Icelantic Shaman 99 — In‑Depth Review

The Icelantic Shaman 99 is a distinctive all‑mountain ski with a massive 149 mm shovel, traditional camber (8 mm), and a quick, tight turning character. It blends powerful on‑piste carving with real composure in variable snow. Handmade in Colorado with a poplar core, tri‑ax fiberglass, and rubber damping, it feels energetic yet notably calm for its width and sidecut.

Who is it for?

Advanced to expert skiers who love short‑to‑medium radius carves and high edge angles.
Riders who want a damp, confidence‑inspiring ski that cuts through crud and wind‑affected snow.
Not for park or straight‑line big‑mountain charging; think frontside‑focused all‑mountain with off‑piste capability.

On‑snow performance

Groomers & carving

The 8 mm camber, huge shovel, and tight radius (≈13.5–17 m by length) produce excellent edge hold and lightning‑quick turn initiation.
Drive it with a forward stance and it snaps from turn to turn with satisfying rebound without feeling twitchy.
On true ice, edge hold is strong for a 99‑mm ski, especially with a precise tune (1° base / 2–3° side) and a modest detune at the contact points.

Crud & variable snow

The wide, tapered tip planes quickly while the shape prevents hookiness; it knifes through chop with more calm than most skis in this class.
At truly high speeds in heavy chunder, the short sidecut wants guidance—stay active and centered‑to‑forward. It’s composed, but not a flat‑skiing straight‑liner.

Bumps & trees

Quick rhythm and easy edge‑to‑edge thanks to the short radius; the near‑flat tail offers support for braking and finishing turns.
Forgiving enough for zipper‑line bumps if you stay light on your feet; overly backseat input can make the big tip feel searching. Neutral to slightly forward works best.

Powder & soft snow

For a 99‑mm waist, float is surprisingly good in 4–8 in (10–20 cm), driven by the generous tip rocker and massive shovel.
In truly deep or ultra‑smeary snow, it’s not as loose as playful, twin‑rockered skis; still, it remains predictable and supportive.

Build & materials

Poplar wood core with double tri‑ax fiberglass: lively flex with strong torsional stability.
Rubber inserts (“Rubber Foil”) add noticeable damping and quiet the ride in chop.
Full sidewalls, 2.2 mm steel edges, and a sintered base (Isospeed 7200/Durasurf 2001) for durability and glide.

Mounting & tune tips

Start on Icelantic’s BC‑I recommended line. For a looser feel and a slightly softer tail, consider ~1 cm behind; for maximum carve precision, stay on the line.
Tune suggestion: 1° base / 2–3° side, with a light detune of tip/tail contact points to reduce any hard‑snow hookiness.

Sizing guidance (general)

169 cm: lighter riders or those prioritizing quick turns and tighter spaces.
176 cm: the sweet spot for most skiers in the ~5'7"–6'0" (170–183 cm) range.
182 cm: more stability, composure, and float at speed or in open terrain.

Comparisons

Line Blade 92: even more radical sidecut and frontside focus; Shaman 99 is more versatile off‑piste and in variable snow.
Nordica Enforcer 94: damper and straighter at speed; Shaman is easier to bend, quicker edge‑to‑edge, and more energetic in shorter arcs.
Blizzard Rustler 9/10: looser and surfier in soft snow; Shaman 99 offers superior edge hold and carving discipline on hardpack.
Black Crows Serpo 93: lighter, crisp on‑piste feel, but less float and chop damping than the Shaman.

Specs explained

Rocker profile: traditional camber (8 mm) with tip and tail rocker. Camber boosts edge hold and pop; tip rocker adds float and easy entry; the near‑flat tail provides support and drive out of the turn.
Dimensions: 149‑99‑119 mm. Huge tip = instant engagement and float; 99‑mm waist balances grip and versatility; 119‑mm tail = supportive finish.
Sidecut radius: ≈13.5 m (169), 15 m (176), 17 m (182). Shorter = quicker, more agile turns; longer = more composed at speed.
Weight: about 3785 g/pair (176) and 3840 g/pair (182), reported per pair. Moderate heft that adds damping without feeling sluggish.
Construction: poplar + tri‑ax glass + rubber + full sidewalls deliver a durable, torsionally solid, and damp ride.
Base/edges: sintered Isospeed 7200/Durasurf 2001 base and 2.2 mm edges for speed and longevity.
Lengths: 169/176/182 cm to suit a range of preferences and rider sizes.

Key takeaways

Carving power: tight‑to‑medium arcs with strong edge hold and lively rebound.
All‑mountain range: confident on groomers, crud, trees, and up to ~8 in of fresh.
Calm and damp: construction filters chatter better than most in class.
Not a charger or park tool: rewards an active stance and technical input.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the Icelantic Shaman 99 handle on icy groomers?
A: For a 99‑mm waist, edge hold is impressive thanks to 8 mm camber and solid torsional build. A precise tune (1°/2–3°) and sharp edges unlock the Shaman 99’s hard‑snow potential.

Q: What length should I buy?
A: Most skiers will be happy on 176 cm. Go 182 cm for more stability/float or 169 cm for tighter spaces and lighter riders. Match length to speed, terrain, and skill.

Q: Is the Shaman 99 good for deep powder days?
A: It floats better than its waist suggests in 10–20 cm, but it isn’t a deep‑day specialist. If snorkel days are your norm, consider a wider, more rockered ski.

Q: Where should I mount my bindings?
A: Start on the BC‑I line. If you prefer a looser, more off‑piste feel, move ~1 cm back; for maximum carving precision, stay on the recommended mark.