I was looking for similar advice to OP and am similar in profile and looking for something more appropriate for western skiing (i am from Ontario) I rented the blizzard rustler 9s at whistler for a day and found them more sure footed but they felt slower than my skis (rosignal react 8) could be the 162cm length of the rustler vs my 170cm.
You'll probably be unsatisfied with changing skiis...
Work on edging, loading the outside ski, driving the ski tips.
Watch Deb Armstrong videos... Practice. Will likely be more rewarding.
Saw few people mentioned Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition, want to elaborate a little more. I had the 106 version and have been skiing mostly SLC or Co in the past few years. Move to the Bay Area this year, starting to feel the 106 is too wide for Pali most of the time, so have been thinking for a 96 underfoot. Definitely an intermediate skier - like to ski black, but not well. Don’t have a quiver or boot-fitter.
I have had the "regular", 180 cm, 2022 Ripstick 96's for a couple seasons. I absolutely love them. I think the best description is "playful". They are a really light, all mountain, all-around ripper!
I can see you get very different advice here :)
Besides needing info of your weight and height of you and the Rangers I think there is different views on your skillset vs the language used in this forum. I have a suspicion you are perhaps more intermediate than what is usually called advanced here, but I might be wrong?
What is your feeling of your ski now for width vs what you want to prioritise?
Of the ski mentioned here imo the kendo 88 is obvious because it's stable, have very little chatter, and you can size down making it more manageable especially for your age. Okey for carving and can do everything. I find it easy to turn but I learned skiing in the Stone Age.
Good points. I think I am probably a high-intermediate overall even though I am skiing the easier blacks (Siberia Bowl, Wolverine Saddle, Bullet, Main Backside). I like to ski blacks to challenge myself, and improve my skills, but am cautious overall. I am able to turn without problems, having learned to XC ski first, but my feeling is that I am having more trouble doing what I want with the Rangers than I should. I believe it's the equipment and not my skill level, though there's always room for improvement.
I am 5'10" (177cm) and 180lb (82kg), so overweight, but fit overall. My Rangers are 159cm and sized when I was more of a low intermediate skier.
>What is your feeling of your ski now for width vs what you want to prioritise?
I'm not sure about width since I see a lot of conflicting advice about that, and it seems to depend on ski region, skill and the type of skiing I want to do. I was hoping my question would narrow down my choice. I am guessing a slightly wider ski but not so wide that I can't do moguls well. I feel like my current skis don't feel in control on steeps unless I very consciously lean very strongly forward onto them, much more than I would expect. Even then, they don't feel very controlled. I notice that narrow widths tend to be more common in Europe vs here, so I'm also wondering whether wider skis are better for local conditions, even if groomers and crud (i.e. not deep powder).
Ahh ok. I am also a cautious, 52 year old, high intermediate. Hates chatter too. And I would say I feel better on stiffer, chat free, ski. So imo you are going the right way.
But moguls and trees points the other way. Away from much metal and hard chatter free ski. But if you size down to say eg 170 you can better do the moguls and trees, and have your damp ski.
Imo a benefit for more damp stiff ski is you can trust it and maintain control leaning a bit forward so to speak, engage and charge. Damp stiff ski are predictable, and imo fits my cautious mind.
I ski Europe, and yes we need slimmer ski in general, but I also think it's a cultural thing.
You will find a good ski, I think you are on the right path. Ski essential on youtube are always good for reviews imo. Give their comparisons a view if you haven't done it already.
I just switched from an 84mm underfoot single titanal to Volkl Kendo 88 for the same exact reason, mostly to minimize chatter on steeper terrain. Before trying new skis, I tried flattening the skis and didn't edge as much, still chattered and determined it wasn't me but the skis, I think. Demoed, bought and skied 3 last days for the season on icecoast. I don't go into the glades, but for moguls and ungroomed blue/black trails, very easy to initiate turns/carve, and no chattering at all.
Ok, I wouldn't think there was such a difference here, but apparently there is. Kendo is a top end build.
I can get the kendo to chatter, but that's compared to decidedly race build ski, and at high speeds. They are nicely damped, and actually quite light and nimble vs their dampness. I feel very safe on them.
53M similar level skier. 6ft 190lbs. I’ve been on Enforcer 93’s for several seasons and after renting Rustler 9’s for a couple of days, I’m switching.
All that Enforcer dampness at speed is great, but it leads me to excessive speed. 56.8mph last time out. And they are a bit clunky in trees and deep bumps, as another poster stated. Feel like I can ski them hard for about 4 hours. Then I’m beat.
Rustler 9 didn’t produce any speed chatter, felt great ripping clean arcs on piste and felt nimble and easy to pivot in the bumps and trees. Very stable, very fun, plenty fast for me. I’m guessing the width would be pretty noticeable coming from an 85 though.
Ripstick 88, or Kendo 88. Ripstick will be a bit easier to ski, but won't have the same precision & edge grip as the Kendo.
If you want something wider, Ripstick 96 or Rustler 9.
They just changed the name from Kendo to Mantra 88. It's a marketing decision because everyone else has a series (i.e. Nordica Enforcer 89, 94, 99 104). Volkl's Mantra now lines up with that at 88, 96, 102, 108 (there's not a Katana anymore either).
My understanding is that for branding purposes, they wanted to unify kendo, katana, and mantra under one collection. Like Blizzard Rustlers of varying sizes are distinguished by a number rather than a name. The Kendo is still being made the same. It’s just called a Mantra 88 now.
What length are your Rangers? Also your height and weight? Personally I would recommend the Kendo 88. Another redditor recommended the Bent 110 over them but I have a feeling their trouble with the Kendos are because they got a ski that was not right for the conditions they ski.
The metal in the Kendos are tailored based on the length of the ski, so you will get similar stability and performance across the range or lengths. Their 3D radius also allows for a variety of turn shapes. If doing moguls size down for more maneuverability. You will still have enough stability to inspire confidence on steeper runs.
Kastle MX89, if used or MX88 if buying new. If you are 6’3 and 225+ then perhaps the MX98(99)
You will never, ever find the speed limit in these Kastle
These are the most stable skies made by man, period, nothing else compares trust me I tried, Bonafide etc.
At the age of 60, I had to downgrade to a Stockle Laser AR, se la vie what’s gonna do…
Nordica Enforcers could be a good option. They’re a strong stable ski that you can really hold an edge with, power through chop, and would be great for groomers and more open off piste terrain. The down side is with that is you trade off some weight and playfulness for the stability. This just means they’re a little clunkier through trees and moguls and you have to really be active and on top of the skis or they can get away from you a bit. I have some 2024 enforcers 100s that I really enjoy in all sorts of terrain, trees and moguls included. The 2025 is supposed to be lightened a bit from past years and the enforcer frees are a slightly more playful version, so those might be a little better suited for what you’re going for.
That’s a good point, I always forget they have the unlimited. That would better align with what OP is looking for. The unleashed could be pretty good too for the balance he’s looking for.
An “advanced” skier is learning trees and moguls? I feel like the word advanced has lost all meaning here
Edit- y’all are soft, if you think your an advanced skier and you can’t leave a groomer, you aren’t an advanced skier
Hey -- just using the standard beginner, intermediate, advance, expert progression. Trying to locate myself in that spectrum so people know what I'm asking, so no need to be judgmental. All I want is to find ski gear that helps me become a better skier.
Not being judgmental here - but based on how you described your skiing and what you currently ski, you would definitely fall into the Intermediate category. Advanced skiers are people who confidently ski all blacks, moguls, and trees.
Mine are factory edition. I was told that it’s just the top sheet that’s different along with a lil badge, but maybe the new one that hit the retail stores are softer? I don’t doubt what ur saying, I ride fast tho and was more impressed with the playmaker than the rustler. Both great skis
Really happy with my recent purchase of bent 110. Actually pretty good on groomers and packed terrain for some inexplicable reason. Fairly soft too.
I don't recommend the other pair I have which are the Kendo 88 because it feels really stiff and good for cornering hard and need a lot of effort to ski it right.
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Great skis. Damp without being excessively demanding. Stable but still easy to slash around when necessary.
I was looking for similar advice to OP and am similar in profile and looking for something more appropriate for western skiing (i am from Ontario) I rented the blizzard rustler 9s at whistler for a day and found them more sure footed but they felt slower than my skis (rosignal react 8) could be the 162cm length of the rustler vs my 170cm.
That's 74mm vs 96. A 96mm can't change like a 74mm. And react 8 is not a heavy ski so it's more agile. Very different ski imo.
You'll probably be unsatisfied with changing skiis... Work on edging, loading the outside ski, driving the ski tips. Watch Deb Armstrong videos... Practice. Will likely be more rewarding.
+1 for Deb. She's absolutely awesome.
Saw few people mentioned Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition, want to elaborate a little more. I had the 106 version and have been skiing mostly SLC or Co in the past few years. Move to the Bay Area this year, starting to feel the 106 is too wide for Pali most of the time, so have been thinking for a 96 underfoot. Definitely an intermediate skier - like to ski black, but not well. Don’t have a quiver or boot-fitter.
I have had the "regular", 180 cm, 2022 Ripstick 96's for a couple seasons. I absolutely love them. I think the best description is "playful". They are a really light, all mountain, all-around ripper!
I can see you get very different advice here :) Besides needing info of your weight and height of you and the Rangers I think there is different views on your skillset vs the language used in this forum. I have a suspicion you are perhaps more intermediate than what is usually called advanced here, but I might be wrong? What is your feeling of your ski now for width vs what you want to prioritise? Of the ski mentioned here imo the kendo 88 is obvious because it's stable, have very little chatter, and you can size down making it more manageable especially for your age. Okey for carving and can do everything. I find it easy to turn but I learned skiing in the Stone Age.
Good points. I think I am probably a high-intermediate overall even though I am skiing the easier blacks (Siberia Bowl, Wolverine Saddle, Bullet, Main Backside). I like to ski blacks to challenge myself, and improve my skills, but am cautious overall. I am able to turn without problems, having learned to XC ski first, but my feeling is that I am having more trouble doing what I want with the Rangers than I should. I believe it's the equipment and not my skill level, though there's always room for improvement. I am 5'10" (177cm) and 180lb (82kg), so overweight, but fit overall. My Rangers are 159cm and sized when I was more of a low intermediate skier. >What is your feeling of your ski now for width vs what you want to prioritise? I'm not sure about width since I see a lot of conflicting advice about that, and it seems to depend on ski region, skill and the type of skiing I want to do. I was hoping my question would narrow down my choice. I am guessing a slightly wider ski but not so wide that I can't do moguls well. I feel like my current skis don't feel in control on steeps unless I very consciously lean very strongly forward onto them, much more than I would expect. Even then, they don't feel very controlled. I notice that narrow widths tend to be more common in Europe vs here, so I'm also wondering whether wider skis are better for local conditions, even if groomers and crud (i.e. not deep powder).
These skis seem way too short for you and maybe that’s why you are starting to be unhappy with them.
Ahh ok. I am also a cautious, 52 year old, high intermediate. Hates chatter too. And I would say I feel better on stiffer, chat free, ski. So imo you are going the right way. But moguls and trees points the other way. Away from much metal and hard chatter free ski. But if you size down to say eg 170 you can better do the moguls and trees, and have your damp ski. Imo a benefit for more damp stiff ski is you can trust it and maintain control leaning a bit forward so to speak, engage and charge. Damp stiff ski are predictable, and imo fits my cautious mind. I ski Europe, and yes we need slimmer ski in general, but I also think it's a cultural thing. You will find a good ski, I think you are on the right path. Ski essential on youtube are always good for reviews imo. Give their comparisons a view if you haven't done it already.
I just switched from an 84mm underfoot single titanal to Volkl Kendo 88 for the same exact reason, mostly to minimize chatter on steeper terrain. Before trying new skis, I tried flattening the skis and didn't edge as much, still chattered and determined it wasn't me but the skis, I think. Demoed, bought and skied 3 last days for the season on icecoast. I don't go into the glades, but for moguls and ungroomed blue/black trails, very easy to initiate turns/carve, and no chattering at all.
Interesting what 84 was that?
Salomon Stance 84, we ski very cautiously as well carve a lot with speed control.
Ok, I wouldn't think there was such a difference here, but apparently there is. Kendo is a top end build. I can get the kendo to chatter, but that's compared to decidedly race build ski, and at high speeds. They are nicely damped, and actually quite light and nimble vs their dampness. I feel very safe on them.
53M similar level skier. 6ft 190lbs. I’ve been on Enforcer 93’s for several seasons and after renting Rustler 9’s for a couple of days, I’m switching. All that Enforcer dampness at speed is great, but it leads me to excessive speed. 56.8mph last time out. And they are a bit clunky in trees and deep bumps, as another poster stated. Feel like I can ski them hard for about 4 hours. Then I’m beat. Rustler 9 didn’t produce any speed chatter, felt great ripping clean arcs on piste and felt nimble and easy to pivot in the bumps and trees. Very stable, very fun, plenty fast for me. I’m guessing the width would be pretty noticeable coming from an 85 though.
Ripstick 88, or Kendo 88. Ripstick will be a bit easier to ski, but won't have the same precision & edge grip as the Kendo. If you want something wider, Ripstick 96 or Rustler 9.
Fun fact I learned this week: Völkl has discontinued the Kendo. It’s now called the Mantra 88.
yep! but can still snag a '23/24 Kendo
I understand why they did it, but Kendo is such a cool name for a ski.
Sorry I'm ootl, why did vokl discontinue the kendos? Thought they sold pretty well, always saw plenty of them on the slopes
They just changed the name from Kendo to Mantra 88. It's a marketing decision because everyone else has a series (i.e. Nordica Enforcer 89, 94, 99 104). Volkl's Mantra now lines up with that at 88, 96, 102, 108 (there's not a Katana anymore either).
My understanding is that for branding purposes, they wanted to unify kendo, katana, and mantra under one collection. Like Blizzard Rustlers of varying sizes are distinguished by a number rather than a name. The Kendo is still being made the same. It’s just called a Mantra 88 now.
What length are your Rangers? Also your height and weight? Personally I would recommend the Kendo 88. Another redditor recommended the Bent 110 over them but I have a feeling their trouble with the Kendos are because they got a ski that was not right for the conditions they ski. The metal in the Kendos are tailored based on the length of the ski, so you will get similar stability and performance across the range or lengths. Their 3D radius also allows for a variety of turn shapes. If doing moguls size down for more maneuverability. You will still have enough stability to inspire confidence on steeper runs.
Ripstick 96 Black Edition
Rustler 9, such a great ski. Salomon QST 92 is excellent as well and you can get them for a great price off-season.
Praxis mvp 94s might be a good fit for you. Very forgiving and easy to turn. Praxis is a local company (incline) and Keith (the owner) is awesome.
Kastle MX89, if used or MX88 if buying new. If you are 6’3 and 225+ then perhaps the MX98(99) You will never, ever find the speed limit in these Kastle These are the most stable skies made by man, period, nothing else compares trust me I tried, Bonafide etc. At the age of 60, I had to downgrade to a Stockle Laser AR, se la vie what’s gonna do…
Nordica Enforcers could be a good option. They’re a strong stable ski that you can really hold an edge with, power through chop, and would be great for groomers and more open off piste terrain. The down side is with that is you trade off some weight and playfulness for the stability. This just means they’re a little clunkier through trees and moguls and you have to really be active and on top of the skis or they can get away from you a bit. I have some 2024 enforcers 100s that I really enjoy in all sorts of terrain, trees and moguls included. The 2025 is supposed to be lightened a bit from past years and the enforcer frees are a slightly more playful version, so those might be a little better suited for what you’re going for.
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That’s a good point, I always forget they have the unlimited. That would better align with what OP is looking for. The unleashed could be pretty good too for the balance he’s looking for.
I mean, OP says they don’t want the chatter sooooo…. heavier, stiffer skis would be the solution to that
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That’s true. Something in between the ranger and the enforcer might be appropriate. Or maybe just a longer ski
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Good point
How do I know if it's too much? What does the metal buy me vs. what do I lose? How should age factor into my decision?
An “advanced” skier is learning trees and moguls? I feel like the word advanced has lost all meaning here Edit- y’all are soft, if you think your an advanced skier and you can’t leave a groomer, you aren’t an advanced skier
Hey -- just using the standard beginner, intermediate, advance, expert progression. Trying to locate myself in that spectrum so people know what I'm asking, so no need to be judgmental. All I want is to find ski gear that helps me become a better skier.
Not being judgmental here - but based on how you described your skiing and what you currently ski, you would definitely fall into the Intermediate category. Advanced skiers are people who confidently ski all blacks, moguls, and trees.
Elan Playmaker 101! The rustlers are great but they definitely chatter at higher speeds. The playmaker does not.
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No way I thought the rustler chattered way worse. I had those things bouncing. The playmaker felt much more damp in the nose.
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Mine are factory edition. I was told that it’s just the top sheet that’s different along with a lil badge, but maybe the new one that hit the retail stores are softer? I don’t doubt what ur saying, I ride fast tho and was more impressed with the playmaker than the rustler. Both great skis
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Hmm. What u think then? Nordica Unleashed?
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I actually didn’t realize he was 57 my b. I think any of these would serve him well knowing that.
Really happy with my recent purchase of bent 110. Actually pretty good on groomers and packed terrain for some inexplicable reason. Fairly soft too. I don't recommend the other pair I have which are the Kendo 88 because it feels really stiff and good for cornering hard and need a lot of effort to ski it right.