Alpine skiers, who compete against speed in a world of fractions of a second, generally possess high skiing skills. Undaunted by icy race burns and able to unleash their strong mentality in stoic pursuit of time, they're sure to enjoy freeskiing at a high level. But what kind of fat skis are best for enjoying deep powder? That's where pro shops come in. Pro shops offer persuasive advice, allowing them to test ride numerous brands and models on the snow and integrate their extensive knowledge to evaluate products from multiple angles. We asked current and former alpine skiers who are looking to branch out into freeriding for the 2023-2024 season to recommend fat skis that will help them demonstrate their technical abilities
INDEX
ARMADA｜ ARV94
Highly versatile and versatile freestyle skis that give you peace of mind
ARV 94｜D=123-94-118mm (178cm) ｜L=157, 164, 171, 178, 185cm ｜R=17m (178cm)｜￥99,000
ARMADA's ARV94 features an ultra-lightweight Karuba wood core that enhances spin performance in the air, and special sidewalls that can withstand the impact of jibs and boxes. It's a versatile, multi-purpose freestyle ski, making it easy to handle and a reliable choice for alpine skiers looking to tackle jumps and jibs
The BLADE LINE is a carving machine that's hard to believe it's a fat ski. It's great for both rough terrain and smooth runs. It's perfect for alpine skiers who want to enjoy sharp turns even on fat skis!
We recommend the "BLADE OPTIC 96" and "104" from LINE's "OPTIC" series. Both skis contain metal, which may seem stiff for freeride skis, but the adoption of gas pedal metal technology gives them a flex that's not too stiff. You'll experience strong edge grip and stability, plus excellent maneuverability underfoot
People with a background in alpine skiing already have skiing skills, so I'd love for them to try out some harder fat skis (laughs). The "BLADE OPTIC 114" is a fat ski that feels solid and can be enjoyed on flat terrain. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun riding it at full speed
The FACTION "DANCER 3" was originally designed for freeride competitions! With a 21m radius and double metal construction, it's a solid, stable ski ideal for alpine racers. However, its tip and tail rocker and easy-to-handle 106mm waist provide buoyancy and excellent maneuverability, making it a true all-around freeski!
The double metal provides exceptional stability. It requires a certain level of skill, good positioning, and power, but once you've mastered it, it will be the best ski you can get. Advanced skiers will find it easy to handle and maneuver, but here you'll want to go all out with a GS feel. With so many skis these days being too loose, a model that offers a good ride is a rare find. Incidentally, the "AGENT" series, which has been adjusted by replacing the metal with carbon, is a touring ski that can also handle serious skiing on the slopes. If you're not confident, start here
The DECLIVITY 82 Ti is a freeski that can be enjoyed by alpine skiers and beginners alike. It's a sturdy ski with metal construction, an 82mm center width, and a 15-16m radius, making it a shape that even competitive skiers can enjoy. The 82mm center width may seem wide at first, but once you're riding, you won't feel any discomfort
The DECLIVITY 108Ti is built with carbon and metal components, allowing you to ski at high speeds on a variety of slopes. Its edges have excellent grip, but the rocker at the top and tail allows for freestyle maneuvering. The center is set back, making it a versatile freeride model that's also great for powder. The DECLIVITY 108Ti is designed for experts who are familiar with basic and racing boards
The skis' ease of release during long turns is on par with alpine skis!
FR-XXP｜D=116-78-106mm｜L=168cm｜R=17.4m｜¥110,000
The FR-XXP skis are slightly wider than alpine skis, allowing for carving and shifting freely even during freeride. The skis' ease of release during long turns is comparable to alpine skis, and a single FR-XXP can handle both big and short turns, making it suitable not only for freeriding but also for basic certification and prize tests. They also provide stable skiing in powder and ungroomed runs
Reviewer Material Sports Hakuba Store Staff / Hirofumi Mochizuki
ATOMIC｜MAVERICK 100 Ti
Titanium sheet provides grip on icy roads and stability at high speeds
The MAVERICK 100 Ti has a titanium sheet sandwiched between its core, providing a firm grip on icy surfaces and high-speed stability. It's sure to satisfy even alpine racers
FACTION's PRODIGY 4 is built tough enough to handle the leg power of alpine racers. Feel confident and ready to dive into any snow surface! Whether it's hard pack or the finest powder, this is the ski you can rely on to support your devastating runs
While the QST BLANK is geared toward powder, it offers exceptional sharpness and speed despite its 112mm center. Alpine skiers are likely to be adept at applying pressure and power to their skis, so this powerful ski is perfect for those looking to utilize that base for freeskiing. The double sidewall underfoot provides incredible edge grip and vibration absorption, enabling incredible on-piste turning. In powder, the
underfoot section doesn't flex unnecessarily, allowing for speedy riding. The wood core provides a versatile ride, while the C/FX, a blend of carbon and hemp, offers the responsiveness of carbon and the soft, supple ride of hemp, while the cork dampener provides stability without flapping. The
top tail is more flexible than the underside, with a deep rocker, providing a floating feel using the full length while also accommodating movements like slides and slings. The shape of the ski, with the wide point at the top tail positioned closer to your feet, provides excellent edge contact and allows for powerful turns even on hard snow. On piste, the length from the wide point at the top to the wide point at the tail allows for sharp turns, while in powder, the full length allows for speedy, playful riding. This makes it a truly appealing ski that can serve two purposes in one.
Reviewer: PADDLE CLUB Staff / Koji Kato
I think the weight, thickness, and sense of speed of the QST BLANK skis are perfect for people with a background in competitive skiing
The main reason I chose BLIZZARD's "RUSTLER 10" was because it didn't flap around. That's all there is to it. Since I left the competitive world and entered the freeride world, skiing on a variety of slopes, my "thinking, style, and approach" have changed, and it's true that I no longer wear skis as strong as I used to. However, the basic skiing style of alpine skiers is still racing. These
skis offer excellent versatility and minimal vibration, even when you're leaning in tight and going fast. I feel that skis like these are likely to be well-received by alpine skiers. The "RUSTLER series" is also well-established, with many riders using them in the freeride scene. Whether you're flying, spinning, or blasting down bumpy slopes, you can rest assured.
This season, thanks to changes to the core material and the placement of the reinforcement, the ski itself flexes more flexibly than previous models and doesn't flap around. That's how these skis have evolved. Furthermore, because these skis move quite quickly, those planning on taking on larger slopes and steeper slopes should not hesitate to choose a slightly longer length. When it comes to selecting bindings, the board itself is very strong, so we recommend a type that will hold down the boot edges.
Reviewer: Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu Store Staff / Amari Yuki
BLIZZARD | RUSTLER11
The carving performance is also good, and the board returns firmly when you step on it
The RUSTLER 11 has excellent carving ability and a firm return to the board when you push off. Its firm flex makes it especially recommended for alpine racers who want to enjoy high speeds on open runs
