OGSO are a newish brand and they have a unique ski range set up I think of it as the almost custom ski.
They essentially offer two skis, a fully rockered model (Super Rocker) and a more traditional camber (Neoteric). Then you get a choice of weight, they do a super light version which is ultra light and aimed at ski touring and ski alpinism, then they do a medium light version which is more of a freeride ski which still works well for the odd bit of short touring. Then you have a choice of widths underfoot, they start at 70mm and go up in 10mm increments to 110mm, but they are also to scale so the longer your ski the wider it is. For example the Couturier is the super light Neoteric ski that is in the 100mm underfoot range, but I have the 186cm length so it is in fact scaled up to 106mm underfoot. This makes it really easy to chose a ski that’s the shape, size and weight that you want.
The couturier is named after the couloir Couturier on Mont Blanc.
I have the 186cm ski and it has the following specs:
Tip width - 138
Underfoot - 106
Tail width - 122
Weight - 1.575 KG
Turn radius 22m (average)
To compare weight with some other similar skis
K2 106 wayback - 1.655 for 186cm
Movement go 106 - 1.82kg for 186cm
Salomon QST 106 - 1.980kg for 181cm
Black Crows Corvus Freebird - 1875kg for 107 underfoot and 183.4cm
DPS Pagoda tour 106 - 1600kg for 184cm
Therefore it’s a very light ski touring ski for that width, I mounted mine with a Salmon MTN binding which is a mid weight pin/tech binding. This gives you a very light set up when you consider the waist size, in fact often when skiing it gave me a lighter set up than most of the group on thinner skis. Making it a nice ski for the way up, if you’re looking for a fatter touring ski that wont break you when it comes to skinning up this could be the one.
In terms of what goes in to their skis OGSO are very open about this, you can find a breakdown of the make up of their skis on the skis webpage - https://ogso-mountain-essentials.com/product/couturier-100-neo-ul/
The shape is a more traditional camber with a tip rise more than a rockered tip and a traditional flatter tail, I have added a diagram of the Neoteric compared to the fully rockered. The Neoteric is what most touring skis look like, so works well, and what many people will be used to. The long edge gives you great confidence and grip.
I got to ski it throughout the 22/23 season on a variety of snow conditions. If I had to describe the ski in one word it would be solid, it just works, it gives great grip and allows you to really put your foot down with confidence. It holds an edge very well and allows to you really carve through your turns but also can be quick and responsive when needed.
In powder it floats well and is great fun to throw around, once the snow gets firmer or in spring snow it flies and responds to allow you to play the mountain.
This ski has a progressive flex which is softer at the ends and gets quite stiff in the middle with with a mix of stronger carbon type material underfoot. This does mean the skis responds better to a bit of power or speed. It's not over the top stiff and should be manageable for most people, but maybe favoured by someone who is bigger or more aggressive on their skis.
Comparing it to the OGSO Schwarztor which has the same dimensions and weight but is the fully rockered version (see review here) the Schwarztor feels slightly softer which gives it an easy more accessible ski feel. The Couturier feels stiffer and a longer edge has more grip, and wants to be pushed that little bit harder. I enjoyed skiing both skis I maybe edge slightly more towards the Schwarztor as it suits my style of skiing but still happy to be out on the Coutuier. Both when mounted with a light binding could easily be used as a quiver of one for most people.
