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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (Freeride, All-Mountain). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
FREERIDE 108 — skiers buying for soft snow, and buying deliberately: you already own something narrower for firm days, and what you want next is float. H-Power 78 — skiers who spend most of the day on piste but keep drifting off it - groomers into fresh snow, a few side hits, cut-up afternoon snow - and who want race feel without committing to a race ski. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | FREERIDE 108 | H-Power 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 4 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 1🏆 | 1🏆 |
| Playfulness | 6🏆 | 4 |
| Forgiveness | 4 | 5🏆 |
| Stability | 8🏆 | 8🏆 |
| Powder | 8🏆 | 3 |
Skiers buying for soft snow, and buying deliberately: you already own something narrower for firm days, and what you want next is float. The FREERIDE 108 suits a skier who wants metal underfoot for damping but not a full sandwich of it under a 108 mm waist, and who would rather choose a binding than take a system package. Van Deer states no ability level; PTO's read, from the width and the layup, is advanced — this ski asks for speed and soft snow.
Skiers whose days are mostly hard snow. For exactly the same $1,500 the FREERIDE 98 gives you full Titanal layers under 10 mm less waist, and on firm groomers and mixed resort snow that is the better buy. Beginners and soft intermediates: bending 108 mm of metal-reinforced ski takes strength and speed, and Van Deer's silence on ability level is not permission to ignore that. Carvers: 148-108-130 on a 16 to 19 m arc does not make a short, fast turn — the PRO or the H-POWER 68 is that ski. Tourers: no skins are sold for this one, and the TOUR line is what the uphill is for. And anyone counting on the extra width being free — Van Deer says the centre stripe costs nothing in performance or stability, no independent test settles that, and the FREERIDE 98 costs the same.
Skiers who spend most of the day on piste but keep drifting off it - groomers into fresh snow, a few side hits, cut-up afternoon snow - and who want race feel without committing to a race ski. An ambitious intermediate has room to grow into it; a skier who already carves well still finds ceiling above them. Pick the length by turn shape: 159 or 167 cm for quick, tight arcs, 175 or 183 cm for speed and space.
Beginners: the H-Power 78 is firm and race-derived, and it will not make the turn for you. If you never leave the hardpack, do not buy it - the narrower H-Power 68 grips harder and changes edge quicker, and you would be paying for ten millimetres you never use. If you chase deep snow or spend real time off-piste, 78 mm is not enough ski; go to the H-Power 89 or the Freeride line. And a racer chasing maximum rebound should buy an actual race ski - the SL, the GS or the PRO - not the friendly middle of the H-Power line.
The FREERIDE 108 is best for skiers buying for soft snow, and buying deliberately: you already own something narrower for firm days, and what you. The H-Power 78 is best for skiers who spend most of the day on piste but keep drifting off it - groomers into fresh snow, a few side hits, cut-up. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The Van Deer FREERIDE 108 scores highest in Stability at 8/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-ski choice for skiers who want one pair for the whole mountain.
The Van Deer H-Power 78 leads in Carving with a PTO score of 8/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Van Deer H-Power 78 is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 5/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.