Asymetrical shaped skis

[Bobasaurus]

What is your thought on the +/- of skis that have shorter radius shape in forward half of the ski and a longer radius shape in the aft portion of the ski. Is this just a gimmick or can we benefit from this design apporach, if so where on the mountain would they fit and do they call for any adjustments in ski technique?

[ckuck]

What's the stated purpose of the radius change? That's the only way to really determine if it works or not. Otherwise, it's just marketing hype. Aren't most newer skis like that anyway? Just compare the tip and tail widths of anything other than a park/pipe ski and you'll see what I mean. Remember the Dynastar models that had one set of edges for short turns and the other set for long turns (marked with icons on the top sheet)? As I remember, those were ... underwhelming.

[Chris]

This concept was designed to allow the tip to really grab and quickly move into the turn, while allowing you to feather the tail in the finish of the turn. The skis that had only one radius build into it, stayed consistant through out the turn and was too grabby and harsh at the finish of the turn. This new tapered shape is more forgiving and fun.

[ckuck]

[snip] This new tapered shape is more forgiving and fun.

OK, I'll buy that. Got any pairs we can try at the Jumpstart? ;)

Hmmmm. Wasn't this what Dynastar was marketing as "pintail technology"? Quoting from a ski ad I found online: "Pintail Technology is the usage of a multiradius sidecut where it starts aggressively and finishes conservatively."

[Bobasaurus]

The new Fischer Progressor fits the asym profile and has been getting raves. I know PSIA -IM trainers who skied them last spring at the National Academy at Snowbird and loved them.

I would think the NASTC Nation will have a stack of them ready for you to test, you'll have to let me know what you think.

Pintail? Hmmmm I think I dated her, was she at Teluride in '73 ?

[Chris]

Yes, NASTC has purchased a fleet of Fischer Progressors that will be available first come first serve at the domestic courses. If you give me the size of your boot in mm I will set up a pair for you. i have 176 cm and 170cm.
I think I remember Pigtail!;)

[ckuck]

315mm (or 314mm depending on which boots I bring)... 176cm is good (I prefer longer board, I guess I'm Old School.)

This also makes me wonder if the same thing can be accomplished with differential flex between the tip and tail of the ski (stiff tip, soft tail)?

[Bobasaurus]

It's a great time to be a gear slut! So much good stuff out there, what ever you want, flex, side cut, torque, rebound you can find it. That being said I think some technology is proven like side wall construcition. I'm a big guy and CAP construction ski just don't hold up for me. I tested Fischer's new RX Coldheat at Snowbird last spring, sidewall construction, 82mm under foot, 17m turn radius and wow, rip, bumbs, powder, crud the ski loved it all. I am debating between the Coldheat at Progressor.... actully with the weather here in PC I'll probably end up buying a new 4 weight fly rod and going fishing!

[ckuck]

It's a great time to be a gear slut!

I refer to this as GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. :D Let's see - recent acquisitions include a pair of Rossi B3's season before last (after 4 days worth of AT/AC clinic), followed by a pair of race stock Volkl RaceTiger SLs this last year. Very happy with both. The slalom skis are all Kempers fault, he put me on his Fischer SLs at Jumpstart last year and I had such a blast I just had to get a pair of my very own. Hmmm. Anybody else see a pattern here? This year, picked up a pair of Dynastar TroubleMaker twin tips (not yet skied). I'm running out of room in the garage! :( Oh yeah, and a little pair of Dynastar Snap twip tips (age unknown) and a pair of snowblades are hiding in there somewhere...