Jake Pantone

I will preface this review by saying that I haven't skied a ski like this for years. First off I was really drawn to the Drift by the features 100 under foot, great sidecut, early rise tips, light and stiff thanks to use of carbon in the construction. Seriously these will hold their own on any groomed/hard slope, and are certainly adequate for powder. Here is my problem, I am used to fatter skis with less sidecut and apparently I still prefer fatter and less sidecut. These felt really hooky in variable terrain. I am not used to this as my alpine pow skis have tapered tips (Aramada JJ's, ARG's). Then there is the mounting point factor. The factory rec. mounting point is 10cm back from center, all my alpine skis range from 5-7cm back. This is what I think was really throwing me off in really technical jump turn like chutes. The soft tips grab and drive you back onto what I would consider really stiff tails. I basically felt thrown into the backseat on every turn, so I had to adjust my style a bit. All in all these are great skis if you are shooting for a light weight one ski touring quiver. I will say that they carve really nicely. On the groomer they were snappy edge to edge and didn't feel like they have a speed limit. I however think I will be considering the BD Zealot as a replacement, a bit wider, less side-cut, and I don't mide hauling an extra pound or two around if it means more stoke on the down. I would definitely consider mounting them a bit farther forward if you aren't used to "traditional" mounting points.

So this is my first year with real AT equipment. I did lots of research and talked to all my very experienced friends and all said the only option is Dynafit... I took their word for it and so far I have not been disappointed. The touring motion on the climbs is smooth and quite. I was worried I would feel sketched out downhilling how I like to on these and to my great surprise I feel no lateral flex or slop. These bindings will not hold you back if you have a freeride/big mountain skiing style preference. I am excited to continue putting these through the paces.

Bought these sight unseen based on some other reviews and what I read on WildSnow.com. They are amazingly comfortable on the up, and I am honestly blown away by the stiffness on the down. They can definitely drive a big ski. I am only 150lbs, so maybe a bigger skier would have a different experience. My only complaint so far is that they definitely didn't work great for me fit wise out of the box. They felt great climbing, but as soon as I buckle them down the forefoot volume really opens and my forefoot was just washing around. I think the Boa liner while cool... is ultimately gimicky. It is great for easily putting your foot w/ liner in and out of the shell. I am waiting for some intuition luxury liners to show up to replace the stock as well as some custom foot beds. I am hoping that this will fill up some of the volume. As a note I don't find my foot to be particularly wide or narrow. Just pretty normal width. After this is completed I think I will have some dream boots for going up and down.