By Noah Carter
4Front Devastator jr
Overview and intended use
The Devastator JR is pitched as a junior all‑mountain/freeride ski with freestyle capability, built to charge the whole mountain while remaining park‑friendly. Its twin‑tip shape makes switch riding and centered tricks straightforward, while the cambered profile underfoot gives pop and edge control. Available in 147 and 157 cm, it targets progressing young skiers who want a single ski for groomers, park laps and occasional off‑piste. The design balances playfulness with enough stability to handle higher speeds for a junior platform.
On‑snow performance
On snow the ski feels energetic and predictable. The 2.5 mm camber underfoot produces reliable pressure and clean edge hold for carving, and the 98 mm waist is versatile for both short, playful turns and longer arcs. Tip and tail widths of 119/117 mm offer decent flotation in softer snow without making the ski cumbersome on firm snow. Twin‑tip geometry plus a 15 m sidecut radius make switch tricks and tight park features easy to manage, while neoprene dampens harsher impacts.
Construction and notable features
Construction-wise the Devastator JR focuses on lightweight durability. The aspen core keeps the weight low while providing a responsive flex; listed weights are about 1000 g for 147 cm and 1115 g for 157 cm per ski. The neoprene rubber tip helps absorb vibration and impacts from rails or choppy landings, improving comfort. A sintered base gives speed potential and good wax absorption for sustained glide. The cambered sidecut brings precision on hardpack and predictable snap out of turns.
Specs explained
Looking at the specs: tip 119 mm, waist 98 mm, tail 117 mm, 2.5 mm camber, 15 m sidecut radius, effective edge 1245 mm, mount point 725 mm. Tip and tail widths influence flotation and stability in soft snow, while the waist width determines versatility across conditions. Camber amount means underfoot grip and pop for ollies and reactive turns. A 15 m radius suggests easy to medium turn shapes, and the effective edge supports stability at speed. The lightweight build makes spins and presses easier for juniors.
Who should buy and alternatives?
Who should buy this ski? It’s ideal for juniors who want a do‑it‑all twin that can park, piste and handle some off‑piste terrain without being too heavy. Drawbacks include a limited length range and a sub‑100 mm waist that won’t excel in deep, unconsolidated powder. Enthusiastic riders who quickly outgrow junior sizing or who prioritize deep‑powder performance might prefer a wider or longer alternative, but for balanced progression this ski is a compelling choice.
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