The Mt. Rushmore of “Poppy” Skis (Ep.153)

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Previously on GEAR:30 we laid out our Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension. Now, we’re moving to the opposite end of the spectrum. We define some terms, talk about some of the characteristics that can help make a ski more poppy; and work our way through a bunch of skis. Check it out, and let us know what skis you think are most deserving.
Sam Shaheen, pop master


Previously on GEAR:30 we laid out our Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension. Now, we’re moving to the opposite end of the spectrum to talk about the poppiest skis we’ve been on. In this conversation, we define some terms, talk about some of the characteristics that can help make a ski more poppy; and we work our way through a whole bunch of skis. Check it out, and let us know what skis you think are most deserving.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Update on Luke’s diet (3:08)
  • What is “Pop”? (6:11)
  • Our Mt Rushmore of Pop (17:28)
  • Low-Speed Pop (30:19)
  • Mid-Range Pop (34:21)
  • High-Speed Pop (38:00)
  • Other Notable Skis (40:22)
  • What We’re Celebrating (44:49)

RELATED LINKS:

14 comments on “The Mt. Rushmore of “Poppy” Skis (Ep.153)”

  1. Armada was never mentioned I’m very surprised! Definitely seems more poppy and playful then Moment skis IMO my local ski shop in Tahoe won’t carry Moment skis because of Warranty issues.

  2. As you guys mentioned I think skier weight and style has a lot to do with how poppy a ski feels. I’m a small guy (5’8, ~140lb) and agree with the SFB, Origin 106, and Ripstick 96. On the other hand, I used to own a pair of Kartel 108s but found them too dead and damp because I’m not strong enough and don’t have the mass to leverage them. I noticed you guys focused on all-mountain skis though… what about designated park skis like the Edollo, Chronic, etc?

  4. Did you ever get on the ’05 Atomic Metron (11 I think it was..) in some ways it was like what could happen if they took the modern day Line Blade, strap all kinds of random shiny rods to it and ruined your ability to ski almost any other ski. It was lively, with $hit to a blanket stickiness on firm snow…at the time the oversized tip took you to places not ventured, the raised tail made you exit turns as easy as you could enter them. They were equal parts fun and petrifying and was a solid mooning rocket ship. Then you went back to your daily ride and couldn’t turn or infact ski. Humbling AF with that Austrian energy. Was probably only like 4kgs a ski, so perhaps considered light for Jonathan..you were worked before you even made it to the gondola.

  5. That was a fun episode.

    I personally have found the Soul 7 HD much livelier than the Line Sick Day 104, which was one of your honorable mentions. I do think you’re right that skier weight and style is going to affect how a ski feels and that may have something to do with it.

    I think an interesting discussion would be “Which skis are surprisingly damp given how poppy they are or vice versa?” I think you touched on it in both episodes, but it would be an interesting dedicated discussion. I suppose a broader topic would be “What skis defy expectations?”

  8. I’ve found all the DPS skis I’ve owned poppy, one was an original Pure 112 and the other 2 (99 and 120) are Pure 3 I think. Absolutely ELECTRIC in any kind of soft snow…. not fun at all on firm snow or worse, just terrifying on firm and roughed-up conditions. I actually find the 120 best on ice of the 3, which is odd. I’m guessing it’s because it has very little side cut compared to the other 2. They all have very short effective edge. Anyway, lots of fun in the right conditions.

  9. Awesome podcast! I’m a sucker for any sort of “power rankings” based on a key aspect of ski design/personality.

    Fingers crossed your next Mount Rushmore is somehow related to mogul performance…

  10. Great podcast.

    I would add from the past the Salomon Pocket Rocket…..they had royal blue top sheets and I think used their “ monocoque” construction.

    Would the Romp 100 fall into medium category ?

  11. Playful vs chop destroyers could be interesting though maybe too close to damp vs poppy?

    Had guessed some of Lukes choices (SFB, Sakana) did not see the Cassiar or Ripstick 106 coming! Where would you place the Reckoner 102? Or is that more playful than poppy?

  12. Surprised that Jonathan didn’t mention the Super 7 RD. I bought those based on his recommendation, and my favorite trait is being able to preload them and pop over features.

  13. Kinda sucks that you guys link to your channel instead of the specific episode. It’s almost impossible to dig through and find the episode to listen to quickly.

    • I’m not exactly sure what you mean, or which links (listed where?) you’re referring to?

      E.g., the title of this episode lists the episode #. In this case, it would take about 5 seconds to scroll to episode # 153 of GEAR:30 on your preferred podcast app, or here on the site. Or use the search function on our site – GEAR:30 episode 153.

      But mostly, I don’t know which links you’re referring to.

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