The trend we reported in last season’s Buyer’s Guide shows no signs of slowing: there are more and more tools between 87 and 90 mm at the center, or just over.
That few millimeters difference can have a big impact on versatility and skiability and even the narrowest gear has got just a tad wider. For instance, Atomic's new Backland 80 UL replaces their 78, and the 86 takes the place of the 85. But there are also many narrower skis, with waists between 80 and 86. And their character isn’t necessarily the same, though by streamlining the shape and decreasing the weight, paulownia is being paired with an extensive array of laminates. There are 'hardcore tools for hardcore tourers', and other more playful models, but these inevitably sit around the 90 mm mark.
Among the selection of slightly wider skis there are also models to please those seeking to reduce effort. You add a few grams, but gain in smoothness, playfulness and ease of use. Because lightness doesn’t always mean less effort, as certain laminates will make for a more chittery, nervous ski, which can fatigue muscles and require a more cautious skiing style. If you really want to make life easier, you have to accept more relaxed and controlled skiing. The structures of these tools include blends that pair paulownia with other more rigid woods, for example poplar.
Share this article
Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
