Didn't get enough time on the Lib Tech for a complete assessment. First impressions are that they are both strong, damp feeling skis. The Black Ops felt comfortable and intuitive within the first couple of turns. Black Ops makes nice round turns and feels very smooth. I was so impressed with the Black Ops 98 I picked up a pair of the Black Ops 118 for next season. First test on the Lib Tech did not go well. Mounted binding on the recommended line but was having trouble controlling the tips. Remounted 3 cm forward and that seemed to fix the problem. The RAD 97 is pretty stiff with lots of camber which gives it nice grip on firm snow. The ski has a very different feel from the rest of my current quiver and I was having trouble carving on edge. Not a very intuitive ski initially but I will say the more time I got on it the more I liked it! Looking forward to some more testing.
Good job on video. I have a question. Do you ever ski the Blade Optic 96 on piste in groomed/hard packed/icy conditions? I have 2024 model of this ski and I find it doesn’t like to be going across the fall line in shorter turns to check speed on steeper runs. In such conditions I find it difficult to find sweet spot.
I did ski the Optic 96 on some groomed runs, firm but not icy. It has a strong feel right under foot which felt nice for setting an edge but is pretty loose tip/tail. Feels better skied with a more neutral upright stance verses a more traditional forward stance. I didn't notice any trouble's that you mentioned but honestly haven't had enough time on the ski to make an accurate assessment.
@@hayhead92thank you for your response. I think you’re right on the best stance on these skis. For sure they’re very solid underfoot. I still find short turns are not their strong point. They seem to prefer pointing downhill. I feel they are more of a free ride ski than anything else. Definitely better all mountain skis out there.
@@ricklachaine5406 Agree they are more free ride than all mountain. Rossignol Black Ops 98 or Nordica unleashed 98 for playful all mountain ski with strong damp feel. Great on groomers, nice round turns. Variety of turn shapes, large sweet spot. Great on and off trail. Nordic Unleased has more edge bite, Rossignol Black Ops slightly damper. I'll also throw in Armada Declivity 102. A bit more directional ski, not as damp but right in the mix with the Black Ops and the Unleashed. Thank me later lol.
Great video, thanks for posting. I ski the Kendo 88 currently, but really want to try these out. I'm looking for a less demanding, fun, easy to turn ski so I can play in the trees with the kids.
Just a note . I bought this bike and it has a lot of good qualities but it is not a good climber. I am faster climbing on my 90's 26er 4130 steel frame bike. Done a lot of comparing with Strava segments.
Main take away for me with these skis is they are very light weight, very smeary and easy to pivot, and stiffer than expected which makes them more all mountain capable than some other comparable skis with a softer flex.
I mounted on the recommended line initially which I think was minus 7 from center. Skied them there a couple of times, wasn't terrible but I typically prefer most of my skis with a more forward mount(-3 to -5). Moved forward 3 cm which is what you see in the video(-4). Felt better but decided to keep going. Ended up dead center. I don"t usually go dead center but for some reason on this ski it feels right for me.
Been thinking about adding the blade to my quiver for groomer days/hardpack/frozen granular snow. You make them look way more versatile than what other people say! Looks like they turn really easy in deeper snow too
They are the most versatile ski in my current quiver. Powder performance surprised me the most. Handles chop like a boss, too. Highly recommend this ski. Blade Optic 96 is also pretty impressive.
Thanks for your review on a powder snow. This review is exactly that I was looking for. I have bataleon surfer and evil twin. I used to ride surfer for now but I was wondering that bataleon snowboard has 3bt technology so even twin board could make it possible on a powder snow. You prove it. I'm 170lbs and my evil twins is 152cm. Regular stance with +15, -9 All I want to know is your set back position Did you set back? Or just using reference stance?
Do they really ski short? I'm thinking about M Free 99 but debating between 179 and 185. I was reading somewhere that 185 measures 181.7. I'm approximately 6' and 210 lbs.
In this video I'm skiing the 170. Gave them to my son. Too short and too soft at this length. Loved the ski and bought the 185 cm. Skied the 185 a couple of times this season and their perfect for me. 5' 10", 240lbs.
There is about 20% tip and 20% tail rocker on the M Free 99 giving it a powder ski profile. Salomon QST 98 has a similar profile, weight, flex, but even tighter turn radius.
Oh my word. What an awesome ride in the powder. I felt like I was floating along on that ride. Soooooo nice you had the powder basically to yourself. Great video!!!
