Comments on: 2008 Scott Mission 183 Alpine Skis Review

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:40:43 +0000

I’d say they do OK for their shape and girth. I stay out of bumps as much as possible, so I can’t really be the expert there. I mean, mandatory bumps here and there, but I’d rather bomb groomers, ya know.

Say hi to Alpental for me (sniff sniff).

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:31:04 +0000

Jason,

How do the missions handle bumnps? I have some 190 matter Black Gotamas and have been spending my weekends at Alpental (near your old home base). The Gots are great when I head to Utah to visit family, but seem a bit overkill on the days we have been seeing lately here. With 3 little rippers in lessons, i don’t get many hero days anymore and am looking at some 183 missions (6′2″, 190 lbs) as an everyday ski. I am looking for something that can handle the inevitable bumps better than my longer boards, rip groomers, but still let me hit the backcountry if the snow is better than i thought.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:43:11 +0000

KW… the Mission’s are indeed seeming a little narrower these days, but they are still a great “one-ski-quiver” option, IMO. Mine haven’t seen more than 15 days, since I mostly ski backcountry, but they are a ton of fun inbounds. They carve really well and still float well thanks to the wide shovel. For Sundance, they may be a great ski.

For a single-ski to do everything, I’d stick with something in the 90-105 mm waist width. There are a ton of options there, but I haven’t skied many of them in the past year or so because I’ve been having too much fun on my fat, rockered skis.

As far as your question about reverse-camber or rockered skis… they are amazing in pow and will carve up the groomers still. You will struggle in bumps, but don’t we all?

By: KW

KW — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:57:41 +0000

Thanks Jason for your great article. I am a season pass holder at Sundance and was looking for a Powder/All Mountain ski that can handle hard pack as well as Pow, and to keep up with my teenage kids. I demoed 2010 Volkl Gotama and kind of liked them but I can not justify the price at this moment and also not sure about a reverse camber. I skied with my son’s Line Elizabeth the other day and really liked them on the Far East Pow but it was bit difficult on the packed snow. I found a new 08 mission 183cm for $275, which I am debating for. Now a days, even 90cm mid section seems skinny. For one ski quiver, would these be a good investment still, what other skis can you recommend. I am 5′10″, 190lb and an active 51 years old.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:33:26 +0000

Thanks a ton.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:25:56 +0000

If you’re an intermediate, the 178’s would be just fine. You’ll appreciate the extra girth of the Missions in all terrain. The only time you’ll feel the skis are too short is if you go over the handlebars a bit.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:10:48 +0000

That was my hunch.

As far as my ability goes, I havent skied much in years and never out west, but I grew up skiing, so I guess I could be an intermediate.

It’s tough to tell, since I skied mostly on mediocre conditions in the poconos and occasionally in vermont.

What would the downside of having moderately too short skis?

thanks

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:57:23 +0000

I would recommend the Scott Mission over those Atomics in a heartbeat, bro. 178’s might be a little short for your height/weight… it all depends on your ability.

I ski the 183’s and can push them really hard. The only time I feel like I need just a little more is in powder (but I’m spoiled). The Missions in a 90mm waist are super carvers and great all-around skis if you can only have one pair.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:50:46 +0000

Hey Jason,

Gret article. thanks.

If given the chance to take these Scott Mission Skis with Tyrolia demo bindings or Atomic Beta Carve 8-18 skis with Maker Titanium 1300 Bindings, what would you do? Both models are available to me for $200

Also, I am 6′0 195lbs- will I be ok on 178s?

thanks!

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:27:15 +0000

Hey Andy

Lets see… same price… the Mantra is slightly fatter (good) and both are excellent all-mountain skis. I haven’t skied the Mantra, but I’ve skied tons of Volkl’s and I must say they are hard to beat. The Mantra is one of the most renowned skis on the market. If I was a betting man, it would be hard to bet against it. However, the Mission is also a solid ski.

Tough call–especially since I haven’t skied the Mantra. Sorry I can’t be more specific.