MID FAT (78-86mm under foot) - Off

hoosing new skis can be quite an affair these days. So many
C
skis, so little time to ski them all before you buy. Trying before
you buy is key but even then you are often left trying skis in less
than ideal conditions. Sure, it is important to try a ski in marginal
conditions too but it is often difficult to get a handle on a ski in one
or two groomers; especially when the intended use for the ski is
mixed backcountry conditions. To help the effort we offer our ski
reviews as an attempt to profile each ski and give you a sense of
its personality.
A
s companies broaden their offerings, it becomes even more difficult to
narrow in on which ski is best for you; so many of the skis have such
similar dimensions. And, although generalizations can be made about
each company’s offerings, it can be difficult to narrow in on the ski or
skis for you. Not everyone is cut out for a quiver of one and not everyone
needs multiple pairs. One characteristic to consider is length. It sounds
obvious but it is more than looking at length within a given model, you
need to look at ski length within a ski category. All ski manufacturers offer
slightly different variations in ski lengths. One company offers a 174cm,
while another uses 177cm to fill the slot. Length is important and can help
you fine tune a good choice for you. A 177cm might actually be a little
long while something closer to 172 or 174 may be a better fit.
O
f course, as skis get fatter it is possible but not always necessary, to
go shorter. Going shorter on a fatter board helps keep the ski weight
down and helps keep a big ski maneuverable. Speaking of weight, all
ski weights listed are as supplied by the manufacturer. In addition to the
listed weight, we include ounces/cm. We simply divided the skis weight in
ounces by the skis length, not real scientific but an interesting comparison
number. Details like weight are simply part of the story though and should
not be seen as the end all. The same goes for ski dimensions, they are a
big piece of the story but do not tell the whole story, it really takes getting
onto a ski and taking your own snow, terrain, and skill biases into account
with a ski’s personality.
We fit skis into fit into three categories, Mid fat - up to 84mm under foot,
Fat - 85-95mm under foot, and Extra Fat - 95mm+ under foot.
MID FAT (78-86mm under foot)
Atomic Tacora 119-80-103 Length: 163/172/181/190cm Weight 7.7lbs
(181cm) or .68oz/cm $525 The Tacora offers a lively feel with a firm snow bias.
With more sidecut than the Kongur it carves well in firmer snows and makes a
good resort ski and mountaineering board. It has a short radius turn bias and
several testers suggested it would shine as a spring AT ski. When compared to
other skis with similar dimensions, the Kodiak and the World, the Tacora is the
only one available in a 190cm length.
Atomic Kongur 117-84-109 (184L) Lengths: 168/177/184/191cm 7.6lbs
(184cm) or .66oz/cm $616 The Kongur, true to its Austrian roots, is a
traditionalist ski. Its healthy waist gives it the all mountain all snow versatility
of its predecessor the TMX and its relatively shallow sidecut keeps it popular
with experienced skiers. It excels at mixed snow conditions and medium radius
turns but it is not a quick response firm snow ski. The Kongur is a work horse
that can do it all. Testers with a bias for a more responsive board preferred
Atomic’s new Kailas.
Black Diamond Crossbow 116-83-106 Length:163/171/179/187cm Weight
7.2lbs (179cm)or .64oz/cm $569 The Crossbow has several seasons under its
p-tex now and it remains part of the lineup for a reason. BD does its homework
and the ski has been refined with subtle changes over the years. The Crossbow
likes input; it is a stiff ski and responds best to aggressive input. Novice
skiers might better look elsewhere but skiers looking for a ski that can handle
a variety of difficult snows with enough waist to enjoy the good stuff will be
pleased. It will keep an aggressive skier who prefers the tour over the chair
and is not a snow snob very happy. This is a ski that can be skied shorter than
you might typically choose. A shorter length makes for a lighter package and
does not compromise the skis performance.
G3 Baron 116-81-104 Length: 163/170/177/184cm Weight: 7.8lbs/pair
(184cm) or .68oz/cm $599 The Baron is a work horse ski with a traditionalist
demeanor. With a couple of seasons under its belt now, the Baron has proven
itself as a solid all mountain board with a damp ride. It is like a modern Tua
Excalibur, relatively stiff with a medium radius sweet spot, the Baron will go
big when called upon and can get you out of a tight spot if asked. The ski fits a
variety of skier styles but stronger skiers will be able to take advantage of its
versatility more than novice skiers.
In search of more . . . JD Thompson & Steve Griffith, Alpental, WA Photo: Chad Coleman
10 Off-Piste October 2006
G3 Ace 116–81-104 Lengths: 163/170177/184cm Weight: 6.4lbs/pair
(177cm) or .57oz/cm $699 Essentially a Baron with lightweight construction,
the Ace takes the utility of the Baron and gives it a touring bias. The lighter
swing weight brings the ski around a bit quicker and the 1lb per pair weight
difference makes for a nice uphill stride. The Ace has its own personality, a bit
more responsive and bit less damp than the Baron. A dedicated touring board
for sure.
G3 Ticket 120-81-109 Length: 174/182cm Weight: 7.1lbs (174cm) or .65oz/
cm $676 The Ticket is made for consistent radius turns in consistent snow.
Its medium to short radius bias will keep skiers with an on-piste bias happy.
The ski initiates easily and likes to keep the turns coming. The asymmetrical
sidecut allows you to have the float of a ski its length but enjoy a turn radius
characteristic of a shorter ski.
Karhu Kodiak 117-80-105 Length: 166/176/186 Weight: 6.9lbs (176cm)
or .62oz/cm $479 The Kodiak is a strong player in the mid fat quiver of one
category. With a lively and forgiving personality, this ski is pure telemark. Even
flex and moderate dimensions make it a good choice for touring or resort riding.
Testers found it very confident on the groom as well as off-piste snows. The
Kodiak will appeal to skiers who ski the firm snow as often or more than they
get soft snow. It skis the soft snow just great but it offers an extra snap on firm
snows not found on some skis in its category.
K2 Shuksan 119-78-105 Length 167/174/181cm, Weight: 6.9lbs/pair (174cm)
or .63oz/cm $469 The Shuksan brings new graphics and 2 mm in the tip to the
plate this year. The Shuksan is an AT ski with a well defined personality; it is a
versatile tool for the mountains intended for folks who tour for their turns. Short
to medium radius turns are its forte. If you are looking for a dedicated touring
board that will adapt to the variety of conditions found in a typical day or week
of touring, this is the ski. You can get a better ski for big boot rippin and resort
based skiing but, if touring is your game, few other skis will cover the range of
conditions with the ease of the Shuksan.
K2 World Piste – 122-80-107; 167/174/181cm Weight: 7.1lbs (174cm) or
.65oz/cm $499 Why fix it if it ain’t broke we asked when we heard the World
Piste got a redesign this year. Well, the answer seems to be because it can be
made better. It is like peer pressure for skis, a few extra mm in width couldn’t
hurt eh. Most testers actually found little difference in performance over last
year’s ski and it remained popular with all tester types. The World continues to
fit the profile for the elusive quiver of one title, although bigger testers were
disappointed to see that the longest available size this year is 181cm. On piste or
off, the new World is a great bet for skiers of all ability levels looking to do it all.
Rossignol Powder Bird 120-83-110 Length: 160/168/176/184cm Weight:
7.6lbs (176cm) or .69oz/cm $510 The Powder Bird offers a Cadillac ride in a
mid fat ski. These skis like to point down the fall line and go but with a mellow
predictable personality. Medium and big radius turns in soft snows. They are not
the turniest ski available but they offer a confident ride. A good match for big
boots in or out of bounds. If you are used to the feel of an alpine board under
foot, the Powder Bird will fit nicely into tele your quiver.
FAT (87-94mm under foot)
Atomic Kailas 122-88-111 (174cm) Lengths 163/174/185cm. Weight: 7.4lbs
(174cm) or .68oz/cm $544 New in the Atomic line up this season, the Kailas fills
the void between the Kongur and the Janak. The Kailas retains a decidedly solid
Atomic ride but adds responsiveness uncharacteristic of its Austrian roots. Skiers
looking for an easy initiating ski that can handle deep and mixed conditions will
be right at home. Folks used to the more traditional feel of the Kongur (TMX)
might take some time to adjust to this ski but the Kailas is a true all mountain
board with wide appeal. The ski is remarkably quick turn to turn given its healthy
88mm waist. There are not many skis with pushing 90mm in the waist that
appealed to such a wide variety of skiers. On the chairlift or on a tour, the Kailas
is a new player for the quiver of one title.
Black Diamond Havoc – 120-88-113 Lengths: 163/173/183cm, 8.1lbs (183cm)
or .71oz/cm; $549.00 The Havoc is an all mountain ski that can hold an edge
when it needs to. Its tail dimension keeps it lively but it maintains a predictable
even personality. Tele users found it favored big boots and medium radius turns
while AT users found it more versatile in the boot size and turn radius. Like last
season, the Havoc received high marks from big skiers and aggressive tele’ers. It
is well suited to AT gear and is at home in bounds and out.
G3 Rapid Transit 128-91-116 Lengths: 171/178/185cm weight: 8lbs (178cm)
or .71oz/cm $725 The second asymmetrical offering from G3, the Rapid Transit
offers a quick turning ski for its dimensions. Testers preferred it in consistent
snow conditions and agreed it takes a few runs to dial it in. Once dialed in, the ski
offers quick response from edge to edge and good edge control in firmer snows.
This ski suits skiers looking to get a big platform without losing maneuverability
or carving performance.
Karhu Jak 124-90-113 Lengths: 165/172/179/186cm weight: 8.5lbs (179cm)
or .75oz/cm $519 The Jak garnered high praise from testers again this year. Like
several skis in its dimensional category, the Jak has undergone some refinement
over the years. Changes in construction and waist dimensions have made the Jak
one of the most versatile skis in the Fat category. Something about the Karhu
construction that makes their skis more agile than you would expect given their
continued on page 18
Issue XXX Off-Piste 11
Ski Review
dimensions. In the words of one tester, “the ski almost skis itself . . . the 186cm
is like a high speed down escalator”.
Karhu Jak BC 124-90-113 Lengths: 165/172/179/186cm, 7.3lbs (179cm) or
.65oz/cm $539 Sharing the Jak dimensions, the Jak BC has several seasons
of refinement behind it. This is a touring tool. It will perform in a variety of
conditions but it excels in soft and varied backcountry snows. Its significant
weight reduction over the Jak allows for use with lighter boots and makes for a
noticeably lighter swing weight. If your day consists of laps from the chair lift,
stick with the Jak. If you are looking for a dedicated touring board and want to go
as fat as possible without paying a weight penalty, the Jak BC is the ski.
K2 Work Stinx 124-88-111, Lengths 167/174/181cm 8.7lbs (174cm) or .8oz/
cm $500 K2 has honed the Work Stinx over the years and it has evolved from a
powder board to a lively all around ski with a powder bias. It retains a soft snow
flex but adds the lively feel of the World Piste to its personality by deepening
its sidecut. The ski likes to make tele turns as it should. It is a big boot ski for
sure but it does not alienate less aggressive skiers. All levels of skiers can feel at
home on the Work and at the end of a long day of skipping work, the ski gets you
back to the barn with ease if necessary. The only problem with the Work Stinx is
that K2 also offers the Anti Piste. Bigger skiers said it would be hard to go with
the Work, when you could ski the Anti especially as the Work’s longest length is
181cm.
Voile Carbon Surf 120-87-112 (178cm), Lengths 158/168/178/183/188cm 7lbs
(178cm) or .62oz/cm $470 With roots in the venerable Mountain Surf, the Carbon
Surf sets a standard for lightweight fat skis. Revamped for the o6-07 season, the
Surf is available in a range of sizes and although the ski was originally inspired by
low density Wasatch snow, the new Carbon Surf handles whatever comes it way
with fine form. The Surf has a traditionalist feel with one tester insisting it held
a parallel bias but regardless of turn style, the ski is fun. Not our pick for pure
resort ripping but for someone who’s local hill affords good bc access or for folks
looking for a touring tool the Carbon Surf will noticeably lighten your load. It is
worth mentioning that this ski is made in the USA and the price actually went
down this year, thanks Voile.
G3 Reverend 126-93-114 Length: 170/177/185 Weight: 8.2lbs (177cm) or
.74oz/cm $675 It is tempting to bust out the Sunday sermon analogy with
the Reverend as the ski definitely has strong convictions. The Reverend is a
favorite for skiing big turns and resort laps. Its damp ride and solid edge hold
favor big boots and high speed fun. Obviously designed for deep snows,
experienced skiers will find the Reverend also handles mixed and firm snow
without complaint. Although the ski offers healthy side cut, it favors medium
to big radius turns. This ski fits the mixed use profile of on and off-piste very
well. You can find a more practical daily touring board but for mixed resort
fun and the occasional tour, it excels.
K2 Mt Baker 124-88-111 Length:167/174/181 Weight: 8.6lbs (174 cm) or
.79oz/cm $499 Fresh off the design table, the Mt. Baker adds deeper side cut and
new metal in its construction. The result is a different ski from last season and
continued
although we liked last year’s ski just fine, it had a stronger touring bias than the
new model, testers enjoyed the new Baker. This ski is a better match for resort
based skiers than last season’s ski. It is stable and although it has increased
swing weight over last year’s ski, it is relatively quick to respond and the round
flex keeps it predictable. In the wods of one tester, “the Baker inspired me to
explore the hill and seek out off-piste terrain”. Big testers would like to see it in a
188cm.
ScottyBob Head Rush 127-90-(tail dimension not applicable) Length:
167/175/184cm Weight: 6.7lbs (175cm) or .61oz/cm $550 In theory, the shorter
uphill edge design allows for greater pressure along the uphill side. In practice, it
sure is easy to make this ski turn. The only ski offering a shortened uphill edge,
the Head Rush just loves to turn. It takes a few runs to learn the feel but once
you dial it in they are remarkably responsive. This translates to easy skiing with a
wide range of boots. If you drive ‘em like traditional boards though you risk over
turning them. Thus it takes a certain touch to ski them and that is why it may
take a run or two to get centered. The downside? Well, it’s not necessarily a new
school point ‘em kind of ski but it is fun nonetheless. They hop and rise out of
the snow with ease and we found them confident in soft snow as well as capable
quick carvers. We see this as a quiver ski but we know folks who use them as
their everyday board. Skins are a bit tricky with the modified tail, but skins can
be modified too.
EXTRA FAT (95+mm under foot)
Atomic Janak 125 - 99 - 117 (173) Lengths: 153/163/173/183cm 8.6lbs
(183cm) or .75/cm $651 Although it is not the biggest ski in the test, the Janak
holds it own for full on float power. Point these skis down the fall line in deep
snow and you would have to be brain dead not to turn an infectious smile. To
state the obvious, big boots and deep snow are the preferred mediums here. The
99mm waist requires some finesse on firm snows especially with a freeheel but
for trolling powder it is about as easy as it gets. This is a quiver ski and for most
humans it is worth stepping down a size from your all mountain boards for sure.
Black Diamond Verdict 128-98-116 Length: 170/180/190cm Weight 8.4lbs
(180cm) or .75/cm $599 The Verdict developed a dedicated following last season.
It is a versatile big ski. It received high marks for its tele friendly initiation and
turnability despite its dimensions. Size makes a difference when skiing deep
snows and the Verdict is one of the lighter big boards available giving it a lively
personality for its class. It skis accordingly; easy to bring around and biased to
soft conditions. No ski pushing 100 underfoot is really for the faint of heart but,
the Verdict pleased a wide variety of skiers.
Karhu Jak Team 134-100-125 Length: 172/179/186cm Weight: 9 lbs (186cm)
or .77oz/cm $549 Spurred by the popularity of the Jak, Karhu answered the call
for a bigger board with the Jak Team. The Team, like the Jak, is surprisingly quick
for its size. Again, something about the construction makes for a ski that is more
agile than one would anticipate. It could be swing weight related or simply part of
the internal recipe. Either way, the result is a ski that is fun to ski. Sure big boots
and a good level of confidence are required to see what these skis will do and,
given that, they can do it all. It is not the ski to make tight turns down narrow
couloirs but if you prefer to go big, they are the right tool for the job.
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18 Off-Piste October 2006
Ski Review
continued
K2 Anti Piste 131-98-116 Length: 167/174/181/188cm Weight: 9.4lbs
(174cm) or .86oz/cm $549 A full on big mountain, big boot ski, the Anti-Piste
holds its own at speed and through the chop. In the words of one tester, “it skis
like a finely tuned brush hog mowing through the crud”. Its personality comes
with some weight penalty but for folks looking for a big board the Anti-Piste
was hard to reclaim from the test crew. It can handle it all and although not
everyone needs a ski this big, those who do will appreciate it.
Rossignol Sick Bird 128-98-121 Length: 171/178/185cm Weight: 9.7lbs
(173cm) .90oz/cm $539 The Sick Bird pushes 100 mil underfoot and like its
smaller sibling the powder bird, it likes to stay pointed down the hill. Testers
found it handles skied out pow with ease and floats like it should in the deep.
Big skis are fun and the Sick bird is no different. Although its weight is a
downside for some, others like the confidence that comes along with a heavy
board. Big boots and aggressive skiers appreciated it best but if you can step
down a size or two, the ski was remarkably responsive.
WOMEN’S SPECIFIC SKIS
Atomic Pumori 112-80-103 Length: 154/163/172 Weight 6.5lbs 163cm or
.64oz/cm $525 Atomics mid fat ski for women, the Pumori is a relatively quick
turning and easily initiates turns. The healthy waist still requires some energy
to get on edge but testers found the Pumori livelier than the men’s Tacora.
Testers described it as snappy and capable. Like the Atomics in general, this ski
responds well to parallel turns and would be an obvious choice for a ladies AT
ski.
Atomic Saipal 106-72-97 Length: 140/150/160/170/180 Weight: 6.6lbs
(170cm) or .62oz/cm $507 The Saipal received high marks as a women’s tele
ski. Bright and snappy are adjectives used to describe its personality. Its
modest dimensions may not make for the best powder ski around but it will
serve well at the ski hill and would be especially fun on a spring tour.
Skiing and Whiskying in the Sierra continued
Today, the revival event is
entering its 14th year. Organized
by the Plumas Ski Club and held
at their local hill, Plumas Eureka
Ski Bowl, in Johnsville, CA, the
event includes three races held
annually in January, February, and
March. March, being the World
Championships, is the largest
event in the series. In accordance
with tradition, no spittin’ or
cheatin’ is allowed. Skiers must
use skis that are at least 10 feet
in length, walk up the course,
and use dope resembling historic
recipes; no modern wax is allowed.
Period dress and leather boots
are also required. The Longboard
Revival is much more than just a
ski race.
Like to get your hands on a pair
of longboards? You are in luck.
Lightning Boards of Salt Lake
City, UT has resurrected the
art of wooden ski construction.
Bob Yerman, the man behind
Lightning Boards has been building wooden replica skis for 15 years.
Fueled by an interest in antique skis, Bob decided he could make a
few pair. Soon, given the craftsmanship of his replicas, a demand
developed and he began crafting a variety of boards based on both
vintage and modern models. Using primarily poplar and ash, his skis
are designed to be used. His vintage skis come complete with replica
leather strap bindings and a single pole used to help steer and
control the skis. www.lightningboards.com
You can find more information on the revival races at www.
plumasskiclub.org or call the Plumas County Visitor’s Bureau at 530283-6345 or the Plumas County Museum at 530-283-6320.
Images from the 2006 Longboard Revival Race in Johnsville, CA
K2 Schi Devil 119-78-105 Length: 153/160/167/174cm Weight: 6.6lbs
(174cm) .61oz/cm $489 The Schi Devil vies for the women’s quiver of one
spot. Testers made comparisons with the World Piste for lively feel and ease of
turn initiation. This is a lively ski that responds easily to a variety of skiers and
put smiles on every tester’s face. Testers described the handling as effortless
and capable of every turn radius. Should have T2’s or bigger for boots but
testers found it forgiving and fun.
K2 Dawn Patrol 125-89-112 Length: 153/160/167/174cm Weight: 7.4lbs
(174) or .68oz.cm $519 The Dawn Patrol is a lively big ski. It initiates easily
and serves up a variety of turn styles. Regardless of your AT or Tele bias the
Dawn Patrol likes to turn and is a great choice for hut trips and big days at the
hill. In the words of one tester, the Dawn Patrol is a forgiving ski that keeps
making turns, even when I am tired. Looking for a ski with a soft snow turn
friendly bias, check out the Dawn Patrol
Karhu Jill 124-90-113 Length: 158/165/172cm Weight: 6.8lbs (165cm) or
.66oz/cm $519 The Jill sets a high standard for a women’s fat ski. It serves
strong female skiers and moderate turners alike. Big skis take skill to enjoy
in all conditions but the shorter lengths of the Jill should serve skiers of all
varieties. This is a good choice for women with a big mountain bias or for those
looking to get more float in soft snows. Bigger women may prefer the Jak as it
is available in longer lengths.
Karhu Betty 117-80-105 Length: 166/176/186 Weight 6.9lbs (176cm) or
.63oz/cm $479 Like the Kodiak, the Betty is a versatile lively ski. Its light
weight keeps it responsive yet it holds an edge when needed in bounds or out.
Even flex and moderate dimensions make for nice tele turns and female testers
of all abilities found it a top choice for their quiver of one.
Rossignol Rip Chick 120-83-11 Length: 150/160/168/176cm Weight: 7lbs
(168cm) or .67oz/cm $510 The Rip Chick is an all mountain ski with a soft
snow bias. The Rip Chick maintains the damp Rossi ride and was popular with
aggressive women skiers. It works through soft snow with ease, is stable on
firm snows, and favors big to medium radius arcs. Not for the timid but will
keep a demanding skier smiling.
G3 Siren 120-88-109 Length: 157/166cm Weight: 7.2lbs (166cm) or .69oz/
cm $615 The siren is a stable ski with enough under foot to handle all soft
and cut up snows. Its healthy waist keeps it a bit slow from edge to edge but
it appealed to novice and experienced skiers alike, although the short lengths
available will limit its appeal to big mountain rippers.
Issue XXX Off-Piste 19