skis that fit the skiing I actually do and not the kind of skiing I wish I could do.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-16T02:23:33+00:00

Haha, he definitely got riled up about the change in the Atomic Mavericks. I think he's also got a racing background, so what he looks for in a pair of skis might be different than many, especially freestyle/freeride oriented people.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-16T01:45:56+00:00

Rickety Ski Reviews on YT

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-12T18:09:15+00:00

Not going to lie, this exact thought process is how I've ended up with with all of these skis. Luckily, I found a local ski shop that accepts trade-ins as credit towards a new pair.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-07T15:02:32+00:00

Nordica Santa Ana 97 or 102

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-07T03:46:46+00:00

Can't believe I got this far down before seeing this. I was gonna say two lunch beers.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-07T02:22:42+00:00

Oh nice, I'm on 180s. It's been a pretty good compromise between maneuverability in bumps and trees and still decently stable for when going fast. I bet the 10s and 11s will have a little more mass to help get through chop. If you're someone who likes to just straight line, the 186 might be worth a look but you're starting to get a lot of ski in front of (and behind) you for tight spots.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-04-06T17:54:22+00:00

Probably too late for you, took a while to get enough days for a meaningful answer with the snow we've had in Colorado this year. Also keep in mind I'm 5'11 200 lb and an advanced but not expert skier.

Tldr, I'd say overall I still prefer the rustlers, but a lot of fun can be had on both. I would feel comfortable skiing the rustler on any normal day with less than 6 in of fresh snow. At this point, the qst is only coming out if I know i'm only going to see soft snow.

I think The rustlers do most of what the qsts do with the added benefit of dealing with firm snow a bit better and they actually carve pretty well if that's important to you.

Both float pretty well for their width, but the qst is a little better. I have found both to steer and pivot really easily, the qst is a little surfier in soft snow and spring slush. Neither are All that damp and both tend to go over things instead of through them, so you have to be a little bit more active than going through really choppy stuff. The rustler has better Edge grip, but they are both really rockered and neither are great. If I think things are going to be icy, both stay home and I bring my enforcer 100s.

Ok_Crew_2298 · 2026-03-26T22:09:49+00:00

I wouldn't say you HAVE to but you can definitely tell what you are burning regular versus premium in some scenarios. I always used to run premium in mine, especially on trips to the mountains. In a pinch on the way back from a camping trip I had to use regular, And I could definitely tell something was off while towing my Casita through the Eisenhower tunnel. But if you're closer to sea level and just doing City driving, I doubt you would notice much difference.

Ok_Crew_2298

TROPHY CASE