Fischer E-109 vs. Asnes Ingstad

[MikeK]

I got the Breidablikk 200's - thinking they'll be perfect for stuff like the sledding hill Mike hit recently. When we get good snow locally, that type of stuff w/ the dogs is most of the skiing I do. The S-bounds can take over if it's icy or hard snow. I found I don't like the wider fish-scale skis, have sold off my Epochs & Eons, thinking these will suit me better.

They'll be perfect for that!

I'm still with lilcliffy that edges for any wilderness/extended backcountry are essential. You know where you have to contend with rocks, stumps, logs, sticks, ice, critters and have your ski make it back in one piece.

Unfortunately my S98s have been relegated to sledding hill duties this year. They could be so much more. A very capable ski they are if you have the right snow.

[Cannatonic]

pretty funny, I searched up this webpage on Asnes Nato skis - this may explain the surplus skis - looks like the military bailed after using those 70's skis for 30 years:

http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/APBI/Cold ... i_2011.pdf

they couldn't find any "domestic suppliers". No kidding!

[lilcliffy]

pretty funny, I searched up this webpage on Asnes Nato skis - this may explain the surplus skis - looks like the military bailed after using those 70's skis for 30 years:

http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/APBI/Cold ... i_2011.pdf

they couldn't find any "domestic suppliers". No kidding!

Very cool find.

[bgregoire]

pretty funny, I searched up this webpage on Asnes Nato skis - this may explain the surplus skis - looks like the military bailed after using those 70's skis for 30 years:

http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/APBI/Cold ... i_2011.pdf

they couldn't find any "domestic suppliers". No kidding!

Very cool indeed. Did you read through their requirements on page 3? They are (were) looking for something that cannot yet be found, too bad they don't want to finance R&D! They are NOT interested in telemark. They want (wanted) XC ski with a binding with lockable/unlockable heels cabable of handling a variety of boots. its also got to offer flotation at 250lbs and be no longer than 178cm, as well as being efficient in open country and forested areas. I know from reading elsewhere they wanted to use Excursion boots and were trying to find a company willing to provide them with Intuition style thermomoldable liners, this was several years ago.

[MikeK]

Very cool indeed. Did you read through their requirements on page 3? They are (were) looking for something that cannot yet be found, too bad they don't want to finance R&D! They are NOT interested in telemark. They want (wanted) XC ski with a binding with lockable/unlockable heels cabable of handling a variety of boots. its also got to offer flotation at 250lbs and be no longer than 178cm, as well as being efficient in open country and forested areas. I know from reading elsewhere they wanted to use Excursion boots and were trying to find a company willing to provide them with Intuition style thermomoldable liners, this was several years ago.

Sounds like AT to me...

[bgregoire]

Well I kept diggin...

There's a really interesting thread here:

http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/milit ... ues?page=1

As you read through it, you might be surprised to learn that Voile produced a Combat version of the Voile Vector BC:

http://www.voile.com/voile-down-range.html

Actually, it does correspond to most of the requirements stated previously (ski wise) in the PPT.

Now for the rest, it seems that the US Military is going back to Tele AND 75mm leather boots!

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=0

Its already quite obvious to me that the boot of choice then should be the Lundhags Husky 75mm:

(Recommended to be used with cables only) I don't know if they would agree to buy Swedish though?

By the way, on that military blog, they mention:

"The Canadians put together a ski system based on Karfu ski's, Hummocks "boot wraps" and Salomon bindings."

They are right. Last year we came across a group training in the Parc de la Gaspesie. IT WAS HILARIOUS! Most had dumped their skis and were walking. Others were slidding down on them like toboggans. They will not last 5 minutes on them if war was ever to brake loose here.

[MikeK]

On that military blog, they mention

"The Canadians put together a ski system based on Karfu ski's, Hummocks "boot wraps" and Salomon bindings."

They are right. Last year we came across a group training in the Parc de la Gaspesie. IT WAS HILARIOUS! Most have dumped the skis and were walking. Other were slidding down on them like toboggans. They would not last 5 minutes on them if war ever broke loose.

This made me laugh out loud and snort a bit

[bgregoire]

This made me laugh out loud and snort a bit

Here's a treat for you!

Look at those skis, nicely packed on their pulks as they walk out of that frightening XC adventure. The funniest were those we found above, higher uphill. Unfortunately, I did not take any more pictures.

[MikeK]

Oh those poor schmucks!

Geez with those packs on I'd want to walk on flats with slowshoes too!

[MikeK]

Ingstads are in. Any bets on what I'll find out?

I can tell you I don't think I'm going to have any surprises. I handled them against an Eon and an unmounted pair of S78s. They are way more like the S78. When I hold them side by side and look at the camber profile shape, it's almost identical. They are a little wider both tip and tail. Flexing them back to back they feel exactly like the S78 does. I can close them up about 95%+ with one hand, and that little extra isn't much. When I put a 78 against an Ingstad, and push them together and switch I can't tell which is which. They feel that close.

The Eon feels different. When I put them back to back and push them together, it's not the same. I don't think there is a huge difference in stiffness but rather the shape of the camber.

I actually have my suspicions based on Fischers trends that they copied this ski for their S Bounds. It could also be the other way around, but it's unlikely. Also I think just tweaked the dimensions of the profile a bit to get two ski designs out of it, the 78 and the 88. Conspiracy theory? Maybe?

I'm going to make the measurements. I expect that curve to be right on top of the S78. Also if you could feel both in your hands, you probably would make the same predictions I am.

In other news the skis are beautiful. Nice thick, sharp edges, beautifully ground bases. Nice top sheets with texture. Thing is I think I already know how they are going to ski... call me cocky (I'm usually not) but I think on the snow it's going to feel just like the S78 will but with a wax base. I don't think the small difference in shape will be enough to notice. And well, that's not a bad thing, because the S78 skis beautifully.