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When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. You need some help! So in this edition of GEAR THERAPY, BLISTER+ member, Pete Brantley, talks about getting back into skiing and playing football for the Oregon Ducks (and Chicago Bears!). Then he poses his most-pressing gear questions, and gets my best recommendations.
RELATED LINKS:
Episode Sponsor: Taos Ski Valley
Become a BLISTER+ Member
24/25 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide
TOPICS & TIMES:
Pete’s Story & ‘Hot Dog… The Movie’ (4:15)
Football: Oregon Ducks & Chicago Bears (21:45)
Pete’s Crashes & Close Calls Story (30:47)
Gear Therapy Begins (35:53)
Atomic Maverick 95 (37:38)
Chamonix / New Blister Guide to Chamonix (44:28)
JE’s Recommendations (47:37)
Backcountry Skiing (1:12:56)
Ski Boots & Ski Bags (1:13:53)
Custom Footbeds (1:20:34)
Our reviews & Pete’s Gear Purchases (1:27:02)
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS (click each to learn more):
“Kimberly doesn’t wanna hear this shit.” Incredibly relatable for many of us
I need a ‘like’ button for this comment.
Thank you, Jonathan for having me on the show. Super happy that we were able to move to Moment Skis. I would not have considered them without this conversaton. I placed my order for the Moment Countach 104 tonight.
I hope we get to make some turns this winter.
Pete
#101
You got your skis, and Oregon beat Ohio State this weekend. Great weekend for the Ducks!
(And yes, let’s definitely make some turns together this winter…)
Why the Countach 104? Why not the Countach 110, after Jonathan’s great reasoning for the “110”?
You’re a big guy, 6’4″ 205 lbs, ex-linebacker turned triathlete, who wants a ski for softer days in Mammoth and Palisades. With the Countach’s easy, more rockered tail than your Maverick 95, I think you could handle the “jump” from a 95 to a 110, plus really enjoy the 110mm width in soft Sierra snow, plus the 188cm length of the Countach 110 should be maneuverable enough for a 6’4″ big guy.
That was such a great passionate but not pro level skier advice session.
Jonathan, I loved your mantra 102 reasoning. Quiver crossover IS a good thing. I have a QST 98 and a Mantra 102. One of your deep dives said roughly: someone who loves one of these won’t really love the other, unless it’s for very different reasons. Well I love both but for very different snow conditions, moods, and ski buddies. I was intimidated to even consider the Mantra 102 but took your balanced full review to heart, especially the surprisingly forgiving for what it is and great off piste parts. A demo went exactly as described, especially after sizing down one step.
I am sure Pete will enjoy his Countach, Moment nails it on so many of their skis, but I really hope he gets on the Mantra.
Glad you enjoyed the conversation! And yes, I grant your points — I love lots of skis of similar widths for different reasons. But when we’re talking about a 2-ski quiver (and not a 4 or 5+ ski quiver), that’s when — or why — I’ll usually try to steer someone in a direction where we’re avoiding too much overlap. Will be fun to hear Pete report back later this season.
Jonathan, yes it was a good weekend for the Ducks. They figured out how to win a tight game against a tough opponent with that win.
Annoyomous, I went with the 104 based upon a follow up discussion with Luke at Moment Skis Friday evening. I was calling to see about picking up the C110 at the Moment factory, since I will be in the area. That led to a discussion about the C104 which is a new ski for this season. It seams like it will be the best fit for me as it will be an all Mtn Ski that covers good softer snow conditions up to the Super Deep stuff, and will spend a lot of time in Moguls and off piste conditions.
Interesting to read this Chamounay thing. Jaded Cham resident. I love and hate the place, often for the same reason. Terrible piste skiing, questionable lifts and tracked out off piste in 1 hour in a horrific testosterone fest of me first arrogance. BUT, my oh my, the access to terrain in the 3 countries of the greater area is superb. If you know spots, and we all have them, you can still find quiet zones to tour, but again, oh my, the main spots are auto routes! Don’t believe instagram and all the super cool kids, don’t ski the Skyway unless you are really really sure of conditions.
Don’t re-open the top of GM. Love it and hate it!
Peter, Jonathan,
There is a term in MTB’ing for Peter (and myself), Clyde. “Made up” strict def. is 6 feet + and 200 +. I am 6’4″ and around 240. Peter is lighter. Most skis that work for non-Clyde’s don’t work for Clyde’s. We need a burly ski and/or a stiff ski, and more width. When Blister tests a ski and calls it too stiff for most people, its just right for a Clyde. Its hard for a non-Clyde to completely appreciate the weight effect on a ski.
The skis suggested by Jonathan I think are very good, especially the Moment. They tend to make burly skis. I would expect Peter to over power the Maverick 95 unless in its longest length. It will be a fun ski for him up until a point. For soft, deep snow, and especially heavy snow, width is King for a Clyde. My spring skis are 108-118 which allows me to float on the snow and keep the ski pivoty. 100 and under gets grabby and requires pure carved turns only, no pivot or sliding turns. I still own 68mm race skis for hard pack snow, however. (Right tool for the job) My ski vote for Peter would have been an Enforcer 104 free, or the new version they just came out with.
Good job Jonathan, and I recommend talking to some more Clydes about what skis work for them and which don’t, just for further enlightenment. Also one comment on boot fit, I ski a 29.5 (size 13 shoe) and moving to a 28.5 really hurt my toes. The key for me was getting a 29.5 ultra low volume boot, ie width. I’d rather have a boot comfortably long enough, but very snug width wise to lock in my narrow foot. For Peter, try a narrower 29.5 boot and see if it ruins your comfort or not, after having an expert boot fitter evaluate modifications needed. It comes down to how Narrow is Peter’s foot and is “low volume” narrow enough. For me it wasn’t, but for him it might be perfect.
ScottB,
Great input. You have me looking forward to getting out on the heavier Countach’s. I think your point in the boots is spot on. Especially since we wear the same size shoe.
Pete
Good luck in your journey, Pete. It’s a great adventure, the ski-thing.
I’d say that you have a lot of skiing ahead of you……56? You’re a kid!
For the record my current quiver consists of Blizzard Brahma 82 in 180, two Bonafides, ‘15 and ‘20 models, Cochise 185, Salomon Stance 96 in 182, and Salomon QST 106. Lange Shadow LV is my boot and a great boot it is. My double, Dakine roller bag is awesome.
This upcoming season will be my 68th, I’m 76.
Happy skiing,
Jim Leander, Bend, OR.
Jim,
I hope to follow your example, and to still be getting after it at 76.
You live in a wonderful place there in Bend. I hope to make it back there again.
Pete
Hi Pete,
You have the physical tools, the rest is just between the ears. The great equipment available these days is off the charts and there’s something for everybody to get out and have fun no matter what the conditions, skill level, and terrain are.
Give a shout if you make it back to Oregon and you can ski with some pretty chargin’ fogies. There’s thousands of us in Bend.
Good beers, too!
Good luck to you.
Jim
Great episode! As much as I love hearing pros and experts, I enjoyed listening to an open discussion with an enthusiast. I snowboard, so the details about the ski selection was not even relevant to me. I think I just appreciated hearing the perspective of a non-professional and the relatable kind of thinking they have when gearing up for the mountains.
Really enjoyed this discussion and the logic of how Jonathan gets to the advice. Need to go back and read the review of the Countach 110, would not have thought the QST106 was in the same conversation.
As I was driving in pouring rain last night and concentrating hard I might have missed any discussions re length of ski. What length of Maverick 95 are you on and what length C104 did you go for Peter?
Have a great season and Taylor’s right “Kimberly doesn’t wanna hear this shit” is hilarious and relatable!
Hello Cholmeski:
My Atomic Maverick 95ti are 188s.
The Moment C104’s are 188’s as well.
I get to pick them up tomorrow afternoon at the Moment factory, where they will get Salomon Strive 16s with the Retro 747 livery.
The journey of the conversation took me in a direction I did not expect. I have listerned to the discussion a few times (I spend a lot of time in the car), and re read the review on the Maverick and its strengths and limitations. I “think” I have a much better understanding on Jonathan viewpoints on why he likes heavier skis, and the dampness in the ride they provide (The Maverick is not very Damp and will chatter, I thought that was me not the skis). I am looking forward to getting on the C104 and hopefully a smoother ride in 3d and variable snow conditions. Heck, I might even become a Hard Charger. If the C104 is the ski I think it is, the Mavericks will be moving along to a new home.
And then I might have to explain to Kimberly why I need both the C104 and a C110.
Thanks for taking the time to reply Peter. Excited to hear how you find the C104 compared to the Maverick. Outgrowing skis is definitely a thing especially as you get more confident and are exploring more of the mountain. I know I have certainly found that as my own skiing has improved.
SCO Ducks!
Hey Gang
I got to ski my Countach 104’s this last week for 3 perfect days. Here is what I thought of them so far.
Location / Conditions: 3 Days at Mammoth Mountain, Ca / 3 days after a 4-foot snow storm / Mid-Winter like good snow conditions.
Ski Schedule: Day 1: Blue Groomers, 2: Easy Ski Blue Groomers with Kimberly AM / Bumps PM, Day 3: Steeps
Accessories: Boots Lange LX HV 120, Salomon Strive 16 Bindings
First Impression:
This ski likes to turn, and it is game for fun.
Groomers:
From the first turn this ski went down the fall line absolutely Carving Tight Slalom Short Radius turns. Super fun on Blueish / Black Groomers. Especially as speed increased and terrain pitched a bit more.
Bumps:
This ski was very good in the bumps. As noted earlier it likes to turn, and it does not have to be going super-fast or on a flat surface to turn. For the times I got knocked into the backseat, I could manage to make the next turn to get things back on track. Since it was early season, the bump run I selected was pretty wide and not terrifyingly steep. However, I would not be afraid to take this ski someplace narrow, steep, and VERY bumpy as my ski fitness grows this season.
Steeps:
The top of Mammoth was open, so I was able to take the ski on some steeps. Conditions varied from scraped off windswept hard packed power to ankle deep wind buffed powder. The Countach inspired confidence with edge hold on the hard pack, and being easy turn in the soft snow.
Funky, Sun Baked, Choppy, Wind Swept, Breakable Crust, Cake Batter Snow:
Normally not something I would seek out, but since I had 104 under foot why not give it a shot? The Countach seemed to want to stay on top of the snow, turn, and keep my face out of the snow. But this is still a work in progress.
Final Conclusion:
After 3 days of skiing in super great conditions, but with early season ski fitness, I think the Countach 104 is a SUPER fun ski. I feel that this ski will do all of things I want it to do. What I do not know is how it will it work when conditions get extreme in, 1) Deep Powder or 2) ICY. The Moment Countach 104 is going to be a good choice for high intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle a wide range of terrain and conditions.