Skiing it very centered - and using the rear tail more. How you would ski tighter trees or bigger bumps. In my head I feel like I am sitting "back" more, but in reality I should say centered.Please explain the "sit back" comment you've mentioned a few times. I get the "smear" part, but not the sitting back.
Appreciate the continued feedback - correct, I have not skied the Mantra's. I could end up being wrong since I haven't skied them, but the Enforcer 104 wasnt playful enough for me in tight trees and bigger bumps, and being that the Mantra is a stiffer ski, I doubt it will be better for me. I think there are a few factors here, all probably true - You very well might be a better skier than I am and you also might be skiing much more open terrain than I hoping to get a ski for. I don't have the ability to *charge* like I like to charge in open terrain through trees and bumps. Again, maybe I am just not a good enough skier, but I need to ski much more centered in those situations and wipe off speed a lot faster - I want a more playful ski for that, and it would be great if that was also a powder ski.... I think what you're telling me is that if I do decide to do this, I should look to a 112-118 ski, rather than something in the 108 range.Just re-read this. You haven't skied the M102 yet?
Definitely put some time on those before picking your next ski to complement those. How are you going to find a ski that compares to the mantras if you don't know how they perform for you? I find the m102 can make those big fast turns, handle the crud pretty decent, go sideways and then I can drop into bumps /trees and have a total blast. Since the M102 is relatively stiff and heavy, that would incline me to seek out a powder ski abit on the stiffer/heavier(less playful) spectrum. If you find the M102 is too unwieldy in tight trees and bumps, then I would shift into a softer/lighter(in general) powder ski.
I ski how I ski, and I want whatever ski Im on to be able to ski that way regardless if it's a 90mm or a 115mm. I don't want to change my skiing style to match a ski, the ski should match your style.
I'd also say I don't find a 102 to 108 jump that huge for a everyday vs powder ski....But if I could have a 6 ski quiver, then I'd slot a 108 in between a 102 and a 112'ish to 118'ish.
As an aside - buying something used, riding it 4-5 times and selling it at a 100 dollar loss is really no big deal for me, because its easier for me to do that than demo stuff, because of where I live. There's not a great selection here, and when I go to CO or UT I don't love dealing with arranging rental/demo's. A lot of times they don't have the ski in the size I want anyway.
The first bolded is exactly why I took everyone's advice and bought the Mantras - thats what I want out of that ski. The second two bolded parts is exactly why I am asking the question - I'd like to get another ski that is easier (better?) in moguls, trees and powder - something more playful.The Mantra 102 is not a powder ski by any means. Its a soft snow charger that even does well on firm snow. Its more of a wide all mountain ski. It is heavy, holds a great edge and plows through snow. It is not for everyone. You need to drive it with authority for it to be happy.
The Enforcer 110 free is much more of a powder ski but still serves well as an all mountain ski. Much more accessible ski.
The Icelantic Nomad 115 is even more of a powder ski than the Enforcer 110 Free but can still be a daily driver for all soft snow days, doesnt have to be used in deep snow only. Works well say 2" days and up. It is easy in moguls and trees.
More than width it is the design and construction of a ski that will determine its character and best use. This is specially true in the 100~108mm ski width range in which you will find a wide range of skis of similar widths but some will be MUCH softer and playful than others.