This is a great all-round ski. I have about 90 days on this ski, on snow ranging from perfect powder or full depth hoar to various crusts, corn, and deep slush. It's a keeper.
I am 6', 166lbs, usually carried a 15-30lb pack. I bought this ski in 171cm length, directly from SkiTrab, with a discount.
This ski tracks well in variable snow and hard, rough refrozen snow. The relatively soft tip helps the ski to float well in powder, with a depth limit of about 35-40cm of powder. The stiff tail provides reassurance on hard snow, and plenty of response for the aggressive skier. I haven't been able to find a speed limit yet in a ski resort. My partner has this ski and concurs with my assessment of its performance.
The durability has been great. The topsheet is tough. The edges are holding up. I did get a pull-tension crack in one edge after 1500 or so miles. That was probably due to bottoming out with my SkiTrab race bindings where I only have 4mm of travel, and less when walking flat. I ski downhill in the unofficial flat walk mode often while walking ridges. It probably happened then.
I like the tip and tail clip design. The miniature swallow tail helps the ski turn with a shorter radius, and holds the tail end of the skin very securely. The tip holds the skin's tip well, keeps the skin hook out of the way so it doesn't get knocked off while wallowing in deep powder, all while allowing an effective tip rip.
This is a great all-round ski.
Ski Trab Ortles 90 Ski
The Ski Trab Ortles 90 ski is for the skier who expects one ski to handle any terrain in any condition, all without sacrificing uphill performance, and keeps you motivated to go back lap after lap. The Ortles 90 uses a Liwood air core in conjunction with their acclaimed 14-layer construction for a smoother ride down with a minimal weight cost. Hibox torsion control aids torsional stiffness without compromising the longitudinal flex of the ski, allowing it to perform exceptionally in steep terrain without giving up any soft snow performance. A 14-layer construction plus Hiconnect edge connection lends the ski remarkable longevity. Hiconnect joins the two edges internally in a specific manner, ensuring that even after multiple impacts the base and edges will stay where they should be. Emotion and Control are the values Ski Trab set to embody and you will be sure to feel both with the Ortles 90 ski.
- Attivo shock absorber eats up vibrations which enhances stability.
- Duotail keeps rigidity when the ski is flat while improving performance when the ski is on edge.
- Hibox micro mesh carbon cage wraps around the core providing high torsional stiffness without sacrificing the flex pattern.
- Hiconnect connects the edges internally which gives the ski exceptional longevity even after multiple impacts.
- Noshock is an elastomer band position on the edges that make the skis more stable and with less chatter.
- Control flex combines the radius of the side cut with the flex of the ski which makes transitions between turns effortless.
- Radius control will help the ski drive the skier into the turns.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 157, 164, 171, 178 |
|
Weight |
1090g [157] 1120g [164] 1175g [171] 1240g [178] |
| Weight (pair) | 2180g [157] 2240g [164] 2350g [171] 2480g [178] |
|
|
122-90-109 [All sizes] |
|
Turn |
20.0m [157] 20.5m [164] 21.5m [171] 23.6m [178] |
|
Skin |
Attivo 2 Tip and Tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Control Progressive Flex; contact points moved out for longer tip/tail |
|
|
Control radius technology; moved widest point of tip forward, Duotail |
|
|
14-layer Attivo process w/ HiBox carbon cage and HiConnect bridge |
|
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Li-wood core, carbon HM, carbon-basalt reinforcement |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Fast and light ski touring |
| Notes | New geometry for better control and float |
| Bottom Line | Do everything ski for the expert skier |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
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4/13/2023
Skier 5'10", 175 lbs. What are the relative merits of 164 cm vs 171 cm?
4/13/2023
Anthony,
The 164 will be easier to jump turn and kick turn and more maneuverable in trees and steeps. The 171 will be a bit more stable at speed, and float better in soft snow. I think I would err towards the 171 for you. Unless you're looking for a dedicated steep ski, the 171 will be much more capable, and still isn't long enough to be much of a hassle kick/jump turning.
The 164 will be easier to jump turn and kick turn and more maneuverable in trees and steeps. The 171 will be a bit more stable at speed, and float better in soft snow. I think I would err towards the 171 for you. Unless you're looking for a dedicated steep ski, the 171 will be much more capable, and still isn't long enough to be much of a hassle kick/jump turning.
Answer this question:
2/22/2023
Hi, I am eyeing on these side by side with the ski trab Bernina (and 164 vs 171) as I am getting my first touring setup. Looking for some advice on which may fit me better. For reference, I am 5'9, 130lbs and leaning towards skiability. I found the 164cm version of these two are both 2mm wider underfoot, does it might shorter version is more versatile?Considered most website claiming 85-95 to be best spot of daily driver. From official website the ortles is considered to be stiffer than the Bernina. But there isn't any review about Bernina at all. So wondering if you have any experience about these ski? Any suggestions on the topic?
2/22/2023
Hello YH, Ski Trab makes most of their skis in 3 different constructions/Flexes. In this series, the Bernina is the softest flexing one, same in every other respect.
At 130lbs, you would probably do well in the Bernina.
Skimo doesn't carry it, and is not sold in the US.
Personally, I weigh only 150lbs and ski the stiffest, the Magico.2. So the Ortles would still be a good choice for you. The Ortles would be better on firm snow then the Bernina.
At 130lbs, you would probably do well in the Bernina.
Skimo doesn't carry it, and is not sold in the US.
Personally, I weigh only 150lbs and ski the stiffest, the Magico.2. So the Ortles would still be a good choice for you. The Ortles would be better on firm snow then the Bernina.
Answer this question:
12/22/2022
I'm very intrigued by these. I have pretty bad technique and rely on easygoing skis to get me down the mountain in one piece. I demoed the Magico.2 and found it difficult to break the tails free in tight spots, but I was very impressed by their stability at speed for such light skis. Does the shape of the Ortles allow for more nimble turning than the Magico or should I be looking at other brands? My favorite ski I've tried in this category is the Dynafit Blacklight 88, and I would have bought it except I found the fat tips prone to catching on crusty snow, and these seem like a more refined version of the Blacklight.
12/23/2022
Hi Ben, the Ortles is going to ski a little easier than the Magicos, but is not going to be the quickest ski out there. I'd suggest looking at a ski with a more friendly rocker profile that'll break and turn with more agility. The Blacklight 88 that you've tried could be a good option there, and I'd suggest looking at some options from Salomon, Atomic, DPS, or Voile to hit the combination you're looking for.
Answer this question:
Wonderful, easy to ski powder ski. Paired with the ski trab skins, the ability to tip rip, combined with the "shark fin" tail clip makes for fast transitions and skin security...meaning more skiing and less standing around. Easier to ski than the blizzard zero g, without sacrificing stiffness or playfulness. Great quiver killing, daily driver ski.
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