Durability
In most areas where durability issues typically arise, the Vice passes with flying colors. Topsheet chipping was minimal, which I was impressed with, as this issue frequently occurs with sandwich-construction skis. Edge damage from rails was also very minimal after nine days of heavy abuse. Upon lengthy examination, I couldn’t find a single edge crack on either ski, with few burs or problematic spots. The edge rounded off properly after a day or two and felt smooth and predictable for the entire testing period.
I did experience one durability issue that I should mention. Around day six of the testing period, I found that the base and edge were beginning to pull away from the sidewall and core on one of the skis. When I first noticed the issue, the area (which seemed like delamination in progress) was only about two or three inches long. Since then, the area has doubled in size, but hasn’t increased in vertical movement (increased distance between base and sidewall).
As of yet, I haven’t noticed any change in the ski’s performance or flex pattern as a direct result of the delamination. This leads me to believe that the issue is somewhat benign, but I’m curious to see if the issue becomes a real problem, and will be sure to update this review as necessary if it does.
Bottom Line
The Vice is great option for an everyday park ski, primarily because it makes skiing rails a lot more fun, and blasts through variable snow conditions. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a surfier ski that can open up new possibilities for their rail skiing.
The Vice isn’t necessarily the perfect one-ski park quiver, though, and anyone looking for an ultra-stable competition ski should probably look elsewhere. Still, with how much I enjoyed each day of riding on the Vice, I’d recommend it as an incredibly fun jib and jump tool that will allow anyone to have fun and get creative on skis.
That’s a nice looking ski! How useful do you think it would be as an all-round ski for someone who doesn’t ski park, to be used when there’re no new snow for groomers, bumps and trees, or as a spring touring ski?
Yea DM I have got the 2015 vice and they are mint for riding round the mountain, they pick up high speeds quick and turn very easily compared to my old skis (volkl steps).
This year I picked up the Deathwish (184) and it is seriusly the most fun I have ever had on skis. I’ve since put my wife on the Sierras and she loves them. In other words, I love Moment and supporting a local company. Now, like DM, I’m considering the Vice for playful frontside ski to ride when there’s not much snow or when tagging along with my less adventurous family and friends. I’m not a park skier and pretty new to jumps but since riding the DW, I find myself looking for little hits where I can find them.
I’m wondering about size. I’m 5’9″, 175-180 lbs and could get the Vice in 184 just like my Deathwishes. However, since I am considering these, among other things, for bumps and trees where the DWs seem a little cumbersome, and because I would have the DWs for charging hard off piste, I’m considering and sort of leaning toward the Vice in 178, what do you think? (I notice Scott Nelson is my height, 2 stones lighter, and tested the 184)
Thanks for your thoughts and keep up the good work!
I’d add another question – should I be looking at the PB&J instead? 102 seems too close to my 112mm Deathwishes to give me the variety I’m looking to get from adding a second ski to the quiver.