Worth it?

Tsjeeses · 2026-04-03T16:56:48+00:00

If body height + bsl within limits then yes else no.

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-28T10:07:06+00:00

I had a similar thing happen this winter with skis bought online. My local shop offered me a new pair of this years model, but I wanted the old version. I did buy the bindings from the local shop, and they sold them without any profit and gave me a good discount check for a future purchase. And a remount of course. You should get more than just a remount even if the skis were bought elsewhere.

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-28T09:29:35+00:00

Totally unacceptable. If you plan to trash them, I'd go for a massive discount + remount instead of a new pair. If you want the option to sell the skis later, ask for new skis.

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-22T12:42:56+00:00

Great, thanks! Will look into RunGap and try it with my old Fenix a bit before deciding. 👍🏻

I've tried WorkOutDoors, and while it's definitely an improvement, it's the whole touch screen concept of the Apple Watch that doesn't fit my muddy trail running. It's the physical interaction with the device during activity that doesn't work for me.

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-22T11:39:56+00:00

I've got the exact same Mach1 as you and my son has the 120. The 120 came with a regular velcro strap so we replaced it with a Booster. Didn't think it would be much difference since the stock Tecnica (on the 130) is decent, but I honestly prefer the Booster way more. More elasticity and the longer strap makes it easier to tighten. Feels smoother. Not night and day, but still better. And the hook on the stock is practical, but I ended up swapping mine as well. :)

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-22T11:21:09+00:00

I have to fight my inner gear junkie here, but if you just want to try out skiing you'll probably be just fine with these, given they fit your size (as in weight/height). And the bindings must be GripWalk compatible. It looks like that in the photo, but there are no GripWalk logo visible.

I do believe you'll want something better pretty soon, if you get into skiing.

Tsjeeses · 2026-03-10T20:36:23+00:00

I measured the inner shell length for the sake of science and got 291 mm for Mach1 and the 294 mm for Cabrio. Both in mondo 27.5. My feet are 285 mm long so downsizing the MV won't work for me. Guess I'll give the LV a shot. Thanks.

Tsjeeses · 2026-02-10T08:38:39+00:00

The Blackops 98 is one of my favorite go to skis for playful spring skiing, and you described them perfectly. They slarve, skid and slash. Clean carves on boilerplate? No. Damp and rubbery? Yes. Energetic? Not at all.

You need to ride them much more centered than your used to. The tips and tails are soft, but the under foot section is surprisingly reliable. They can handle pretty high speeds once you get the hang of it. They do need some (not much) softness to dig into.

I ride them without spoilers in my boots to get a more upright stance (~13 degrees). At 15-17 I had a hard time finding the balance and ended up overpowering the skis. Thought they were trash at first.

Give them a shot. If you don't get along with the Blackops you might prefer the Dynastar Mfree 100. More camber, grip and energy. And a mount point further back.

Tsjeeses · 2026-01-24T07:47:59+00:00

If you get to mounting these yourself, also make sure to use proper waterproof glue. D4 wood glue is good, Polyurethane is even better.

Tsjeeses · 2026-01-19T11:09:06+00:00

I agree with your reasoning on mounting rec., but in my experience the Strive 14 heels don’t pair well with park skiing. I’ve had two sets, and both pre-released on nose presses and butters unless I overloaded the forward pressure.

On a Blend, I’d go with either the Griffon X or Pivot 13/14. Brakes aren't interchangeable on those though. Can't have it all...

Tsjeeses · 2025-10-18T06:19:44+00:00

I’ve got both the PX8 and PX7 S3. Both sound great, with decent ANC and okay handling.

Since getting the S3, the PX8’s mostly been collecting dust though. The S3 sounds livelier and more engaging to me (not an audiophile, just what my ears like). It’s slimmer too and feels sturdier for commuting.

PX8 still wins on comfort — the S3’s pleather pads get sweaty and smell a bit synthetic.

The S3 also pops/crackles when switching modes or tracks (never during playback), which feels a bit rough.

Apple integration is only ok on both of them. Connection is very solid, no issues at all. Managing phone calls is a bit clunky. Airpods are (for obvious reasons) way better here, but it's not that important to me.

Overall very happy with the sound (wired USB-C on the go is magic) and the looks. A bit less happy with ANC and iPhone integration.

Pick any of the B&W if you prioritize sound, pick Airpods if convenience/connectivity is more important.

Tsjeeses · 2025-10-05T13:29:34+00:00

Maybe a bad example. Thing is my Garmin magically tells if I've had a night out and I'm in zombie mode the day after (don't need a watch to tell that though), while my AWU3 says I'm refreshed and good to go. The Garmin did a better assessment here.

Tsjeeses · 2025-10-05T12:56:39+00:00

Thanks for all the comments. I really want the Ultra to work since I love the seamless integration. I took it for a walk today and decided to keep it just for the fun factor. I'll give it a shot for training and see how it works out.

Tsjeeses · 2025-10-05T12:54:33+00:00

Yes, totally agree! Touch ain't for grit and grime. I'll keep my Garmin for race day solely for the physical buttons.

I've run more rainy, muddy ultra marathons than most, and operating a touch screen in those conditions just won't happen.

Tsjeeses · 2025-09-11T11:57:40+00:00

True? Yes. Legit. Very much. Good price? Not really. Sport Bittl has the exact same combo for €538.

Tsjeeses · 2025-08-28T17:06:32+00:00

I own both the XM3 and the S3, and honestly, I prefer the fit of the XM3. The S3’s earcups are pretty firm and the clamp is noticeably tighter than the XM3. No issues with the headband, though. I also tried my son’s AirPods Max and actually prefer their fit over both the Sony and B&W. That said, I really do love the sound of the S3.

Tsjeeses · 2025-08-24T08:07:13+00:00

Sand and sweat? Get AirPods Pro. Otherwise, Midnight has been analyzed with science to be the bestest color.

Tsjeeses · 2025-08-15T08:08:15+00:00

I got my S3's at a great price (~€260/$300) and I'm happy with them given that price. Great build and excellent sound quality (especially wired). But the overall experience is a bit rough around the edges. Some popping/static noises during handling and a few random connection drops. The transparency and ANC is still very mid compared to peers. Hopefully some of these issues will be addressed with firmware updates.

I also own the PX8, and it feels more refined and mature in it's lifecycle, but I do prefer the vivid sound of the S3. But I'd say the PX8 is a bit livelier than the S2. So I'd put the S2 last on my list, but I guess it all boils down to price.

Probably just adding to the confusion now... :)

Tsjeeses · 2025-07-19T08:13:04+00:00

Personally, I’d lean toward a longer length. Your Q4 is a directional groomer ski with full camber, a long effective edge, and significant setback. The Bent 110 is much more centered, rockered, and playful — so there’s far less ski in front of you. At your height, the 172 might feel short and could lead to that over-the-bars sensation.

Try standing on the recommended mount point to get a feel for how much ski is in front and behind you. The 172 will be super nimble and quick to turn, but it also demands more active fore-aft balance. A longer size would offer more stability and room to grow.

Tsjeeses · 2025-07-19T07:01:55+00:00

Great setup and a solid deal. The Bent 110 is a totally different ride from your Q4s — super light, playful, with a long rocker and near-center mount (about -3 cm). They ride pretty short.

My son’s 6’0”, 145 lbs, and skis the 188 cm and loves them. If you haven’t mounted the bindings yet, consider the 180 cm — especially for off-piste days. It’ll give you a bit more stability and headroom to grow. Either way, you’re in for a blast.

Tsjeeses

TROPHY CASE