Metal review

Overview

Jason Levinthal designed The Metal as J skis' 106 mm all-mountain / big-mountain charger — a full-sidewall, titanal-laminated ski built to plow crud and stay locked at speed. Verified specs at 180 cm are 135-106-124 mm with a 17 m radius and roughly 2180 g per single ski. Three lengths are offered: 173, 180 and 186 cm. The rocker profile is a freeride rocker with a 3 mm camber underfoot, generous tip rocker (~9 mm x 445 mm) and shorter tail rocker (~3 mm x 285 mm) — a directional shape rather than a true twin.

On-snow performance

The Metal's identity is stability first. 2180 g per ski at 180 cm places it firmly in the "heavy" tier for 106 mm shapes — the Titanal laminate, full sidewalls and moderate 17 m radius all point toward a ski that rewards a committed, forward stance rather than a light-footed pivot style. On piste it holds an edge more like a stiff mid-fat than a specialised carver, tracks straight at speed, and gives up little in high-speed chop. In powder, the 106 mm waist and long directional tip rocker float the ski to hero-day depth but not deeper. The shorter tail rocker keeps it directional — surfing a tail-drift release out of steep chutes is possible but takes work.

Construction & specs explained

The Metal uses full sidewalls (not cap construction) with a titanal laminate over a poplar/ash wood core — the classic "damping metal" recipe rather than the carbon-driven build J skis uses elsewhere. Sidecut at 180 cm is 135-106-124 mm with a 17 m radius, and the freeride rocker profile combines a 3 mm underfoot camber with an asymmetric rocker (9 mm x 445 mm tip vs 3 mm x 285 mm tail). Mount point is roughly -8 cm from center, keeping the shape directional. The base is sintered.

Who it's for & comparisons

Compared to the Head Kore 106 Ti The Metal is heavier and more damp — closer to a K2 Mindbender than a Kore in feel, with less of the Kore's lightweight snap. Against the K2 Mindbender 108Ti it is similar in intent and weight tier but with J skis' more traditional freeride rocker shape. Within J skis itself it plays the same role as the J skis Hotshot but with the titanal charger character rather than the lighter Hotshot layup.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Stable and damp at speed thanks to the titanal laminate and full sidewalls.
• 17 m radius at 180 cm carves capably on groomers, not just off-piste.
• Verified weight (~2180 g at 180 cm) places it in the heavy-charger tier where damping matters.
• Directional shape holds a line without wandering in variable snow.

Cons

• Heavy swing weight — not fun for skiers who prefer light-footed pivot skiing.
• Only three lengths (173, 180, 186 cm) — limited fit range.
• Priced above most mainstream 106 mm charger skis.
• Not built for touring or park use.

Verdict: A classic titanal-driven 106 mm big-mountain charger for advanced-to-expert skiers who want damping and stability over lightness. Match with a strong stance and long-turn preference for the best return.