New FT62 Q/A — How true should new skis be?

[CwmRaider]

I guess most people aren't in front of their PCs these days. Probably not the people from Åsnes either. It is a family company after all, but I expect you would get an answer next week.

I also agree that I wouldn't pick these up in the shop. How much difference it makes in practice isn't really the point, you expect skis to be perfect when new. I would be very surprised if Åsnes disagrees. I have never seen this problem before.

Best regards
Roelant

[Woodserson]

I’m surprised there isn’t more input on this one.
Would you buy skis off the rack with this amount of twist?

If it was me, I'd have a hard time selling myself on them as well. But that's because it would be emotional and in my face. As I am far removed from this, it's easier for me to rationalize it more, mostly due to the rocker/camber profile of the ski, the amount of twist, how they would act in soft snow, and the sheer logistical gymnastics required to get said skis. It's disappointing, but the skiing is now. As you said, special order and waiting and all that and a replacement would come when? and how? (some people got replacement Asnes from Norway tout suite so maybe not a big thing?).

Last spring I bought Mrs a new pair of E99's. One had far too much rocker than the other, it went almost to the binding. This is impossible. I brought it back to a Fischer dealer, it was approved for warrantee, I got the new pair last week. So 8 months? Of course with that much rocker, this XC ski would be unusable. So I get it, it's not beyond me to return a pair if they don't meet snuff, but maybe I could convince myself that this twist in the FT is acceptable, especially if it passes Fisheater's 8lb gallon test. It might work itself out too after skiing it a bit.

All that being said you are well within your rights to warrantee the ski.

[Stephen]

At least I learned a new French phrase on this one.
Tout de suite — at once — I like it.

[lilcliffy]

Hi Stephen,

I can only imagine how upsetting it would be to order a brand new pair of skis and for them to be unacceptable.

The most important thing is to contact Asnes directly with a description and photos.
I have had incredible warranty service from Asnes- with replacements shipped DIRECTLY from Norway to my door in rural New Brunswick in days.
(NOT to suggest I have had many problems with Asnes skis)

As fas as BP-

Most of the Asnes fjellskis I have mounted were basicly identical in terms of weight and balance including a set of Combat Natos, three Ingstad BCs, a Tonje BC and the newer model Gamme 54 BC.

The first Gamme 54 BC I mounted (Green-Man model- 2nd version with the updated skin inserts) was about 7mm between BP on the two skis.

Both sets of FT62s I have mounted have been about 1cm between BP on the two skis.

For comparison- ALL of the Fischer BC touring skis I have mounted over the last few years have been IDENTICAL between skis in a pair- but these are all genetically engineered skis (i.e. not solid-wood cored).

[Stephen]

Gareth, thanks for the hopeful comments.

On the one hand, I want them to be perfect, on the other hand, I hate to complain, and, from a practical and environmental perspective, it seems so inefficient to have Asnes go to the hassle and expense of shipping me a new pair of skis (I’m not making that assumption, only anticipating the possibility). And on the third hand, I would love for a perfect set to just show up, the old pair to go away, and to get on with skiing. The (my) world would come back into balance.

As for the BP question, based on comments, it seems that the 10mm / 1cm difference I saw in the FT62s is within reason.

[Woodserson]

Did you do the gallon of liquid on boot center test yet?

[w8n4snow]

The new Nordic Twist? This is nuts. Call Asnes and they will send you another pair post haste. Ask me how I know. Trying to talk myself out of calling them again, truthfully. My replacement Ingstad waxless are railing like crazy in the tips and tails. I’ve filed them twice and they’re still sprouting like an Amaryllis. Anyone else seeing this? Also have unnerving gaps between edges and base through the heart of the scales. They do ski nice though- as long as the snow is soft and it’s downhill and no ones in a hurry. Back to looking for a daily driver.

Good luck, Asnes will take care of you and I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait!

[lilcliffy]

This really sucks man.

I would definitely try and get a replacement for those Ingstad WL...

I had delamination issues with my first Ingstad BC.
I have had ZERO with the warranty replacement Ingstad BC.

(Though the replacement pair is noticeably more cambered than the first (this could be hard use...) the total tension underfoot- when they are compressed-is identical between the two pairs though.)

[Stephen]

On the off chance someone may see this topic in the future, I want to state that Asnes was very quick to fully resolved this problem, to my complete satisfaction (for which they deserve recognition). I don’t want to elaborate beyond that (and create expectations) but will say I was quite impressed by the helpful response of the Asnes staff that I communicated with.