J Skis have a bit of a cult following. Having a rep for marching to a beat of their own drum while creating skis that rip. Offering a different type of experience for those of you who are over the "big box" culture of ski brands. Founded by Jason Leventhal who was the original creator of Line Skis. Jason broke off over a decade ago to create J Skis. What has transpired is what skiing needs, keeping it fun and sendy.
J Skis do something unique that other ski brands do not. They offer a variety of top sheets on their skis so you as a skier can pick the design that speaks to you without having to be well a dime in a dozen. With designs that are limited edition (once a design sells out it's not coming back) finding your own flare is easy. Yet keeping high-quality construction and materials as a top priority.
While having a steeze is important to style points on the mountain the most important thing of all, how do J Skis ride? We spent over 15 days on the Masterblaster in every condition- pow, groomers, corn, crud, ice and well anything in between.
Stats
Size: 160 cm
Dimensions: 133/ 99/ 118
Weight: 1900 grams
Side Cut Radius: 15.8 m
Skier Profile
Skier Size: 5’2, 123 lb
Skier Type: Steep and deeps, Type 3 skier
Ski Review
What J Skis Says: "The mid-width ski in our Charge Collection for great firm snow performance with added float in fresh powder.
With a 99mm waist and gradual rocker profile, "The Masterblaster" hits the sweet spot of freeride performance by enhancing soft snow playfulness while providing firm snow precision and responsiveness for ripping everything on the mountain without compromise. J’s proven "Light Metal" Titanal laminate construction enables power and stability where you need it while keeping swing weight low and maneuverability high. This ski has the rebellious frontside attitude you expect from an all-mountain ski, with a big sweet spot that begs to take the road less traveled! For soft days, firm days, morning groomers, afternoon crud, and everything in between, "The Masterblaster" lets you ski more and think less, knowing you always have the best skis on your feet, no matter the conditions!"
Review: The Masterblaster is J Skis, all-mountain "daily driver". Coming in at 99 mm waist shes ready for all of your free-ride dream lines. We didn't know what to expect when we first clicked into the Masterblaster. The moment we threw her on edge on a nice sweeping turn it was obvious what was happening, a masterpiece in ski ingenuity.
Able to charge through whatever in front of you (or underneath on those crud/ice days), the Masterblaster will blast through anything and everything not figuratively literally. While maintaining a directional feel making the Masterblaster feel stable at high speeds. The ski stiffness was shocking, in the best way possible. J Skis managed to make the Masterblaster like a rocket yet she likes to fly in the air while being EXTREMELY well-balanced. Compared to other skis in the all-mountain category this may be the best well-rounded ski for those who want a daily driver that they can huck, push send, and carve.
Carving: Made with a titanal metal laminate on both the top and bottom of the skis core creating stability and power. Unlike other skis that run the titanal on the tips and tails, the Masterblaster has it's metal running on narrow strips on the center of the ski stopping just before the tail. With the tips having a dramatic decrease in weight you're able to swing the ski on a deep carve in an instant.
For those of you who are spicy riders, you'll appreciate how versatile the ski rides. Able to switch from soft powder to groomers with a slight change in angle. With the thickest steel edge in the industry and full height sidewalls absorbing vibrations at high speeds are breeze. J Skis went an extra step further and cut the edge at a 10-degree angle creating easy turning like a race ski.
Bumps: With the maple wood core creating an "energy pop" bumps don't stand a chance with impact absorption. Being light in the tips allows you to get into those big, steep moguls (you know the ones that go over your shoulder when the tide is low) without a second thought. The power transfer through the ski is noticeable once you pick up speed.
Allowing you to pop through a mogul minefield like a dolphin searching for a waves crest with a smile on your face. The pop reminds us of the Head Kore 97 W with the energy release. The biggest difference being the sturdiness that the J Skis had a clear advantage over the Head Kore 97 W.
All Mountain / Big Mountain: When you take the Masterblaster off-piste the biggest surprise is how predictable the ski reacts in a variety of conditions. From fresh snow, crud, corn, or whatever condition is on the menu the Masterblaster performed as expected: stable and chargey. The moment you venture off the ability to switch "modes" is shocking. From charging big mountain lines to pulling back the reigns when things get a bit more techy the Masterblaster doesn't chat back.
As long as you remain in the front seat of the ski and somewhat aggressive (not as aggressive as say the Praxis Slugger) the Masterblaster allows you to remain in full control. From going full charge to a quick turn (thank you 15.8 meter radius) exploring new parts of the mountains has never felt so good. Having not failed us once on bigger lines (Granite Cheif Peaks, or lines steeper than 40 degrees in pitch) to first tracks on untouched snow. If you are unsure of what the conditions or the day is going to provide grab the Masterblaster as a safe pick for a good time.
We mentioned earlier how incredibly balanced the ski felt. This becomes apparent when you start taking air (hucking or side hits). Not once having failed us on the bigger jumps (around 8 feet) the landing feels soft yet cradles you perfectly into that first turn out of the run out.
Overall Takeaways: We like to think of the Masterblaster the perfect Goldilocks ski, that will appeal from advanced intermediates to full-on senders. With construction that is made to last and push big terrain it's hard to find any major flaws. If you are in search of a daily driver that can tackle 90% of conditions while being a blast. Feel good knowing you are getting some the highest quality ski materials and construction in the industry.
Where To Buy: J Skis Direct: The Masterblaster · J skis • Limited Edition skis designed by Jason Levinthal
Want us to test any other J Skis? Tell us in the comments below.
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