Extrem Project 83 — Expert Review

What it is

The Extrem Project 83 is a Scandinavian‑built, high‑performance piste/all‑mountain carver. With an 83 mm waist, light tip and tail rocker, and two full sheets of Titanal, it’s designed to bite on hardpack, stay calm at speed, and still feel quick and approachable for all‑day resort skiing.

Key takeaways

• Grip you can trust: Two Titanal layers and a stout sidewall deliver excellent edge hold on ice and boilerplate.
• Snappy, quick turns: Short radii (13–16 m) plus light rocker make for effortless initiation and lively, precise carving.
• Calm and damp: Race‑rubber inserts keep chatter in check through windpack and afternoon chop.
• Versatile for the frontside: Serious on-piste performance with enough forgiveness for mixed conditions.
• Not a powder tool: 83 mm and subtle rocker limit float on deep days.

On‑snow performance

• Groomers/hardpack: This is where the Project 83 shines. It rolls edge‑to‑edge fast and locks into carved arcs with confidence. The metal laminate provides a smooth, planted feel—energetic without being twitchy.
• Speed and longer arcs: Best in medium turns, but the 176/183 hold composure as you open it up. If you want a full‑blown GS charger, there are stiffer, longer‑radius options.
• Bumps/trees: The 83‑mm platform and low swing weight help in tight spaces. The tail holds without feeling punishing; the dual metal does ask for active skiing.
• Crud/variable: It cuts through tracked snow more than it surfs. Damping keeps the tips quiet and the platform composed.
• Soft snow: Fine up to ankle/shin‑deep, but this isn’t your deep‑day ride.

Who it’s for

• Advanced to expert skiers who value precision, bite, and smooth suspension on firm and mixed pistes.
• Instructors and ex‑racers who want a calmer, more versatile daily driver than a pure race ski.
• Strong intermediates looking to progress with a stable, confidence‑building platform.

Sizing and setup notes

• Length: Brand recommends body height or shorter. For tight European pistes and short turns, size down; for more speed and stability, go true‑to‑size or up one.
• Factory tune: 1° base / 88° side for authoritative grip.
• Mount point: About −95 mm from true center (183 cm) for a balanced, carve‑forward stance.

Build highlights (and why they matter)

• Poplar/beech core: Poplar adds pop and responsiveness; beech adds strength and dampness for a composed ride.
• Dual Titanal sheets (0.4 mm): Boost torsional rigidity and edge hold; increase stability at speed.
• Race‑rubber damping: Tip/tail inserts and rubber foil along the edge reduce vibration and chatter.
• Prepreg fiberglass: Even resin distribution for durability and a consistent flex profile.
• Isospeed 7515 graphite race base: Fast and durable—rewards regular waxing.
• Extra‑thick edges and wide ABS sidewalls: Longevity and repeated tunes without burning through material.
• Made in Åre, Sweden: Premium finishing and noted sustainability focus.

Comparisons

• Kästle MX83: Heavier, damper, and more exacting (also pricier). Project 83 is more playful and approachable yet still very composed.
• Blizzard Brahma 82: More all‑mountain/freeride feel with a looser tail off‑piste; Project 83 is more carve‑centric with superior on‑piste lock.
• Fischer RC One 82 GT / Salomon S/Max 12: More race‑carver DNA with a super locked‑in feel; Project 83 is smoother in crud and more forgiving beyond perfect corduroy.
• Elan Wingman 82 CTi: Lightning quick, but less damp at high speed; Project 83 feels calmer on ice.

Potential drawbacks

• Limited float and playfulness in deep snow.
• Dual metal sheets reward good technique; not ideal for true beginners.
• Not the razor‑edged precision of a dedicated SL/GS race ski.

Specs and what they mean

• Waist: 83 mm (all lengths) — Very quick edge‑to‑edge with strong bite on hardpack; less float in soft snow.
• Radius: 13/14/15/16 m (162/169/176/183) — Snappy short‑to‑medium turns; longer sizes feel more composed at speed.
• Rocker: Light tip and tail — Easier turn initiation and slightly more forgiving release.
• Weight per ski: 1550/1705/1810/1900 g — Reasonable mass for agility; metal adds calmness and stability.
• Core/metal/damping/fiberglass — Torsional rigidity, vibration control, and durability for a smooth, precise ride.
• Base/edges — Fast, durable base and thick edges for many tunes.
• Factory tune 1°/88° — Strong, precise edge hold on firm snow.
• Mount −95 mm — Balanced, carve‑forward stance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What length should I choose in the Extrem Project 83?
A: As a rule, go at your height or slightly shorter. Size down for tight, quick turns on narrow pistes; go true‑to‑size or up one for more stability and speed.

Q: How does the Project 83 handle ice?
A: Exceptionally well. Dual Titanal, a torsionally strong build, and the 1°/88° factory tune provide confident grip on icy and wind‑scoured hardpack.

Q: Is it tiring to ski all day?
A: It rewards active input, but damping and light rocker reduce fatigue. Compared to pure race carvers, it’s less demanding while remaining high‑performance.

Q: Is it suitable for off‑piste?
A: For shallow soft snow and bumps, yes. For real powder or heavy chop, you’ll want more width. Think piste‑first with all‑mountain range.