Variable Conditions: Soft Chop, Mixed Snow, Bumped-Up Terrain
My first day on the Experience 100’s, I did several laps down the K1, K3, and K4 chutes off Kachina Peak. The snow was soft, a bit sun baked, and tracked up.
I hadn’t yet figured out how best to pilot the E100’s in conditions like these, and I wasn’t immediately in love. All was fine through the top turns, but when I tried to just put the hammer down through open aprons at the bottom like I would on the Mantra, I was getting far more feedback from the shovels than I wanted. When I tried then to back off the shovels and ride the tails a bit through the cut up snow, the tips were wandering around and deflecting significantly.
In short, the E100s’ shovels are not quite as stiff as the Mantra’s, and are noticeably less damp / more reactive on snow. You can bash around on the Mantra, hammering its shovels and blowing through variable snow and bumped-up terrain. This is less true of the Experience 100, and this was the primary thing that took me a bit of time to figure out about the ski.
You can ski the Experience 100 on groomers and smooth hardpack with full-on ferociousness and aggression, but “ferocious” isn’t how I would describe this ski’s approach to variable. They are not bulldozers here.
The best way to pilot the Experience 100 at speed in firm, bumped-up conditions or in soft chop is to stay on the shovels but remain athletic and dynamic. On the Mantra, I feel like I can just stay on the shovels and ski powerfully (hammer-and-bash). Both styles are fun, and I think anyone who appreciates how substantial the Mantra is but thinks its shovels are too stiff or too damp (“dead”) might really like the Experience 100.
To sum it up, when skiing very fast in variable conditions, if you keep consistent pressure on the shovels and ski athletically, the more you will like Experience 100. It takes some skill to ski it, but it will hold up to very high speeds, even if it isn’t the most damp ski out there.
Juarez
Skiing down Juarez off of Highline Ridge through big but spaced out moguls in conditions that altered from wind-scoured to wind-deposited snow, the Experience 100 performed beautifully, and I can’t think of any ski that I would have rather been on. The current Mantra would have been totally fine, but I loved the big fat tail down these sections, and I felt very in control making repeated airplane turns at speed.
Moguls (Hunzinger Bowl, Longhorn)
Hunzinger Bowl off of Taos’ chair 4 currently has bumps that are really nice at the top of the run; then get a bit bigger but are still pretty uniform in the middle of the run; then go to all hell at the bottom of the run. Seriously, I have no idea what people are doing when they get to the bottom of Hunzi, but Please, Stop It. The bumps are huge and are shaped like giant dragon teeth that someone has jammed into the ground at random angles.
In these conditions, the design of the Experience 100 does absolutely nothing that will help you negotiate this minefield (dragon’s teeth field?). I don’t like to ski slow, and when hitting these bumps at speed, it was easy to get tossed back onto the powerful tails of the E100 and get taken for a ride. And those tails aren’t very conducive to slowly slithering through the bumps, either.
(The only other time I’ve had any problems with the tails of the Experience 100 getting hung up was in big slush bumps on a very warm day last weekend down the skier’s left side of Lorelei. If those fat tails cut into the slush bumps, they weren’t super quick to release.)
In uniform bumps, stay strong on this ski and you will rip what’s in front of you. But if you are looking for a ski that is easier in bumps or that will help you to ski big bumps with more confidence, the Bonafide is the better choice, and I’d rank the 13/14 and 14/15 Mantra in front of the Experience 100, too.
The Experience 100’s tails are stiff and powerful. They make for a stable platform on groomers and around the mountain, but if you get pushed into the backseat—especially in bumps—do not expect to be gently nudged back into position. Stable? Yes. Forgiving? Not very.
The Reforma Test
I’ve spent several days A/B-ing the Mantra and Experience 100 down Reforma, so if you’ve read some of my reviews, you’ll know that life basically doesn’t get much better for me.
Skiing Reforma with a light coat of wind-deposited snow on top of firm, scattered moguls, the Experience 100s surprised me. They were not easy skis in these conditions at speed, but they held up well to hard, fast skiing, so long as I wasn’t getting sloppy. As I’ve said, these skis do not do anything that make it easier to ski big ass bumps, but they handle it all very well with a little athletic piloting, and they are locked down on the bottom runout of Reforma, then absolutely crush the groomer (Bonanza) at speed on the way back to chair 2.
While the 13/14 Mantra feels more damp and the shovels feel a touch stiffer / less reactive than the Experience 100, I was able to push the E100 just as hard as the Mantra, though I had to ski a little less like I was on a tank, and with more anticipation of and reaction to bumps.
So, which would I prefer? Honestly, it’s now basically a draw—until I get through the straight line run out of Reforma, and come out very hot onto Bonanza. At that point, settling into big turns and very high speed carves, I’ll take the Experience 100.
So How does Experience 100 work at Low-to-Moderate Speeds?
I’ve focused mostly on the Experience 100’s top end and how hard it can be pushed because I think that, like the Mantra, that’s the most exciting and interesting part of its story. But I don’t mean to give the impression that this ski only works if you’re going flat out. I do think it’s a ski best suited for experts, but advanced skiers who enjoying carving turns and skiing trees and uniform bump lines at moderate speeds will like the Experience 100. But I also think the Blizzard Bonafide is an all-around more forgiving and easier ski, if that is really what you’re looking for.
Furthermore, if what you really want is a ski that is fun and dead easy and intuitive, then you should check out Rossignol’s 7-series—the Soul 7 and the 98mm-underfoot Sin 7.
Pow Performance?
I can’t yet comment on the Experience 100’s performance in pow. If it works well in deeper snow for a 98mm-underfoot ski, then this would be one of the best groomer / more traditional-feeling pow skis on the market.
Will it surprise me if this ski works better in pow than the current Mantra? No, not really. It’s shovels are 6mm wider than the Mantra’s and not quite as stiff.
(For pow performance, see our 2nd Look review of the Experience 100.)
Sizing Recommendations
I have been skiing the Experience 100 in (a) very firm conditions, (b) warm, soft, spring-like conditions, and (c) variable conditions. And honestly, there has been no point where I felt like I needed more ski. The only caveat here is that I haven’t yet skied them in pow.
But I would be inclined to suggest that you size this ski like you would the 13/14 Mantra. And like the Mantra, this is a ski that, if you are on the fence about sizing, I think you could go with the shorter length and be okay.
Having said that, while the 182 has felt very appropriate so far, I’d really like to ski the 190cm Experience 100. I didn’t need any weight saving in the tips on the 182, and I’m really curious to ski the 190 to see how different it feels in variable terrain and conditions from the 182cm.
Final, Quick Comparisons:
182cm Experience 100 vs. 180cm Blizzard Bonafide
The Bonafide is an all-around easier ski to ski, and is certainly easier / more forgiving in bumps. (Though again, I’m fine with the Experience 100 in relatively uniform bumps). But the Bonafide isn’t nearly as rewarding on groomers as the E100. The Bonafide is good; the E100 is currently my best-in-class.
182cm Experience 100 vs. 13/14 184cm Volkl Mantra
For groomer skiing, I would take the Experience 100 over the current Mantra every single time out.
As for everywhere else on the mountain? After day 1 or 2, I might have chosen the Mantra. After 7 days on the E100 and another 3 days on the 13/14 Mantra (where I’ve A/B-ed the two skis on some of those 10 days), this “all-mountain” question is becoming more difficult to answer. In big, open spaces with very fast runouts in variable conditions, I personally would opt for the more damp Mantra.
But as soon as you introduce wind scoured conditions and steeper terrain into the equation, the more I’ll want to change my answer to the Experience 100. In sum, the steeper, smoother, and icier the conditions get, the more I’ll lean toward the E100 because of it’s fat tail and even greater amount of traditional camber underfoot.
Bottom Line
This is a powerful ski that works best when you are on your A-game and skiing athletically. In that case, this becomes a serious all-mountain ski that those who ski hard will really appreciate.
And if you aren’t really skiing the whole mountain (groomers + bumps + trees + steeps + chutes, etc.) but are mostly sticking to groomers and you like powerful, semi-fat carvers, the Experience 100 is going to stay in my #1 spot for edgehold and carving at speed with high edge angles on windscoured surfaces.
This is not a very forgiving ski, and not the best choice for someone who is looking to enjoy a mellow day on the mountain. There are better options for that.
But if you like the idea of a powerful ski with a lot of traditional camber and a (beautiful) fat tail that is (1) super rewarding on groomers, (2) substantial in steeps, and (3) fully encouraging of a powerful, dynamic style, you ought to take a look.
(You can now read Brett Carroll’s 2nd Look of the Experience 100, with comparisons to the Line Supernatural 100.)
Next: Rocker Profile Pics
what about those of us who think the Mantra isn’t damp enough?
what ski do you think would be next up in the 100mm catagory?
The other ski I mentioned in the Experience 100 preview: the Kastle BMX 98. Looking forward to finding out…
I hope you discuss comparisons with the Praxis 9d8! Very curious
Thanx for the review. I had a chance to ski it 2 weeks ago on really firm snow and icy sections and I thought it ripped. It’s definitely a charger that requires you to be on it at all times, but totally rewards you for it.
the kastle fx94 should be on top of your radar! I find it to be leaps and bounds better than the bonafide, etc.
Everybody else in the world, including Blister seems to think that you should be riding a combination pony, quarter horse and thoroughbred, so I picked up a pair of Experience 98’s at the start of the season. Found they did everything pretty well, and carved OK for a fairly wide ski. Not much energy, and the fat tip definitely made them harsh running through frozen chop. However there never is a groomer day when I would bring them out in preference to the 188cm Head World Cup GS @ 28 meter radius that are my all time favorite whip. The difference in energy, power, and dynamic edge hold between the two is almost as if you were engaging in a different sport. Likewise the E98’s never left the rack on a powder day— not when my Lahasa Pows were available.
My conclusion: If you are a skilled skier and don’t have a pair of real race boards you are missing out on one of the best sensations in skiing. So how about including some skis at the performance end of the spectrum in your tests? And I’m talking about the real thing, not the 12 meter fake race carvers that many manufacturers use to puff out their range.
Nice review and the experience 98/100 is the gem of that line up and is a skiers ski. My coworker raves about it. That said you guys really should get a Kastle MX98 as others have suggested. Spent a few hrs on them over two days and was extremely impressed. It rips hard snow is incredibly precise and has an obscene speed limit for how accessible it is.Gonna see if I can borrow the demo and swap out with my coworker and see what our layman’s take is.
You’re right, Chris – we definitely need to get on the MX98… Did you ever get a chance to A/B the MX with the Rossis?
Great review Jonathan – after your guidance for 6’1″ and 194lbs experienced/upper advanced who skis mixed radius fast carving on piste, but also likes to ski freshies on the side/off piste. Will be skiing Big White/Sun Peaks in 2015. Currently ski 175 Rossi Strato 80s which are 100% on piste rippers but tip divers off piste. Demoed a pair of 188cm Kastle MX 88s at BW in February and had no problem with the length. Thinking either Experience 100s or Volkl Kendo 89s would be suitable. Your thoughts on ski choice and length would be appreciated.
Love your reviews. I’m a west coast skier (50yo, grew up racing, 200lbs, 71″) looking at a two ski setup. I’m currently thinking the moment blister pro 190 and Rossi exp 100 182. My go to mountain is Mammoth with trips to Utah and BC. Thoughts on this combo?
Rob, currently skiing a 180cm E98 (pair of E100s on the living room wall waiting), hoping to pair with 190 Bibbys as well for big sky shredding
Helpful review, but I’m still trying to figure out if this ski has the power I’m looking for. Here’s my quiver:
’12 Rossi Squad 7 (190): Used for powder days exclusively. Makes a decent low-angle turn in groomers.
’12 Volkl Katana (184): Daily drivers. Love the rebound and power with high edge angles.
’15 Volkl Mantra (177): Can’t figure these skis out. Can’t get a clean turn out of them.
’14 Rossi Masters GS (180): Never had a bad day on these.
Looking for a ski with a race feel that has LOTS of rebound and power. Also looking for something a bit skinnier and shorter-turning than the Katana. Off-piste performance is less important as these would be intended for something just a bit more versatile than my Masters GS, which aren’t allowed off-piste. Ultimately, I need a ski for what I hoped the Mantra would be.
Anyone think the E100 will actually have that powerful of a rebound with high edge angles like I’m hoping for? The in-store hand flex seemed way too weak for that where my Mantras and Katanas are as hard as a diamond in an ice storm.
I had the exp 98 in a 180 that were a little short. Sold them for the 188cm which was perfect.
Need to replace them and don’t know weather to go 190 or 182cm in the 100. Thoughts? I didn’t really wanna go over the 188cm size of the 98’s I have.
Do you guys have the actual length dimensions of the 188cm 98 and the 190cm 100 for me to compare?
Cheers
Kind of a late comment to the discussion but with all you’ve said about this ski and the Salomon X-Drive 8.8, they seem to overlap each other a bit. Am I wrong, are these totally different skis? I LOVE skis that carve, regardless of terrain, but I don’t want my next pair so narrowly focussed that I’m either limited to groomers/steep/icy or washing out of every turn I try to carve. FWIW: advanced skier, 80% inbounds, 5’8″, 175lbs. My favorite skis of all time are the Olin Racing SL (195) and the Rossi 3G (205), but no body will touch them other than me… Thanks.
Jonathan (or someone else), I was wondering if you’d been able to ski 190cm and could compare it to the 180? Same ski just a bit longer? Maybe more stability in the tips in chop? Would live any comparison.
I haven’t skied the 190s but I just purchased the 182s and I can confidently say that the 190 is really just intended for a big guy. Most of my skis are 184-190 and the 182s felt just as comfortable/stable as any of those. I also mounted at -1.5, so I’ve got a bit more ski in front of me.
For reference, I’m 185 and 6’1.
On another note, I found thiese skis to be fun, but not too terribly powerful. Coming off of Mantras, Katanas, and race skis, I’ve come to love very stiff skis with a ton of rebound. This skis have some good rebound, but you need some major edge angles and some hard skiing to get them to respond similarly to a Mantra, for example. My personal thought is that 1 more layer of titanium and maybe a bit more tip rocker would’ve made this ski just about perfect.
I am athletic 6’1, 250 intermediate skier who skates as well. I ski East coast. I am just coming off Rossi Rentals at 158cm and purchased the 166cm, E100s. The local ski shop said the E100s have an outstanding reputation for a smooth ride and versatility at 100mm if I wanted to explore. They also advised the shorter length would give me much better control over the ski as I progress and would act more like a intermediate ski for me to grow into.
I am wondering if you feel the E100s will be biting off more than I can chew and wear me out? Some of the reviews online suggest the ski is for expert or serious advanced skiers — clearly out of my league but most tested are the 174’s and up. Any insight would be helpful. I was also considering the Smash 7 at 170cm.