lilcliffy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 25, 2019 4:52 pm
Hey Crister-
Can you give us a comparison between the Borge Ousland BC vs Gamme 54 BC?
From reading the Asnes site the Ousland sounds like it has a softer tip- is this true? And- if, so- does the softer more flexible tip make it better in a Classic groomed track than the Gamme?
Is the camber underfoot similar- or does the Ousland have more camber than the Gamme?
Thanks,
Gareth
Hi Gareth,
Sorry for my late response. I hope everyone in here is not too affected by the whole Covid-19 situation and everything else going on. It's crazy times, but here at Åsnes we're still going strong.
I can give you a short summary of the comparisons:
It's not the easiest comparison, as there are some individual differences between the models. But I can ensure you will feel the difference, in a good way, when used in the arctic and polar regions. But yes, the flex is definitely on the stiffer side – more in line with the Gamme and Amundsen ski - a bit stiffer in fact. In many ways, the new Børge Ousland BC ski is a hybrid of the Ingstad, Gamme, and Amundsen ski. If that makes any sense to you?
It’s made after the preferences of Børge himself and the guides in his company, Ousland Explorers. It will fit into groomed tracks lite the other narrower skis we have and easiest be classified as a modern and innovative twist on a successful recipe for expedition and bc trail skis.
The Børge Ousland ski will be marketed as a very versatile ski, as it is. It is suitable as a really good and super-lightweight expedition ski as well as a really good touring ski for long traverses, tracks and resort use. It will weigh in at just over 800g per ski (200cm), which is really light in this segment – especially for a robust ski. It will be very directional, fast and glide well on flats. It also comes with a stiff mid-section and a high wax pocket, like the Gamme 54, but with even more Nordic Rocker, mnore sidecut for a narrow ski and a good taper. It will have the best from the Amundsen Fram and the Gamme 54, revised and combined in a lightweight and narrower package. Historically, similar sidecuts and skis as in Børge Ousland BC and has been really popular and perfect for long crossings and expeditions. We have applied our knowledge and experience from decades of expedition skiing, and the new Børge Ousland BC is a new generation, versatile and modern BC ski.
Børge and his guides wanted a narrower waist (like the old Rago ski, which some of the old pioneers in this game loves) and a ski that more on the directional side, stiff, and with a more classic camber profile. Meaning a stiffer waist, and a different profile on the flex-pattern to give a good wax pocket. This basically just means a more directional and effective ski when loaded, which is key on the extreme outings Børge does.
When we landed those details, they wanted a little bit more sidecut for turnability, like in the Gamme, and pretty much wanted a tip similar to the Ingstad – with
generous Nordic Rocker and taper. All in all, I think this is a really interesesting and very lightweigh ski (just around 900g per ski in 200cm).
As climatic changes has affected the polar regions and Greenland (where they guide a lot) quite a bit the last decade, the generously rockered tip has been a success. The snow conditions are generally softer, and there is a lot more sasturgi and windeffected snow - so the softer and more forgiving tip is very good at handling those conditions. Our ambassador Christian Iversen Styve, the polar guide, used it to guide in and out from the South Pole in November, and he could not praise the ski enough.
I suspect that the Børge Ousland BC ski will be the new gold standard for arctic and polar expeditions, as well as for long outings, traverses and the Åsnes Expedition Amundsen race. It is just more playful and versatile than the Amundsen ski, with a lot of the same adventages.
The Amundsen is still unique because of it’s longitudinal and even camber/flex profile from tip to tail, so it will have it’s place. But in a more commercial sense, I believe the Børge Ousland BC will appeal to more people.
To avoid confusion, the Amundsen Fram is only available in a Waxless version from now on. The Amundsen Fram BC is buried for now. We suspect that the Børge Ousland BC will be more attractive for the same customers, hence the weight and significant upgrades.
I hope this clears out a few thing? If not, let me know. I'll answer any follow up questions with pleasure!