Salomon Shogun Ski - 2009 BCS

This years shoguns are exactly the same as last year. I guess the only question is what color you like better.

i am 155 and 6 feet so a little bigger and I love the 182s. I ski think east coast trees all the time with no problems. If I were out west on bigger faces I would even go longer. Also I would mount on recommended not center.

Are you about 70 kg and has a height of about 170 cm?
Well then you're like me and I chose the 173cm and are very pleased with the length and dimensions of my skis.

I only knowe the weight for 182cm: 2040g/Pair

5'9", 180pd intermediate female skier. I just acquired a pair of the shoguns (173) and am selling my 170 auras. The auras are great, but are an aggressive ski and need an aggressive skier. Stiffer than the shoguns and will hold an edge on anything, BUT need the power to drive them. I decided on the shoguns because they are more playful and forgiving with my occasional sloppiness. That's not to say that they are like limp-wristed noodles, its pop-ier and almost sprightly. I just don't have the continuous power/confidence for the auras to perform at their full potential. Both are good for powder (I ski Montana pow) the auras are just stiffer.

2 very different skis. jj will be better in deeper snow while the Shogun will ski firm snow better. basically the jj is 122 under foot but it does well on groomers too. the Shogun is 100 underfoot so it's more user friendly except in deeper snow.

I got the 164s and yes they did seem shorter than that. I put them next to my pair of 161 4frnts and sure enough they're pretty much the same.

I got the 164s and yes they did seem shorter than that. I put them next to my pair of 161 4frnts and sure enough they're pretty much the same.

I just mounted up a pair for a kid who is 5'10'' 155lbs

191 is the ticket, good choice

Thanks,
Nick

the 191 is better for stomping airs, and it is easy to ski... I think it will be a good size for you.

I'm sure you could ski either size no problem. I think it might be more a question of the terrain you are gonna be skiing the most. Tighter terrain or wanting more playfulness go 174. More open or wanting more stability go 182.

With rocker this ski will ski short, and it is light and not particularly difficult to ski. If you are skiing aggressively, I'd go with the 173.

The 100 will work fine even if I decided to mount my binding slightly towards the back? Is there a downside to having brakes with some extra breathing room? (115m on a 99mm waist)

The 100 will work fine.

I went with the 182 and have been really happy with them. they felt good on the groomers but these skis really shine once they hit powder.

The shogun is easy to ski and pretty light as a result of the bamboo core. I'd go with the 182, you won regret it. I think you could easily overpower the 173 as you continue to progress as a skier.

I have been skiing the Rocker2s a lot this year and it is super fun/amazing. Coincidentally I tested it against the jj and s7 yesterday. It skis closer to the jj but with smoother characteristics. It's hard to explain exactly why I like it better... part shape, weight, stiffness. I have been skiing the 184 which for me (5'11" 165) is damn near perfect resort pow ski (Alta/Snowbird). I'm anticipating the 192 to take over as my big mountain/deep pow ski. Hope that makes sense;)

sth14 driver - http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-sth-14-driver-ski-binding
sth16 - http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-sth-16-ski-binding-sal1819
depending on where you typically set your DIN. Unfortunately these are both out of stock on backcountry. The next binding I would recommend would be the Look Pivot.

Three bindings that would work great would be the Salomon 914 , marker jester or the Rossignol FKS 140

get the 173. definitely.

this ski is great on groomed, edge hold is solid and there is remarkable pop... i am assuming this is from the bamboo. I have the 82's, havent tried them in tight situations but i think it shouldnt be a huge deal due to the light weight and slight rocker. I would recommend the longer ski, more flotation and i dont think you sacrifice much in terms of maneuverability. depends on what you want but i feel it was the right purchase for me.

so, i have skied them a few times. they are great on groomers, much better than I had hoped for, so much hold and pop. I dont think the 82 is too big, but... i havent tried them in tight situations. I think being that they are lighter then they look and have a bit of a rocker it shouldnt be a big thing. i would recommend the longer ski in this model...

im 5'8 and weigh closer to like 166 and i actually demoed a pair of shogun in 164"

it was fantastic but seeing how people get longer skis i was debating buying them 173" instead of 164"

should i?

No question. great AT ski and all mountain twin.

From what you say the 173 would seem like a good choice. Its 1 cm taller than you are so with its waist and rocker it will give you all the float you need. The 173 is better than the 182 for you because it sounds as if you are appreciating the tight trees a lot more. The 182 will be a bit too big for you for tight trees but might be the better choice if you plan on doing a bit more big mountain/open face oriented skiing.
Hope this helps!
Follow up with any questions if necessary!

You could go 191 but it would probably be a handful in the trees. I think the 182 would work better everywhere for you.

You could go 191 but it would probably be a handful in the trees. I think the 182 would work better everywhere for you.

182's are my recommendation. I'm using the 173's as I like the trees and steep chutes, but even at this short length, they are stable on the flats and ice.

The 191 will be too bulky, especially with the Tour put on them. The 182 will be a better bet. They will not only be lighter but they will also be a lot more responsive and very quick in the trees, which is where it seems like you will be spending most of your time. That's what I would do.

I would stick with the 182. The 191 is great but skis quite a lot longer.

Wow. It's great to see such a joyful and friendly response.
Both the Bridge and the Kung Fujas come in a 179. According to what you have told me this seems like the great length for you. If you are just looking for some fun time on skis (aren't we all?) then this length will be great. It will be long enough to give you that stability you love from all your race experience but at the same time it will be short enough to allow you to be playful, try some new stuff up, and enjoy the entire mountain.
I hope that this helps!
And Happy New Year!

Ha! Finally. This is what I call a review instead mambo jambo of fan of one product.
Thanks very much indeed Pierre. Thank you!
I am very experienced skier with lots amateur races in the past so I am great in GS and ok in slalom. However I am pretty poor in off piste and powder and I have some more years already and not interested in racing any more and I just want to relax and just have fun in skiing. I wanna smile again and do stupid things on snow :) I love the colors of freeride and freestyle even though I will be scared to jump :). I ski in Austria and Italy.
I found your opinion very useful.
As I understood you I suppose that after my GS experience I would be happier with more stable and stiffer ski. Would you please be so kind Pierre now and recommend me the length of Fujas and Bridge? I am 184 cm tall (I think 6.1 in US) and 88Kg.

Happy New Year
Patryk

Shogun: Light, quick and responsive, fun. With the bamboo the ski is really quick from edge to edge and with a 102 under foot and some generous rocker you will get an ample amount of float.
Kung Fujas: A little wider with more rocker. A bit more powder and backcountry jib oriented. Will float a little better and be a bit more stable. Overall a little heavier, more stable, and meant for higher speeds in deeper powder.
Bridge: A lot skinnier but still great gradual rocker that will help with float. Very friendly in the park (some athletes actually use it in park comps as their ski of choice.) Still great all around the mountain. And also a little stiffer. Meant to be like that in the park and does the same all over the mountain.
Where and what do you ski? What do you want to do the most and where on the mountain do you want to excel and spend your time?

or Volkl Bridge?

I would get the 182s. If you are 6 foot the 170 would feel really small.

yup, they are the same skis.

Actually there the 09/10 model is 101 under foot with 350mm of rocker in the tip while the 10/11 is 102 under foot with 400mm of rocker in the tip.

100% the same.

Someone may know better but I believe they are 100% identical.

It was best in test from Freeskier magazine last year and its unchanged this year, it got tons of love! I think since everyone came out strong with big rocker lines that all the magazines really focussed on full rocker skis in this review cycle. I just got these and moved out of my 06 Gotamas. I am in LOVE. Don't be shy to go long on em. The Gotamas were 176 and the Shoguns feel smaller at 182 (I know they are a bit narrower but still...) I would not feel odd going the next notch up. Pull the trigger, this one is amazing and I never thought I would ever love another ski as much as the 06 Gotama.

It was best in test from Freeskier magazine last year and its unchanged this year, it got tons of love! I think since everyone came out strong with big rocker lines that all the magazines really focussed on full rocker skis in this review cycle. I just got these and moved out of my 06 Gotamas. I am in LOVE. Don't be shy to go long on em. The Gotamas were 176 and the Shoguns feel smaller at 182 (I know they are a bit narrower but still...) I would not feel odd going the next notch up. Pull the trigger, this one is amazing and I never thought I would ever love another ski as much as the 06 Gotama.

The sentinel will handle the ice better for sure but its not a twin, and isn't as wide. I think the Shogun is the right choice, you're probably going to like the 182 better, at least at first... I would stick with the 182 for now and then in a couple years or whatever you'll probably want to step up to the 190. ENJOY!

What do you want to do? Turn quicker, smearier? Moguls and tighter trees? Go shorter. Arc out huge lines and stomp big drops? Go longer. The ski feels a lot shorter than it is.

I'm 5'9 150 pounds and I ski the east. I was recommended the 173 on this site, but after some more research, i went with the 182. Super glad that I did, these skis absolutely rock.

I was on 175cm Salomon guns before. These 182s don't seem that much longer, but they're way more stable and have way better float. Amazing ski !!!

Too bad I already gnared up the bases on early season pow

I'm 5'5" 145 and ski pretty aggresively. the 182 works for me. Depending on your weight, i think you could go either way. the 191 might be more of a pow ski, while the 182 might be fun for you to throw around in bumps, the park, crud, etc.

191 for sure. As for bindings I like Markers (Duke, Griffin, Jester, Schizo depending on what you do) and Rossignols (whatever the new generation scratch is) for the spring in the heal piece. I have taken advantage of the give before release that is inherant in either line many, many, many times.

Thanks Nick. Going with the Shogun 191. I guess it is time to man up.

Hey Bri,

Reading your question at first, the 191 is correct, no-brainer for sure!

Based on your ability, you could try the smaller size (182) but considering your size and how much you're going to ski, I think you would regret the smaller size after 3 days of skiing.

I am 6'1.5'', 230lbs and I use the 191cm.

Hope this helps,
Nick

Hey Justin,

Of all the Salomon skis, 99.9% of people I know that use Salomon's with an AT set up choose this ski. It has adequate underfoot width for shredding pow but it's not overly bearing when trying to climb..

This is a great choice

Hope this helps and happy winter!
Nick

I agree with jj. I used the Shogun as a single ski quiver last year and it performed better than I could have hoped for. Great float in the pow, but still super agile for groomers and a few park laps.

the shogun has the best performance on groomers out of the three put wont do as well in the park as the kung fujas or the arv. the arv won't be very good in powder so I'd get the kung fujas or the shogun. sounds like the shogun would be the best choice for you since it is good on groomer and in the pow but can ski the park occasionally

yeah the 182 sounds like a good choice to me. the 190 is really good too but definitely takes longer to come around.

Hey Stu,

You're proobably thining between the 182 or 191. I have always been a fan of skiing a bigger ski and I have the 191. I am 6'1'' 225lbs. If I was your size, I would still chooose the 191 but if you're at all worried about it being too big, then the 182 would be great. It is very manuverable and handles the tight situations very well while also giving you adequate grip at higher speeds. Salomon tends to ski a bit shorter in their big mountain skis and if you see yourself advancing as a skier, thgen the 191 would be great.

Hope this helps!
Nick

I've skied the Gotama about 15 times and the Shogun all of last year, about 100 days. The Shogun is just more fun. The bamboo makes it super snappy and the tip rocker makes it perform like a fat ski in the deep stuff. It will also be a lot more similar to your public enemies in overall feel, just a little fatter and a lot cooler. If you have been skiing a pair of public enemies for three years in light colorado snow, you'll be stoked with the added width and float.

The Shoguns will be a little stiffer than the old Guns, but just way more solid. They hold on hard snow really well, tons better than the Guns. I'm not sure of the weight difference but it can't be much... The Shoguns are light and lively. I think going to this from the Gun is a no-brainer, it will do everything plus a whole lot more. As for the size, they do ski a little shorter/easier but the 173 will be more like your 174s. If your ok with a 180 then the 182 is the way to go. The 100mm brakes on the Fritschis should fit just right. Have a good one!

Dimension wise, the Verdict is the more comparable to the SHogun than the Kilowatt. However, I don't think it has the tip rocker that the Shogun has. I have not skied the BDs but would guess that they would have an edge in the backcounty, and the Shogun would have the edge everywhere else. Sorry, hopefully someone else will chime in with some better info on the BDs.

Hey BIGRED,

Armada JJ's are sick but I have only skied them in pow, not crud. I have had the chance to also ski the Shogun for 15 days and I really enjoyed it. It did a great job in variable snow conditions, and blasted crud. It floats pretty well but not as good as the Armada. I'd steer you twoards the Shogun if you're looking for a ski that can do both well.

Hey There,

Unfortunately we are currently sold out of the 164cm size. However, we have some on the way with an ETA of 11/26/2010.

I know what you mean, the pro rider is a great ski but not the easiest thing to ski.
-I think you're right on track with the ShoGun, it really does everything well. Having a slight tip rocker really makes it easy to turn. So for taking it from the groomers to the trees will be easy.
-I'm thinking the 191 would be good, but the 182 is a lot quicker.
-I would mount them standard (as marked on the ski) with a Salomon Sth 14.
-Nope, backcountry does not mount skis.

hope that helps!

Hi col4128124,

My advice to you is stick with 173cm. You liked the 175cm Guns but the 173cm Shoguns is wider and rockered. Skiing pow and turnning in the trees is going to be easier.

Cheers, vuperman.

Hi BlackSundayz, I skied on Dynastar 6th Sense & the Salomon Guns last season in a ski test. You are right they are both great skis. I would choose the Shogun because it has a slight weight anvantage (lighter) without losing performance. You can throw it around in tight chutes and charge it at fast speeds. It's also evironmentally friendly with the Bamboo core =]

theres lots of good info in the Q&As below as well, in short though: you'll be stoked!

Hey Colin,

I was asking around yesterday and there is one guy here at work that uses the Shogun for AT purposes. He uses the old Pocket Rocket for tele and based on dimensions and technology, this ski should work pretty damn well for tele. As for AT, it rocks!

Thanks man and have a rad winter,
Nick

The 182 does ski shorter because it has some tip rocker. The tip rocker really helps this ski turn easily when your off piste (and ample sidecut for on piste). Couple all that with your ability and I think this is the way to go.

Thanks. Bought them, 182's and I am putting on 02's with ridiculous stiff cartridges.
I'm 6' 200lbs
Currently ski workstinks with same setup

They are a great Tele ski. If you are going to be riding more soft, deep snow, I would choose the Czar. They both have a fairly tight turn radius, and are great mounted with an aggressive binding like the Hammerhead. Lighter bindings like the Switchback or the BD 02/01 can still drive them, though. They have a soft, forgiving tip shape, that is great for telemarking, because it doesn't hook you into your turns too much. The slight tip rocker adds to the forgiveness and makes soft snow easier to ski, while keeping a buttery nose for parks and switch stomps.

Go for the 173. It will be a good length for you because you're kind of tall, but like to make shorter turns. The Shogun has a tight turn radius and a sof,t rockered nose that will allow you to make quick, snappy turns, and blast through beat up crud-snow. The 164 would definitely be too short, but if you liked to go faster, and straighter, the 182 would suit you well.
The 173 will be best, though.
Good luck.

Yeah they are good. fairly light weight but burly enough to handle anything out there. Here are 2 good options for skins:
- http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-glidelite-mohair-mix-sts-climbing-skin
- http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-ascension-nylon-sts-skins

Thanks for the info, y'all. I think I'll go for the 173. I ride a 158 Atomic SX-9 when I want to move down the groomers, and I've had 168 Salomon 1080s in the past. The 173 sounds good, now I just need to find bindings...sheesh. Always something else, isn't there?

Once again, thanks!

For the east, at your weight, you should ski the 173. Out west, you could get away with the 182, but at your weight, the 173 would be a much better choice. I work at a ski shop/demo center on the mountain in the catskills, and the only people I know who ski over 180 are at least 6' tall. If they didn't ski twin tips then they would ski shorter. For a ski that isn't a twin tip, I would recommend 161-168 for northeastern skiing for someone of your size. 5'9 and 150lbs, I wouldn't go over 173, I would say 169-175 for a twintip.

The 182s turn really quick and easy, and will be better at speed than the 173. but you could go 173 if you are in the trees a lot.

Hey Lorand,

Both the Gotama and Shogun would be great choices, but I must lean you towards the Shogun.

It dimensions will offer you the ability to slay all conditions and excell in pow. It offers rocker technology that will help you plane quickly in pow, but also allow effective edge grip on harder snow conditions.

With you size, weight and your skiing ability you could choose the 182 or 191. It really depends on what you're used to. The 191 skis pretty true to size so if a longer ski isn't what you have been on, I'd lean towards the 182.

I have been on the 191, but am 6'2'' and 225lbs.

Hope this helps!

I think you could throw the 182s around, but you might want to keep it on the short/quick side... If you lived out west I would say 182, but the trees are tight in the east, so the 173 will probably be better for the east coast pow days. and if it snows a foot+ overnight when you're out west, maybe try to hook up some Czars for the day.

Hey CSA2502687,

At your size, I'd probably lean towards the 182's, it's only a 6cm increase which really isn't HUGE. I think if you feel comfortable on your 176 Snoops, you will have no problem stepping up to the 182. You'll be happy with this increase in the powder but will only really notice any difference in length when you're in the bumps or in tighter situations. And as you mentioned, they will ski a bit shorter because of the rocker, but not very much.

As for the other skis, I am not sure, they all make super good stuff. I've heard especially good stuff about the Obsethed.

Hey Wayne,

I went to Hokkaido last year with my Line Prophet 100s 178CM. I am 5' 10' and weigh 160 lbs. I deff recommend going MUCH wider. When I was there it dumped every day, no joke and the pow is super dreamy. More fun to ride than Utah in my humble opinion.

After two days on the prophets I put them away and rented some Armada ARGs.

I think the Shoguns would be good as a one ski quiver for an east coast skier or someone that only skies powder 50% or less of the time. In Hokkaido if its dumping you are going to want a fatty.

Maybe pick up the Shoguns for your primary ski, but plan ahead of time for some fatties in Hokkaido when its puking snow everyday.

Japan is awesome... Make sure you check out a resort called Rusutsu while you are there. Not as big as Niseko, but there are no crowds and you will get fresh pow all day long. :)

The 173 Shoguns will be much wider (21mm wider underfoot) than your current skis and just a touch longer. So if you went with the 173 you would immediately get a huge improvement for off-piste skiing. I Have never skied in Japan, but from what I've seen in the movies there is a lot of tree-skiing, so you just want to be sure that you can turn them easily. If you know you can turn a 182 then it would be a good choice too, but if your hesitant... you might want to stay w the 173 because you will definitely love them.

the 191s turn pretty long but all the other sizes are very quick. They are wider than your Atomic but with the tip rocker they will make turning a breeze. I'd say go with the 164cm Shogun.

for sure. they ski great on groomers.

Good move, Breck is a great place. If you go for the Shogun (or the GEISHA) exactly the same with a different top sheet design, go for the 173. Longer than your Armada, they are still very responsive in the trees. You'll love the rockered tip which provides you both great flotation and quick turnability in tight areas

I'm 5'9" and ski the 173's and they work great.

Leah- Due to the rocker in the tip of the ski, the 164 Shogun is going to feel shorter than the 163 Lotta Luvs that you are currently on. If those Lotta Loves seem short now, I would definitely recommend that you consider the 173 Shogun. Still super maneuverable, but definitely a more stable ski due to the increased running surface.

I would go for the 182's for sure - if you're a solid skier you'll have no trouble turning them and they will float so much more nicely than the shorter skis. I'd take the 182's into the tightest trees with no worries at all.

Demo each size first to see if its the ski for you. But i would say go with 182 cause they do ski shorter, but at higher faster speeds you engage the entire edge. I have about 20 days on the 191. They are great at slower speeds carving and really nice opening it up and bombing.

hey Lauren, I ski the 173 and I am 5'8, medium build, expert skier. They are a perfect fit for me..seem like it would be the best fit for you too. This length handles agility and speed really well for our height/size category as women.

Thanks so much Robby. That's really helpful. I think the 173 is for me.

I'm actually skiing my fiance's 180's on non-pow days. She's about your size and height and she loves the 180s for pow days, however that's about it. They're a bit big and unwieldy for her when the snow is packed which is great b/c then I get to ski them.

hey Fred- i've mounted fritschis on them and they ski great with that binding- really love the shogun in the backcountry and off-piste. With the slight rocker, wood core, and good side cut, they handle all kinds of conditions effortlessly. Have a pair of dynafits that I am going to switch out soon on these and think it will ski even better with the closer/lower mount.

yeah I'm thinking 182 as well, it will be a quick playful ski that will be waaaaay better in powder than your current boards.

I agree on the size but I wouldn't consider the shogun a "fun shape" at all. There is practically nothing in common between it and the s7.

I think the 182 would be perfect... saves a little weight and will still perform for everything you require.

Sam, Go longer then you think. I just skied my 191 for the first time today, and loved them. To bad they do not make a longer one, but I have my 198 XW labs for that. They ski much shorter then the length cause of the early rise tip. They can carve a really good short turn, but also are great at really high speeds, carving monster turns. I mounted a pair of Sth 16 and they are great, but I also weigh 200 lbs. The 14's have a different toe piece this year and you can not adjust wings, like on older 14's and the new 16's.

Sam, sizewise, definitely the 174, I'm 5'8" as well and because I'm working with Salomon, I've the chance to try a lot of sizes. I you like big turns and ski fast, I'd even recommend the 182, you'll get more stability on groomers at high speed and even more flotation in powder. If you're more on the cruising side or if most of your powder days are in the trees, go with the 173, but FORGET the 164. For bindings and if you privilege durability in addition to safety, the STH16 is a great choice and with a DIN 16, considering your weight, you've plenty of room. You'll love the control and the precision provided by the stiff toe piece which perfectly matches the personality of the Shogun.

do you recommend any certain bindings with them? I heard good things about the marker dukes, salomon z14s, rossingol fks 140, salomon sth 16s.
Also,(sorry for all of the questions), would the 164 or 173 be better for me, as I have heard others mention that skis with rocker ski a bit shorter than solely camber skis.

Sounds like you definitely want to take out the Shoguns- they fit all the categories that you want them to- great powder ski with amazing flotation courtesy of the reverse camber, good side cut for carving, and full woodcore and bamboo construction that allow for stability and responsiveness. It's an amazing all-mountain performer, that adapts to and makes varying conditions really fun.

Go with the 191, they ski much short then that due to early rise tip. I am 5'9", 200 lbs, level 9 and skied my 191 for the first time today. They are a great all mountain ski.

The Shogun would be a perfect fit for you- it is an extremely versatile all-mountain/all-conditions ski that you can take from groomers to bumps to deep powder and it will perform reliabley and agressively. It's got the beautiful combination of reverse camber, wood core, and side cut to create a high performance all terrain ski. You most likely will want to go with the 191 with your height/weight/ ski level, but for quicker response/agility, the 182 could possibly work..

Go with 191, they DO ski smaller then a normal camber ski in that length.

and to complement Jamey's comment, if you live in Utah, you can try my 182s
Go for the 182s Ali!

I've skied both, I'm 5'11", 160. The rocker does not shorten the ski, really at all, on groomers. Because, once you put it on edge, you have full contact.

The length difference between the 182 & 191 is very noticeable... the 182s are a much quicker turning ski. so for the tight trees and laying down tighter gs turns on groomers, the 182 is the way to go. the 191 will be able to bust through crud at speed more comfortably and is a sweet ski for larger gs turns on groomers.

Tough choice for you I'd say... you could go either way. I hope I've helped. If you live in UT you can try my 191s.

Yes this ski would work for you, either the 173 or 182, depending on what size you've skied in the past and feel comfortable riding. also check out the salomon Lord.

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Salomon-Lord-Ski/SAL1409M.html

Thanks Joshua - I picked up the Kung Fujas. Can't wait to try them out.

I would go with the Kung Fujas all the way. It has more tip rocker and has a more playful flex. Haven't skied the Shogun yet, but from what I have heard, and from what you want in a ski, I would get the Kung Fujas.

I personally have the Salomon Z14 bindings on my Shogun Skis (182) with 100mm brakes. They work great! 115mm wouldn't be much wider, but the brakes might dig in on sharp turns

100 will be perfect