Ski Reviews

2023-2024 Moment Deathwish, 184 cm

Reviewer Username: ACR

Reviewer Height: 5’9″

Reviewer Weight: 185 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 40 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Alta, Snowbird, Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Snowbasin, Telluride, Silverton, Vail, Steamboat, Big Sky, Mammoth

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 8/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 8/10

STABILITY: 8/10

SUSPENSION: 7/10

EDGE HOLD: 7/10

PLAYFULNESS: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Super balanced in the air. Surfy and loose in soft to deep snow, if you are skiing from a centered stance. Needs some speed before it really comes alive.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (184 cm length tested)

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?

I could see many skiers getting along with this ski; both those with freestyle background as well as more traditional, directional style of skiing. I am a directional skier and love these skis… enough so that I am currently on my second pair. I would not recommend these to intermediates as the tail can feel long and can punish you for bad form in tight scenarios (i.e., steep bumps and/or trees). If you are advanced to expert skier who spends most of their time in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, the Moment Deathwish should be on your shortlist of considerations. I wanted more width and weight when skiing in the Sierras but otherwise, these are my ski of choice for days when conditions are soft, and you are hunting for leftovers all the way up to 24″+ overnight dumps. As long as the snow is reasonably light and dry (10:1 – 15:1, or better snow water ratio), you are set for a great day on the Deathwish. They also work great with a pair of Shift’s for shorter backcountry missions. They float fine in denser snow, but you suffer the consequences of their lower weight when that heavier snow sets up later in the day. Reach for the Wildcat if you more regularly find yourself in the Sierras or lower elevation Oregon (Baker).

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

I’ve tried many similar width skis and the Deathwish is my favorite. The Wildcat 108 feels very similar to the Deathwish but the Deathwish is my preference as it feels slightly more composed at speed and holds an edge better on firm groomers and chalky steeps. If you spend your time in low angle pow fields, you may want to consider an option like the Bent110. The Deathwish required me to ski more centered and upright than I prefer when the speeds were slow and snow was deep.

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

I recommend sizing up if you are in between sizes. Especially if you, like me, typically favor a more directional style. I mounted my first pair on the recommended line and they were great. I have my latest pair 1 cm back from the recommended mount point and LOVE IT. You should consider the same if you drive hard through the shovels.