4FRNT MSP 107 Skis

With a more conservative rocker profile than most powder skis and a shallow 2-3 mm of camber underfoot the MSP 107’s are a versatile crowd-pleasing all-mountain ski. A smooth flex pattern that progressively gets stiffer down the ski with softer tips, firm underfoot and stronger tails makes for a damp and stable ride. The subtle tip and tail taper further enhance the ski's intuitive and easy-going character that will appeal to a wide range of skiers.

The MSP Skis are available in a 99 and the 107 version suited to both east and west coast skiing respectively as well as a CC or Contour Core version for the ladies.

Some of the features integrated into the MSP 107 Skis include Neotip, Tail Block and a Semi Cap ABS Sidewall construction that includes a poplar plus 2 layers of titanal and a fibreglass laminate core.

Neotip technology is 4FRNT’s way of eliminating deflection, delamination and fractures in their ski tip which plague the durability of most freeride skis. After experimenting in their Salt Lake City White Room, 4FRNT discovered that by using different grades of Neoprene they could manufacture skis that would withstand shearing impacts while providing a more damp feel and also increase the overall durability of the skis. Similarly in the tail, 4FRNT uses an insert that joins the ski's core to the tail end of the ski. Most skis have a weak joint at this location and the durability between the metal, rubber and fibreglass can be compromised. The use of a tail block eliminates this issue between the ski’s laminates and the edges which increase durability and allow for the integration of a customized skin clip location.

Inside the MSP 107 Skis, you’ll find vertically laminated Poplar wood beams which create a smooth even flexing ski. To increase the torsional strength, Titanal laminates are bonded above and below this wood core. This balance of metal and wood lamination increases the ski's edge hold performance to create a smooth flexing and damp ski experience. This is all wrapped up in a Semi Cap construction with ABS sidewalls that provide durability and rigidity. Since the top sheet edge is slightly stepped down from the square edge of the sidewall it creates a smooth rounded contoured that will stand up to abuse over time while the exposed sidewalls protect the core from moisture and further help dampen vibrations.

Semi Cap ABS Sidewall Construction
Core: poplar + titanal (2-layers) + fiberglass laminate

• Neotip
• Tail Block
• Rocker/camber/rocker profile
• Semi Cap ABS Sidewall construction

4FRNT MSP 107 Skis are a great all-round ski, they fill a niche in the ski market that a lot of people would be more than interested to purchase. In each category I tested them in (resort/touring/groomers/pow/chop) the MST 107’s were competent and solid performers. While there are much lighter skis for touring, heavier skis for charging hard, fatter more rocketed skis for pow and more cambered/shaped skis for groomers—the MSP 107 Skis are the perfect blend of each of these. If you are looking for that one ski that really can do it all then this is it.

The MSP 107's versatile nature is a huge plus for those days where you encounter a bit of everything or want to ski the resort and then head into the backcountry for a few laps—all with a single ski. They’re playful yet forgiving in most conditions due to their flex pattern. They ski really smooth given their softer tips and stiffer tails and waist. Every little bit of rough snow and inconsistencies along the descent are dampened and you can enjoy the ride without having to worry too much about micro correcting as the snow and terrain varies. 

With conservative rocker, these aren’t the surfiest skis which means they’re more stable on hardpack. Given their width I was pleasantly surprised at how well they held an edge on groomers, carving was fast and fun. Turn initiation was easy thanks to their tapered shape and camber underfoot, however, they could use a little more pop to amp up the fun factor. Since they are not the liveliest ski I’ve had underfoot I did find that I had to work a little more to link up tight turns but the edge-to-edge transition wasn’t a chore by any means, especially for a ski that’s 107mm underfoot.

With enough weight to power through broken snow, yet not too heavy for a day of touring—I think 4FRNT found the sweet spot with the MSP 107’s. These are a good reliable ski that’s solid underfoot and follows any line you lay them over on with a fairly consistent and reliable edge hold.  Since their tips are on the softer side they sometimes needed a little more coaxing and determination to stay focussed on super firm snow and icy conditions but this is typically the case for most wider skis. 

Simply put, the MSP 107 Skis are just good at anything you throw at them which is a great quality for those looking for a single ski that can do it all. 4FRNT ensured that the MSP’s would have mass appeal by sticking to a more conservative and proven combination of shape, profile, flex and weight. This means that while they'll easily conquer anything and everything, they won’t necessarily be the very best in any one discipline either which is just fine by me. I’m not looking for a ski that can absolutely surf pow turns but sucks on groomers (or visa-versa), or is so heavy that it can bust through anything but is then too heavy for touring. An all-around, all-mountain ski is what is the holy grail for skiers and backcountry skiers alike.

The MSP 107 Skis are ideal for a wide range of skiers who are looking for just one ski to do it all with and do it well. These are all-mountain skis that rip groomers, float in pow and tour with relative ease. True daily drivers for the masses and skis you should definitely consider if you are in the market for a single ski for anything.