Nordica Patron 193:

[wwm4]

This past week I finally got a chance to use these Patrons. However I found them to be very difficult, I believe because of the length. I felt they would be good for out west and some good powder days here in the east but once the snow got lumped up and skied out they became very difficult to navigate. They beat the hell out of me. Can anyone give me some advice. I'm 5'11" and 200lbs. Are they too long???


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[gmcunni]

not a fan of the nordica graphics recently.

@ 193cm that's a big ass ski, where did you use them?

 

[wwm4]

Hunter lol!


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[wwm4]

I have a pair of Volkl Bridge and they are super fun however they're 179cm. Much shorter and a lot more ability to thrash.


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[wwm4]

I'm thinking those patrons are just too big? A friend recommended Dynastar Cham 97 in a 184cm. Said would be much better.


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[drjeff]

I skied the Patrons in spring mush 2 seasons ago. I'm 6'3" and 230lbs - I was on 185ish Patrons - plenty long for me! Their full rocker makes them a bit of a chore on anything but soft and/or deep snow, and if its firm, forget about any short/medium carving attempts (although the full rocker does make swiveling a turn in bumps easier)

When I finally bought a pair of full rocker powder skis last year, I went with 185cm Blizzard Cochises (close to the Patrons in dimensions) and have found them great in everything from 18" of blower powder in the back bowls of Vail to soft chop in the East to spring snow

Take 10cm's or so off those Patrons and give them another shot

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[wwm4]

Great advice!! Thanks, I thought i was crazy. I def should have went with one size down. Currently looking at the Dynastar Cham 97 in a 184cm. Headed to the Bird in march and then Vail and want to make sure I got the right boards. I have the Blizzard Bushwackers and they are a fun ski but not great for deep powder.

 

[drjeff]

Great advice!! Thanks, I thought i was crazy. I def should have went with one size down. Currently looking at the Dynastar Cham 97 in a 184cm. Headed to the Bird in march and then Vail and want to make sure I got the right boards. I have the Blizzard Bushwackers and they are a fun ski but not great for deep powder.

If you ski the Cham's, take the advice that the Dynastar rep gave me when I demo'd them in December, "DON'T look at the tips!" They flop around a bunch (I looked on a few turns ;-) ) but WOW do they hold! Great ski (and I've never really been a Dynastar fan in my 35yr ski career!!)

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[wwm4]

The Bushwachers do that a bit too. I will def keep my off the tips. lol! I was told they're a good all around ski. apparently in the bumps too. I have Volkl 175 Mogul skis but need a good all in one ski to travel with.