Moment Meridian 117 — Review

The Meridian 117 is Moment's dedicated big-mountain / deep-day freeride ski, sitting one step wider than the Meridian 107 and closer in role to the Wildcat 118. Verified sidecut is 147-117-137 mm across all four lengths (171, 181, 187, 193 cm) with a constant 33 m radius and weight per single ski of roughly 2100 / 2200 / 2350 / 2500 g (from Moment's per-pair figures halved). Construction is a vertically laminated poplar and ash wood core with a carbon fiber hybrid composite structure, ABS sidewalls, VDS damping and a 7500-series carbon base.

At 117 mm underfoot with a 33 m radius and full rocker, the Meridian 117 is unambiguously a big-mountain freeride tool — long open turns, high-speed pow, and floated tail-drift releases are all in its wheelhouse. It is not a groomer ski; on piste the 33 m radius and rockered contact points give it a lazy, long-arc feel, and short turns feel forced. In deep snow the wide tip and tail deliver strong float and easy release from turn to turn. VDS damping plus the carbon hybrid structure keep chatter down at speed in tracked-up chop. Weight of ~2350 g at 187 cm makes it a heavier build than most 118 mm rivals — expect stability rather than lightness.

Full length, knot-free, vertically laminated poplar and ash wood core provides liveliness and damping. Carbon fiber hybrid composite structure adds torsional stiffness without excessive weight. VDS (Vibration Damping System) reduces vibration at speed. 2.2 mm hardened steel euro edges, ABS sidewalls, 7500-series carbon-infused sintered base. Sidecut is 147-117-137 mm across all lengths with a constant 33 m radius. Mount point -5 cm from center. Full rocker profile.

Compared to the Moment Wildcat 118 the Meridian 117 is stiffer and more directional — the Wildcat is livelier and more playful, the Meridian is more damped and long-radius. Against the Moment Countach 110 it is wider and more powder-first, with less all-mountain versatility. Compared to the Moment Deathwish 112 the Meridian is more directional and less freestyle-oriented — the Deathwish surfs and butters more, the Meridian charges more.

Pros

• 117 mm waist with full rocker delivers effortless deep-day float.
• Carbon hybrid composite plus VDS damping keeps chatter under control at speed.
• Four length options (171–193 cm) suit both shorter and taller expert skiers.
• Handmade in the USA with Moment's 3-year warranty.

Cons

• Constant 33 m radius makes any short-turn skiing feel forced.
• Heavy at ~2350–2500 g per ski in longer lengths.
• Not built for touring — resort or mechanized use only.
• 117 mm waist is overkill for skiers who don't see deep snow regularly.

Verdict: A stiff, fully rockered 117 mm big-mountain freeride ski for advanced-to-expert skiers who prioritise deep-day charge and long-arc stability over piste performance. Best matched to open big-mountain terrain and skiers who load the tips through variable snow.