Icelantic Saba Pro 117 review

Overview

The Icelantic Saba Pro 117 is a playful, powder‑focused freeride ski with Icelantic’s “Reflective Rocker.” Designed with athletes, it blends a surfy, pivot‑happy ride with enough backbone to stomp landings and keep speed in variable snow. Handmade in Colorado with a durable build and a 3‑year warranty, it’s a compelling choice for skiers who want creativity and confidence in deep snow.

Shape & construction

Reflective Rocker (long, gradual full‑rocker): ultra‑easy to pivot and smear, yet able to engage the full edge when you tip it over.
Dimensions: 147‑117‑137 mm with turn radii of 17 m (167), 20 m (177), 23 m (187). Big tip/waist for float; supportive tail for pop and landings.
Core & layup: wood core, fiberglass laminates, Carbonium topsheet, full sidewalls, 2.2 mm steel edges, Durasurf 4001 base. Built for durability with a consistent, lively flex and decent damping.
Weight (per pair, approx.): 167 cm ≈ 3680 g; 177 cm ≈ 3950–4036 g; 187 cm ≈ 4082–4256 g. Mid‑weight for this class—enough mass for composure without feeling sluggish in trees.
Tail: partial twin; allows some switch play while staying primarily directional.

On‑snow performance

Powder

Excellent flotation and planing thanks to 117 mm underfoot and long rocker. The Saba Pro 117 is very surfy/smear‑friendly, letting you vary from short slashes to long, arcing drifts.
The “reflective” geometry helps the edge actually bite on steeper pow faces, a common weakness of many full‑rocker shapes.

Tracked snow & crud

Its middle‑of‑the‑road weight and fiberglass layup provide respectable damping and predictability. It’s composed in soft chop, but it’s not a bulldozer; at higher speeds in resort chop, heavier chargers (e.g., Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, Rossignol Blackops 118) remain calmer.

Trees & tight terrain

Full‑rocker plus moderate radii make for quick pivots and easy speed control. It’s a great match for playful lines, pillows, and side hits.

Landings & switch

Supportive, slightly stiffer tail plus a balanced shape give confidence on drops. You can ski it switch, but it’s foremost a directional powder tool.

Groomers & hard snow

For a full‑rocker ski, edge hold is pleasantly competent—especially on soft to mixed groomers. Still, it’s a 117‑mm powder board: it’ll carve you back to the lift, but don’t expect race‑ski bite on boilerplate.

Sizing guidance

167 cm: lighter/smaller riders, or maximum agility in trees.
177 cm: the all‑around reference length for many skiers around average height.
187 cm: more stability and float for faster speeds, deeper days, and bigger skiers/drops.

Who it’s for (and not)

Yes: advanced to expert freeriders who want a surfy, playful powder ski that still lands solidly and offers decent edge engagement.
Not ideal: firm‑snow specialists or anyone seeking maximum damping and straight‑line blasting in tracked‑out resort chop.

Comparisons

Armada ARV 116 JJ / Atomic Bent Chetler 120: looser and lighter, but with less edge hold and landing support than the Saba Pro 117.
Moment Wildcat 118: more stable at speed; Saba is more pivoty/playful in tight terrain.
Nordica Enforcer 115 Free / Rossignol Blackops 118: heavier, calmer in chop; Saba is livelier and easier to shut down quickly.

Specs explained

Rocker profile: drives looseness, pivotability, and float. The Saba’s long full‑rocker keeps it surfy but still allows real edge engagement when tipped.
Tip/waist/tail width: wider tip/waist = better float; supportive tail = pop and landing stability.
Radius: smaller = quicker, more turny; larger = calmer at speed. The 17–23 m range balances stability with maneuverability.
Weight: more mass = more damping/composure; less = quicker, looser feel. The Saba sits in the middle for a versatile powder demeanor.
Construction (core/laminates/sidewall/base): influences feel, durability, and service life. Full sidewalls and a 4001 base target longevity and speed.

Key takeaways

Surfy and playful: full‑rocker makes creative, slashy lines easy in powder.
Real backbone: supportive tail helps stomp landings better than many ultralight pow skis.
Middle‑weight calm: composed enough in chop, though not a metal‑laminate charger.
Better‑than‑expected grip: for a full‑rocker, it holds a respectable edge on softer groomers.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Icelantic Saba Pro 117 a one‑ski quiver?
A: In consistently snowy regions it can work, but it’s very powder‑biased. Most skiers will want a 100–108 mm daily driver alongside it for firm days.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: Go near or slightly above your height if you ski fast or like drops. Size down for tight trees, lighter riders, or a more pivoty feel.

Q: How does it compare to the Bent Chetler 120?
A: The Bent Chetler 120 is looser and lighter for butters and presses. The Saba Pro 117 offers stronger edge engagement and landing support, feeling more composed in variable snow.

Q: Is the Saba Pro 117 durable?
A: Yes. The Carbonium topsheet, full sidewalls, thick edges, and Durasurf 4001 base are built for longevity. Regular waxing and edge maintenance keep it fast and predictable.