2nd Look: 2012-2013 LINE Mr. Pollard’s Opus
12/13 Mr. Pollard's Opus
Dimensions (mm): 144-118-141
Turn Radius: 17.2 meters
Actual Tip-to-Tail Length (straight tape pull): 183.4cm
Boots/Bindings: Nordica Enforcer / Marker Jester (DIN) 11
Mount Location: Recommended Line
Test Location: Niseko, Japan; Alta Ski Area
Days Skied: 10
Eric Pollard’s skis have always been big time players in the backcountry/powder jib scene. In my own personal experience, starting with the original SFB, Pollard’s skis helped change the way I look at every piece of terrain as I make my way down the mountain. Every little bump, roll, drift, pillow—any terrain abnormality, for that matter—becomes not only something to be turned upon, but something to be slashed, spun, blown up, flipped, hand dragged, or anything else that isn’t your standard right or left hander.
Pollard’s pro models are the definition of playful skis, and while the Opus follows this same tradition, it now offers slightly more versatility, and even a little more user friendliness.
My first day on Mr. Pollard’s Opus turned out to be one of my best days in Niseko. After five or six straight days of intense wind and snow, the clouds cleared and left us with a perfectly bluebird day. On top of that, the Mizuno No Sawa area reopened and we were left with acres and acres of perfectly consolidated powder, the kind of snow that feels like the mountain was doused with a coating of warm butter.
Of course, in these conditions pretty much any ski on the planet would be a pleasure to ride. But as I said before, the Opus is a different type of tool: it changes your perspective.
My first run, I decided to hit the open meadow that lies beneath the Niseko Village gondola—backward. Of course, given the size and rocker profile of the Opus, the ski planed up onto the surface with no problem skiing switch.
rocker profile of the 12/13 Line Mr. Pollard's Opus
What I immediately noticed and enjoyed about this ski compared to similar skis I’ve ridden (Hellbent, EP Pro) was how predictable and stable the Opus felt, even with quite a bit of speed. It wasn’t as susceptible to folding up the tail when my weight rocked a little too far back, or when crossing a couple of ski tracks. And the sidecut of the tail wasn’t so aggressive that the ski would unexpectedly want to overturn if I got a little heavy on the tails, or happened to let the skis come across the fall line a bit too far.
Throughout the rest of the day, I sent the Opus off every roll, pillow, and drop I could find in Mizuno no Sawa. From my first run, it was very apparent that the Opus was incredibly easy to ride. The predictability I just mentioned about switch performance was also there skiing forward, airing anything, and, very importantly, when landing. The Opus doesn’t have a super stiff tail to fall back on and to drive you back over your toes, but if I stayed balanced over the middle, it stomped decent-sized airs, forward or backward.
Another characteristic that came immediately to my attention was how quickly you could get the Opus from side to side in trees. As Andrew Gregovich wrote in his review of the Opus, the ski is in its element in terrain like that of Niseko, including the tree skiing, which at times can be pretty tight. The ski’s 18 meter radius, light weight, soft-but-energetic flex, and forward mount all contribute to lightning quick turns when you want them. That isn’t to say, though, that you can’t lengthen out turns by slipping out the tails and smearing; the Opus loves to do that, too.
My next days with Mr. Pollard’s Opus in Niseko’s absolutely incredible conditions were equally as fun as the first. But after three days on the Opus I needed to move on to other skis. I was having an absolute blast on the Opus and didn’t want to give them up.
Fortunately after Niseko, the Opus came back home with me to Alta. I figured this would be great for seeing how the Opus stacked up in terrain that I’m very familiar with.
Jason Hutchins, Tilt-A-Whirl, Alta Ski Area.
Now, after spending another couple of weeks on this ski, exposing it to a couple feet of pow, crud, some heavy and wet sun exposed snow, and even some packed-out firm snow, I can say that, while the ski definitely has its limitations, clicking into these skis will make you a more playful skier.
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March 14, 2012 at 8:25 am
I just want to go ‘on record’ saying you guys are gamechangers in the snow-sliding sport industries. Your extremely carefully (well) written reviews shed a flood of light on the very interesting, and often times key, products in the market. It seems as though your review team has been examining the products reviewed through a lens that has not yet been touched by financial benefit or behind the scene sponsors. My only request is that you keep up the tremendously solid work and keep the suits at bay.
I wish I found out about Blister Gear Review at the start of this season as I would have certainly consulted your reviews as a guide for my new skis. Needless to say, without using Blister Gear Review as a tool, I picked up a pair of sticks I wasn’t totally stoked on and will be selling them shortly and sacking away cash for a pair next year.
Anyways, I applaud your work and look forward to reading the consistent stream of reviews posted!
Cheers.
March 14, 2012 at 9:31 pm
JD – thanks for the generous words and for going on record. And I assure you, we are hellbent on keeping the suits at bay, and keeping our reviews as honest and as thorough as we can possibly make them.
March 19, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Once again, great review. You guys are the best.
Any chance you guys are going to get your hands on the 2012-13 Bentchetlers? Would love to see a review on those and a bit of a comparison with the Opus and maybe the Bibby Pro.
Thanks
March 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Yeahh, test of BC 2012-13 and comparison with Opus would be great.
Great review, I love my Opus and want also to try the 192s.
March 28, 2012 at 12:27 am
Im just wondering if the 185 would be enough ski for me im 6’0 170lbs. did you ever have any problems with your tips diving at all in super deep or stablity in chopped up crud
March 28, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Ethan,
I’m 6′ 160lbs and only one time have I wished for a little more ski in SUPER deep snow. However, I do feel like it wouldn’t take much more weight or height and the skis wouldn’t be enough. As for stability in crud, like I said in the review, the Opus has a speed limit and a technique for managing the left overs. If you are thinking about pushing it hard, I would wait for the 192.
April 9, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Cant say it enough, you guys are awesome. No one else provides reviews with the same level of insight and detail. I have read all your reviews for the past 2 years. I am trying to decide between the Opus and the Bibby Pros. What I am looking is in addition to great handling in powder, handling in chop and crud is just as paramount. As I live in the PNW, the snow can get heavy and chopped up very quickly. Ideal conditions can be fleeting and very short lived. I have ridden the Bibby pros and liked them alot, but your reviews of the opus have been glowing. Which would you recommend?
April 10, 2012 at 8:11 am
Thanks Jp,
As much as I love the Opus I would have to say that you would probably be better off on the Bibby for what you have described. As I said in the review, the Opus is a blast in pow, and it would be ridiculously fun in your PNW cream. Once things get cut up however, it does require slowing down a bit, and effort in staying really balanced. That being said, I could easily use the Opus as my every day ski here at Alta and be totally happy. The Bibby will make you sacrifice a bit in outright playfulness, but definitely offer more stability and confidence if you want to ski hard in the heavy chop. This is especially true if you’re going with the 190 Bibby over the 184.
Depending on how playful of a ski you are looking for, another ski you might want to consider is the new Squad 7. Definitely more directional, definitely burlier, but with the bindings mounted a few cm forward they are quick and fun, yet still charge adverse snow conditions.
April 10, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for the great answer Jason. Appreciate it.
May 17, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Great review guys. I bought the 11/12 Line SFB’s in 178cm this year and absolutely love them, I think they are a fantastic (wide) all mountain ski. At the time I was torn between them and the Opus but could only afford one pair so went with the SFB’s on versatility. I’m 5’11″ and hover around but below the 80kg mark, when I tested the SFB’s in both the 178 and 184 length I found the 184 a little “flappy” during high speed GS turns on fast groomers, so I went with the 178′s, which worked out fine in all conditions, inc. 12 inch powder days.
Now I definitely want to get the 12/13 Opus for this coming winter (crazy it’s only May) as my true powder ski, do you think I should stick with the 178 or move up to the 185cm, I always feel like I’m a big little guy or a little big guy whenever it comes to sizing things. I’m also thinking of putting the Marker Duke binding on them for side/slack country use here in Telluride CO. my home mountain. Do you think the Duke would complement the Opus, the only adverse stuff I seem to be finding online re. the Duke is that it can stiffen the centre of the ski adversely affecting the ski longitudinal flex pattern. I used Salomon 912′s on my SFB’s.
Any hints or advice would be greatly appreciated, keep up the good work here at blistergearreview.com and thanks.
May 19, 2012 at 11:36 am
Howie,
As your true powder ski, 185cm no question. As for throwing a Duke on them, egh, yeah it will work. From my experience the Duke definitely takes some fun out of a ski with the added weight, increased stack height, and as you said, adverse effect on the flex of the ski. I guess it depends how much you really plan on walking. Personally, there isn’t an alpine touring system out there that gets me overly excited except for the Green Mountain Freeride set-up, which none of us have been on yet. For sidecountry and short tours I’ve gone back to Alpine Trekkers, carry a couple spare parts and a screwdriver. At least with that set-up it’s always super fun when the skis are pointed down hill, whether inbounds or out.
May 19, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Jason,
Great candid advice, good call on the Trekkers too. I think I’ll follow through on your advice, thank you.
June 28, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Hi, I’ve read both this review and the one you wrote about the obsethed. I was wondering if you could give your opinion comparing the two skis? How do they perform in crud? Also is there much of a difference in powder performance since the line has less rise? People always mention ‘planing’ vs ‘plowing’? Thanks!
July 3, 2012 at 3:37 pm
I`m also really interested in this comparison. I currently ride a Prophet 98@172 and I`m looking for a powder ski for west (Idaho). Thinking about Opus@178 and Obsethed@179, another one I would look at is the Armada JJ@175. This would be my 2 ski quiver. I`m 5’6″@150. Can you comment anything about Opus vs JJ vs Obsethed?
July 13, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Almeida,
I haven’t ridden the JJ’s, so I can’t compare them. I love the Opus, if you’re looking for a playful pow ski, and you like what you’ve heard about them, don’t even think twice, pull the trigger.
July 13, 2012 at 11:57 am
Suney,
Hands down I would choose the Opus over the last version of the Obsethed (there is a new Obsethed for 12/13 which I haven’t been on yet, but the intended use is now different anyway). The Opus feels incredibly balanced in every way from it’s flex pattern, to side-cut, to rocker profile. The Obsethed is a great ski and for someone who is fairly light it can be used as a playful “charger”, where the Opus never really fits that bill. For everything else though, the Opus just feels better. If you are overly concerned about crud performance, neither ski ranks high though they can handle anything with a good pilot. If you want something with more meat for crushing crud while still being playful, I’d look towards the Moment Bibby Pro or the slightly smaller Rossignol Sickle.
July 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Jason, I’ve been riding tele for the last 10 + years and I am looking for a playful/turning ski for powder days. I do live in the PNW where we get some of the heavier snow……and I would probably be doing 50/50 lift/backcountry. I’ve been thinking about the DPS 112 Wailer as well. I currently have some of the Movement Goliath’s and are finding them really too stiff. I’ve done pretty well with the 178′s in tele. I’m 165 about 5′ 11″. Comments?
Cheers, Paul
August 27, 2012 at 8:09 am
Hey Jason,
I am another thankful fan of Blister…you guys are by far the best that I’ve seen. Thanks for being awesome!
I’m 6’1, 165-170 lbs. I’m trying to decide between the 185 vs the 192 Opus. I’d say I enjoy a happy medium between being playful vs charging. I’ll be skiing Alta and Snowbird this season. Would you recommend the 192 for me, or do you think the extra 7 cm is not necessary given my height/weight/style? I haven’t been on a ski longer than 185, so I’m just curious how much of a noticeable difference there would actually be between the two skis with with height/weight/style…
Ross
October 5, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Hey Jason,
I’d also like to see an answer to this question, as I’m in a very similar situation.
Thanks!
October 7, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Ryan and Peter – you guys might want to see the answer below from Line Skis Engineer, Jed Yeiser, to Jason Schulz’s question re: the flex of the 192 Opus.
August 30, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Thanks for your article. I am also looking to use the Opus’ as a true powder ski alongside 178cm 2012 SFBs. I am 171cm and 76 Kg. I am also trying to decide between the 178 and the 185s. I do a fair bit of tree skiing in Japan. Can you advise please? Many thanks.
September 7, 2012 at 11:02 pm
185 all the way Matt. For such big skis these things are incredibly quick on your feet, you will not be disappointed I promise!!!
September 5, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Thanks for the review. How you think opus will work with Salomon guardians? I’m afraid that they stiffen up the skis and take some of the playfulness off.
September 8, 2012 at 4:07 pm
I would love to have a comparison between the Opus and JJ if you can. I would be looking to get a ski in the 185 range. Also, what are the differences between the 12′ model and the 13′ model for each? It would be awesome if there was no difference and I could get them on the cheap. Let me know!
September 27, 2012 at 9:20 am
I am wondering if anyone has been able to try out the Klint KRYPTO. If so, how is the comparison to the Mr Pollard’s Opus? I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about Klint skis recently, but have not been able to demo any yet, so I’m hoping to get Blister’s opinion on them! P.S. you guys rock!
October 4, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Just a quick question: Have you guys heard of the 192 Opus being significantly stiffer than the other sizes?
October 7, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Hey Jason – this is probably the most asked question on BLISTER these days, so we went right to the source: the guy who created the flex of the 192 Opus, LINE Skis engineer, Jed Yeiser. This is what Jed had to say:
“When we started talking to Pollard about moving the Opus up into a 192 size, we spent a bunch of time discussing if we wanted to beef the ski up a bit. A lot of work went into getting that pattern just so, but we figured that it would be the bigger guys on the 192, and they’d probably want something a bit stiffer. Pollard agreed, and after a few days of banging my head against walls, I got a profile that was stiffer than the 185, but matched the stiffness profile of the 185 perfectly (think of a graph of % overall stiffness vs. % length). So yes, the 192 Opus is stiffer than the 185.”
Obviously, Jed doesn’t attempt to quantify here exactly “how much” stiffer the 192 is than the 185, but stiffer, Yes.
October 8, 2012 at 10:26 pm
So. Freaking. Stoked.
You guys rock! Thanks for the investigative journalism! It’s made my choice harder(between these, the Rocker 115, and the Norwalk), but I thank you nonetheless. I rode the 185 Opus towards the end of the season last year and loved its playfulness, but wished it had just a little more stability so to hear this about the 192 is awesome!
Cheers guys!
October 12, 2012 at 2:20 pm
I am considering either the Line MPO or the Atomic Automatics for my powder ski. I currently own 2010 Line Prophet 100 in 172, 2012 Line Influence 105 in 179 and 2013 Blizzard Bonafide in 180. I am 5′ 6″ and weigh 165. I was pretty set on getting the Automatics for my powder ski but keep coming back to the MPO. The one thing I am worried about is when I first bought my Line Influence I had them mounted a tad in front of the mid sole line. So basically between traditional and center mount. When I skiied on them mounted like that I hated the way they skiied. I took them back and had them remount them right at the mid sole line and when I took them back out to ski them I loved them. So I am concerned if I get the MPO since the mount is more towards the center of the ski I will not like the way they ski. Is this a logical assumption? I want a really playful powder ski to use for resort powder days. There will be hiking involved but want the ski capable of skiing some skiied off powder runs as well.
Thanks,
Chuck
November 1, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Chuck,
There are a few things that I think are important here.
The Mr. Pollard’s Opus is designed with a “modern”, centered, balanced mount location AND stance in mind. Your Influence 105 however is not, therefore by mounting further forward than the mid-sole line you are standing ahead of the intended “sweet spot” for both the sidecut and flex pattern. This is not to say that the Influence can’t be ridden ahead of that mid-sole line, but someone with a more traditional “driving” skiing style may not find the support from the front of the ski they are accustomed to.
Now, taking a look at your current quiver, I see three very directional skis, with “traditional” mounting locations (giving you much more tip than tail), and fairly strong flex patterns. To me the Automatic seems to be the better fit for you. It will offer more support through the tips than the Opus, which will allow you to drive your skis like usual rather than having to change to a more balanced stance. The Automatic will still provide that fun, playful, slashy pow ski feeling you are looking for, and they will conquer the left over chop with a bit less effort.
October 31, 2012 at 7:49 pm
I am 5’9″, 160 lbs. I particularly like skiing the trees so I need skis that are quick-turning. Would you recommend 178cm or 185 cm?
November 1, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Alan,
I recommend the 185, no question. These skis have a short sidecut radius and are lightning quick for a ski of this size. I loved the 185 in the SUPER tight trees we commonly skied in Japan.
November 6, 2012 at 11:26 am
Hi! Thanks for the great review! I don´t want to replicate Alan´s post… but I am also 5’9″, but slightly lighter (145 lbs) and I am also looking for an agile pair of skis, that is amazing in powder, but still can handle all conditions. I´m not sure about the appropriate size…178 or 185 cm ???
And…how do the mr pollards opus perform compared to K2´s Pettitor or Armadas JJ and Magic J – any idea about that?
Greetz
November 21, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Hi!
I’m skiing in the european alps area, on the line chronics. As they are mostly a freestyle park ski there is no way to ski anything more than 15 cm of soft snow. Opus seems to be exactly what im searching for, as i want good floating, effortless, wide pow ski. i had several knee injuries past seasons and wouldnt want skiis that will force me to use power. QUESTION: I am aware of great ability of opuses in trees, but are opuses stable enough for those speedy open face runs and some medium sized airs/drops? Also, what size ( i am 182cm in height and weight 70 kg(about 155pounds)? any help would be greatly appreciated
December 24, 2012 at 9:10 am
Matija,
You are definitely on the right track picking the Opus as your next ski. It matches all the qualities you are looking for. As for your questions, the Opus does ok at speed as long as conditions are soft and you remain balanced. It does not like to be driven like a stolen car, it likes to be finessed. The same goes for taking airs, the bigger the air the more balanced you will need to be. I haven’t ridden the 192 yet, but I have had it in hand. It is definitely stiffer than the 185, so if you are more concerned about ripping big, open faces and drops it might make sense to opt up to the 192.
With that said, we are about the same size and I ride the 185 a ton. I love it for everything here at Alta.
November 28, 2012 at 11:07 pm
Hey I am 16 years old, 6’4″ and about 155 pounds. I am wondering which size to get 192 or 185. I plan on using this as a fun powder ski that I can have fun on as well as do 360′s off booters. I am still growing so any ideas would help. I have another pair of skis that I will be using for park and groomer/hardpack if that influences you at all.
December 24, 2012 at 8:55 am
Austin,
It depends on your ability and how maneuverable you need the skis to be. With your size, and the fact you are still growing I’d aim for the 192, unless you feel totally uncomfortable with a ski that long.
November 29, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Hi there,
Awesome review. I have decided to get the Opus but I am on the fence as for the size. I am 6′ and approx 170lbs, have been skiing since I was a small kid. I would consider myself advanced level. I currently own the Rossi Phantom 80s for my daily ski in 175cm but want to get a powder ski with some versatility.
I plan to do some tree skiing, mostly soft snow, no real backcountry stuff but at the same time doing groomers and hard pack as well. I live on the west coast and would be skiing Whistler and the local mountains.
As for bindings, I’m looking at getting the Marker Griffons.
Would you recommend the 185 or 192 for me?
Thanks!
Ken
December 24, 2012 at 8:41 am
Ken,
Given your size, ability level, and choice in resort I normally wouldn’t think twice about recommending the 192. What has me second quessing that recommendation is the fact your current ski is a 175. So, I’m going to go with this; if you ski slower and super balanced go with the 185, if you sk fast and want more stability (at the cost of manuverabilit) go with the 192.
January 2, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Opus vs. Bent Chetlers? Which is more capable in the trees, powder, and groomed?
January 16, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Alan,
I’m just now getting on the Bentchetler, look for a review in a few weeks! So far I can say both are very capable and fun in trees, and pow. The Opus is more fun on groomers and in tight trees because of the tighter sidecut radius.
January 4, 2013 at 3:03 am
Hello. I, like many, am on the fence about 185 vs 192. I feel like I already have the answer but I need someone to push me over the edge. I am 5’11.5″ , 175 ish lbs.. advanced to expert skier. I ski mainly western Canada. I love to shred everything from open bowls to tight chutes but I am most definitely a tree skier. I LOVE BEING IN THE TREES!! My only concern is if the 192 will be too long for the trees. Correct me if I am wrong. Please help me decide!!!!!!!!!! Thanks. Awesome review, btw!
January 7, 2013 at 9:36 am
Hello,
1. I was wondering if you ever wished for not so aggressive sidecut while skiing Opus? It has the same 17m sidecut as Obthesed and while skiing Obthesed I felt I spent too much energy on avoiding too small turns, especially in deep powder.
2. Can you compare Opus to Obthesed and Sickle in terms of groomers. Unfortunately, we all get to ski them on some days and it is better then staying home.
January 16, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Jason,
In your review of Salomon 108 you write about insecurity at speed on firmer snow… How is the Opus in this respect?
Thank you very much for your reviews – they provide exactly the prospective I am looking for – light touch+efficiency. Very difficult to find in carving/charging/power/pressure building skiing lately. Thanks!
January 21, 2013 at 8:08 am
Valerie,
I prefer the feel of the Opus over both the R2 108 and Obsethed.
The Obsethed’s huge tip rocker plays a big part in making them feel too turny in deep pow. The Opus is actually easier to smear out longer turns in the deep than the Obsethed.
Now for groomers and high speed stability, of the R2 108, Opus, and Sickle, the Sickle is the best. The Sickle is the best “all-around” ski of the bunch as well. But, I do love the Opus, and it is fun on groomers. It also does well on off-piste hardpack, you just need a more relaxed approach.
January 17, 2013 at 10:30 am
First off I am 6’0 and 155lbs. My local mountain is Mammoth. I like to ski all conditions from carving fast on the groomers to threading the trees and I like to ski playfully. I have a pair of 178cm Line Prophet 100s that I have been skiing for the past 5-6 seasons. I love these skis, especially how well they carve big Super G turns but sometimes find them a bit too stiff to be playful. I was thinking of replacing them with a pair of SFB’s but since I am making a trip to BC to play in the deep fluffy stuff I was also thinking of getting 178 MPO. Can you comment on how the SFB and the MPO compare in fresh snow as well as all around? Thank you!
January 21, 2013 at 7:54 am
Marc,
I would recommend the 185 Opus for you, you will find the 178 to feel too short. They are incredibly easy to ski, are an absolute blast in pow and soft chop, and can hold their own in any conditions. With either the SFB or Opus you have to keep in mind you are getting a super playful, fairly soft ski, so you won’t be “charging” through anything necessarily; a soft touch is required. I prefer the Opus over the SFB because it provides more stability without much of a loss in maneuverability. Get the Opus then go play in BC, you will not be disappointed!
January 21, 2013 at 8:24 am
Jason, thanks a lot for the answer. I unerstand Opus is a very playfull ski, but how does it do with absorbtion in moguls? Does it let you stay glued to the snow when you do not want to be sent in the air?
February 8, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Valerie,
Yes, the Opus does offer pop when you want it, but it is easy to control and will not send you soaring if you inadvertently slam into a firm mogul. It is soft however, so you do need to stay balanced while skiing bumps.
February 26, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Jason, have you skied Salamon rocker2 122? How does it compears with Opus? I am looking for 178cm – 180cm length, so for me they are the same width.
March 4, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Have you skied the 12/13 Influence 115? I did a demo this weekend on the Opus 178, true is the conditions were not even close to ideal… spring slush, some refrozen snow and crud. Even though I did love how the Opus is easy to turn and manageable, but I was looking for something that would fix the problem I have with the Prophet 98 which is stability and tip chatter on variable conditions. The size seems fine for me 5’5″ / 150, I’m trying to get a hold of the Influence 115 @ 179 to demo and see how it goes… unfortunately didn’t have a chance to demo on same conditions to compare :-( Do you think the Influence 115 would be at least close to how easy to ski the Opus is, but offers a little bit more stability and get rid of some of the tip chatter.
March 4, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Hey Jason,
First off, this site is awesome. I found it about two hours ago and haven’t been able to pull myself away. Thanks to all of you for the interesting and thorough reviews.
For a little bit of background information, I snowboarded for about 6 years and switched back to skiing two seasons ago. I’m 6’2″ and weight about 210. I live outside Seattle and ski here mostly, but I usually get down to Colorado or Jackson once a season. I’ve gotten to the point where I want to invest in my own pair of skis, and am really looking for a ski that’s at it’s best in pow, but can also cruise on groomers and hold it’s own in the trees. I ultimately want to start dropping medium sized cliffs in the backcountry, but probably won’t get there for at least another season or two depending on how many opportunities I get to ski.
I’ve demoed the Rossignol S7′s as well as the K2 Side Seth’s, and wasn’t a big fan of either. I took the 185 Line Opus up one day this winter and absolutely loved them. I was teaching a friend how to ski at the time, so I wasn’t on any kind of advanced terrain for most of the day, but when I got a run to myself the skis seemed to handle really well on groomers and rocked the powder. I noticed in some of the chopped up, heavy snow the ski definitely struggled, which is pretty much in line with your review. I was wondering if you think an option like the 184 Bibby Pro would give me a little bit more versatility, and if you had any other skis that might be worth looking into. I also was reading up on the On3p Caylor, but it looks like it’s no longer in production, and seemed like they might be a little slow on groomers. Thanks!
March 11, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Cal,
Considering your size, you might find the 192 Opus to work better than the 185 when it comes to tackling crud. With that said, part of what makes the Opus so fun on groomers, pow, and playful terrain is also what makes it struggle a bit with speed in challenging snow conditions. It is always a balancing act of finding a ski that is playful enough, while still being strong enough to satisfy the speed fix. Personally I usually go the playful route, because it is fun!
I haven’t skied the 184 Bibby, but the 190 is definitely far better at crud busting, though not nearly as fun, turny, easy to ride, or playful as the Opus. The 184 might be a good compromise somewhere in the middle.
One ski that I’ve really enjoyed this season in the same category is the Atomic Bent Chetler. It is not as fun carving up groomers, however, so that may be a no-go for you; but it is exceptionally smooth in pow, trees, and crud so those characteristics may catch your eye. You will be able read my review of it soon.
March 11, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Thanks a ton! My father demo’ed the 11-12 bent chetler last season and had great things to say as well – if it’s good in the trees thats probably more important to me than the groomers, so I’ll be sure to read your review!
March 23, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Jason,
Great review of the Opus! Based on your writing I bought mine last week. I’m 37 been skiing since I was three I’m about 5’7, 160 lbs and never owned a true pow ski. I bought the 2013 178 Opus based on this article. I’d been looking for a pow ski with more float as opposed to my Prophet 100′s (165). I ski a lot of terrain from groomers and beginner runs with my daughter to the Hike-to terrain in Telluride. The prophets had been geeat in most places but just not good enough in the pow. We’ve got three days in Telluride followed by three days in Utah then back to Telluride to close the season. I’m pretty stoked to get 9 days in two states between March 28 – April 7th on the Opus! Thanks again for a detailed review and a follow up.
April 8, 2013 at 12:09 am
Jason, thank you for wonderful review. I have bought 178 Opus and spend 5 full days on them in Vail bowls and Breck. It is amazing and very different ski! They do change my skiing. Perform like GS ski on ice and keep me completely on snow surface in powder. They carve tight turns and smear big radius turns with easy. One problem: when I am making closed fully finished turns and bring skis across the fall line, they suddenly engage edges and carve me uphill. That happens with every turn shape as soon as skis cross the fall line and in tight moguls. Is it tunning/detuning issue? Any other trick to handle it?