Ski Reviews

2021-2022 J Skis Fast Forward, 181 cm

Reviewer Username: FriskyBizness

Reviewer Height: 6’2″

Reviewer Weight: 200 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 15 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Tahoe, Mammoth

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 7/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 9/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 7/10

STABILITY: 9/10

SUSPENSION: 9/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 9/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

While not super poppy theres a delightful energy return coming out of turns and the tail is easy to release whenever you need wash out

SKI LENGTH: It felt a bit too short (181 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Any skier looking for a stable narrow all mountain thats truly versatile. It’s weight and stiffness can be be felt in firm bumps, so and advanced skier will get along better in the most challenging conditions, but on piste and in moderate off piste conditions and intermediate skier will have an absolute blast.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

The closest was the Spar 88. Slightly better edge hold with the similar ability to release the tails and scrub speed. The Spars were quicker edge to edge, but maybe missed a little bit of the added stability and playfulness. The two are neck and neck though.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

This ski is one of my all time favorites and I will absolutely buy it again. I feel confident taking it just about anywhere so long as my legs are up for it and my skiing isn’t too sloppy. A softer or lighter ski would be more forgiving, but this thing crushes crud and I always felt I could trust the edge to be there on steeps and the stability and suspension when I was headed to a nasty run-out. With respect to J Skis, it doesn’t rip true ice, so if thats what you ski there are better options, but if you only ski ice occasionally it’s still totally predictable and controlled. Once things soften up just a tad its go time. I’ve gotten flagged by patrol for cooking on these things more than any other ski, they just feel so good cranking out fast turns. I own the Masterblaster as well, and while that’s a fun ski in its own right, it doesn’t drive like these babies. So, if you want a narrow all mountain with weight, suspension, and stability, a ski that can bomb runs and still slarve when needed, that eats up firm crud when you get yourself into trouble, these should be near the top of your list.

PS, at 6’2″ on a 181 I did say it felt just a tad short, but I want to add that it’s only a slight difference. I feel confident on the 181 and in no way does underperform, i just crave the extra power on fast piste days. That being said, the slightly shorter length is an asset in tight terrain. If you’re on the fence dont worry that it will be too small, especially if you’re prone to wander off and get in the thick of it. If you mainly stay on piste, go for the full length and hold on to your butts!