J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by exoticskis

Rip'n Wud Freeride Carve (FRC) - 2010
129-93-119 r=19m @ 177cm (tested)
129-93-119 r=17m @ 167cm
1750/1780 grams weight


Kevan Beane and his FRC 177 in white ash



Manufacturer Info:


Rip'nWud Skis
Societe KC Enterprise SARL Siege Social
38 Rue De Montreal
Zone Industrielle International
74100 Ville La Grand, FRANCE
+33 (0) 679 170 015 Phone
+33 (0) 450 373 136 Fax
http://www.Ripnwud.com


Suggested Retail Price (MSRP):

€ - 740 (€890 w/ VIST bindings)
€ - 920 Walnut Topsheet (€1,100 w/ VIST bindings)


Usage Class:

All mountain freeride 60% on-piste, 40% off-piste (manufacturer description)


Your Rating (with comments): (1="get me off these things"->10="I have to own a pair")

8-9 for variable conditions as one-ski quiver for nearly any intermediate to expert skier.
7-8 for agressive experts who will overpower it and want the "pro" version (see our "pro" version test)


Summary:

Great all-mountain, one-quiver ski for all but the heavy, agressive experts. Balanced finesse, sporty performance and confidence-inspiring, fun behavior in nearly all conditions. Very wide performance and comfort envelope for nearly anyone on most surfaces. Capable of good carving on packed surfaces and easy, playful navigation in soft snow and bumps. Very nice multi-surface ski with excellent manners and fun performance. Not for boilerplate or big-mountain pressure. Handsome, high-quality, handmade crowd pleaser that generates a great ride with low effort for a price only somewhat above mass-produced skis.


Ski Designer:

Kevan Beane, a transplanted hard-core skier, surfer from the U.S.A. (another American happily captured by a French woman and exported to France for marriage...there seems to be a pattern like this in other ski companies too [Peter from Rabbit On The Roof skis !]...) and former European ski derby competitor comes from a background of previously launching a European ski brand, helping launch "freeride" concepts for Salomon in the E.U., designing skis and producing action-lifestyle freeride sports film specials for Eurosport, MTV and various other media outlets through his "Worldride Productions" company. Having lived in Chamonix for more than ten years, base jumping, parasailing and skiing extreme terrain and big mountain competition, Kevan knows skis and high-performance riding. Rip'nWud skis are assembled by hand in France in a small workshop, which Kevan says will never produce more than 800 pairs per year maximum (to maintain quality and not go into "mass production"). Rip'nWud concentrates on custom production for special corporate events and promotion, outfitting olympic officials, chalet vacation outfitters, competition staffing and one-off custom designs for clients and derby competitors and has only decided to release "stock" models in 2010 for general sale to the public through the website and showroom near Geneva. Kevan prides himself with knowing his clients and supporting them after the sale, saying "no matter what concern the client has after purchasing my skis, I will make it right for them. My reputation is at stake here, and I want my customers to be absolutely happy and thrilled with their purchase and confidence in my products, now and for years to come."


Technical Ski Data:

Proprietary, multi-laminate Swiss white ash wood core, triax fiberglass, proprietary dampening layer between base and core, proprietary running base (claimed to be "...between pTex 2000 and 4000") with special structuring for coarse-grain European snow conditions. ABS vertical sidewalls. Kevan has developed a proprietary lamination technique using Swiss white ash cores in which the behavior of the core can be "tuned" by carefully altering the lamination characteristics and density along the core's length and depth, producing a ski with, as Kevan states, "...remarkable torsional and longitudinal behavior tuned to each model's specified purpose, without adding weight or metal layers to get the control and feel I build into each ski...". Rip'nWud's philosophy is that simple, but highest quality white ash carefully laminated in proprietary and specific patterns, mixed with triax fiberglass and one or two "proprietary ingredients" produces a ski with superb flex behavior, vibration control and performance characteristics. Kevan hand-selects his specially-sourced white ash and maintains design and construction control throughout the process with his carefully trained specialists crafting the special vertical and horizontal core laminations to his specifications. As we have found in other skis, the quality of the ingredients does indeed make a difference in the final "feel" of the ski and its ability to retain its behavior over several seasons of usage. Given the same specifications and structural arrangements in construction, the ski with high-quality (i.e. "expensive") materials behaves at a much higher level of performance than another ski having the same geometry built with lower-quality materials. The wood, fiberglass, resins, dampening layers, bases, topsheets and all ingredients simply perform better, longer and under harsher conditions than cheaper versions. Most new skis perform pretty well the first season, but the true test of quality comes after that first season. Kevan Beane aims to have his skis perform at their original level of behavior for many seasons, not just one, and thus builds his skis with the best materials he has found over many years of testing.


Pre-Skiing Impression:

Very clean, simple, handsome design using sandwich/sidewall construction, thin vertical profile from tip to tail showing very nice fit-and-finish. Excellent transluscent, non-stick topsheet sealing surface. Very nice quality white ash topsheet grain on this model tested. Lightweight, with even, progressive flex and moderate rebound dampening response using "hand-gong" test. Moderate but definitive rebound feel. It gives the initial impression of a ski with the ability to go anywhere without demanding hard core input from the skier. Geometry appears gradual with moderate sidecut and relatively wide tip and tail flotation surfaces. Very nice quality, but not polished to the kind of gloss finish you want white gloves to handle like some artisinal-finished skis. Impressively understated graphic appeal..."handsome", not "flashy".


Test Conditions:

2cm to boot-deep, fresh, dry powder on regroomed, packed powder surfaces, some with gentle, rolling underbumps on the boot-deep sections. Packed groomers and semi-fluff trail edges. Cold, dry conditions. No ice or boilerplate. No steeps, crud or crust.


Test Results:

First turns impressions were "easy handling", "no learning curve", "super friendly do-it-all ski for everyone except beginners and hard-pros". The Rip'nWud Freeride Carve goes from piste to fluff with no transition anxiety....it just goes where you point it and doesn't flinch as it goes from groomed surfaces to soft, fluffy side trail sections. The more you turn it, it responds and holds. Large radius - no problem. Tighten the turn - no problem. Vibrations on harder surfaces - minimal. Navigation in fluffy surfaces - No effort. Response at the helm - no hesitation, no special routine. Gentle movements result in directional changes on command with no protest. Forcing the FRC into a stressed turn ("Whoa - where did THAT guy come from on my blindside? Change direction NOW!") is no problem. The FRC is capable of higher-speed cruising without becoming nervous, but you can induce a little forebody-flap if the surface is choppy at above-average speeds for this ski. (see the FRC "Pro" "Addiction Edition" version to solve that problem hands-down...read about it later). Turn initiation and turn finish is easy and smooth, never ruffled by surface changes or edge angle unless you try to push it into race-carve or race-ski pressure territory for extended periods or warp-speeds reserved for a different category of skis. The "Freeride" FRC ski from Rip'nWud is for freeriding...not hypercarving or hard-charging, big terrain attacks. After experimenting with the FRC for a short time, it immediately hit me how undemanding this ski is all over the mountain, but yields a high-precision, highly responsive ride with a feeling of secure control throughout the spectrum of turns between the extremes. It would make an intermediate feel confident and confortable, and experts superbly content and feel like they're cheating somehow for recreational riding in nearly any terrain. I immediately had visions of handing this ski to instructors, vacationing enthusiasts with a sporty tendency, experts looking to relax and a one-quiver ski for nearly anyone. The ease of handling belies its 93mm waist, but the flotation is balanced and friendly as soon as it finds three-dimensional snow. If you wanted to design a ski for hitting high-marks in nearly any situation at modern ski resorts for nearly any skier, the Rip'nWud FRC would be a good starting point. "Balanced" performance in nearly all conditions is a good way to describe its behavior envelope. A narrow waisted carver will be better on the hardpack, and a pure powder ski will be better in 3D snow, but neither specialty ski will provide the smiles all over the mountain during more conditions than the FRC. The Rip'nWud FRC appears to have hit the sweet spot in all-terrain performance for a huge majority of skiers without a bias toward hardpack or deep snow like some "all mountain skis". It carves a great line on hardpack without requiring athletic prowess (just don't expect a vice-grip hold on glossy surfaces), and it navigates without effort in the soft snow without special techniques (just don't expect magic dial-a-depth flotation behavior and high-speed charging support in bottomless or cruddy conditions). Nimble and smooth, friendly and sporty without draining your energy reserves. This ski will make vast populations of people very satisfied. That is the target Kevan Beane was aiming for in this model, and I think he hit it dead-on. If the ski displays the longetivity and maintains it's performance for season after season as Kevan claims, he has a great product at a very reasonable price for a handmade, artisinal ski. Analogies: (this ski is like...) A friendly, obedient, young, strong, competent hunting dog you can take anywhere as your partner and always have a great time in fields or forest. Always willing, always able.


Things You Would Change About This Ski:

Perhaps an ever-so-slightly higher dampening in the forebody for higher-speeds. Produce a "Pro" version in this length for rowdy skiers requiring something shorter than its 188cm big-brother.


Short Answer When Someone Asks "What Do You Think About This Ski?":

Great all-around, high-quality, handsome ski for nearly any condition. Probably a great first-choice for a one-quiver ski unless you are a hard-charging expert. Advice To People Considering This Ski: If you are an aggressive expert or looking for a charging ski, this may be too compliant, short and forgiving for you. After Skiing These, I Want To... Keep a pair for a few weeks and try them in many different conditions. I want to give them to many skiers I know and get their opinions in different conditions. I would also want to have Kevan make this 177cm version in a "pro" construction for lighter-weight skiers or aggressive women skiers who would find the 188cm Pro version too long.


Self-Description of Skiing Style, Ability, Experience, Preferences:

5' 11", 190 lbs. Expert groomed-surface carver, "old-style" race inspired, "foot steerer" with fairly sensitive edging feel. Loves to hold long arcs with lots of pressure on the downhill ski (you know the type), but also loves the feel of both skis on-edge leaving tiny railroad track edge tracks. Loves powder when it's not tracked out. 10 year coach for youth race team in New England (bulletproof is the norm).











FRC 188 "Pro Series" on left in Black Walnut, FRC 177 in White Ash on right.


Tails of FRC 177cm (white ash) and FRC "Pro Series" 188cm (black walnut)


Tips of FRC 177cm (white ash) and FRC "Pro Series" 188cm (black walnut)


More Rip'nWud models...different finishes and designs (note the square tails on "Addiction Edition"
Pro-series skis with pinstripes)


Kevan Beane with his "Powder Big Fat" model.

Rip'n Wud Freeride Carve (FRC) PRO Series
"Addiction Edition" - 2010
129-93-118 r=22m @ 188cm
1780 grams weight


FRC 188cm "Pro Series" on left (black walnut)


Manufacturer Info:

Rip'nWud Skis
Societe KC Enterprise SARL
Siege Social 38 Rue De Montreal
Zone Industrielle International
74100 Ville La Grand, FRANCE
+33 (0) 679 170 015 Phone
+33 (0) 450 373 136 Fax
http://www.Ripnwud.com

Suggested Retail Price (MSRP):

€ - 840 (€990 w/ VIST bindings)

Usage Class:

Freeride 30% on-piste, 70% off-piste (manufacturer description)

Your Rating (with comments): (1="get me off these things"->10="I have to own a pair")

8-9 for heavy or agressive expert skiers.
Not recommended for intermediate or passive experts

Summary:

Serious, stiffened, reconfigured "big brother" to the standard freeride carve (FRC) model (see other ExoticSkis.com review of that model) intended for hard-charging, higher-speed agressive riding in tougher terrain and surface conditions. Strong ski for strong skiers looking for a sub-100mm waisted ski for all over the mountain to enable GS-like carves when required and crud-busting float as needed. Suitable for a wide variety of surfaces encountered at the front and backside at most resorts if the rider has the skills and power necessary to drive this ski. The ski likes to be driven, not ridden to get it to perform. The more you put in, the more you get out. No real similarity in behavior to the "standard" FRC having more flexibility and less demanding input requirements.

Ski Designer:

Kevan Beane, a transplanted hard-core skier, surfer from the U.S.A. (another American happily captured by a French woman and exported to France for marriage...there seems to be a pattern like this in other ski companies too [Peter from Rabbit On The Roof skis !]...) and former European ski derby competitor comes from a background of previously launching a European ski brand, helping launch "freeride" concepts for Salomon in the E.U., designing skis and producing action-lifestyle freeride sports film specials for Eurosport, MTV and various other media outlets through his "Worldride Productions" company. Having lived in Chamonix for more than ten years, base jumping, parasailing and skiing extreme terrain and big mountain competition, Kevan knows skis and high-performance riding. Rip'nWud skis are assembled by hand in France in a small workshop, which Kevan says will never produce more than 800 pairs per year maximum (to maintain quality and not go into "mass production"). Rip'nWud concentrates on custom production for special corporate events and promotion, outfitting olympic officials, chalet vacation outfitters, competition staffing and one-off custom designs for clients and derby competitors and has only decided to release "stock" models in 2010 for general sale to the public through the website and showroom near Geneva. Kevan prides himself with knowing his clients and supporting them after the sale, saying "no matter what concern the client has after purchasing my skis, I will make it right for them. My reputation is at stake here, and I want my customers to be absolutely happy and thrilled with their purchase and confidence in my products, now and for years to come."


Technical Ski Data:

Proprietary, multi-laminate Swiss white ash wood core specially constructed to provide a stiffer, more damp flex than the "standard" FRC, triax fiberglass, proprietary dampening layer between base and core, proprietary running base (claimed to be "...between pTex 2000 and 4000") with special structuring for coarse-grain European snow conditions. ABS vertical sidewalls. Kevan has developed a proprietary lamination technique using Swiss white ash cores in which the behavior of the core can be "tuned" by carefully altering the lamination characteristics and density along the core's length and depth, producing a ski with, as Kevan states, "...remarkable torsional and longitudinal behavior tuned to each model's specified purpose, without adding weight or metal layers to get the control and feel I build into each ski...". Rip'nWud's philosophy is that simple, but highest quality white ash carefully laminated in proprietary and specific patterns, mixed with triax fiberglass and one or two "proprietary ingredients" produces a ski with superb flex behavior, vibration control and performance characteristics. Kevan hand-selects his specially-sourced white ash and maintains design and construction control throughout the process with his carefully trained specialists crafting the special vertical and horizontal core laminations to his specifications. As we have found in other skis, the quality of the ingredients does indeed make a difference in the final "feel" of the ski and its ability to retain its behavior over several seasons of usage. Given the same specifications and structural arrangements in construction, the ski with high-quality (i.e. "expensive") materials behaves at a much higher level of performance than another ski having the same geometry built with lower-quality materials. The wood, fiberglass, resins, dampening layers, bases, topsheets and all ingredients simply perform better, longer and under harsher conditions than cheaper versions. Most new skis perform pretty well the first season, but the true test of quality comes after that first season. Kevan Beane aims to have his skis perform at their original level of behavior for many seasons, not just one, and thus builds his skis with the best materials he has found over many years of testing.

Pre-Skiing Impression:

Very clean, simple, handsome design using sandwich/sidewall construction, thin vertical profile from tip to tail showing very nice fit-and-finish. Excellent transluscent, non-stick topsheet sealing surface. Very nice quality North American black walnut topsheet grain on this model tested. Lightweigh for its size, with a strong even, progressive flex and moderate-to-strong rebound dampening response using "hand-gong" test. Strong and balanced rebound feel. It gives the initial impression of a ski for high-speed, sustained-pressure situations, with a sidecut to carve big turns when required, but surface area to sustain flotation in 3D snow. Geometry appears gradual and progressive. Very nice quality, but not polished to the kind of gloss finish you want white gloves to handle like some artisinal-finished skis. Impressively understated graphic appeal..."handsome", not "flashy". Nice, uniform black walnut topsheet.

Test Conditions:

2cm to boot-deep, fresh, dry powder on regroomed, packed powder surfaces, some with gentle, rolling underbumps on the boot-deep sections. Packed groomers and semi-fluff trail edges. Cold, dry conditions. No ice or boilerplate. No steeps, crud or crust.

Test Results:

After skiing its little brother (the standard FRC 177cm), the FRC Pro Series 188cm immediately conveyed the message it wanted its speed increased 30-40% to enter its sweet-spot for performance. Not only because of its increased length (177cm to 188cm), but the flex pattern and response behavior modifications created a ski that begs to be driven, not ridden. Once set into an arc, the FRC Pro holds across surface changes without any flinch or deviation. Damp and secure along its whole length with no forebody flap at speed. When you set the ski on edge on a firm surface, it "sets", but does not curve away until told to do so, despite its 22m radius (the stiffer forebody does not automatically pull you into the next turn, it "supports" your command to do so without waivering across surface changes in the slightest). This ski is what I would call a "set-and-forget" machine that obeys the line upon which it is set and stays there until you tell it to do otherwise - a stable, reliable platform for traversing terrain at any speed. Not a richocet-rabbit, but a steady, powerful ride with more flexibility than a "big mountain" ski, but more stability than a typical all-terrain 93mm waisted ski. Directional changes are more difficult to initiate (unless your speed is up into the sweet spot velocity) with the FRC Pro because it is torsionally stiffer, but if you take command of the ski and drive it, you can go anywhere at will and have the confidence it will not deviate from your chosen line. The Pro Series modifications create a ski you ski along its entire length for maximum effect. Think "GS" instead of "All Mountain" feel and you get the image. The FRC Pro is the kind of ski you will use when getting your ticket yanked by ski patrol for excessive speed. You will have a secure, damp, unflappable ride, but to outsiders, you will be warping along at an impressive rate. The ability to hold impressive GS arcs on packed and variable surfaces is complemented by its ability to sustain a civilized and progressive flotation in soft snow. Very manouverable and friendly in the soft snow, as long as your speed is up into its preferred zone. If you try to ski it slow in the soft snow, you will feel a 188cm ski begging to be sped-up. If you bring it up to cruising speed, it changes direction without protest and surfs a fun and responsive turn on demand. Increase your speed in the soft snow, and it becomes a formidable multi-radii weapon for covering any chosen terrain. "Balanced Power" comes to mind riding this ski. Junk and undulations in the surface don't really matter. The FRC Pro is an authoritative freeride ski. You should be in good physical condition to get the best result from this model tuned for higher strength situations and riders. Think of it like a suspension upgrade on a sports car from civilian to pro circuit. While being a strong ski, the FRC Pro displays an excellent "balance" of flex, dampening, torsional resistance, rebound power and sidecut geometry. In some skis, one or more of the components of the ski or its behavior doesn't quite fit perfectly (you wish you could adjust one tiny parameter to get it "just right"). The Rip'nWud FRC Pro feels like a ski that has been tuned over many iterations to get the formula "just right" for agressive experts looking to go nearly anywhere with authority and confidence at speed. The quality of materials and construction should mean this ski will hold up longer than many mass-produced skis under tough conditions and usage. Skiers approaching expert skill levels or thinking they are better than they really are may be humbled by the FRC Pro Series. Skiers looking for a hand-made, high performance ski to take them beyond civilian-level freeride status should try the FRC Pro and decide for themselves.


Analogies: (this ski is like...)

A BMW 5 or 7 series coupe with serious engine and suspension work tuned for the track and not the street. The kind of car you drive with the proper gloves and shoes - closed course. No license plates. Civilians will quit after a few laps. Athletic drivers will drive it until dark.

Things You Would Change About This Ski:

Perhaps a slightly shorter length (172-177cm) for hard-charging women or shorter skiers who would find the 188cm length too much for their mass and structural stature. Perhaps an ever-so-slightly softer forebody torsion in the first 1/3 of the spatula to ease initiation at slower speeds or tighter terrain, with a little more dampening in that 1/3 to keep vibration under control if torsionally relaxed at that spot (picky, picky....just ski it and shut up....[- editor]).

Short Answer When Someone Asks "What Do You Think About This Ski?":

Great freeride ski for the hard-charging expert looking to go anywhere without adjusting technique. Not for the average civilian skier or expert with an ego bigger than his/her true ability. Derby competition-quality performance in a handsome, high-quality, handmade package priced accordingly.


Advice To People Considering This Ski:

If you don't compete or ride at competition-level, definitely demo this ski before buying it. If you do compete, definitely demo this ski and try it. Kevan can create a customized version if you want to fine-tune it to your style.

After Skiing These, I Want To...

Put some "I'm an expert skier" people I know on this ski, watch them go for a ride and then ask to change skis after a few runs. Ask Kevan to make a 172-177cm version of this ski for smaller skiers and agressive women and watch them rip over any terrain.


Self-Description of Skiing Style, Ability, Experience, Preferences:

5' 11", 190 lbs. Expert groomed-surface carver, "old-style" race inspired, "foot steerer" with fairly sensitive edging feel. Loves to hold long arcs with lots of pressure on the downhill ski (you know the type), but also loves the feel of both skis on-edge leaving tiny railroad track edge tracks. Loves powder when it's not tracked out. 10 year coach for youth race team in New England (bulletproof is the norm).



FRC 188 "Pro Series" on left in Black Walnut, FRC 177 in White Ash on right.


Tails of FRC 177cm (white ash) and FRC "Pro Series" 188cm (black walnut)


Tips of FRC 177cm (white ash) and FRC "Pro Series" 188cm (black walnut)


More Rip'nWud models...different finishes and designs (note the square tails on "Addiction Edition"
Pro-series skis with pinstripes)


Kevan Beane with his "Powder Big Fat" model.

I got to ski on the Go Girl, Rave, Ullr's Chariot and the Howitzer from SkiLogik. I should have detailed reviews up over the weekend I hope. (SkiLogik is a new company founded by David Mazzarella, previously of ScottyBob skis in the U.S.)

Bottom line....very sturdy, beautiful topsheet veneers, "Wood" (with a capital W - black locust sidewalls) All-mountain lineup is a bit stiff in the midbody for most non-raging or heavyweight skiers (Mazz acknowledges this and is in the midst of taking response from testers and planning adjustments to the production runs in the future...this IS the first year out and some tweaking is inevitable with a hardwood core ski with hardwood sidewalls...), Nicks and scratches just get sanded away and touched up with some linseed oil perhaps...(these pairs had been in rental-demo mode since December, so they had some wear and tear so I could see how they "age" with some usage). Conventional-camber line is very strong, holds well and can take pretty much anything...perhaps a bit of a coarse feel since they are a bit stiff, but a pretty good design (nothing unusual, except the serious wood core and sidewalls...these things should last bunch of seasons without getting wishy-washy I bet.

The real gem was the Howitzer (137-110-131 22m radius @ 186cm)...the slightly rockered model. While a little beefy at 3,900 grams, it handles very easy, skis shorter than it's length, is really fun in the pow and crud and carves a great GS turn on the groomers on the way back to the lift. Sturdy and definitely handsome once you see it in person. Great warm, wood look. I was impressed with the Howitzer, and based on comments by others who have tried it, it's becoming a favorite with the locals in St. Gervais. Details to come later...


In the meantime...some pics...not all models have the same topsheets as shown on the website, so you can't really tell the models by the graphics.


Go Girl 165cm, Rave 175cm, Rave 185


Howitzer (left) and Ullr's Chariot (right)


Ullr's Chariot (left) and Howitzer (right)


Ullr's Chariot (foreground) and Howitzer (background) Tips


Ullr's Chariot (foreground) and Howitzer (background) Tails


Howitzer (foreground) and Ullr's Chariot (background)


Howitzer (foreground) and Ullr's Chariot (background) Tips


Howitzer Spider


SkiLogik Tips after rental/demo usage for two months


SkiLogik Black Locust Sidewall


Chinese Handiwork in the topsheet


Chinese Handiwork in the topsheet

Craig Donovan and the Lokomotiv Skis crew from Scandinavia sent me a note saying they are finally bringing their skis to market after nearly 3 years of testing prototypes.

Officially open for business with quickly-renewable resource all-bamboo cores and updated designs (including rockered models) for 2009-2010. Big-mountain/backcountry skis handmade in small production runs with custom builds available. Vertically-laminated bamboo cores mated with various tri-axial fiberglass and veneers for customized flex patterns and stiffness. Each model appears to be available in one length only this season.
Their "Rockerbilly" pow ski kinda looks like a DPS shape cross-bred with some traditional shapes. Topsheet graphics are cool. I will see about getting my hands on a pair or two to see how they ski this season.

Priced from approximately €850 per pair.

2009-2010 PDF Catalog (7mb)

Example of the Rockerbilly 2009-2010 powder model:

We are planning to take the kids (age 7 and 9) to the easy-skiing slopes of Megeve this season.
Does anyone have experience and recommendations about lodging in the village? The wee ones don't like to hike very far with their gear to get to the lift, and the tram in the village would be ideal I think.

Thank You!

The guys over at Anton Gliders sent me these links to Wayne Wong on their full-suspension skis.
(we tested them..see a review HERE)

Apparently, Wayne is psyched about them. I hope I can ski as well as he can at 58 years old (isn't he about that age now in 2009?). I remember his antics in the 70s. A pioneer, for sure...still skiing after all these years..

I still can't do a decent "Wong Banger".

For me, the appeal of a small manufacturer is the knowledge of giving my money to a small, close-knit group of people who probably have a passion about making skis the way they want to. We have choices of giving our hard-earned money to large corporations (who make some excellent skis - don't get me wrong) or small companies. With a small company, you can probably call them up or email them and talk to the person who knows all about the design of your ski and maybe even the people who got dirty making the skis themselves. If you give your money to big companies, families get income. If you give your money to small companies, families get income. Either way, you get skis and people get paid. For me, it's more fun to pay a small group of people some money for some toys than to pay a huge corporate entity for toys.

As far as "better skis" goes...I don't think small ski builders necessarily build better skis, or even dramatically "different" skis in most cases. They may have some design differences and graphic differences, but most skis these days work pretty well, no matter who makes them. It's like shoes or wine. The more variety, the more chance you will find just the right model to make you happy for your purposes. The difference can often be seen in the dedication and pride the small builders take in designing their product and bringing it to market (whether they press them in their own shop or pay some experienced artisans in a well-equipped workshop to construct their designs for them).

freestyler01 wrote:Have any of you tested any of Storms skis? I am based in Verbier and have seen loads starting to appear and they look and ski sick. What a first year statement by a young group of guys. Surely we have to take our hats off to them for stepping it up and doing something new and brave?

Here are my reviews:

http://www.exoticskis.com/forum/default.aspx?g=topics&f=38