Extrem Project 91 – Review

Overview

Built in Åre, Sweden, the Extrem Project 91 is a directional frontside/all‑mountain ski with full‑width Titanal, a quality sintered base, and thoughtful damping. At 91 mm underfoot with tip/tail rocker and camber, it blends strong edge hold with a smooth, calm ride. If you like to carve hard on groomers but want a ski that stays composed in windpack, spring bumps, and afternoon crud, this one hits the brief.

Who is it for?

Advanced to expert skiers prioritizing stability and edge grip.
Riders on firm snow who still want versatility when conditions get cut‑up.
Less ideal for beginners or weight‑conscious tourers; the Project 91 rewards deliberate input and isn’t light.

On‑snow performance

Carving and edge hold

Dual sheets of Titanal and underfoot camber deliver excellent torsional rigidity and bite. The 16–18 m radius favors medium to longer arcs, yet the 91 mm waist changes edges quickly. The factory 1°/88° tune provides immediate purchase; detune tips/tails slightly if you want a less “hooky” feel.

Mixed snow, crud, and windpack

Weight (about 1880–2000 g per ski), metal, and rubber damping keep the ski quiet and composed when the surface turns choppy. Tip and tail rocker help release the turn and slice through broken snow without tip flap. It feels planted and confidence‑inspiring at speed.

Bumps and trees

For a metal ski, the Project 91 is impressively manageable in spring bumps. The 91 mm platform and rocker make it easy enough to pivot, but it prefers an active stance and rewards precise movements. In tight, icy moguls it’s more demanding than lighter, looser skis.

Soft snow

Up to about boot‑top (10–15 cm), the tip rocker keeps the front from diving. Deeper days call for something wider if float is a priority.

Sizing and setup

170 cm: lighter/shorter or very technical skiers, narrow trails.
177 cm: the do‑everything length for most.
185 cm: heavier/stronger skiers, open pistes, and higher speeds.

The recommended mount points (about −75 to −80 mm) are traditional, suiting a directional, fore‑body‑driven stance. Pair with a stout alpine binding; a hybrid/touring binding works for short hikes, but the weight isn’t touring‑friendly for big days.

Comparisons

Blizzard Brahma 88: quicker edge‑to‑edge and a touch grippier on boilerplate; Project 91 is calmer in crud and slightly looser thanks to rocker.
Nordica Enforcer 94: wider and more playful with better soft‑snow float; Project 91 is faster edge‑to‑edge and bites harder on piste.
Dynastar M‑Pro 90: lighter with a looser tail; Project 91 is damper, more precise on edge, and more composed at speed.
Stöckli Stormrider 88: both are quiet and precise; the Stöckli is more refined (and pricier), while the Project 91 offers similar calm for less.
Salomon Stance 90: livelier and lighter, but not as planted at high speed as the Project 91.

Specs explained

Rocker/camber: early turn initiation and easy release, with camber providing energy and edge hold.
91 mm waist: quick transitions with strong on‑piste grip; moderate off‑piste capability.
16/17/18 m radius: medium‑turn sweet spot with good high‑speed stability.
Full‑width Titanal: torsional stiffness and damping for confidence at speed; requires more input.
Poplar/beech core: poplar for liveliness, beech for strength and durability.
Prepreg fiberglass: consistent flex and quality control.
Race‑grade sintered base: excellent glide; benefits from regular waxing.
Rubber inserts and ABS reinforcements: reduce vibration and boost durability.

Key takeaways

High‑speed stability: excellent, thanks to dual Titanal and robust damping.
Edge hold: strong and secure with a precise, confidence‑building feel.
Versatility: carves groomers and crushes crud; float is limited on deep days.
Weight: contributes to calmness but isn’t ideal for long tours or beginners.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What length should I choose in the Extrem Project 91?
A: Most skiers should pick their height or slightly shorter. The 177 cm suits the widest range; 170 cm for lighter/technical riders; 185 cm for heavier skiers or those who ski fast and like longer arcs.

Q: How does the Project 91 compare to a Brahma 88 or Enforcer 94?
A: Brahma 88 is razor‑sharp on ice and lightning quick edge‑to‑edge; Project 91 is more composed in chop. Enforcer 94 is wider and more playful; Project 91 grips harder and feels more precise on groomers.

Q: Can I mount a hybrid/touring binding on the Project 91?
A: Yes, for sidecountry laps and short hikes it’s fine. At ~1.9–2.0 kg per ski with full metal, it’s not an ideal choice for big touring missions.

Q: How is the factory tune?
A: 1° base / 88° side is quite grippy and precise out of the box. If tips feel too catchy, a light detune of the contact points smooths initiation without sacrificing hold.