I can't agree more Woods. I think if I was just starting out I would keep the USGI, and buy an E-88. Then my decision would be whether to buy a Kom or a Vector/V-6. I still could use a skinny waxless, but I have not found one as inexpensive as I would like. My son is on an Alpina Discovery 68, I bought that cheap. I will need to stop by that shop sometime when I get in that area and see if I can get that in a 200-210. Gareth, you would appreciate the tip on that ski. I will not ski a skinny waxless often.Woodserson wrote:Lots of speculating that can only be answered by biting bullets and trying and selling the failed ideas to fund new ones...
lilcliffy wrote:A ski that offers enough XC performance for significant distance...plus offers downhill performance as well...How are you finding those Combat USGIs for this context? It is truly a XC ski- but, if you are comfortable downhill skiing on it- that opens a whole world of possible options
I really like that USGI for trail skiing. I love it when blue wax works, they really fly (in my world) when the blue is working. I have not tried to ski the USGI's in powder. I have not had much, and the s-112 is a pretty good powder ski. If we had soft pow all the time, I wouldn't look for another downhill powder ski. It does leave something to be desired for touring when it gets much deeper than 8" to 10" or gets a little manky, or gets chopped up and re-frozen. I can turn the USGI on firm snow, mine are 200 cm as I originally was going to put my son on the second pair. I did have quite a bit of trouble handling the camber on 6"-8" of wet granular manmade on top of boiler plate at the resort. I do not have any spring corn, but I would like to see how I can handle corn. I did not handle the combination of slush and ice well at all. I have skied resort black diamond runs with the USGI on hard pack. You need to be aware of the camber, but the edge hold is better than the s-112. Even though the edge hold is better on the USGI, the s-112 is much easier to ski on that pitch.
That is why I am still thinking about a V-6 / Vector waxable. I need to spend more time on my USGI wax skis. I found wax worked acceptably most of the time, but it was a second warm winter, and I do not have enough time on wax to drop the coin on an expensive waxable. I think I could sell a BC much easier if I didn't like it.. I think a Vector wax would tour better than the s-112 in deeper snow. I think it would handle crust much better, and to get the most downhill outings I need to be able to handle steep, tight, backcountry crust. I think the V-6 would handle crust better, but not tour as well in those crusty conditions. I accept Connyro's assertion that the V-6 tours well, but he has nice dry, cold, powder. I think it could be different in the warmer climate where I live.lilcliffy wrote:A ski that offers enough XC performance for significant distance...plus offers downhill performance as well...
As far as the steepness of my local hills. I look for downhills that would be steeper blue runs or blacks.
While kicker skins are really cool, I plan on experimenting with colltex (?) skins. I can't remember, I think Woods or Canna posted where you could purchase skins by the inch. I will do a search and bookmark the link. I am thinking I will probably buy a narrow skin for the USGI. I will cut it at the back of the heel.
For now I will just ski vicariously through the words and photos from where folks are still skiing. I'll be paddling the canoe soon. The trout opener is the end of the month, and I am looking forward to opening weekend trout camp.