Contrary to its predecessor which I reviewed here, this particular version has a completely different shape (150-116-123), flex, and purpose. Instead of the mustache rocker design seen on the 174/184/190 Bibby Pro, the Special features a longer shovel combined with 6mm of camber and a flattish tail specifically for skiers that have no desire to do anything switch and prefer a more directional charger. The flex here is also slightly stiffer making this one of the best all-mountain skis on the market that can handle every condition.
"How would you describe the Bibby Special in one word"?
Confidence-inspring.
As someone whose everyday ski for the past 2+ seasons has been the 190 Bibby, I was beyond stoked to hear of this new design since it's pretty much everything I've ever wanted in a ski that no one has yet to make. After 12 days of slaying groomers at Breckenridge and Keystone, and after a powder day at Vail with 9" of overnight snow, I'm convinced this will be my everyday driver for the life of the ski.
"What makes this ski so awesome?"
The Bibby Special will push you. It will make you a better skier.
Not once have I found a speed limit. The Bibby Special loves speed. It thirsts for it. And it will reward you handsomely for driving it as hard as possible. Unlike the 190 Bibby which I understood after only a few turns, it wasn't until after a few runs did I fully understand how the unusual sidecut on the Special functions: half the ski wants to turn, the other half wants to go straight. But once you allow the ski to travel on its predetermined arc and not force it beyond its capabilities, I feel most skiers will be amazed with how well the Special handles firm conditions.
"How does this ski handle soft snow?"
Simply put, the Bibby Special is a powder destroyer.
The key to powder skiing on the Special is to keep a more neutral stance. I found that when driving the tips hard into the snow, the ski was not reacting favorably. But once I remained centered and allowed the ski to do the work for me, I could not have been happier with its performance. Immediately, I began searching for anything and everything I could jump off of, and once I did, I was amazed by how well the Special stomps. Never before have I been more confident flying off cliffs and expecting to land each and every time regardless of how smooth or sketchy the impact may be.
"But what happens once the mountain gets tracked-out?"
I dare you to find a better powder ski that can bust through crud this well.
While the statement above may seem over-zealous for a few, I have not been on a ski this shape before that sliced through crud so easily and effortlessly. Towards the end of that lone powder day at Vail, I was cruising through chop at unsafe speeds without any hesitation. At one point, I tried my best to point the tips straight downhill through a long mogul field hoping to yard sale and prove a point that the Bibby Special has a flaw.
I failed. There are no flaws.
In the end, the Bibby Special will elevate your skiing. For those that desire a stiff powder ski that can be used anywhere on the mountain, that can handle any condition, and that will give you incredible assurance in the air and on snow, check out the Bibby Special (also offered in 196cm length).
