Reviews by User: jay_p (4)

I bought the A Frames and the pressure on my face when wearing my Giro helmet was just too much. I bought the helmet strap kit, and although it changes the fit of the goggle around the face, the strap is just as short as the one that came with the goggle, so the pressure is still there. I returned the item and gave up on the A frames, the Crowbars fit much better with a helmet.

Incredible performance at high speeds, rock solid in pow or hardpack. For those familiar with the older Comp 120, these are much lighter and seem to have more forward lean.

I own these in both the 194 and 186 and have even demoed a 176. In pow, assuming you have the skill to rip high speed GS turns...they are rock solid. On hardpack, they rail like my race stock GS skis. They are too stiff and heavy for skiing bumps, but those interested in the LPs aren't interested bump skiing. If you have the skills and are a speed freak this are the skis for you. I've demoed similar boards from nearly all of the big manufacturers and they don't compare. Also, the build quality is much better.

To put this in context, I'm a heavier skier (about 195lbs), ski 50-60 days a year and have been told by my ski buddies (ex-collegiate racers) say that I ski like an ex-racer. I bought the Mantra 184 to have something a bit more turny than my Dynastar Legend Pro 194s. I also demo skis each year to keep up on the latest and greatest. The ski is fairly soft, floats pretty well and handles deep pow at moderate speeds pretty good. When you start turning it up and doing bigger turns, the tips start to "flap" a bit and you realize that you have to pull back a notch. On hardpack it has an odd feel to it almost like you are disconnected with the snow and it is very light (again detracts from stability). That said, it is a pretty good ski for the average "expert", however, if you really are serious about high speed performance or you are a heavier skier, look elsewhere...Elan 999, Dynastar LP, Fischer Watea, etc.