By Tony Crespi
posted
Nov 29, 2012
Part 2: Picking news skis, reflections from the test
track
Picking new skis is challenging. Many skiers simply pick a pair
based on reviews and graphics. But, that can be a mistake. The same
ski, afterall, in two different lengths, can ski like two very
different skis. In addition, performance can vary widely because of
skier weight, strength, as well as style. Just as two friends
interested in purchasing a car might make different choices, based
on performance, style and differing needs.
In addition, evaluate picks based on an honest assessment of
skill and terrain preferences. If I still typically chose to ski
off-piste seeking wild adventures, I would pick a wider
all-mountain ski well-suited for deep snow. But I mostly ski
on-trail in New England. So I pick my ski accordingly. Make your
pick by balancing your typical ski experience.
The good news is that there are a wide array of great skis new
to the market this year. But to find your ideal ski you should take
that test ride. The most important indicator is the smile
factor.
THE 2012-2013 SKI COLLECTION
ATOMIC SKIS
Atomic Skis are a staple on the world cup race circuit. Using
proven race driven designs Atomic continues to offer stellar
performance, while varying the amount of rocker depending on the
mission. With 49 offerings - excluding rentals - this collection is
large. Here is a sampling of the line.
All Mountain Vantage Series:
Ritual: With a waist of 103mm and this wood core ski uses an
all-mountain tip and tail rocker shape with fun graphics . While
that wider waist is more likely to appeal to those who spend a good
amount of time in the trees or woods it boasts easy turn initiation
. It will go really fast.
Waist 103 mm. Lengths: 174,182,190
Alibi: With a waist of 98mm this wood core ski also uses tip and
tail rocker. While that somewhat narrower waist is more likely to
appeal to Eastern skiers it is still wide enough for who spend a
good amount of time in the trees or woods
Waist 98 mm. Lengths: 173,180,187
Theory: The Theory also uses a wood core with a 95mm waist, dark
red and black graphics, and all mountain, tip and tail, rocker.
This ski boasts a great look and loves speed.
Waist 95mm, Lengths: 168,177,186
Panic: The Panic also uses a wood core with an 87mm waist,
low-key black graphics, and all-mountain rocker to create a
versatile and enjoyable ski. This ski can charge! Hard! But it also
was ideal on the hard snow. It's fun. It's a great design.
Waist 87mm, Lengths: 149,157,165,173,181
All Mountain Nomad Series
No matta where you ski the Nomad Series can be enticing. With 7
models these skis use all-mountain rocker with 15% rocker in the
tip. These are great Eastern skis with waist widths ranging from 77
mm for easy and rapid edge grip to 93mm for those who seeking soft
snow versatility. Here are the offerings:
Savage TI: The widest of the series with a 93mm waist the Savage
TI is well, savage! It's powerful performer available in three
lengths from 168 to 186. All vary in performance because of that
length and all carve with power. It also has classic Atomic
stability. It's rock solid.
Waist 93mm, Lengths: 168,177,186
Crimson TI: The Crimson TI has an 88mm waist, offers great
versatility, and blends solid edge grip with easy turn initiation.
It turned easily. Held strongly. And could ski all conditions. (If
only I could!). From shooting trees to carving the front side this
is a great daily driver.
Waist 88mm, Lengths 164,171,178,185
Blackeye TI: With a waist of 82mm this was a fun test ride. It
skis strongly on hard snow and has the kind of easy turning
appreciated by skiers from intermediates to experts. It seems more
forgiving than the Crimson TI, easier to turn, but sufficiently
powerful to appeal to all but the strongest all mountain
chargers. (There is also a Blackeye Model without
Titanium).
Waist 82mm, Lengths 160,167,174,181
Smoke TI: With a 77mm waist, the Smoke TI is deceptively strong
and tailored made to intermediates and mellow experts looking for a
forgiving ride, and the occasional fast cruise. It's fun. And
forgiving.
Waist 77mm, Lengths 150,157,164,171,178
Personal Picks; The Blackeye TI was just fun. The Blackeye would
make a great daily driver.
BLIZZARD SKIS
The past few seasons Blizzard skis have stunned both veteran skiers
and industry insiders with their edge grip and general performance.
From a small niche brand it has become, well, an industry leader.
This past season their skis simply outperformed much of the
competition. In fact, I was so dazzled two years ago that I elected
to use a pair of Blizzard Supersonics as my personal ski.
Fortunately, with more than 36 models this line is as deep as,
well, the snow from a blizzard. Here are a sampling of top
picks.
Power Series
S Power FS IQ This series marries race performance with
all-mountain versatility and the S Power FS IQ - using the IQ
System - is one of 3 powerful high performance front side groomers.
With a 68 mm waist it engages ice like a razor and with 13.5 m
radius it can easily snake slalom turns while offering a surprising
forgiveness for longer arc. What's your power quotient? I simply
stuttered a WOW as I started down the track.
Waist 68 mm, Lengths: 153, 160,167, 174.
R Power FS IQ Also using the IQ System, and with a 68 mm waist
it boasts a 17.5m radius for longer turns. Intendedfor serious
master's racers, this ski was actually too powerful for my taste.
Imagine!
Waist 68 mm, Lengths: 167, 174, 181.
Race Series (Two Non-FIS Race Skis For Experts)
SLR Magnesium IQ Identical to the S Power FS IQ in dimensions
and construction, the SLR lacks the IQ power FS system which
translates to a similar ski but lacking those added steroids. For
the expert seeking more forgiveness and versatility, while still
wishing for an ultra high performance tool, this is ideal.
Waist 68 mm, Lengths: 153, 160,167, 174.
GSR Magnesium IQ With 68 mm waists but 17.5 radius this skis is
ideal for those seeking a more traditional giant slalom flavor. It
is similar to the R-Power FS IQ without the power system. This one
just lacks that supercharger.
Waist 68mm Lengths 153,160,167,174
Magnum Series
Magnum 8.5 Ti: This ski is wide enough for powder but
built strong enough to hold Eastern hardpack. With a 19.5 m radius
it likes to arc. And cruises beautifully. Like all Blizzards.
Waist: 85mm, Lengths: 167,174,181.
Magnum 8.0 Ti: This ski was a favorite in all-mountain
testing. With a 18.5 m radius it likes to arc. But turns with
amazing ease. Fortunately the titanium enhances edge grip such it
it actually excelled on the hard snow we used during testing.
Also, like the 8.5 this uses flipcore technology which means a flat
score. You select the binding of your choice Impression? A
magnificent magnum!
Waist: 85mm, Lengths: 167,174,181.
Magnum 80.0 CA: Like the 8.0TO but with Carbon, this ski was
amazingly forgiving and versatile. It soared. Carved. It was
fun.
Waist: 80mm, Lengths 158,165,172,179
Magnum 7.6 IQ: With a 77mm waist and 17.5 radius this is a gem
for intermediates and lighter experts. It is a lot of ski for a
modest price but still packs power. The camber is traditional and
uses the IQ System which seems to enhance edge grip. A Best
Buy!
Waist: 76mm, Lengths 149,156,163,170,177
Personal Pick: I felt the new S Power FS IQ the most powerful
ski I have tested in years. It's a perfect mix for the East
and one those who slice black diamonds. In fact, I chose this ski
for my free run of the day. Because, even though the mountain was
hard, this ripped like I was on corduroy.
In the upcoming edition of the Gift Guide, look for in depth
analysis on Dynastar, Rossignol and Volkl.
Tagged:
2012-2013 Ski Collection, The Mountain Journal
