When I test skis I grade them from 1 to 5 on 9 different characteristics. The best possible score, of course, is a 45. Out of the 35 skis I demoed at the Stratton On-Snow, the Blizzard 8.0 was my second favorite ski with a score of 44. Before I get to the why let's talk about the how.
The Blizzard 8.0 Ca is a wood core ski, with a full length vertical sidewall, and an 80 mm waist. The "Ca" in its name stands for carbon. Carbon makes skis energetic, lightweight, stable at high speeds, and torsionally rigid.
The why...The Blizzard 8.0 is light on your feet yet extremely accurate and very stable. The carbon makes the 8.0 extremely quick edge to edge and the rebound, or snap, when transitioning to your next turn is unparallelled. There is a burst of speed at the end of every turn, sort of like a rubber band being held back and released.
Although the Blizzard 8.0 wouldn't be the type of ski I'd buy for myself, I had a really hard time giving them back. I prefer skis that have 1 or 2 layers of metal because they are faster, more stable, stiffer, and more precise. My only complaint about the Blizzard 8.0, and the reason it loses a point, is the fact that it is a bit nervous. I like a ski that does what it's told, so for me, the 8.0 kind of felt like it was telling me to keep tipping them. Overall, this is a great ski because it is the type of ski that nearly anyone can enjoy. From lower level intermediate to expert, the Blizzard 8.0 is a perfect fit for the frontside all-mountain skier.
Thanks for Reading,
Ryan
Ski Haus, Inc.
1611 Route 22
Brewster, NY 10509
845-279-3100
Info@skihausonline.com
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Apex Ski Boot Review by Pork Chop
I had a chance to ski a pair of the new Apex MC X boots recently at the Stratton Mountain Trade Show. I am a strong, expert recreational skier and normally ski in Lange RS 130 boots. My boots are performance oriented; stiff and have a precise and technical fit. They fit so perfectly, that I must use the thinnest socks possible. If I use a regular ski sock, I will cramp up, but, with the thin sock, I am absolutely comfortable all day long. The boots are an extension of my leg and feet and transmit energy very efficiently to my skis.
With that said, I was skeptical that the Apex boot, which is so comfortable, warm and easy to get on, could deliver enough performance to make me happy. I figured the trade-off in control would be huge. The sole length, (because Apex boots are really a snowboard boot with a removable frame), is about 16mm longer than a traditional boot. Therefore, theoretically, your leverage on the ski should be compromised. However, the reality is that, although there is a loss of some crispness (I wouldn't race using these boots), that loss is surprisingly minimal. I felt in total control and was able to feel the skis respond as I leveraged them from the balls of my feet. When I skied the boot, I didn't have my custom insoles, which would have made the performance even better.
My conclusion was this: For those people who put a high priority on comfort; warmth and convenience, and perhaps have had some trouble over the years with all or some of these considerations, the Apex boots could be the answer. They are warmer than a traditional boot even with a $200+ heating system; they are extremely comfortable and very easy to get on and off. In addition, the frame can be removed to allow it to be as comfortable as an after ski boot for walking around or hanging out.
If you would like to call me personally to discuss my experiences and thoughts on Apex ski boots, please feel free to give me a call at 845-279-3100. I have been in the ski industry for 42 years and by speaking to you personally, I can help accelerate your decision making by sifting out information that does not pertain to your specific needs. If you call, be sure to ask for Pork Chop!
Thanks for reading,
With that said, I was skeptical that the Apex boot, which is so comfortable, warm and easy to get on, could deliver enough performance to make me happy. I figured the trade-off in control would be huge. The sole length, (because Apex boots are really a snowboard boot with a removable frame), is about 16mm longer than a traditional boot. Therefore, theoretically, your leverage on the ski should be compromised. However, the reality is that, although there is a loss of some crispness (I wouldn't race using these boots), that loss is surprisingly minimal. I felt in total control and was able to feel the skis respond as I leveraged them from the balls of my feet. When I skied the boot, I didn't have my custom insoles, which would have made the performance even better.
My conclusion was this: For those people who put a high priority on comfort; warmth and convenience, and perhaps have had some trouble over the years with all or some of these considerations, the Apex boots could be the answer. They are warmer than a traditional boot even with a $200+ heating system; they are extremely comfortable and very easy to get on and off. In addition, the frame can be removed to allow it to be as comfortable as an after ski boot for walking around or hanging out.
If you would like to call me personally to discuss my experiences and thoughts on Apex ski boots, please feel free to give me a call at 845-279-3100. I have been in the ski industry for 42 years and by speaking to you personally, I can help accelerate your decision making by sifting out information that does not pertain to your specific needs. If you call, be sure to ask for Pork Chop!
Thanks for reading,
Pork Chop
Ph. 845.279.3100
2014 Volkl RTM 84 Review
Ranked #1 by Ski Magazine in 2012, the Volkl RTM 84 returns for the 2014 season unchanged. This is Volkl's premier frontside all-mountain ski that features a poplar and beech Sensorwood core, an 84 mm waist, a full layer of titanium, a vertical sidewall, and a full rocker profile. If you are an advanced intermediate to expert and are afraid of going too wide and unsure about the whole rocker technology, this is your ski.
Other than Blizzard skis, Volkl has the only reversed camber technology that I have come to like. This is because most rockered skis are overdone, making the ski unstable and greasy when linking turns (especially at high speeds). Volkl calls their version of reverse camber, ELP Rocker, which is short for Extended Low Profile. The rocker on the RTM 84 is a smooth, gradual rocker from tip to tail so it skis very well in deeper/softer without sacrificing edge grip on hardpack. Volkl matches the rocker to the sidecut and flex pattern of the ski so the RTM has the same powerful, smooth, and railroad track feel that is characteristic to most Volkl skis.
I'll be the first to admit that I was a skeptic when this ski was first introduced. One, because it replaced the AC 50 which was my favorite ski for 3 years. Two, because it is rockered, and three, because of its lame name which stands for "Ride The Mountain". Although I personally prefer a ski with a little more waist width, the RTM 84 stands up to the implications in its name and truly is an all mountain, hard charging versatile ski with a playful and sensitive side.
Thanks for reading,
Ryan
Ski Haus, Inc.
1611 Route 22
Brewster, NY 10509
Ph. 845-279-3100
Info@skihausonline.com
Other than Blizzard skis, Volkl has the only reversed camber technology that I have come to like. This is because most rockered skis are overdone, making the ski unstable and greasy when linking turns (especially at high speeds). Volkl calls their version of reverse camber, ELP Rocker, which is short for Extended Low Profile. The rocker on the RTM 84 is a smooth, gradual rocker from tip to tail so it skis very well in deeper/softer without sacrificing edge grip on hardpack. Volkl matches the rocker to the sidecut and flex pattern of the ski so the RTM has the same powerful, smooth, and railroad track feel that is characteristic to most Volkl skis.
I'll be the first to admit that I was a skeptic when this ski was first introduced. One, because it replaced the AC 50 which was my favorite ski for 3 years. Two, because it is rockered, and three, because of its lame name which stands for "Ride The Mountain". Although I personally prefer a ski with a little more waist width, the RTM 84 stands up to the implications in its name and truly is an all mountain, hard charging versatile ski with a playful and sensitive side.
Click Here to check it out on our website
Thanks for reading,
Ryan
Ski Haus, Inc.
1611 Route 22
Brewster, NY 10509
Ph. 845-279-3100
Info@skihausonline.com
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