I was lucky enough to try out two powder skis this year that were both extremely fun, delivering different performance in different environments. Both Moment and Surface are building some unique and fun shaped skis. We are not trying to compare the companies in the proceeding review, but to highlight the great features on some different skis that one should look into for their one choice powder ski. Moment is out of Reno, Nevada, where they produce and manufacture everything in their facility. Surface is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and while the designs and ideas come from there, their skis are manufactured overseas.
The Deathwish by Moment
The Deathwish is the ultimate one-quiver ski. They float phenomenally in the powder but because of the unique “Dirty Mustache” rocker, you’ll be able to easily schralp the groomers at the bottom of the hill. At a resort, I often find myself getting to the back bowls where there is pow and then soon after chopped pow and I stay up there all day. But when it’s time to leave, I have to ski groomers to the base of the mountain. From the freshest turns in the morning, to the icy groomers at closing time, these skis prove ultimate performance. That’s why they’d be a great one-quiver ski. If you ski park a ton, maybe not. For someone that goes out and has a great time on the groomers and loves the powder days, these skis will make you love your turns even more.
The Dirty Mustache Rocker defines this ski and the unique shape Moment uses. With rocker at the tip and tail, the dirty mustache shape comes into play with the overall camber and then two sections of micro camber in front of and behind the binding. While this shape is sweet and the name sweeter, there is a reason for the shape of the ski. The camber and rocker ensure float on top of the powder while the micro camber guarantees edge pressure and pop. Still not sure about the shape? Well, this ski has won four industry awards and is here to stay.
The performance of the ski is outstanding, solid build is evident, and poppy graphics apparent. Moment easily made the ultimate one-quiver ski when they rolled the Deathwish onto the floor.
The New Life by Surface
The New Life skis are, for me personally, used for totally different applications than what I use my Moments for. These are the ultimate deep powder, sled skiing, fresh lines all day, kind of ski. They are big. No, they are huge. I decided to get the longest size made (194cm) because I knew that whenever I’d be on these it’d be deep powder. I also knew the weight would be up a little bit but since I ordered these with the sled ski role in mind, that didn’t bother me at all. Not only are these skis huge underfoot at 122cm, the tip and tail, which are perfectly symmetrical, are 151mm.
I boast the size of these skis because it makes for a fun and floaty ride in the powder but the shape plays a role in the fun too. These skis are a pretty stiff ski (8 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the stiffest) which make the drops fun. The most visibly drastic shape feature of the ski is the rocker. The 6-degree rocker profile both in the tip and tail give these skis a unique shape. At first glance, there is no question that these skis are built for the deep.
As I mentioned in the video, these skis would be pretty big to take up to the top via skinning. If you’ve got a ride for your skis, these will be the perfect skis when you’re at the top of steep and deep fresh lines.
If you can or need or want, it’s always great to have different skis for different purposes. Both Surface and Moment make some great skis for all skier types. Whether you stay strictly in the backcountry, dabble in the backcountry but mostly ski the resorts, or only ski the resorts, you can surely find a ski for your purpose(s). Of course, there’s something amazing about those deep powder days and if you’re on the right ski on the right day, you will have the time of your life.
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