Even among basic skiers who normally strive for technical perfection, some might consider freeriding as a way to enjoy free expression. On a morning when there's plenty of fresh snow, powder skiing is sure to be a fresh experience. Pro shops offer persuasive advice, as they can test ride numerous brands and models on the snow, integrating their extensive knowledge and user feedback to compare and evaluate products from multiple angles. For basic skiers looking to broaden their horizons and try freeriding in the 2023-2024 season, let's ask a discerning pro shop for the best fat skis that will help them demonstrate their technical abilities
INDEX
ROSSIGNOL｜BLACKOPS 98
I used it myself when I was doing the basics, so I can recommend it with confidence!
Many freeskiing boards, which tend to have a soft flex, are too soft for beginner skiers. The "BLACKOPS98" skis are made with metal and are sturdy. Even if they feel a little soft, you'll be able to ski without any discomfort. Also, the 98mm center width may seem thick, but when you actually try it out, it's not like that at all. Beginner skiers will quickly get used to it and enjoy it! I personally use them and recommend them with confidence!
Despite the wide specs, the tight radius allows for easy turns. The fun part is that even with wide specs, you can still make turns like you would with basic skis
The reason these skis are so highly rated is their excellent carving performance. You might be wondering, "How can 114mm skis really carve?" But carving is incredibly fun! The nose has a large turning radius, so like a basic long ski, you feel the ski's drop significantly when crossing over or going around a valley. To put it in perspective, it's like an airplane making large turns in the sky! It's incredibly satisfying! However, the skis tend to be quite resistant to bending, so a basic foundation in skiing technique is essential.
Another notable feature is their light weight. Despite their excellent carving performance, they weigh less than 2000g. You can take them to any mountain without hesitation. As for bindings, skis with a relatively short tail and bindings that suppress the boot welt are a good match, especially considering grip in the latter half of turns. Maker's KINGPIN is a prime example.
Reviewer: Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu Store Staff / Amari Yuki
FACTION ｜ DANCER 1
Experience the joy of maneuvering a board like you've never experienced before!
We want you to break away from the traditional Japanese genre of basic skiing and create the tracks you imagine! With FACTION's DANCER 1, you'll experience the joy of maneuvering a board like you've never experienced before. For all skiers who want to break away from the basics!
The carbon and metal construction allows for high-speed skiing on a variety of slopes. The edges have excellent grip, but the rocker on the tip and tail allows for freestyle maneuvering. The center is set back, making this a versatile freeride model that's also great for powder. This board is perfect for experts who are familiar with basic and racing boards
The FARTHER, BLASTRACK's flagship model, is being reborn for the 2024 season with a completely new concept! It's a true all-mountain model (and of course, groomed slopes too!) with a straight tail and under 15m of side curve! This look will be familiar and well-received by beginner skiers! However, if you check the specs, you'll see that it's actually a solid twin-shape, long nose, and fully-fledged freeski design, making it a ski that anyone can enjoy, anywhere, in any way!
The FARTHER offers the sharpness of a basic ski, while also allowing you to fully enjoy the free-form turns of a free-ski. This is a ski that will have you feeling comfortable turning on flat ground, but also skiing on snow in a variety of conditions, and experiencing the joy of free-skiing turns
The new FARTHER for the 2023-2024 season has a completely different shape from previous models, making it fun to cruise down the slopes. The wide top makes it great for powder
The Pobla & Ash core increases durability, allowing for nimble movement and precise edge control. And yet, at just under 70,000 yen, this freeski model offers excellent value for money
It's extremely light thanks to its lightweight core material. Its vibration absorption system provides excellent stability at high speeds, ensuring a comfortable ride. The 98mm center offset makes it great for both powder and groomed runs, making it a versatile ski
This is the ultimate ski for enjoying everything from park to powder, slopes to backcountry, anywhere, in any snow condition. With a 106mm center, it offers surprising agility for a fat ski, powerful edge grip that lasts forever, and shock absorption that won't falter even on rough slopes. It excels in these three areas, and while it does require a fair amount of leg strength, it's such a well-rounded ski that you'll wonder if there's a better ski out there. While the buoyancy isn't as great as the BLANK, in powder, you can enjoy diving deep and then using the ski's rebound to launch you off
The classic RUSTLER has undergone a complete redesign. For those with a basic foundation, if you jump straight into a twin-tip ski, you'll likely find the short tip makes you lurch, so we recommend a model with directional but deep tail rocker. For the 2023-2024 season, the RUSTLER's titanium structure has been updated to the Flux Form H-shaped titanium structure, improving tip-over performance and allowing for more aggressive turns. Its
edge grip and sharpness are sharp enough to rank among the best fat skis. However, its reaction time isn't as quick as previous models, making it less prone to mistakes and making it a more versatile ski. The deeper rocker also improves float and maneuverability in powder. The solid tail rocker makes switch riding a breeze, allowing even beginner freeskiers to try a variety of different things. Its easy shifting and turn control allow for freeriding techniques unique to basic skis. For those with a low powder content, the RUSTLER 9 is the ski for you.
Reviewer: PADDLE CLUB Staff / Koji Kato
BLACKCROWS｜ SOLIS
The average speed is high in all conditions and the speed range is also high, so it is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders
Recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers with a certain level of basic skiing skills. Its average performance is high in all conditions, with a high speed range. I recommend trying it out on groomed runs first thing in the morning, and then experiencing its stability on rough runs in the afternoon. Its speed in powder is also impressive, and it's no wonder it's the choice of skiers competing in the FWT. It's comparable to fat skis with waists of around 120mm. A
word of caution for beginner skiers: this isn't the type of ski that relies on the side curve of the board to turn, so control your foot pressure, lean angle, and timing to create the arc you want. I've actually already ordered one for myself, and I'm looking forward to this season.
