BlackBird

Hi Daniel, The Backlands are going to be a little bit lighter and a little bit easier to handle but will get deflected a bit more than the Freebirds. The Freebirds will be damper but a bit more to lug up the hill. The Atomic Backland is a workhorse and is beloved by many!

Hi Chris, You can definitely replace the liner if that is your preference!

Hi Daniel, The Waybacks will definitely be easier to handle than the TX94's. You might also take a look at the Atomic Backland 95  here for another do-it-all easy to manage option.

Hi Alex! Both are directional skis with great edge hold that would work well for your described use case. The Crux has more side-cut and will be turny-er, but a little less damp. The Locator is going to be a more energetic ski (more camber), with less side-cut, and is a little more to handle.

Hi Daniel, The Kastle TX 94 will be a little bit softer in the tips and easier to turn. For that reason, I think it makes for the more friendly ski in variable/tough conditions. The Neve, on the other hand, is a bit more directional and likes a bit of speed. The Neve is damp and would be fine in variable conditions, but I think for survival skiing, and for general playfulness, the TX would be the go-to.