For those of you that might not know, Romp Skis is one of the DIY custom ski brands that launched a decade or so ago.
While other brands have closed up shop, Romp has continued to persevere and has even expand with a larger production facility in Crested Butte, CO.
I had the opportunity to test out the Romp Zorro 89 last season, and boy were they fun. Keep reading for my full review.
Romp Zorro 89
Specs:
Lengths: 155, 164, 172, 178, 183, 187
Dimensions: 126-89-117
Radius: 17m @ 178
I spent most of last season (when I wasn’t traveling) skiing the wonderfully small ski areas of Wisconsin. The Zorro 89 quickly became my favorite weapon for nearly every condition thrown my way.
Hard-pack and icy groomers? No problem.
The Zorro was easy to get on edge, and the slight twin tip gave me a slight boost in transitioning.
I wouldn’t go as far to say that the Zorro 89 is the best ski for hard-pack groomers, but it’s still a hell of a good time, and the freeride design of the ski meant I could goof around on side hits or poke into some sparsely-covered trees when I was feeling up for it.
Where the Zorro 89 really shined for me last season was on the moguls and tree skiing at Mount Bohemia, MI.
I made the long 6-hour trek from Madison, WI up to Bohemia to enjoy spring conditions at the beginning of April.
I cycled between my Zorro 89s and a pair of 105-underfoot skis, but I kept coming back to the Zorros.
^Getting after the slush bumps at Mount Bohemia, MI. Credit: Matt Lorelli/Unofficial Networks
I had so much fun letting these skis bump and bounce off the natural moguls and letting them pick up speed through Bohemia’s fantastic glades. I normally prefer something a little bit wider underfoot, but the Zorro 89 was so light and nimble that I couldn’t stop skiing them.
They reminded me of the LINE Prophet 90s from back in the day minus the metal laminates. They’re essentially a super fun ski that is meant for the advanced to expert skier to have fun on the mountain.
For that matter, Romp should change the name of the Zorro 89 to the ‘Fun 89’. Lame? Maybe. Accurate? For sure.
They’re a fantastic option for the East Coast or Midwest skier looking for a daily driver, or a western skier looking to maximize their fun during high-pressure cycles or in spring conditions.
Buying skis from a boutique manufacturer can be neve-wracking, but I’ve had no durability issues on my pair of Zorro 89s thus far. I hit plenty of rocks up there in the spring snow at Mount Bohemia, but the Zorro 89 is still rocking for me.
I can’t wait to bring these babies back out when I’m skiing the glades and groomers of Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New York this coming season.
It’s going to be fun.