Ski Reviews

2023-2024 Cardiff Goat, 186 cm

Reviewer Username: LukeKoppa

Reviewer Height: 5’8″

Reviewer Weight: 155 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 2 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Crested Butte

TEST TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Trees

TEST CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 7/10

FORGIVENESS: 7/10

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

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 9/10

STABILITY: 6/10

SUSPENSION: 6/10

EDGE HOLD: 7/10

PLAYFULNESS: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

It’s particularly loose and nimble, and pretty balanced. Fairly stiff around the middle and not exceptionally energetic, but feels very playful overall.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (186 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer moguls | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Untracked powder (deep) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

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

Those who either want (A) a 50/50 ski for touring and resort skiing that’s quite maneuverable and playful, or (B) those who want a ski that will mostly be used for touring but that’s more damp and stable than a lot of lighter, dedicated touring options.

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

I spent the same day on the 183 cm K2 Mindbender 106C and that ski was a bit more predictable and planted as the new terrain got more skied out and firmer. Moment Wildcat Tour 108 is lighter but notably less damp and stable (otherwise, fairly similar designs).

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

I found this ski very intuitive from the start. Standout traits were its maneuverability and low swing weight. Need more time to decipher its resort capabilities in very firm, cruddy conditions. I suspect it’ll be a bit light for some folks to use very frequently in rough inbounds conditions, and maybe a bit heavy for a dedicated touring ski, but so far, its overall performance is quite well rounded for those seeking something particularly maneuverable and fairly playful in the lighter-weight class.