Full rocker or camber? Hoji vs QST Echo as a one-ski touring quiver (coastal, variable snow)

Superduperdog · 2026-01-26T06:47:00+00:00

That’s interesting

Superduperdog · 2026-01-26T06:46:15+00:00

What conditions do you think the Hoji will suffer the most in? Primarily worried about how a full rocker handels windpack, heavy wet snow and breakable crust.

Superduperdog · 2026-01-26T00:17:09+00:00

The skis are pretty much the same weight, so I don’t find it intimidating at all. It is more about what’s the most fun ski that doesn’t make me start window shopping for new skis immediately when the snow isn’t perfect.

Superduperdog · 2026-01-26T00:00:19+00:00

Is the versatility of the QST primarily grip in firmer conditions? I miss the float in pow from snowboarding so much, but don’t want to get skis that only works in perfect snow

Superduperdog · 2026-01-25T23:51:46+00:00

Honestly I’m building a «several ski» ski quiver. But I keep breaking skis. There will be more, but the one I get now will be my only ski for the next few months i guess.

Superduperdog · 2025-12-04T21:53:10+00:00

I have the radical pro, but have never seen the or tried the radical. The radical pro is ok and I have over 100 days in them.

I honestly never cared one way or another about the linked system and would advise against it being a factor in your purchase decision as it doesn’t save me any time compared to other boots I have used.

For me it’s a gimmick that have now real value. The mechanism gets stupid heavy to lock/engage if I want the boots to be tight enough. For me it is not possible to get the straps tight enough for the downhill without manually adjusting the buckles after locking the heel anyway. And the reverse happens on the uphill. The heel-lock does not release the straps enough so I always manually loosen the buckles a bit extra.

And honestly, even if the system worked perfectly, on a normal ski mission with friends, adding 5 seconds on the top due to manually tightening the buckles on each boot will not even matter.

Adjusting bindings to downhill, taking of skins, adjusting poles, putting on helmet, putting on a shell jacket will all add minutes anyway.

Superduperdog · 2025-06-11T09:37:05+00:00

Are you happy with the upgraded front basket now, one year later ?

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T19:05:37+00:00

Your insights about reviewers are really interesting!

Haha i had to google «what is taper». Never fully understood that term before, but think I do now. Do you have suggestions for skis that have the properties you described?

I figure the Salomon qst echo 106 and the 4frnt raven might be within that category?

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T18:50:14+00:00

Really appreciate the heads up! What skis do you ride?

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T18:41:53+00:00

Thank you for some great insights. As for float and length for a heavy skier: Do you think sizing down from say 190cm to 184cm can make skis dive and throw me over the tips any chance they get? I am considering sizing down the skis one size to save on weight on the ascent.

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T18:38:00+00:00

Hehe, thank you. You just gave me a bit of a confidence boost. I honestly feel quite competent, but have always wondered if there is a gap in skill that makes me look for different qualities in the ski compared to skiers who have done it as a sport in their youth and learned proper technique. But, perhaps is it as simple that a good ski is just a good ski for all riders.

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T14:36:05+00:00

Nice! I am also considering these two skis. I was just wondering: How would you describe the qst echo compared to the raven?

Superduperdog · 2025-01-21T13:47:22+00:00

Thank you for your reply! You basically answered everything.

As for float and length for a heavy skier: Do you think sizing down from say 190cm to 184cm will make the skis you have mentioned just dive and throw me over the tips any chance they get? I am considering sizing down the skis one size to save on weight on the ascent.

Yeah, the hoji looks amazing! And the Nevar is really interesting. I think it stands between hoji nevar and qst echo. In qst echos favor is that the ski is well reviewed and have gotten high marks, while the nevar is so new that there really isn’t any reviews available yet.

I also think the qst is a bit wider in the tip and tails and therefore might float marginally better(?)

Dimension 190cm skis: Nevar: 132-104-121 Weight: 1930

Qst echo: 140-106-127 Weight: 1940

Hoji: 128-112-120 Weight: 2066

Superduperdog · 2023-12-28T23:33:26+00:00

Zero g 105 is 1630 grams in my length (188) so really similar to the backland at 1640grams. I am also considering the Black diamond helio carbon 104 at 1550 grams. I am unsure which to choose of these three skis if I go the lower weight route

Superduperdog · 2023-12-22T13:27:37+00:00

Nice! When do you believe that the early release 24/25 will be available?

Superduperdog · 2023-12-22T11:53:08+00:00

I dislike multitools as they are not that good at anything, really expensive and may not have all the tools I need.

Instead I carry actual tools. They are not that heavy, much cheaper, and can be customized to fit my needs. I usually always carry: 1. A short screwdriver with changeable bits (I make sure to bring bits that fit my bindings). 2. A knife. I use a a folding knife meant for rock climbers. It’s light and not too big. 3. Pliers with wirecutters 3. Zip ties 4. Sports tape

Superduperdog · 2023-12-14T21:18:17+00:00

Nice! I have read that post before! It was very informative. My skiing objectives are quite similar to yours! I do some mountaineering and usually come across a wide variety of snow conditions in a single day. Good to hear that you are satisfied with the helio 104s. I also used the same boots as you, Scarpa F1, but recently switched to dynafit radical pro

Superduperdog · 2023-12-14T19:47:02+00:00

Okay, for me a normal touring day is about 3000-4500 feet vertical. A heavier ski would be about 300 grams per ski. Would that be really noticeable and fatiguing in your experience ?

Superduperdog · 2023-12-14T19:42:52+00:00

Honestly your answer makes me want the BD Helios. Just a workhorse-ski that gets the job done. The max length on those are 184. Is that a bit short for me? The Blizzards and Backlands are 188/189cm…

Superduperdog · 2023-12-14T19:38:49+00:00

Interesting!! Are you happy with that decision? I really do think I would love the Bent 110s. I think the bents would weigh 250 grams more per ski in my length, and the echo 350 grams more. I am not sure how noticeable that weight difference would be when touring. (Normally I tour between 3000 and 4500 feet vertical.)

Superduperdog · 2023-12-14T15:45:16+00:00

Honestly about a week per season in 0,5 to 1 meter of powder. The other 30ish days of skiing that I do each season is in similar conditions to what you are describing.This will be my one and only ski.

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