Bob St.Pierre
Vitals
| Age: | 41 |
|---|---|
| Height: | 6' 2" |
| Weight: | 215 lbs. |
| Years Skiing: | 31 |
| Days Per Year: | 90 |
| Ski Style: | Adaptable, versatile, ex-competitive mogul skier and coach |
| Ski Ability (1-3+): | 3+ |
|---|---|
| Aggressiveness (1-11): | 7 |
| Ski Testing Experience: | 3 Years |
| Occupation: | Editorial Manager at SkiEssentials |
| Ski Origins: | Nashoba Valley, MA |
| Preferred Terrain: | Steeps, Bumps, and Trees (Preferably all at the same time) |
| Current Ski(s) of Choice: | Nordica Soul Rider 87 185 |
| Other Hobbies/Sports: | MTB, Softball |
| Favorite Skier: | Andy Kaplan, Loon Freestyle |
| Most Important Gear: | Boots |
| Spirit Animal: | Black Panther |
BOB ST.PIERRE, I really need some feedback on your testing of the 2020 DPS WAILER 100 RP ALCHEMIST 179 cm
I am your size probably a less skilled . quickness is paramount to me as I enjoy tight off piste lines. Will I overwhelm the 179cm?
insight appreciated regards Greg
Hi Greg!
Tight turns and lines are right up the Wailer 100’s alley. The RP shape really accentuates the quick-turning nature of the ski, and the dual-carbon laminates make it pretty stiff. I wish I tried the 184 for a bit of extra stability at speed, as the 179 did feel a bit short. But if you’re looking for quickness, the 179 will be a great size. If you’re skiing fast and aggressive and you’re my size, you might overwhelm the 179–there’s a bit of a learning curve to the shape and style of the ski. Hope that helps!
Bob
Hi Bob!
I’d love your feedback on what all-mountain skis I should consider. I’m a mogul-loving, ~25 season skier (some groomers with friends and 4-5 hours of moguls a day if I can take it). I’m 6’1, 180 lbs, 35 years old, and I spend a few days out east plus 1-2 weeks out west every year. I’ve been skiing a k2 public enemy 2007 for 12 seasons. What should be top on my list? I’m trying to find the perfect blend of playful vs stable – this is intended to be a 1-ski quiver (although perhaps I should have a normal ski plus something really fat for powder).
HI Andrew!
I’m always going to recommend multiple skis! Do you like the PE for bumps and all mountain and if so, are you looking for another twin tip? I’ve been on a Nordica Soul Rider 87 for the past few seasons and love it. Yes, it’s a bit soft for higher speeds, but I always justify it by stating that the skis aren’t stable, but I am, so I can deal with it. My only knock on them is that the tails are pretty aggressively turned-up, so I do catch them from time to time in the bumps, but I’ve kind of learned to deal with it. A bit wider, but also more stable, the K2 Poacher is a great choice. We see them in the X-Games in the park, but also all over the mountain. One of the most stable twins out there, and at 96 mm underfoot, makes for great versatility. Not quite as quick as the 87’s but pretty darn good still. In the non-twin category, take a look at the Elan Ripstick 88 or the Head Kore 87. Still narrow enough to justify the wider ski down the road, while remaining versatile and quick for bumps and groomers. Between those four skis, depending on if you’re in the market for a twin or not, you’re going to get what you want, and I’d look to the low to mid-180’s for length. Have fun!
SE/Bob