Sunday, September 26, 2010

Backcountry Ski Ideas: Fall 2010

My Basement

I've been busy researching (obsessing over) skis for the upcoming ski season.  Based on my research, I've put together a chart comparing the best options out there for an East Coast skier.

These are organized based on the width of the ski underfoot.   Generally speaking, a ski with a thinner sidecut will perform better on hard pack and ice, while a ski with a wider waist will float better on powder.

The radius of the ski is a function of the sidecut ratio.  If you can imagine the curve between the widest and thinnest part of the ski as part of the diameter of a circle, the number listed is the radius of that imaginary circle.  The lower the sidecut radius, generally speaking, the easier it is to turn the ski.  However, this is not always the case.  Sometimes the shovel design can lead to better turn initiation.

Most of these skis are considered "medium-fat" skis.  I've left off the widest skis, and also elminated the heavier skis from consideration. 

The prices are as of 9/24/10 from the listed retailer.  If you find a better deal, feel free to leave a comment.  Enjoy.

Model                 Sidecut     Radius Weight/lb    Length/cm         Price Retailer









Volkl Snow Wolf 113 76 100 18.1 6 170 $199.00 www.untracked.com
Dynafit 7 Summits 113 78 100 20 5.5 170 $531.21 www.campsaver.com
BD Machine 123 79 108 16.5 7.1 166 $99.00 www.gearx.com
BD Stigma 123 79 108 17 6.4 174 $490.00 www.evo.com
Atomic RT80 121 80 107 17 6.3 171 $230.00 www.gearx.com
K2 Backup 125 82 110 19 7 174 $300.00 www.mammothgear.com
Mt. Baker Superlight 122 86 107 21 6.6 167 $280.00 www.evo.com
Karhu Spire BC 122 86 108 22 7 177 $299.00 www.secondascent.com
Dynafit Mustagh Ata 116 86 109 24 6.6 169 $468.00 www.sierratradingpost.com
BD Voodoo 123 88 112 21 7.3 175 $250.00 www.gearx.com
K2 Wayback 124 88 108 22 6.8 174 $372.00 www.o2gearshop.com
Atomic Kalais 125 88 111 20.5 8.1 174 $280.00 www.helm-sports.com
BD Havoc 121 88 113 21 7.6 175 $325.00 www.mammothgear.com
BD Aspect 130 90 117 19 6.5 176 $570.00 www.gearx.com     

1 comment:

  1. Wow you've really put some work into this research, guess the obsessing paid off :) Thanks, has been handy for me as I'm looking for some skis myself. I'll let you know if I find them cheaper....

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