Air / Play
One of my personal favorite differences between the Scout and the Cochise is the decrease in swing weight. While the Scout is still a far cry from being as light feeling and easy to toss around as either the Rocker2 108, Sir Francis Bacon, or even the Moment Deathwish, it does feel more nimble in the air than its big brother, the Cochise.
The Scout was not as confidence inspiring as the Cochise when putting the landing gear down, mostly because of to the stronger overall feel of the Cochise. As long as the snow remained relatively consistent, however, the skis provided both a stable launch pad and landing pad.
Overall, the Scout doesn’t have a jibby feel, and it was never intended to. Anyone interested in a ski from Blizzard aimed more specifically for this type of use should take a closer look at the subtly-changed-for-13/14 GunSmoke (which I will have a review of soon), or another Blizzard ski we’re excited to try, the new-for-13/14 Peacemaker.
Soft Resort Chop / Crud
Though the Scout is noticeably less powerful than the Cochise, at my weight (160 pounds), I still didn’t have any trouble chopping through the typical resort pow-day leftovers. Anyone larger than me will unquestionably like the Cochise far better in these conditions, and, frankly, most other resort conditions, except for a day with free refills.
Like the Cochise, the Scout prefers a balanced stance, and from this position, a lighter skier can tackle everything from super deep and light midwinter chop, to thick, spring time glop on a slope filled with small roller balls—just as a larger skier can on a Cochise. From my experience, all of the Flipcore skis seem to stand out in these conditions, providing a very smooth and predictable ride that feels increasingly better with speed.
Difficult Off-Piste Conditions (Hard / Soft Variable)
Difficult snow conditions like shallow, soft snow over a frozen base layer don’t disappear underneath the Scout, which happens to be one of the reasons why the Cochise has achieved so much success: it smoothes out nearly every type of terrain and snow condition.
The main reason I have found for the reduced performance—again, at least for someone of my size—seems to stem from the lack of both stiffness and dampening when trying to navigate these challenging conditions. Even at slow speeds, I found it very easy to overpower the front of the ski, and very difficult to remain balanced at any speed. Difficult conditions require at least a balanced stance, and preferably one solidly in the front seat; I was never able to find and hold a comfortable driving stance on the Scout in these conditions.
Just as with the Kabookie, however, I did find it helpful to slow way down and totally finesse the ski through turns when the snow became difficult. It seemed the less input I tried to have on the Scout, the better they felt. Given this, I am more inclined to think lighter skiers may find the ride of the Scout in these conditions to be suitable, and especially for those skiers who felt like the Cochise was more ski than they wanted or needed.
Off-Piste Hardpack
Unfortunately, because of the timing in the season, I didn’t get to test the Scout on typical midwinter hardpack, firm moguls, etc. But from my experience on the ski in other conditions, I feel pretty comfortable predicting the Scout will feel slightly easier to swing around in tight spots and in moguls than the Cochise. Again, I think bigger and more proficient skiers will prefer the Cochise, while lightweight skiers who prefer to take the mountain at slow-to-moderate speeds will have a better time on the Scout.
Bottom Line
Having been on quite a few of Blizzard’s skis now, I can see where the new Scout can fill a niche market.
For someone looking for the damp, slightly smeary, yet still fairly traditional ride that the Cochise provides, and who plans on spending nearly all of their time outside a resort boundary in soft snow, the Scout will be the best option.
For someone who spends more time inside resort boundaries but is looking for a ski with the same qualities mentioned above, all but the lightest of users and those who are not quite as strong skiers will likely prefer the Cochise.
Finally, backcountry users who find themselves in tight spots, icy sections, and less powder may find the Kabookie to be a better fit.
You can now read Will Brown’s 2nd Look of the Scout.
NEXT PAGE: ROCKER PROFILE PICS
I have about a dozen days on my 177 Scouts (i’m 5’8″, 140#s) and can confidently say they’re the best all around touring ski I’ve ever been on. Paired with Dyanfits and Vulcans, I’ve skied all types of snow from Fairy Meadows windbuff and Alpental snain to Washington Pass corn-becoming-slop and never once wanted another ski.
They’re much heavier than the 184 Wailer 99s they replaced, but, for me, the added downhill performance is WELL worth it. They do tight jump turns extremely well, Mach weird wind-affected glacier snow and slay corn. This is an intangible, but I just trust them.
That said, for inbounds, I’m sticking with my Katanas. The Scout is, essentially, the “touring Katana” I’ve been waiting several years for. I.e. a slightly lighter layup but still damp and powerful, but flat camber with low rocker and a moderate side cut.
I’ll keep my Wailer 112s for winter pow touring, most of which is in trees where that shape shines, but the Scout will get the call every other day when the skins come out.
Thanks for the review. I’ve was on the Cochise this past year and as a lighter skier was interested in the Scout. Based on your review and others will stick with what I have. Also interested in other 105-110mm ski reviews. Is a Ross Soul7 review in the works?
Hi,
Having owned both the Cochise and Scout, I found the Scout to be the preferred in-resort ski. It is a bit softer in the tip and tail, easier to get bent up when turning in the trees, quicker, and just as stable. I am small and short (5 foot 7, 145lbs) and a very strong skier, confident at any speed and in most any terrain, and whereas the Cochise felt like a cheater ski, as if it just wanted me to stand up and push it around (i.e intermediate skills), the Scout is just so much more active and rewarding, and gives more back. I skied 185cm in both skis, but am more at home on the playful Scout. I see a lot of old folks, low energy type skiers on the Cochise. The Scout may require a bit higher skill set, but also gives more back.
Jason,
What binding are you on in the touring pic? It looks like a Jester, but your heels are free….Am I super confused?
By the way, just picked up some Scouts and will be mounting them shortly. I will update with my thoughts.
Thanks
Jason: Looks like he’s got Alpine Trekkers stuck into Jesters.
Hi Jason,
I weigh about 200 pounds. you think your that I am too heavy for the scout?
I’m looking for a ski for freetouring, trips between 3-4 hours.
I also thought Coomback 114. I use to resort a line mr. pollar opus you recommended me. Do you think now?
Hello guys , i’m french living in Chamonix since almost 30 years , i’m professional guide and ski instructor . i really like all the comments and test editor’s review’s.
i have been in many big toys those past 6 years , specially because the evolution of the market is brilliant , and give you many great choice’s.
i have trough the chamonix guide office the access at low price to the rossignol’s fat boy like the yellow Soul7 , and also the Super7 , i want to comment on those skis : i’m pretty disapointed , they are not that easy ( we said in france the main destination of those shapes are made for the intermediate skiers who want to play in powder with not to much technique skills , but in fact i don’t feel any ease to use these skis in packed snow , okay they are quite easy in light powder but i cant feel really agile with them in tight forest and quick turns.
That says , i have been recently in the Scout mounted with Dynafit bindings and using ski-boots La Sportiva , this is a brilliant combo and i’m really pleased with them , i will probably get a set-up with the Spur for the rest of the season because it’s really damping a sick pow now !!
also i want to talk about a french Brand called ZAG , i don’t know yet if you have tried some of those skis , but if not you really should try !! my favorite skis ever is the the H112 from 2012 with a long flat rocker on the tip and the same one on the tail , with a lenght of 1.98 it’s a real missile and the stability is just unbeatable .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11ccsF77c7o
cheers to all of you guys !!
(we are having the visit of Seth Morisson right now in chamonix , and he already did some amazing ride’s in aiguille du midi and at the new cable car in Italy called ” SKY-WAY”
http://www.montebianco.com
Blaise