Moment Commander 98

Another ski in that class I’m a huge fan of is the Moment Commander 98. It’s super versatile and fun in everything from hardpack to fairly deep pow and is especially good on steep terrain. They’re quick and easy to throw around off trail and in tight places, but have a lot of backbone and no problem handling rough snow. Don’t be afraid of the 182cm at your height and weight.

The Commander 98 is stiffer, damper and more directional with a flatter tail and more rearward mount. As a result it is quicker edge to edge, faster to engage and more planted. Whereas the Deathwish 104 is a bit wider, mounts farther forward and has a twin tip, making it easier to pivot. Both skis use a beech core and are quite damp and stable though the Commander uses two sheets of metal laminate and the Deathwish 104 has a Triple Camber profile.

Moment Commander 98, Deathwish 104 or Wildcat 101 are all good choices. I would lean towards the Wildcat as the all arounder here. It’s a fairly traditional rocker camber rocker ski that can handle pretty much anything. I’ve also had good luck on black ops 98s they are a lot stiffer and funner then the skis you listed.

* Moment Commander 98 188, Moment Wildcat 190. On paper this is a good choice but I’ve never actually skied the Fatcat. * V-Werks Katana + Mantra 102 would work well and give me a touring option if I mounted the Katana with CAST but I’d be missing out on pow days (I doubt I’d like a redeemer).