The Friend

Cascade

Ryan Schmies x J Collab

131 reviews
$749

J Says Best For: Crud / Bottomless powder / Glades / Steep & deep / Freeride

Waist Width: 117mm

Ski Length
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Limited Edition Graphics

Total Made: 300 Pair

Public Release: September 03, 2018

View All Friend Limited Graphics Specs & Construction

The Artwork

Ryan Schmies x J Collab

I've waited over 15 years to work with Ryan Schmies on a ski graphic!

Over a decade ago, Ryan created K2's legendary "Public Enemy" ski graphic. At the time, he pioneered a new, revolutionary style of covering the entire ski with artwork. The rest of the ski industry quickly followed his lead, however I unfortunately was never able to work with him, as obviously he was with another ski company. Now that he and I are independent, it only took one phone call!

Ryan grew up skiing a small hill called Cascade in Wisconsin and today he lives in Washington state skiing the Cascade Range, so the name for this graphic came easy. He used good ol' fashioned pencil and ink from his prized assortment of cheap pens while watching replays of 'Ride the Lightning' and 'Back Street Boys' videos to create this masterpiece.

Follow Ryan and see more of his artwork at Schmiesdesigns

The Friend™

143 - 117 - 133

The widest ski in our Explore Collection for effortlessly floating and surfing the deepest days.

“The Friend” ski was designed in collaboration with athlete Giray Dadali to surf pow, stomp landings and charge harder with less effort than ever before…. so you don’t have to be a pro to ski like one! Its long, gentle rocker and 117mm waist keep you effortlessly floating, slashing and popping even on the deepest days. When the pow’s gone you’ll be able to count on its solid maple wood core and high energy carbon fiber to help you blast through chunder with an unprecedented smooth and reliable feel. The real surprise comes from its tight sidecut, enabling you to have fun gripping and ripping firm snow for versatility like none other. The Friend is a rare breed of powder ski earning it more awards than any other in its class. Float, surf, slash and butter in the deep pow until it gets tracked out, then have equal fun charging endless top to bottom chunder and groomer laps. This is a powder skier’s dream one-ski quiver!

#JFriendSki

The Friend In The Wild

Share your shred by tagging #JFriendSki on Instagram

This Ski is Kind of a Big Deal

"An excellent pow ski for a wide range of skiers; capable as a directional or freestyle option."

- Blister Gear Review

For powder-hunters, The Friend should be considered essential when traveling out of bounds.

- Freeskier Magazine

"The Friend was designed with more than just overhead pow in mind: A sturdy maple core and surprisingly tight sidecut are intended to enable playfulness when the powder’s gone.

- Backcountry Magazine

The Friend is the kind of ski I'd take on the trip of a lifetime without considering bringing a backup. It's PB&J exactly when you need it, and Dad made it.

- Powder Magazine (Ski of the Year)

"This is the ski you want if you need your legs to last all day, especially when it won’t stop puking snow. After all, no one should call it quits when the refills are free."

- SKI Magazine

the finest materials

By selling these skis factory direct to you, we're able to invest more money into using the highest quality materials possible for a game-changing level of premium performance & durability.

Specs

Compare Models

Length 177cm 183cm 189cm
Dimensions 143-117-133mm 143-117-133mm 143-117-133mm
Sidecut Radius 17.2m 18.5m 20.2m
Weight Per Ski 2230g 2310g 2480g
Effective Edge 1440mm 1500mm 1560mm
Camber 3.5mm 3.5mm 3.5mm
Rocker Height Tip / Tail 8 / 3mm 9 / 3mm 10 / 3mm
Tip / Tail Length 270 / 120mm 325 / 140mm 445 / 195mm
Tip / Tail Height 75 / 37.5mm 75 / 37.5mm 75 / 37.5mm
Boot from Center N/A N/A N/A
Boot from Tail 805mm 835mm 865mm

The Friend Reviews

Cascade
Ryan Schmies x J Collab
$749.00