The Commander 102 is the result of countless mornings fretting over whether the day called for hardpack-filled *crave and destroy* or for chopped up *smash-and-blast*, hoping the conditions matched our decision and realizing that we’d like to keep our options open.
Building squarely on its freeride-comp lineage: a directional profile with a flat, supportive tail, incredible confidence and unshakable composure at speed, race-worthy power transmission and edge hold, and enough rope to hang yourself as high off the deck as you want. But because we have increasingly high insurance deductibles, we dialed things back just enough to make it—in the right length, mind you—surprisingly easy to dump speed in a fit of panic or thread the needle through whatever sketchiness we’ve gotten ourselves into.
Inside, it packs our most substantial construction to date, a round supportive flex profile for optimal support and supreme composure in the most adverse conditions. Outside, a meticulously refined, multi-radial sidecut and generous effective edge provide unrivaled edge hold and engagement speed. A deeper but lower tail rise complements the sidecut to make it more compliant when you’ve bitten off more than you can chew or you’re skiing at half speed, running on fumes.
It drives harder, carves faster, and stays calmer in the clutch than anything else we’ve cooked up. We know some of you, hearing that, get big-headed and think you *need* the biggest and baddest, so here’s your disclaimer: If all you’re after is a big stick to pose with in the tram line—this ain’t it. Unless you’ve got the skills to pay the bills, we strongly recommend you size down from wherever your ego may steer you. It’s still *plenty* supportive, not to mention more fun to ski that way. Trust us.
So here’s the skinny: The Commander 102 is first and foremost a ski designed to excel in firm, punchy, chunky, and choppy conditions. Built to rip fast and loud, carve hard, and expand your comfort zone. For those of you who decide to stay up, you’ll find a big-mountain ski that pushes the limits of your envelope, demands intention from your skiing and rewards you for it, putting XXL pucker airs to bolts—poor conditions, chewed landings and firm snow be damned. Size ‘em down, and you’ve got a strong, supportive carver that makes short work of mixed conditions and low tide. That’s not a threat, for the record—just a promise.