Comparisons: Line SFB vs. Rossi Soul 7 vs. Salomon Rocker2 108 vs. Rossi Sickle
The 105-110 underfoot all-mountain freestyle category has blown up over the past few years. I’ve been skiing the 188cm Rossignol Soul 7, 190cm Salomon Rocker2 108, and 186cm Blizzard Peacemaker on top of the 190 SFB for most of this season, as well as the 190cm Kastle XX110 West and 187cm Praxis MVP for much of last season. Of course I can’t go without mentioning my favorite ski of all time, the 11/12 186cm Rossignol Sickle, which falls in this category, too.
Each ski has it’s own unique set of standout qualities. For the SFB, that quality is all-out versatility. Whether skiing Utah powder or Taos moguls, technical lines, and trees, the Bacon encourages playful skiing and never delivers an unexpected surprise, ever. But a few more specific comparisons…
• 190 Bacon vs. 188cm Rossignol Soul 7
The Soul 7 is a great ski. You can read Jonathan’s, Dana Allen’s, and my review of the Rossignol Soul 7. But to me, the Soul 7 is definitely a soft snow-oriented ski, and absolutely not one I’d be willing to bash around in the park. The 188 Soul 7 has ~130cm of effective edge, to the 190 SFB’s ~160cm, and you can definitely feel the added stability of the increased edge contact in firm and variable snow. The 190 Bacon isn’t quite as easy to ski, but as I’ve said, it is still super easy at the -2.5cm mount location. The Bacon is shaped and feels like a park ski that’s been mixed with a bit of snowboard and your favorite all-mountain ski, whereas the Soul 7 has a new modern shape. To me, this all translated to the Bacon feeling very familiar, whereas the Soul 7 requires a softer touch, and has a looser feel.
• 190 Bacon vs. 190 Salomon Rocker2 108
Like the Soul 7, the Salomon Rocker2 108 tracks heavily to the soft-snow side of the spectrum, with 135-136cms of effective edge and lots of tip taper. The Bacon provided more skiing versatility and again, would be my choice if my days included a couple park laps for fun.
• 190 Bacon vs. 11/12, 186cm Rossignol Sickle
If you like the 11/12, 186cm Rossignol Sickle, there is a good chance you will like the 190 Bacon. Unfortunately, still, the Bacon doesn’t quite compare to the skiing performance of the Sickle. If LINE addressed the issues that I (personally) had with the 190, making it snappier and a bit crisper torsionally, it would be my new all-time favorite one-ski quiver. If you are a jump- / jib-oriented skier, you should probably opt for the 184 Bacon over the 190, and you will likely be happier on the Bacon than the Sickle.
Bottom Line
The addition of the 190 length of the Sir Francis Bacon is a great move by LINE. Although it does lose some of the quickness and snappiness of the 184, the 190 will absolutely provide larger skiers a tool for playing all over the mountain, with enough support to handle presses, landings, and bobbles those larger folks will dish out.
While I do feel the 190 could still be improved, from pow and crud to monster moguls, frozen groomers to park jumps, the 190 SFB will get the job done. Because of this, of all the skis I’ve ridden, I’d call it the most versatile one-ski quiver option currently available for the average sized, playfully-minded, west-coast, all-mountain skier.
As a directional skier who’s got ~25 lbs. on Jason and has spent at least a little time on everything he references here, I’ll just say that I agree on pretty much every point in his review. Had a really good time on the 190 SFB last weekend skiing all over Taos.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this ski in contrast to the new blizzard peacemaker.
Adam,
You will hear those thoughts very soon: probably just a couple weeks at the most. I have been riding the Peacemaker for a little while now and have been quite impressed.
Love seeing the Sickle still holding down the #1 spot ! Mine have just NOT been used near enough..
Sooooo, possible review of the Rossi Alltrack Pro 130 in the near future? Yes, I’m still looking for a new pair of boots :-/
Maybe just a quick few words, or your initial opinion?
Apologies for highjacking the thread.
Hi Michael,
Indeed, there will be an Alltrack Pro 130 review coming soon. Fit will always be the most important part of any boot, so get your feet in a pair.
Jason. How does the 190 compare as a relative “charger” to the sickle? Loved your anecdote about the sickle anhilating chicken heads off rustler. How would the 190 compare to this capabability of the sickle?
Tom,
If you are looking for a Sickle replacement and are concerned about “charging” (yes, a relative term with most of these skis) in firmer conditions, I’d take a very close look at the 186 Blizzard Peacemaker before the 190 SFB. The review of the Peacemaker will be coming soon!
This is the reply I’ve been scouring Blister for! Since it seems you helped start a cult following of sorts, any chance of doing a little roundup of Sickle replacement candidates? In my case, looking for a bit more float (definitely not any less), would sacrifice a little playfulness (hopefully not much) for that “chargability”. Blizzard Gunsmoke? Other contenders?
I’m 5′ 7″ and i’m an advanced skier. Would the what would be a good size for me?
Jason,
I am 6’2″ and 200lbs. I have only ever ridden the older model of the SFB with the 115mm waist in a mid 180s length. I am an advanced skier but wouldn’t call myself a charger compared to most other skiers looking at this type of ski. I really liked the playfulness of the 184 length but I am wondering if the 190 would make more sense for me in this ski. My biggest concern with going up is that I do not want to lose the nimbleness in the bumps and trees, what are your thoughts on this? I am going to try and demo both lengths before making a decision but would like your input on the pros/cons of each length for someone as big as me. Thanks.
Great followup review, thanks.
Mounting location on the SFB got some comments following your review of last year’s ski. One unclear issue is what “CENTER” means.
On my 190s, the “CENTER” mark is about 2 cm behind the true midpoint of the ski. Some folks have concluded that this is a misprint of the graphics. But I saw another post which makes the argument that the “CENTER” mark instead relates to sidecut/camber shape, and that the mark is right where it should be.
The “ERIC’s CHOICE” mark is 2 cm behind “CENTER” mark, or 4 cm behind the true tip-to-tail midpoint. Now, if “CENTER” is supposed to refer to the actual physical midpoint of the ski, then the graphics are off. However, if “CENTER” refers to ski shape, then the graphics are presumably correct, and the “ERIC” line is where it is intended to be.
I would like to measure for myself before drilling… Can you confirm one or the other? Thanks.
Chris,
I’m working on an official word from LINE right now. My test skis do not have the production top sheet, and the “center” line was drawn on the ski by an individual at LINE. That mark is at the true center of the ski, ~ 93.8cm from tip or tail. As I mentioned in the review, the LINE website says “Eric’s Choice” is at -2.5cm from center, and that is where I ended up after having tried many locations from center all the way back to the new “recommended” line at -6cm.
It’s also confusing how the measurement is done. The spec sheet from the LINE web side says to measure “from tail along base” which presumably means under the ski. They give a number of 933 mm from the tail, which is directly under the CENTER mark on my ski. As noted, that CENTER mark is not true center, and measures 972 mm from the tip. Interestingly, when measured this way, the total length of the ski is 933 + 972 = 190 cm!
On the other hand, if you measure a straight pull from the tail or tip on the top sheet, the measurement is different (shorter, becuase it doesn’t follow the curves). This way is practical, because you can mark the top sheet directly. But the above data makes me wonder if the ski designers are actually measuring along the base…
Chris,
The official word from LINE: “Eric’s Choice” should be 919mm from the tail of the ski. That is a “straight tape” measurement from the tail, not measuring along the bases. There was an issue with the graphic placement on some of the 2014 SFB’s, and you may find that your “Center” line is actually at this 919mm from tail measurement. Whatever the case, measure it out, draw a line with a sharpie, mount em’ up, and go have fun!
Excellent, thanks for the research, that’s a huge help.
I actually picked up a brand new unmounted pair of 09-10 186 sickles and was thinking of selling them and getting a 190 bacon if the bacons were chargier. I’m 6’4 200 lbs and was thinking a chargey 190 bacon would be the longer sickle I have been looking for.
Where did you get them
Hi Jason,
was thinking of getting these skis, only because I want an “all-mountain” ski, & this one seems to fit the bill. I used to be a charger in the 80’s, but didn’t ski for 24 years, so probably more of an “intermediate-advanced cruiser” these days. Not into jumps any more, but love the powder & the occasional foray into easy moguls.
Is this “too much” ski for someone like me? I used to ride 195’s in the 80’s, tried some around 167-170cms last year, & thought I’d follow everyone’s advice & go longer with these skis (i.e. 178cm length, I’m 174cms, or 5’8.5″).
Weigh 72 kgs (159 lbs)
Cheers!
Hi Jason,
I’m currently undecided on what ski is best for me. I would say I’m a somewhat advanced skier. I’m also 6′ 3″, weighing 200lb. So I feel confident that a 190 length ski is right for me.
I love to ski tight trees and glades and also go all over the mountain so an all mountain oriented ski is what I’m looking for. The bacon really seams like the right ski but I’m also curious how it compares to the Moment Exit World. That ski is based off the old Bibby (which has been chosen by many as a great one ski quiver). The reviews of the bibby/exit say it’s also very playful but maybe not as good as the bacon in tight trees because of its size. But then I wonder if because I’m a bigger guy I wouldn’t have as much trouble convincing a ski that width to make quick turns in the trees?
What are your thoughts on which is better as a one ski quiver with a focus on tree skiing and deepish snow? I like to go all over the mountain but never really go on a groomed run unless that’s the only choice. (i wish I could just buy the new bibby for deep days and a hard snow oriented ski for less snowy days but I’m a poor student haha)
Thanks,
Greg
Hey I was looking at these skis for skiing up in Colorado. I really want a one quiver ski and wondering how well these would work for me. I also was looking at the k2 Shredittor 112 and how they would compare. Thank you so much.
My only question is what do you think of the 190 SFB as a backcountry/ short touring ski set up on some dukes or guardians? I’m 6’4” 185 pretty solid skier and stepping up my huck it game.
Hey I love your review it’s so helpful! I had one question, how would the SFB compare to the K2 Shredditor, and the Sick Day 110? I would love to hear what you have to say! Thanks Mark!
Hi Jason,
Appreciate all your insight! I am 48 yrs old 6’1” and 235 pounds (former Marine who refuses to grow old or grow up LOL). I took up skiing about 7 years ago and am hooked! I am a strong intermediate not quite advanced, I am predominantly a resort skier I like to ski groomer, low angle tree, open bowls, as well as occasional steeps and I am a novice in powder. I ski in the Sierras, mostly Heavenly and Kirkwood and I take a yearly trip to ski back to my old stomping grounds in New England so, like most I am looking for a “do it all” ski however I am considering a two ski quiver. With that said I would like a ski that is playfuI fun and easy to ski to to speak as I’m not really a charger. I’ve have narrowed my choices to the Moment PB&J in 188 length and as the second either the Moment Deathwish in the 190 length or the Line Sir Francis Bacon in the 190 length as well although based on your review and from people I have spoken to I’m leaning more towards the towards the 190 bacon. I am currently on a pair of 184 Mantras, what are your thoughts? Also curious about the Line Supernatural 108 your expert advice and opinion is appreciated!
Thanks
Luis
Jason: Wonderful review. I am trying to choose between the SFB and the Ramp Peacepipe. I am 5’8, 160 lbs and 61 yrs old, but ski very aggressivley and almost always at Mad River Glen unless I am out West. Usuall chasing my 21 yr old son through the trees. I have tried my son’s Peacepipes in untracked and barely tracked powder in a 179 and loved them until I got into some very tight technical lines where it felt just a bit too long for me, but the 169 may be perfect. I notice that has a 14.4 turn radius so short quick turns, a necessity at MRG, should be easy. I have not had a chance to try the Bacon as yet but have several acquaintances that love them. I would be intersted in your thoughts/comparison of the two. I already have a Fischer Motive for mostly on trail and on older Prophet 100 which until nos has been the “powder” ski, but I was blown away by the floatation of the Ramps…. Looking for a nice soft snow ski for the few powder days we get that I can actually take advantage of. thank you!
Hi Paul,
love to read accounts like yours, I’m 5’8″ and a half, 155 lbs, turning 61 in July! I used to ski aggressively in the 80’s, but gave up skiing when I moved back to my hometown, Perth, Oz, looong way from the snow.
Started again in Whistler in 2012, now looking at buying my first set of skis in 25 years.
A Canadian ski instructor I know, similar vintage, said that for my height, weight & ability (probably intermediate now, but working my way back to advanced, been training at the gym in preparation for ski trip to Whistler in March), I should be looking at 84-88mm wide skis for an all-mountain 1-ski quiver, 90mm max. He said they’ll float me just as well as a wider ski will float a big guy. He said: they’ll be gentler on the knees & you’ll look like you’re carving on the way back to the lifts, unlike a lot of people on fat skis, who think they’re carving but don’t look pretty.
What do you think?
Cheers!
Mike
Hi Mike: Thanks– If I were looking for one ski to do it all, at leat at Mad River, I would probably be on the Line Prophet 90 or a similar ski. That width can handle the days spent on trail and also venture off in moderate powder, which when we are lucky is what we get. This year I skied for the first time on a new but 2 yr old model Fischer Motive 88– the first Rocker tip ski I ave owned, and fell in love with it– the ease of turn initiation is just remarkable. I also own a pair of line Prophet 100 2011 Vintage- a superb all around ski that floats really well– or at leat I thought so until I got on my son’s Peacepipes. In the lower angle powder these skis were effortless–absoluteluy amazing I just thought turn and they turned. The rocker tip and 112 under foot kept the ski right on top where my Prophets were sinking just enough to give me trouble. It was a real revelation. It was only when the pitch got closer to 35-40 in a very tight line that I felt the 179 was a bit too long. So your Canadian friend is correct– to a point, but there is no denying the physics.
as for how I look returning to the lift, i could give a sh__. I am usually exhausted from hitting the run hard I have ZERO use fopr groomers–jsut get bored and lazy– I like skis that are great in bumps and off train in the woods. I didn’t start skiing until I was about 30, and not seriously until 37. I will never be “pretty” but I do love to go hard…
Hi Paul,
hey, we have even more in common!! I first tried skiing in the late 70’s, in Kashmir, when I was 25 or 26 I think, then got into it seriously when I was 28 and a half. Only difference is that I took 24 years off, so I’m guessing your skill levels have far surpassed mine! Dropped skiing & got back into surfing when I was 35.
Yeah, couldn’t give a rats’ either how I look, but I see K’s point. Always preferred the “attack-style” in the 80’s, when lots of the European skiers (France was where we did most of our skiing) would be trying their hardest to keep their feet glued together. Pretty funny when they hit an icy patch.
It’s a tough call, in my 10 days of skiing since I took it up again, have only had one day of heavy crud in Japan, & only tried fat skis (Liberty Helix, 105 underfoot) once. It was pretty hard, borderline icy going back to the lift, so didn’t feel all that comfortable on the Helix’s.
I’m going to try the Armada TST in the 174 when I get to Whistler. 101 underfoot, & all reviewers reckon it’s a “true 50/50” all-mountain ski. I’ll try a couple of 90mm wide skis too, hoping to get some powder & work out what’s going to suit best!
Thanks again for the comments, & happy skiing! Going to bed, it’s 11:50pm here, and 28 Celsius (82F), bloody warm!!
Hey guys,
It would be really interesting to see a comparison to the 186 ON3P Jeffrey. They looks very similar on paper…
Jason,
I have a bit of a dilemma and was hoping you could shed some light? This past season I skied the Rossi Sou 7. I’m 6′ 165 and I skied the 180 length and it really felt to short for me. Certainly fine when I got into some tighter trees but skiing Mineral Basin or Honeycomb it just didnt feel like enough ski. I was skiing the Monashee’s a few weeks ago and we had some pretty difficult conditions with about 5″ fresh onto of really hard crust and the ski was not good at all. What I’m thinking about doing is dumping the Soul 7 and skiing the Line Mr Pollard’s Opus and the Volkl Mantra for a two ski quiver. I ski mostly at Snowbird and Solitude and get about 12-15 days on the hill. What are your thoughts on this or should I pick up the Sir Francis Bacon for a One Ski Quiver??? I am a directional skier that likes to pop off little features, cliffs, etc. and really charge down the fall line. Not really dropping anything big and definitely not landing anything switch so I just want to make sure I’m looking at the right skis. I was also looking at the Bent Chentler in the same class. Thanks for all you guys do at Blister, by far the best reviews on the planet!
Dan,
Sorry to hear you haven’t been totally happy with your Soul’s. Unfortunately, I do think the 188 would have been more appropriate for you. We are about the same size and there hasn’t been a single instance I’ve wished for less ski than the 188.
Given the description of how you like to ski, especially the directional and “really charge down the fall line.” aspects, I’m a little confused at the skis you have expressed interest in. The Mantra seems to fit, but the Opus, BC, and SFB are on the easy skiing, playful side of the skiing spectrum.
So, would you mind sharing why you have chosen these skis? It would also be helpful to know which lengths you are considering.
I guess my thought was they would provide a little more surf in powder and was thinking a more playful ski would be fun to mix it up. How would the SFB handle day after crud/bumps compared to the 7? I’m looking at the 184 in the SFB and 185 in the Opus. I’m also not unopposed to bumping up to the 188 in the Soul 7 if you think I would be happier there. Appreciate the advice.
I’m currently deciding on whether to get these (probably in 190 rather than 184) over getting a newer pair of my 186 Gotamas that I love. I’d quite like to try a more playful ski but a bit concerned that these may be a bit unstable at higher speeds when compared with my Gotamas. What do you think?
Hi Jason! I’m really in to these skis and have nearly decided to buy them, but there still remains a bit of a problem… The length of the skis. I’m about 180cm/5’10,9″ (if my converter was doing the right calculating) and my weight is 130 lbs. I would consider my ski-level at an advanced level. These skis are thought to be used for the first time in Niseko/Hakuba during Jan-Mars. /Chris
Hi Jason!
Great thanks for a detailed review!
I am looking for a playful, easy-to-turn, freestyle-oriented ski and clearly understand that SFB is the right choice. Unfortunately I cannot buy it in our locals so that I would ask you to recommend me a reasonable substitute. I am 180 lbs and 5’10,8″ intermediate freestyle oriented skier.
The choice lies upon next available in my country skis:
1) Line Sick Day 110 – 186
2) Salomon Rocker 2 108 – 182
3) Armada TST – 183
4) Line Blend – 178 (though I am have doubts in length due to my weight and height)
5) K2 Kung Fujas – 179 (same doubts in ski length)
6) Volkl Gotama – 186
7) Volkl Bridge – 187 (as far as I know this one and the above one aren’t that kind of playfulness)
I am considering the choice will be among the first three and I am looking more towards Line Sick Day due to the limits in fresh snow (sometimes it is icy) and due to skiing on groomers sometimes.
All in all I am looking for a one-quiver ski for a playful skier.
Great thanks in advance!
Hi. I really like the sound of the sfb, however I ski in Europe which I think would mean more hardpack or ice than you have on the west coast. Would you still recommend the sfb for Europe skiing?
Hey Jason,
I am struggling to choose between the SFB 190 and Opus 192 and was wondering if you could help. I am 20 years old 6’5″ and about 220lb. I am currently more of a traditional hard charger who is looking to start becoming a playful skier. Right now I’m skiing a lot with my family and friends and while going mach schnell on my 11/12 186 Influence 115’s is really fun, its not super fun waiting at the bottom for everyone to catch up. So because of that I am now looking more at something where I can slow it down, have fun all over the mountain, learn some tricks and pretty much screw around. What worries me about the SFB is that it will lack sufficient float on the deep days and what worries me about the Opus is its less versatile and less agile than the SFB to work in bumps and more technical terrain.
Thanks
Kevin
Jason,
First off, thanks to you and the site for all your help. I have a specific question about your review that gave me pause. You brought up a point about the sfb 190 lacking torsional strength to set an edge. The sfb ticks off a whole lot of boxes for me, but I’m concerned that I’m trying to put a jibby peg into a directional skiers slot. Does this ski have enough integrity and predictability to set an edge on a steep slope? Or is it meant to slide down the hill sideways? I’m a 46 year old directional skier and the same size as you.
Thanks,
John
So after reading this, I ordered a pair of 190 SFBs. My other skis are Salomon Rocker2 90, 177 long.
My question is, what do you think of the park performance of those two (very different)skis?
The reason I ask, is that I live in Minnesota. I will of course take the SFBs out west, but the question remains for here at home.
This season I would like to venture into the smaller terrain park here at home, as well as carve some firm groomers and do some slow speed moguls runs. If the SFBs do as good there as the Rocker 90s, I would mount tech touring bindings on the Rockers and use the SFBs for everything inbounds.
Forgot to mention, I am 6’4″, 180 lbs, 40 years old, lower intermediate groomed skier, compete newbie in the park. I won’t be doing any huge air, just getting some air etc will be an accomplishment.
Hi Jason, thanks for the great job you do here.
I’m a 23 years old 6’2”, 165 lbs skier, who skis in the swiss alps all winter almost every day…
I’m looking to replace a JJ 185 (which i totally loved), as my everyday freestyle ski, and i’m pretty sure i can’t go wrong with the bacon. Like you i feel i’m in between the 184 and 190, and unfortunately i’ve no chance to try it before buying. I’m leaning towards the 184 since the JJ too skied short and were fine, and i’m anyway covered for those super-deep days by an AK JJ (which is fine but i don’t like that much), but i’d would like to know what would you do in my place.
I own and ski the 178 bacon daily all mountain in east and west conditions, also own the 185 opus. I’m 5-9 , 200lb expert skier and a ski instructor. I log 60 days a year , mostly on the bacons. Both skis do it all well, except hard packed ice conditions, yet they can be skied on ice with care. I prefer the 178 in the moguls, which by the way are awesome bump skis, love that wood core. The opus more floaty and gs like. The bacon is the best all mountain ski I have owned. Bacons are my one quiver ski at Jackson and aspen , A basin as well as hard packed resort skiing in the Midwest
Other skis include 3 Fischer FIS quiver for racing . Previously skied wood cored twin tip volkl karma and gotama all mountain beginning 2005.
I now have most of a season on my 190 cm Bacons.(108mm M.Y. 14/15 model)
For my, more moderate speeds, they are very stable at speed on both groomers and in crud, plows through piles of snow.
Pivots nice and easy, but still has decent edge hold on firm groomers.
Not super loose in the limited powder I had it in so far, but with the width and rocker they are still good.
Moguls seem fine, but I am a very poor mogul skier, so take that for what it’s worth.
I know you said they are not quick as quick which makes total sense, but would you still say they are pretty quick in the trees? I am 6 foot 175 fairly aggressive but like to play around. If I was in the west I would absolutely get the 190 but I am east coast so just trying to decide. I just don’t want the 184 to feel super short as I have heard it feels and skis shorter
Based on my experience I recommend you go 184 not 190. the 184 will be better suited to swing in trees and bumps yet give you enough edge at speed in a variety snow conditions. I hope that helps! Great skis.
Mike,
I am 6’5″, 180 lbs and I have the 190s. I have very limited experience on different skis, and most importantly, I have skied the 184s, so take my comments with that in mind.
I skied the, for 9 days last week in Winterpark, some powder, mostly crud and moguls soft snow and soft but skied out trees, ie moguls and bobsled tracks.
I found the ski to be easy to bring around the fall line on firm snow, easy to smear, BUT not super loose in powder.
In moguls I struggled with whipping the skis left to right very quickly. I am not sure how much of that was the ski and how much was me. I am naturally not a quick movement kind of person, and am only just learning mogul skiing, but I certainly didn’t feel the skis made quick movements super easy.
As far as the question whether the 184 would be burly and stable enough for you, I can’t realy comment.
Oops,
Meant to say:”I have NOT skied the 184″
I just thought up one more way of describing the 190 SFB:
Fairly stable and playful, easy to ski, but not lightning quick
Any idea when you’ll be reviewing the 2016 SFB? Saw the preview and really curious what your thoughts are once you get it on snow.
For the really short people out there,
How do the SFB Shorty’s compare?
Thanks!
Hi Jason,
Great review!
I am 6’1″ 220lb advanced-expert who usually skis Jackson. I ski off piste 90% of the time and love pow, steeps, bumps and trees. I rarely ski switch or the park. Based on your recommendation, I just bought the 2014-15 SFB in 190cm. I was confused about all of the on line discussions about the best mounting position, and called Line. They recommended that I mount my bindings at their “recommended” position. I know that you wrote that you tried that spot and hated it. Can you please explain it some more, and give me guidance?
Thanks in advance!
Bought the SFBs last season. Hard to explain but these are the worst skis I’ve had in a long time. If conditions were not perfect they feel very unpredictable. The shovels are very soft and if i tried to drive them they were easily over powered. Also the progressive flex in the ski also felt very unpredictable. Maybe i am just too heavy for these skis at 180lbs? I don’t test skis for a living nor have i tried more than a hand full of skis in the past couple years but i had my old Solomon 1080 moguls out for a local competition and i ended up skiing on them all weekend instead of the sfbs because even at a much smaller size they were much more stable and predictable. i would suggest anyone who is considering the SFBs to try them first!
14/15 SFB vs Soul 7:
I ski the SFB 190cm, tried the same size Soul7 the other day.
In big bumps, at slow speeds the Souls pivot and initiate turns much easier than the SFBs.
Also, if you don’t turn and run into the side of a big steep bump, the nose rides up and over the bump much easier than on the Bacons, which are more likely to auger into the side of a steep bump.
On open runs, at moderate and higher speeds Soul7s start to chatter much sooner, and they feel slightly more squirrelly than the Bacons.
The tails of the Bacons provide more pop and spring for ollies.