Scott has long been a household name in goggles and poles, but their other product lines–namely skis–have been, until recent years, schlepped overseas. I don’t know if the migration of Scott skis came after some Euros inadvertently left them here in the States and they multiplied like rabbits, or if it was a deliberate effort from Scott USA–I’ll leave that up to your imagination and good sense. Either way, their versatile ski line serves up top-shelf performance at still affordable price-points.
After realizing that my Atomic Beta Rides were a little too narrow overall, I went in search for an inbounds ski that would be versatile enough to tackle bulletproof hardpack as well as float through deep Utah pow and blast through the leftover crud. I wanted something that felt as good overall as my 2006 Head MoJo 90’s. I looked around and found the Scott Missions to be the perfect dimensions for a one-ski inbounds quiver.
About the Scott Mission 183
As mentioned above, Scott skis have only been in the USA since the 2005-2006 season, but have been sold in Europe for over 10 years. The guts of the 2008 Scott Mission’s remains the same for this year–with only a cosmetic change for this season. I dig the design–subdued and stylish. Too many skis these days are overdone pre-pubesent “artwork” and the Missions look cool and classy.
The construction of the Missions consists of a wood core with triaxial laminate sheets on top and bottom with a cap top. The build process is called SSC Cap or Sandwich Sidewall Cap Laminate. In addition, the Dual Radius sidecut is intended to make the skis more versatile–pressure them hard for short, quick turns or pressure them smoothly for large, sweeping turns.
To round out the construction, Scott uses their Pro Tip progressive tip height radius to help control tip deflection and keep the skis firmly planted to the snow.
Dimensions of the Scott Mission’s are as follows:
- 183cm – 130 / 90 / 116
- 178cm – 128 / 89 / 115
- 168cm – 126 / 86 / 113
Instead of forcing all lengths to be the same dimensions, the ski is optimized for both length and width to better suit lighter or shorter skiers. The Missions have received rave reviews from most of the industry press and heralded as great all-around performers.
Scott Mission 183 Ski Review
The Missions are my answer to the “one ski quiver.” I haven’t had the luxury of a 3-4 ski quiver for several years, so I look for a versatile ride that can handle all conditions. And, these days, I feel that a “one ski quiver” should have a 90mm waist at a minimum. Ski technology has evolved a lot in the past few years–90mm used to be only for dedicated powder skis just a few short years ago. Now, I’m telling you that it’s the minimum you’ll want for an all-around ski out here in the West–believe me!
My Missions are mounted with the bomber Rossignol Axial 2 140 ti Pro bindings in the bling bling gold color, which suits the brown and white Missions just fine and provides a solid 14 DIN.
There are no metal sheets in the Missions and the medium-stiffness flex is smooth and perfectly-suited for all-around riding in all conditions. The topsheets are ribbed with micro-grooves that remind me of those 3D stickers I had as a kid–you turn them one way and Superman is flying, then turn them the other way and Superman is saving Lois again. Sadly, the Missions don’t have a 3D graphic to them, just the ribs.
I rode the Missions at Sundance on a mixed bag day where the lower mountain was fairly firm groomers and the upper mountain had a mixture of untracked in the trees and mini-bumps with crud on the main trails. I did get a chance to drop one line into Bishop’s Bowl where I got 500 ft. of untracked, knee-deep windbuff–that’s when the hooting and hollering began in earnest.
Bombing down the groomers, I felt I could let the Mission’s loose and carve big arcs all day long. They track amazingly well and stay planted firmly on the snow even when plowing through rough, end-of-day groomers. Laying solid arcs and rolling from edge-to-edge was super easy and required little effort on my part. I felt I could just let them run and never once did they become unstable. Short, quick turns were just as easy with the proper pressure and angulation.
One thing I did notice is that these babies like to be on edge and they like to carve their turns. The occasional high-speed skidded turn–which is sometimes necessary to avoid obstacles or other skiers–was difficult to maintain because the skis wanted to hook up and arc instead of skid. While this is a good thing in most instances, there are times when skidded turns are inevitable and the sidecut was a little too hooky for that.
I also hit Snowbird on one of the deepest days of the year and put the Mission’s to the test in the deep pow. The Bird had yet to open Mineral Basin after a 30-inch, 3-day storm cycle and I was itching to hit it with the Missions. Off the tram, the Cirque was a mix of untracked and sloppy seconds. The Missions plowed through the sloppies and hopped through tight rocks with ease.
Heading back to the summit, I was a little late for the opening of Mineral Basin proper, but hit it just in time to bomb huge arcs through the leftover pow. I felt I could let them loose in the cut up pow just like I could on the groomers and the skis stayed stable and nimble.
The ultimate powder test was when I waited for the Bookends Traverse to open with waist-deep untracked lines from top-to-bottom. Dropping into my deepest turns of the year, I felt I could power the Missions and float just enough to maintain the proper speed. The 90mm width was great overall, but I think the Scott P4’s might have been an even better choice in these conditions. But, again, once back into the cut up crud and then to the groomers, the Missions showed their versatility.
Just a couple of comments… To add more float, Scott could do the Missions in a 186cm length instead of 183cm. And, the Missions are a pretty forgiving ski. They will kick you in the backseat if you’re not on top of them–don’t get me wrong. But, if you do get in the backseat, they are still maneuverable and easily allow you to get back on top of it without losing much control.
The Bottom Line on the Scott Mission 183’s
As a do-it-all ski, it’s hard to find any flaws with the Scott Mission 183’s. They arc a perfect turn on the groomers, plow through crud and float in the powder. There’s not much more you could ask for in a “one ski quiver” in my book. I dig the stylie graphics and the overall construction quality is superb. There will be days you’ll want something fatter like the Scott P4, but most days you’ll be stoked you’re bombing the groomers and charging the pow on the do-it-all Missions.
Buy Now: Buy Scott Skis at Backcountry.com
NOTE: For your reference, I’m 5-feet 11-inches and weigh 180 lbs. I am a powder skier first and foremost and I love to bomb groomers. I spend as little time as possible in the terrain park and avoid moguls if at all possible. I grew up skiing Cascade Cement in Washington State, but have been converted to Utah’s mountains and snow and have three years of teaching experience at The Canyons Resort from 1997-2000.
35 Comments
Good review Jas. One question, full twin or just a little turned up tail? This would help determine actual running length on the 183, which is what I assume you purchased.
These are not full twins. However, the tail is slightly turned up as you can see in this profile shot:
I think that the Punisher is basically the same ski but with a twin tip.
http://scottusa.com/us_en/product/23/26/punisher
Thanks joshG… the Punisher is an all-new ski for this season. Looking at the dimensions and lengths, they are definitely similar, but not identical to the Missions.
Both powder and freeskier reference it as being the same ski. I too noticed that their website had slightly different dims but powder even described it as the same wood core, etc.
http://www.powdermag.com/buyersguide08/allmountain/scott-punisher/
I have always been happy with other scott products, I think the ski looks nice.
I just got another day on these skis and I love them more and more. They float really well and they carve like butta’. Seriously, these are some of the most fun overall skis I’ve ever owned… super-versatile and great fun overall.
Thanks for the review. I’m curious as to how the Missions compared to your Mojo 90s. Could you expand on that a bit? I see both the Mojo 90s and the Scott Punishers online for $250 — I wonder which you think would be the better choice. Thanks!
Yeah, the Punishers are a great price at $250. The Mojo 90’s are equally a steal at that price. Comparing the Missions and Mojo 90’s, they are both similar, but different-performing skis. The Missions are excellent for pow and crud, but have much more sidecut so they nearly turn on their own. Because of that, they don’t perform quite as well in powder as the Mojo’s. And, they aren’t a full twin. Comparing the Punishers to the Mojos, I’d guess the Punishers will carve the groomers better than the Mojos, but I can’t say for sure since I haven’t skied the Punishers (though some do say they are identical).
Both are great skis, no doubt. I loved my Mojos and the Missions are a bit more turny, thus making them a great inbounds ski. I hope that helps!
Here is the word from the wintersports marketing manager at Scott USA on the differences between the Punisher and Mission:
Thanks for taking the time to give your opinion on this ski. I am a ski patroller in British Columbia and just purchased a pair of Scott Missions for this coming season. I did a lot of research before making my final decision as I need a true all mountain ski under me when I get a call to help an injured skier. You never know where you’ll need to get to in a hurry. You sound like a well educated, informed individual and your review on these skis helped me out a great deal. Thanks again.
Thanks for your comments and I’m glad that you purchased these skis. They are awesome in all conditions.
But, I do want to make you aware that they are a bit “hooky” when doing an emergency snowplow at high-speeds. Sometimes that kind of situation presents itself, so I wanted you–especially–to be aware. Slow-speed snowplows are fine, but mid to higher-speed stuff, they are kind of herkey jerkey. You’ll find that with all moderately-shaped skis though, so it’s not a Mission-specific issue.
I didn’t really mention this in the reviews because I can safely assume that most people won’t really care about that, but with you being a patroller, you’ll need to snowplow as you are lowering a toboggan and I wanted you to be aware of that.
Get out there and enjoy carving on these skis!
Thanks for the heads up.
Just a note… the 2008/2009 Scott Mission ski is identical to the 2008 reviewed here except for new topsheets.
I noticed you said these are for shorter and lighter riders, but you are of average height and weight and liked them? I am 6’3″ 185, would these suit me?
For starters, where do you ski most? What type of skis do you typically ski?
I think if you’re used to skiing skis of this length, you’ll be just fine. I just rode them on Saturday at Snowbird and they were the perfect ski for mixed groomers and cut-up sloppy seconds. You’re only a tad heavier than I am, so you should be just fine.
I can’t outski these on groomers and if I get relaxed at all, they kick me in the butt if I get lazy. But, when pushed hard, they pop back with perfectly-arced turns.
Jason Any thoughts on how the mission would handle on the east coast, soft snow, particularly in trees? Seems from the review they may be too hooky or have to much sidecut for that application.
Unfortunately, I haven’t skied them in tight trees (East Coast-style). I dig them on groomers and wide-open terrain (more West Coast-style). Hard to say really. Sorry man.
Where I noticed them being “hooky” was in non-carved turn situations and wedge slowdowns at the lift lines or emergency stuff.
Can you compare Missions to Völkl Mantra’s (except radius)? I balancing between these two options… Thank you for a good review!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Thanks a ton.
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.
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?
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.
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).
Hey Jason, I’m looking at a pair of used 2007 Scott Mission Skis (http://www.evo.com/outlet/skis/scott-mission-bindings-used-2007.aspx). Just wondering if these are the same makeup/specs of the 2008 version discussed in your article? Here’s the link to the exact pair I’m looking at – http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/spo/2023725138.html. Is that a good price? Also, does remounting bindings on skis affect the way they ride? And one last question, I’m an advanced skier, 6’2″, 167 lbs. Are 187mm a good size? Sorry for all the questions, but thanks in advance for the advice!
Travis
Travis… hard to say for certain, but my guess is they are at least similar, if not identical except for the cosmetics. If they are in as good of condition as he states, that sounds like a pretty good deal. Mounted one time is no biggie–unless your mounting points are too close. What kind of bindings did he have on them and what size is his boot sole? The ski size seems about right, but it’s entirely dependent upon your ability, so I’ll leave that up to you.
Hey Jason, I did a little research, and I think the 2007 & 2008 Mission skis are the same, besides the top sheet. I haven’t seen them in person yet, but I’ll make the assessment on their condition then. I don’t think the mounting points will be too close. My boot sole size is 29.5, and I have Solomon S912ti bindings on my current skis that I’m planning to switch over to whatever new skis I buy. Here’s what the person that owns those 2007 Mission skis had to say about his bindings and boot sole size – “They are drilled for px-12 bindings, im a 24.5, so if your within a cm or two of that boot size and you have a pair of look/dynastar/rossi/lange px-12’s they’ll match right up.” So I’m guessing the mounting points won’t be too close, right? Thanks again for the help.
I’d think you’ll be pretty safe. Hope they are good for you!
Jason,
Awesome review, it has been really helpful. I am considering purchasing the 2008 Mission 178cm from this dude: http://boise.craigslist.org/spo/2033560355.html
I am 6’4, 185 lbs advanced skier. Will this length be okay? In the past, I have always preferred skiing shorter skis than I probably should (maneuverability). Also, this seems to be very good price (including bindings), do you agree?
It really depends on how you want to ski them. That shorter length and narrower width would make them excellent groomer skis with the ability to go off-track when needed. You’ll be laying serious arcs on the 178’s down fresh corduroy, that’s for sure. I think you’d appreciate the extra length, but it is a decent price. I’d still try to talk him down a bit as used skis don’t hold much value.
Hey Jason
I am looking to buy this ski as a telemark ski.Have you or anyone you know mounted these skis as teles. When the legs get to tired to tele i can ski parralel to lay out some carves on the groomers. But i am unsure as to how a short radius ski will perform as a tele ski. As my previos tele ski have been 20m radius. I try to lay out carves in tele position but so much more difficult.