2012 Ski Review, Hankin Evelyn, Turning Around, Ski Racks, Free Heels & more

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1 Priceless 2012 Ski Review, Hankin Evelyn, Turning Around, Ski Racks, Free Heels & more Issue LIV October 2012

2 2012 Ski Review From Quiver Builders to Quiver Killers The folowing crop of 2012 backcountry skis is evidence that rocker is no longer just for powder skis. Almost every ski in the review features some level of rocker. With rocker comes width underfoot and skis that are more versatile than ever. It sounds like marketing hype, but it s true; rocker lets you ski a wider ski in more varied conditions. The trick becomes capturing your ski style and addressing your snow and terrain needs. Generally speaking, the more rocker, the surfier and more buttery a ski performs. The less rocker, the more a ski retains traditional caving characteristics. To learn even more about rocker, check out Rocker Simplified on page 12. As usual, we break skis out by width and our collection may be missing a few models. Some carry-over models were left out and can be found in last year s review on our website. Women s skis are indicated by a (w) following the name. We include rocker/camber profiles for most skis, however the profiles were not available from all manufacturers. CATEGORY 110mm+ Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt - Dimensions (mm): 147/120/126; Lengths (cm): 178, 188; Radius: 38m; Weight: 3.97kg, 8lb 6oz (178cm); $829. The modern, surfy dimensions and generous tip and tail rocker of the venerable Megawatt meet Black Diamond s lightweight Free Tour construction in the Carbon Megawatt. The result is a big radius powder hog that weighs in over a pound and half lighter per pair than the Megawatt. It s easy on the quads in the uptrack, yet maintains the surfy fun of the Megawatt on the descent. The overall feel of the Carbon Megawatt is smooth and responsive, quintessential big platform fun without the weight penalty. It handles speed with ease (in fact, it prefers it), delivers big turns and holds up quite well to fairly modest boots. In other words, it s sweet ride for the big radius, touring minded skier. Sure, the classic Megawatt is more powerful when it comes to mixed resort conditions, but when you re earning your turns there are few skis in this category that really walk the lightweight talk. The Carbon Megawatt combines the buttery ride of a big ski with the responsive feel of lightweight construction. DPS Wailer 112RP - Dimensions (mm): 141/112/128; Lengths (cm): 168,178,184,190, Radius (m): 15-18, Weight: 3.2kg, 7lb 1oz (178cm); $1250. The Wailer 112RP earned the respect of testers by offering more than just predictably great soft snow performance. Although a little on the wide side for us to call it an all-mountain board, the Wailer 112 handled ski hill leftovers with ease, especially considering its remarkably light weight. It s right up there with the Voile Charger and the Dynafit Huascaran vying for the lightest weight rockered powder ski award. It maintains its own lively and stable personality while laying down sweeping arcs and agile smears in soft snow. As one tester put it, The Wailer 112 lays down short radius turns and big surfy smears with ease. It makes a great mid-winter touring pick and even responds well to modest boots. We tested the carbon + nano lay-up, and although the non-carbon construction adds some weight, it drops several hundred bucks off the price, too. Black Diamond Justice - Dimensions (mm): 138/111/123; Lengths (cm): 175, 185; Radius: 31m; Weight: 3.6kg, 7lb 15oz (175cm); $719. Although the Justice loses its flagship status to the new Carbon Megawatt this season, it retains its lightweight construction and slightly more lively personality. Healthy tip rocker with a bit more camber and less tail rise than the Megawatt s shape delivers a capable ride on the descent that still maintains surfy undertones. The Justice serves up shorter radius arcs and is a bit more agile in tighter terrain than the Megawatt. It has good turn follow through and walks a nice line between full rocker and a more traditional ride. It s still a quiver ski for most folks, but it s a fun one. 14 Off-Piste October 2012 Dynafit Huascaran - Dimensions (mm): 134/112/123; Lengths (cm): 167,177,186,196; Radius: 35/20/20m; Weight: 3.5kg, 7lb 12oz (177cm); $900. Dynafit ups the ante in the dedicated and fat touring ski genre with their new Huascaran. Measuring in at a healthy 114mm underfoot (186cm), the Huascaran maintains Dynafit s light is right mantra, while being their first ski to offer generous tip rocker combined with mild tail rocker. The Huascaran is one of the few skis to measure in over 110mm at the waist and under eight pounds in weight. Light camber underfoot serves the ski well, and the Huascaran knows few boundaries. It serves up a smooth ride and maximum flotation, while its tip and tail rocker facilitates quick transitions and a surfy feel. Although obviously designed with the backcountry in mind, we were impressed at how well it managed ski hill ripping, too. The Huascaran also marks the end of Dynafit s binding insert program. It comes with a flat deck, ready to accept any binding, even freeheel.

3 Fat-ypus D Sender - Dimensions (mm): 144/112/130; Lengths (cm): 164,174,184,194; Radius: 25m; Weight: 3.91kg, 7lb 10oz (184); $790. The Fat-ypus D-Sender scored high marks in the fun factor department. The ski s modest tip rocker and light tail rise are matched to a reasonable camber profile for all-conditions versatility and a lively ride. It s also respectably light for its dimensions. The 174 actually specs a weight below eight pounds. Nonetheless, the D-Sender maintained a stable, point and shoot personality in mixed conditions and offers a blend of traditional carve and surfable personality. Fat-ypus E Motion (w s) - Dimensions (mm): 144/112/130; Lengths (cm): 164,174; Turn Radius: 25m; Weight: 3.4kg, 7lb 11oz; $790. Following in the same dimension of the D-Sender, the women s specific E-Motion received similar positive feedback for its stable, yet lively ride in mixed conditions. The ski has enough rocker to offer a surfy feel in the pow and enough camber and tail for traditional turn follow through in mixed conditions. The E-Motion strikes a nice combination that s at home in anything soft or carvable. G3 Empire - Dimensions (mm): 153/127/137; Lengths (cm): 183, 193; Weight: 4.58kg, 10lb 10oz (183cm); $800. The Empire is an obvious move by G3 to reach into the big radius freeride genre and the ski scored big points for its damp and stable ride. This pontoon of a ski is not for the faint of thigh in the backcountry, but it sure is fun to ski. Predictably, the Empire likes to go big and go fast. It doesn t require deep snow to come to life, but it s definitely happiest when the snow is soft. Most impressive is just how stable yet maneuverable the ski performed for its size. Of course, bigger boots and a confident driver are required to make the most of the Empire. In the words of one tester, plays nice in the untracked. G3 District - Dimensions (mm): 140/112/130; Lengths (cm): 174,179,187; Weight: 3.7 kg, 8 lb 2 oz (179); $720. Building on the success of the Tonic platform, the new District adds width and rocker to the same construction recipe. The result is a reasonably damp ski with a bias for bigger turns, fall line speed and soft snow. It handled resort conditions and varied terrain without complaint, but shined the brightest when let to run in wide open spaces. It was not quite as nimble as others in its category, but it s respectably light and will serve mid-winter powder misions well. K2 SideSeth - Dimensions (mm): 147/118/135; Lengths (cm): 174, 181, 188; Radius: 26m; Weight: 4.65kg, 10lb 4oz, $799. It was unanimous, the SideSeth is a go-anywhere ski - anything kind of board, but it s not for the timid or the weight conscious; imagine that. Nonetheless, the ski has a certain laidback personality that makes you want to ride big turns and search for open terrain. Quoting one tester, It s not necessarily lazy, but it lets the driver relax, cause you know it ll handle what comes its way. The SideSeth is spec d with K2 s Powder Rocker, which sets you up with a 50/50 rocker/camber profile. On snow, it s got a big radius habit and a point and go attitude. K2 BackDrop -Dimension (mm): 142/112/131; Lengths (cm): 174,181; Radius: 23m; Weight: 3.8kg, 8lb 6oz; $700. Filling the gap in the K2 line-up for a lighter construction and full-bodied ski, the new BackDrop serves up a classic K2 ride, lively and forgiving, yet ever so capable. Think Coomback versatility with better hedonistic powder performance. It features the same lightweight core construction as the Wayback but adds significant width and K2 s All-Terrain Rocker profile in the tip. The flat tails and camber underfoot translate to full ski engagement and round turns. To summarize our testing experience; it s got a huge sweet spot and offers a smooth, damp ride. It might not be the lightest ski on the block, but it s respectable and a lot of fun to ski. La Sportiva Hang 5 - Dimensions (mm): 145/117/135; Lengths (cm): 178,188; Radius: 23m; Weight: 4.2kg, 9lb 4oz; $825. La Sportiva applies their big tip rocker recipe to their new wide ride, the Hang5. In addition to continued on page 24 Issue LIV Off-Piste 15

4 Ski Review 2012 their trademark big tips, the Hang5 adds what Sportiva calls mini tail rocker. Together, the package delivers easy initiation and a medium to larger turn radius bias. There is no question these skis are lightweight, but the 188 does break nine pounds, so it s not crazy light. The resulting performance is stable and easy to maneuver but slower edge to edge than their other 5-series models. Really, it just prefers a bigger turn and is most comfortable when the snow penetration is measured in double digits. Nonetheless, the Hang5 hung in there with a good fun factor score from our test crew. Give the Hang5 a little speed and some wide open spaces, and you ll feel right at home. Prior Overlord (XTC construction) - Dimensions (mm): 143/116/127, Lengths (cm): 175,183,188,193cm, Radius: 19m, Weight: 4.05kg/8lb 15oz (183); $1099. Prior tweaked the 2012 Overlord s shape a little, but its overall character remains similar. If anything, the new Overlord is a bit more responsive to shorter radius maneuvering and feels more energetic as a result. Like many wide skis, the Overlord comes to life at speed. It s not for the faint of heart, and in the words of one tester, the Overlord likes to put the pedal down and makes short work of anything in its path. Like the Husume, the Overlord is available in a heavier, non-carbon construction, but given our gram-counter leanings, we like the lighter (and pricier) carbon model. If you live where snowfall is measured in feet rather than inches, the Overlord deserves to be on your short list. break into the 100mm+ waist barrier. The early rise tip adds predictable soft snow flotation and easy turn initiation. The Starlet is most at home earning turns in backcountry snow. Dynafit Stoke - Dimensions (mm): 129/105/119; Length: 164,173,182; Radius: 34/20m; Weight: 3.23kg, 7lb 2oz (173cm); $800. The Stoke takes a back seat to the now wider Huascaran for those looking for a lightweight powder ski, but if all-mountain utility is on your list, the Stoke has proven to be a get-it-done stick when mixed alpine conditions are the order of the day. Its mild early rise tip does not offer the lively initiation of a more rockered ski, but it keeps the Stoke ready for the next turn in a range of conditions. It matches well to a variety of boots thanks to its lightweight consruction. G3 Manhattan Dimensions (mm): 139/108/128; Lengths (cm): 175, 180, 185; Weight: 4.08kg, 9lb; $760. The Manhattan delivers a cool, calm and collected ride. The ski is a damp, yet a lively connoisseur of medium to large radius arcs. It handles resort conditions without complaint and is, in our opinion, the most versatile board in G3 s Freeride line. The Manhattan draws you into turns without being too turny and releases whenever you see fit. In the powder, it skied bigger than its dimensions, while in firmer snow it was more responsive than testers anticipated. Its dimensions and weight respond best to stouter boots, but mid-range are not out of the question, especially with a solid driver. Voile Buster - Dimensions (mm): 139/118/127 (176); Lengths (cm):176, 186; Radius: 27m; Weight: 3.57kg, 7lb 14oz (176); $625. Voile breaks new ground this season with the Buster. Not only is it a new shape for Voile, it also features new sidewall construction and a change in the composition of the wood core. Although it s still darn light on the weight spectrum, the new construction, by Voile s design, is aimed at a more descent-minded crowd. The Buster still weighs in at less than eight pounds (176 cm), but it offers a damper, more confidence inspiring ride than the Charger in mixed resort conditions. We found it versatile and easy to initiate with a moderate turn radius bias that lets you lay down turns at will. One tester used the word buttery to summarize the Buster s inspired ride, another said it holds a steady course at speed and was all fun, all the time. If you have any doubts about length, go longer, cause testers agreed it skies shorter than expected. G3 Tonic Dimensions (mm): 132/100/123; Lengths (cm): 172, 177, 185, 192; Weight: 3.66kg, 7lb 12oz (177); $700. The Tonic returns with a little added rise in the tip and tail specs this season, what G3 calls Early Rise 2.5. The ski maintains camber underfoot, and on snow, the Tonic offers a similar confident performance to last year s model, with a touch more responsiveness, which translates to a little more surfable feel in soft snow. Still, it holds its own with predictable, traditional carves in resort conditions. It may not perform at speed like the bigger, heavier skis in G3 s line, but it can handle any snow that you can. In the words of one tester, Maybe it s because it s one of the few skis that we tested with a freeheel, but the Tonic seems to embrace the tele turn. Voile Charger Dimensions (mm): 137/112/126; Lengths (cm): 171,181,191; Radius: 21m; Weight: 3.34kg, 7lb 6 oz (171); $595. Voile s dedication to backcountry skiing (and riding) is well known, and the Charger s reputation as a lightweight and playful touring ski are well earned. Of course, it s fun in a variety of snows, but it really comes to life when Mother Nature delivers the goods. The ski is agile, responsive to a variety of ski styles and floats with the best. To quote last year s review the Charger makes you feel like you can do no wrong. It s the quintessential mid-winter powder touring tool that s at home in the full gamut of backcountry conditions. Its moderate tip and tail rocker lend it smearability and agile handling, while its lightweight makes taking another lap a no-brainer. K2 Coomback Dimensions (mm): 135/102/121; Lengths (cm): 167,174,181,188; Radius: 22m; Weight: 3.54kg, 7lb 9oz (174cm); $825. Despite having been unchanged for multiple seasons, it s hard to leave the Coomback out of our annual review. It s a benchmark ski that serves many a skier well as a quiver-of-one tool. Its no-metal layup delivers a smooth, supple ride that still handles less than ideal conditions with great stability. Its versatility is truly something to aspire to, much like its namesake. This year s model gets a new (collector s edition) top sheet, but still delivers the dependable, damp ride that has made it so popular in the front and backcountry. Voile Charger BC Dimensions (mm): 137/112/126; Lengths (cm): 171, 181,191; Radius: 21m; Weight: 3.34kg, 7lb 6 oz (171); $595. Having defined a new ski category last season with the Vector BC, Voile builds on the category by adding a Charger BC. If you missed the new BC variation last season, it adds a pattern or fish scale type base to the Charger and Vector skis. The idea is to extend the ski s functionality. The base is not meant to replace skins; it simply adds a new dynamic to your ski day. The kick and glide base opens up options and improves mobility in the backcountry. In cold soft snow, the base remains unnoticeable on the descent. In warmer, spring snow, where the base climbs best, it adds a small amount of glide friction on the descent, but the downside is minimal. The Charger BC is easily the widest fish scale base ski on the market, and it performs every bit as well as the regular version, but with the added benefit of facilitating flat approaches, exploratory pokes mid pitch and even legitimate ridge top tours without needing to put on your skins. Kästle TX107 Dimensions (mm): 135/107/127; Lengths (cm): 167,177,187; Radius: 23.5m; Weight: 3.84 kg, 8lb 8oz; $749. The TX107 is a stable ride with a decidedly point and go mentality. Its Austrian roots shine through with solid edging and its deliberate medium to big radius personality. Its light tip rocker shape is effective but delivers a less surfy ride than more aggressively rockered skis. Relatively stiff tails yield nice follow through on the carve, and although there are certainly lighter skis, the 108 offers a stable ride that is happiest with big boots and a confident driver. CATEGORY mm Black Diamond Starlet (w) - Dimensions (mm): 134/100/121; Length (cm): 156, 166, 176; Radius: 20m; Weight: 2.76kg, 6lb 6oz (166cm); $679. Modest tip rocker and lightweight construction define the Starlet, a women s specific touring ski from BD. Built on the Drift platform, the Starlet shares many of the same performance traits. In the big picture, it skis pretty traditionally with full tail interaction and is a nice step into a fatter ski for someone who has yet to 24 Off-Piste October 2012 La Sportiva Hi5 - Dimensions (mm): 135/105/125; Lengths (cm): 168, 178, 188; Radius: 23m; Weight: 3.6kg, 7lb 15oz (178cm); $799. Even in its second season, the Hi5 turns heads. Certainly part of it is the skis bright color, but it also sports a big, eye catching and generously rockered tip. The ski s lightweight construction makes it more than uphill friendly; it feels downright light underfoot, especially when mounted with Sportiva s tech bindings. As expected the Hi5 handles deep snow with ease. What was impressive was just how well the ski handles anything carvable, like spring corn. It owes this to its flat tails and resulting edge engagement. Short radius turns are its arc of choice until it sinks into deeper snow where it will kick back a little bit more. The Hi5 shares the bright, lightweight responsiveness typical of lighter construction skis. Straight tails and skin notches add backcountry utility.

5 continued Prior Husume (XTC construction) - Dimensions (mm): 137/109/124; Lengths (cm): 175,181,188,193; Weight: 3.75kg, 8lb 4oz (181cm); $1099. Crafted in Whistler BC, the Husume is one of those unique skis that does it all with a stable and fun personality, and although the ski s dimensions grew a few millimeters for 2012, it remains easy to initiate and responsive in a wide range of conditions. Modest tip and tail rocker give it a playful ride, while it still offers an impressive degree of groomer ripping performance. The Husume defaults to medium and longer radius turns in untracked bowls, while delivering agile performance when asked. It s an ideal blend of smear-friendly soft snow performance and a more traditional round arc ripper. The lightweight XTC construction keeps it respectably light without compromising on performance. Volkl Nunataq Dimensions (mm): 139/107/123; Lengths (cm): 170,178, ; Radius: 24m; Weight: 3.5kg, 7lb 11oz (177cm); $825. Following in the shadow of the popular Gotama (from the Volkl alpine line), the Nunataq matches the same flat camber and modest tip and tail rocker with lightweight construction and a metal-free layup. The result is a ski that speaks to a wide range of skier styles and backgrounds. The ski s ability to serve up surfy powder riding yet still feel confident and stable in mixed resort snow is impressive. It s even rigged out to work with Volkl s signature skin pin climbing skins made by Colltex. The Nunataq can be driven with a wide range of boots and is easy on the uptrack at less than eight pounds (178cm). The Nunataq is a ski that backcountry aficionados and discerning sidecountry riders alike can embrace. CATEGORY 95-99mm sidewall construction matched to light camber, modest tip and tail rocker and a decidedly soft flex in this 95mm-waisted ski. It s a little surfy and a little trad all in one. On the snow, we found it surprisingly damp and stable for its specs when ripping around the ski hill. It was agile in soft and carvable conditions, but a little squirrely when the snow got funky. Dimensionally, it s modest, but its generous rockered shape and soft flex keep it afloat. Blizzard Samba (w) - Dimensions (mm): 131/98/116; Lengths (cm): 159,166,173; Radius: 20m, Weight: 3.6kg, 7lb 15oz (173cm); $850. Blizzard caught our attention this season with several of their Free Mountain skis featuring wood core construction and metal-free layups. The Samba is a women s specific ski that embraces rocker in the tip and tail and features light camber underfoot. Following in Blizzard s reputation for powerful skis, the Samba s sidewall construction maintains solid edge hold and carving qualities for a ski without metal. Tip and tail rocker keep the ski planing through the pow, but its turn radius and playful character are decidedly reserved. The Samba is a medium radius cruiser that ll please those looking for a solid, predictable ride. Blizzard Kabookie - Dimensions (mm): 133/98/118; Lengths (cm): 166,173,180,187; Radius: 21m, Weight: 3.8kg, 8lb 6oz (180cm); $850. Part of Blizzard s Free Mountain Series, the Kabookie features wood core construction and no metal. It s based on the Bonafide, but lighter weight. Modest tip and tail rocker come from Blizzards Flip Core construction and delivers a remarkably stable platform that speaks to its Austrian race heritage. Maybe it s the sidewall construction or the Bamboo stringers, but the Kabookie handled mixed carvable conditions well, albeit a little less playfully than others in the sub-100 waist category. Pure powder skiing was more lively and the rocker profile made for easy initiation and turn release. Recovering racers might just find that skiing off-piste can be fun, too. Black Diamond Revert - Dimensions (mm): 121/95/109; Lengths (cm): 165,173,181,189; Radius: 22m; Weight: 3.51kg, 7lb 12oz (181cm); $649. The Revert represents a new shape and feel for Black Diamond. You ll find DPS Wailer 99 - Dimensions (mm): 126/99/110; Lengths (cm): 168,176,184,192; Radius: 16-19m; Weight: 3.17kg, 7lb (176cm); $1250. DPS took their Wailer 112 magic and applied it to a 99mm-waisted ski and Issue LIV Off-Piste 25

6 Ski Review 2012 received universal praise from our test crew. Sizeable tip and tail rocker give the Walier 99 a lively and surfy personality, while the magic combination of camber underfoot and sidewall construction serve it well when firm snow comes into play. 100mm underfoot is truly the new norm for everyday skiing, and the Wailer 99 fits the all-mountain utility description with a new school edge. Turn initiation is super easy and the 99 has a decidedly short radius bias, but delivered a full range of shape and turn styles from quick carvers to modern smears. It s remarkably light weight thanks to its wood core and carbon laminate construction, but the price tag will be a hurdle for your average ski bum. Dynafit Manaslu - Dimensions (mm): 122/95/108; Lengths (cm): 169,178,187; Radius: 35/21m; Weight: 2.92 kg, 6 lb 7oz (178cm); $700. Only a few skis have stood the test of time as well as the Manaslu. It s not the biggest stick on the block, or the burliest. But it serves up remarkably consistent results in the backcountry. The dimensions, tip rise, and performance of the Manaslu have defined a category, all-mountain touring. The Manaslu can handle it all. From spring ski mountaineering to kneedeep blower, the ski rises to the occasion. If replication is the ultimate form of flattery, the growing category of mid-90 s waisted skis from Voile, La Sportiva, BD and others should say it all. We fully advocate the fun of bigger, surfier skis, but we also know the Manaslu will get the job done with a smile, regardless of the conditions. Kästle TX 97 - Dimensions (mm): 128/97/117; Lengths (cm): 167,176,187; Radius: 22m; Weight: 3.35kg, 7lb 6oz (177cm); $749. The all-new TX 97 blends classic Kästle carving characteristics with reasonably lightweight construction and mild early rise in the tip. On snow, the ski holds its own in mixed conditions and Kästle s well known carving character shows right through. The TX 97 favors an aggressive driver and medium radius arcs. It s decidedly traditional in its turn initiation and release. It remains very capable in soft snow, but is not as playful as skis sporting more rocker. The TX 97 is a ski for traditionalists looking for the benefit of light tip rise in the powder and classic Kästle edge engagement in firmer snow. La Sportiva Lo5 - Dimensions (mm): 125/95/115; Lengths (cm): 168,178,188; Radius: 18m; Weight: 3.25kg, 7.lb 4 oz; $699. The Lo5 scored high marks with testers in soft spring test conditions. Light and lively with a good traditional carve describe it well. The ski holds its edge nicely through the turn thanks to its traditional tails, but it still initiates with incredible ease. Sure, it gets tossed around a bit when conditions are mixed or heavy, but it has a way of always rising out into a smooth turn. It s a good contender to give the Manaslu and the Vector a run for their money in the mid-90 s, allmountain touring category. Its straight tails give it a traditional feel bias and ski mountaineering utility. The generous tip rocker is especially nice breaking trail, and tail notch helps keep skins secure. K2 Hardside - Dimensions (mm): 131/98/119; Lengths (cm): 160,167,174,181; Radius: 23m; Weight: 3.96kg, 8lb 11oz (181cm); $825. Featuring the same All-Terrain Rocker profile as the Coomback, the Hardside is a bit slimmer in profile and adds metal to the laminate construction. The result is a ski that still charges a wide range of snow conditions while delivering a little faster all-mountain, all-conditions carve. If your ski adventures are more spring focused or your home snowpack highly variable, the Hardside is a great tool to equalize the variability and still serve up fun performance. For some reason, perhaps its eight plus-pound weight, we ve overlooked this ski in past reviews, but this season we looked beyond the its weight and recognize its potential as a versatile all-mountain tool. Volkl Nanuq - Dimensions (mm): 131/96/114; Lengths (cm): 163,170, 178, 184; Radius: 24.6m; Weight: 3.2kg, 7lb 1oz (177cm); $825. The Nanuq runs a solid edge that any Volkl skier will recognize. The metal-free layup keeps them light but still delivers a fairly stiff flex that translates to good turn follow through. The Nanuq is not as surfy as the Nunataq, but it s every bit as capable and full of life. Its personality remains rooted in a more traditional turn finish. Sure it s not as powerful as its Mantra inspiration, but it still offers a ride with the same type of character. Adventure knows no bounds Experienced Staff Premium Tuning & Repairs Backcountry Demos & Rentals Custom Backcountry Boot Fitting 1510 NE 37th Ave Portland, OR (503) YEARS Visit us online at 26 Off-Piste October 2012

7 continued CATEGORY 90-94mm the patterned base adds flexibility to your ski day. Flat approaches are way, way faster than with skins. Ridge walks and short exploration hops in search of the right line between pitches are way easier and more apt to happen, because you can do it without putting on skins. Bottom line: If your local backcountry requires flat approaches or you like to explore while out skiing, the BC version is for you. BC SKIS G3 Saint Dimensions (mm): 122/93/112; Lengths (cm): 175, 180, 185, 190; Weight: 3.25kg, 6lb 14oz; $680. Unchanged from 2011, the Saint offers a nice blend of modest dimensions and light early rise. It may not have the sexiest dimensions on the market, but the Saint is backcountry to the core. Its light swing weight and round flex delivers even arcs in a range of backcountry snows. It responds well to lighter AT and tele boots and kept an even temper for a range of skiers. Hard charging huckster should look elsewhere, but diehard ski tourists will appreciate the Saint s all-mountain utility, round turns and uphill-friendly weight. Voile Vector - Dimensions (mm): ; Lengths: 160,170,180; Radius: 21.7m; Weight: 2.76kg, 6lb 2oz (170cm); $550. The Vector proved itself as a versatile backcountry tool for many backcountry skiers last season. Its light weight and decent rocker profile delivers a responsive, turny ride. Newbies and seasoned vets alike agree it s a nimble touring stick. From soft midwinter snow to spring corn, the Vector is light and lively and equally comfortable rigged up with a freeheel as it is fixed, and it s a good choice for skiers who prefer light boots. Voile Vector BC Dimensions (mm): ; Lengths: 160,170,180; Radius: 21.7m; Weight: 2.76kg, 6lb 2oz (170cm); $550. Voile defined a new category of ski last year when they built the Vector with a kick and glide base. That s right, the Vector BC, matches the regular Voile Vector dimension for dimension, except it features a traditional fish scale or pattern base like that found on a more nordic oriented ski. We need to say right now that the base does not replace skins; but it does it adds low angle versatility to the ski. The most common question regarding the base is, How s the glide? The answer is, remarkably good. In soft, cold snow the base is virtually unnoticeable while skiing down. In wetter, spring-like conditions, it s more noticeable, but still very skiable. The next most common question is, What s the point? Well, the point is Madshus Annum Dimensions (mm): 109/78/95; Lengths (cm): 165,175,185,195; Weight: 2.6kg, 5lb 13oz (175cm); $340. Not all are lucky enough to spend every ski day in search of the steep and deep. If low-angle tours and mixed backcountry travel make your ski agenda with any regularity, it s hard to beat the classic feel of cambered, pattern base ski like the Madshus Annum. Single camber design and easy kick and glide performance define its personality. The Annum is a nimble adventurer for light booted devotees. The ski s modest specs are well matched to three-pin adventure. There s plenty of ski for the downhill inclined and inspired freeheelers. Throw a pair of skins in the mix and the Annum can take you anywhere. Altai Hok Dimensions (mm): 124/110/122; Lengths (cm): 125,145; Weight: 2.38kg, 5lb 4oz; $210. The Hok is unlike any other ski in our review. It s short at 125 and 145cm, and it features an integrated climbing skin on the base, a single camber flex and light tip rocker. It s part nordic ski and part adventure tool. The concept was inspired by the skiers and ski shapes found in Central Asia s Altai Mountais. It s a tool for travel and play. The Hok is designed to be used with a three-pin binding and leather or lightweight plastic tele boots. It s even available with a universal binding to meet the needs of a less ski-oriented user. We skied em with three-pins, and thanks to the ski s wide platform (110mm underfoot) and integrated skin, they climb great. Taking the recommendation of the ski s designer, we chose to use a single wooden staff or tyak as it s called in the Altai, versus ski poles. Regular ski poles work too, but the ski s short length lends itself to a unique downhill style using the single pole. The Hok is an idyllic tool when the object of the day to is to explore. Touring on the Hok (especially with a single wooden tyak) has its own unique feel and pace. They are light and foster a great go-anywhere mentality. Making turns takes a little adjusting to the ski s short length but is still quite fun. Once you have the rhythm, we found them capable of skiing a wide range of terrain. The Hok is not a replacement for your tele or AT gear; it s a lightweight tool to expand your skiing horizons and to foster easy access to all types of terrain. Issue LIV Off-Piste 27

8 Rico Reimers gets a fresh line in the North Cascades Off-Piste Mag photo