SkinTrack

Fischer

Innovative Ski Mountaineering and Skimo Racing Gear for 2016/2017

By 3 Comments

innovative-skimo-gear
Every year, manufacturers release fancy new gear to tantalize us. This is a selection of gear we think is innovative and probably worth having a look at for this season (as well as being actually available).
We’ve got a mix of things for skimo racing, and true ski mountaineering. Have a look as the holidays are getting closer and let us know if we missed anything groundbreaking!
» Besides the below, also check out our new skis introductions from the Outdoor Retailer show last January.

Petzl Leopard LLF Crampon – 330g / pair

» Product link
T01A-LLF-LEOPARD-LLF_LowResThe Petzl Leopard line of crampons shows promise as a new ultra-light option (CAMP RACE 290 is 376g) that still functions well.
Aluminum crampons are a great for skimo races and winter ski mountaineering where one does not expect to encounter ice. CAMP innovated several years before with a dyneema strap linking the front and rear crampon parts but the design had significant play, especially in the toe, making the crampon inadequate on technical terrain and prone to failure.
The Leopard’s cable linking system eliminates play and allows for quick and simple micro-adjustment. The LLF crampon is a traditional step-in for use on boots with a welt while the FL crampon can be used on footwear without welts. We’re excited about the possibilities of using these both for racing, as well as ski mountaineering.

Grivel Skimatic Race Crampon – 408g / pair

» Product link
The Grivel Race Crampon mixes things up with a new step-in system. While it still has a metal linking bar, making it a bit heavier and not fold-able, it uses a rear bail wire with a spring system at the boot toe for retention. This is especially promising for use on boots with a vertical heel throw lever like the Scarpa Alien or Gignoux Race 400.
Probably not as secure for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering adventures but time will tell.

Ultimate Direction Skimo 8 vest – 200g

» Product link
skimo-8-packUltimate Direction is well known for their running hydration vests. In 2015, they decided to try out building a skimo pack that would not only do everything required but also fit well. The 8 Litre World Cup pack is the smallest and designed for individual, vertical and sprint races.
Our SkinTrack team worked extensively with the R&D team at UD on the Skimo 8 and Skimo 18 packs. Having participated in the design process, we can safely say the Skimo 8 is extremely effective, comfortable, and very light! Watch for a more thorough review coming soon.

La Sportiva Stratos Hi-Cube – 900g / pair (size 27)

» Product link
la-sportiva-hi-cube-skimo-bootsIntroduced last year and available for purchase this season. A big of departure from their previous carbon boot line and appearing more similar to the Gignoux models, they are as light as they come and have already accumulated extensive palmares on the feet of Michelle Boscacci and Damiano Lenzi in multiple World Cups and Championships.
You can read more about them in our article from January.

Pomoca Race Pro 2.0 Skins

» Product link at Skimo.co or CrippleCreekBC.com
Although looking almost identical, the 2.0 model has similar traction while climbing but significantly faster gliding. We will definitely try these out as the reports coming from the World Cup are that it’s not just hype.

Fischer Verticalp Ski – 1230g / pair

» Product link
verticalp-skiComing from a nordic ski background where skis are selected and fitted specifically to the athlete based on weight and flex pattern, I’ve always wondered when more specialized flexed skis will come to skimo.
The Fischer Verticalp is a step in this direction with a ski designed specifically for vertical races. It features a straight side-cut, a higher camber for better kick and glide, and is incredibly light.
An adjustable weight system allows you to decide where the balance of the ski is located. Paired with a lightweight binding like the Gignoux, you will be guaranteed to need to tape a few weights to the top sheet in order to meet the ISMF minimum race ski weight requirements! (That is 750g/ski for men and 700g for women, including the binding.)

Aski Race Ski – 1470g / pair

» Product link
A relatively new race ski from Europe, now available in North America, the Aski Stealth is a lightweight option and less stiff than more traditional options.
Maybe not the best option for hard packed on-piste events but we’re looking forward to giving these a try this season to see how they perform in the variable conditions often found in races. They get the nod from Skimo.co owner Jason Borro who has tried out more race skis than anyone in North America!

Black Diamond Ultralight Camalot

» Product link
262164_to_262174_Camalot_Ultralight_Fan_webMaybe not hugely innovative but certainly impactful. It’s rare that a piece of gear sees such a dramatic drop in weight but the new Ultralight Camalot from BD weighs 25% lighter than the last generation Camalot, mainly by using a dyneema core in place of metal. We would expect a hit in durability that accompanies any dramatic loss of weight but these are holding up well alongside the rest of my rack so far.

Pieps Micro – 110g

» Product link
This is an interesting one but worth putting on the list for the absolutely weight obsessed.
Prior to 2016, the majority of athletes raced with the Pieps Freeride beacon – weighing in at 110g and about the size of a flip-cellphone, it featured a single antenna and very simple operation. It served more as a transmitting safety device than being designed for great search functionality.
For the 2016/17 season, new ISMF rules require a 3-antenna beacon (which most of us have for everyday backcountry use). Pieps has responded to this rule change with a 150g beacon called the Micro.
We suspect that most racers won’t pay the $400 price for the Micro and they will stick with their normal beacon (the full function DSP Pro weighs in at 200g) but for the truly weight obsessed, this is the lightest option.

Petzl Altitude Harness – 160g

» Product link
C19A-ALTITUDE_LowResIt’s not the absolute lightest harness in the world but it is close. It is also the most featured race style harness available and only slightly heavier than the CAMP ALP. This looks to be the best option for ski mountaineering where a harness must be worn for glacier travel and even a bit of easy climbing but where weight is top priority. We like the easy access (without having to remove boots/crampons) and the flat webbing design that prevents rubbing under a pack. Put it on and forget about it while you wear it all day.

Fischer Profoil Skins Review: New way of skinning

By 4 Comments

Fischer-profoil-review-3-edit

Overview:

  • Usual full price: $225 USD – (Skimo.co)
  • Weight: 230g/pair (for Fischer TransAlp 80 skis at 170cm)
  • Compatibility: Fischer TransAlp, Hannibal, and Ranger models
  • Pros: Light, flat, good grip/glide, pre-cut
  • Cons: Slightly slower transition, not trimmable
  • Suitability: ski touring, ski mountaineering

Bottom Line:

An innovative take on ski touring skins that works surprisingly well!

Product description and How we tested it:

To be honest, I have to admit to being a bit skeptical about the Fischer’s Profoil skins when I first saw them at the Pierra Menta expo last year. But now that I actually got them under my feet I have no more concerns.
The idea is a climbing skin-alternative that uses the technology of a classic crown (fish-scale) nordic ski to provide grip on the way up, rather than using hair like with traditional mohair or modern synthetic skins.

Fischer-profoil-review-1-edit
Skinning on Profoils in the Alps during my recent Euro visit.
The Profoil skins are pre-cut for the exact dimensions of the skis (currently available for only Fischer skis – I tested them on the TransAlp 80) and they cannot be trimmed. This is because the pattern has scales that prevent both backward slipping and sideways movement (like traversing on a steep slope). If you trim these scales off, you lose significant grip. Similarly, like with any traditional skins, if you use them on a wider ski then the material may not be in contact with the snow where needed, thus, grip might be compromised.
The skin uses a special tip-clip system that works best with Fischer skis. This is similar to pre-cut Dynafit skins which also uses a unique tip attachment that is design to work well specifically with its skins.
During my recent trip to the French Alps, I had the chance to test them out in a variety of conditions from deep winter powder to firm spring melt-freeze. I expected good performance in powder but occasional slipping in firm or icy conditions. At the end, I was blown away! Profoils delivered great grip in all situations where I know traditional skins would grip as well.
Glide performance in most snow types was great as well, especially, where traditional skins lacking – on ice and refrozen snow. In good conditions – with a smooth track through fresh snow – glide is equivalent to a mohair skin.
Fischer-profoil-review-2-edit
Skin balling (ice and snow accumulation) seemed to be less of an issue with the Profoil skins than traditional synthetic ones. Occasionally, a ball formed when I lifted up my ski during a stride but it immediately released when I stepped-glide onto it. I had no big ice chunks stuck permanently to the bottom of my skins. I discovered that the balling can be reduced easily with some spray-on liquid wax.
The skin uses a special glue that is significantly stronger than standard glue. For this reason, you can’t fold the skin like usual, glue-to-glue. Instead, you need to carry a small piece of skin-saver plastic that you put on the skin before folding it onto itself (glue to scales). This adds a few seconds to transitions and requires some care so a bit of inconvenience here.
To sum things up, if you have a pair of Fisher skis (like the TransAlp), definitely consider using the ProFoil skin instead of a traditional skin.

Pros:

  • Light, no set-up, great grip and glide.
  • An interesting twist on traditional skins.

What can be improved about this product:

  • The strong glue requires the use of skin saver plastic at all times. This means a slightly slower transition, however, I this could be improved with future versions. And we are talking about only seconds here.
  • Hopefully, a trim-able version will be developed so more backcountry skiers can benefit than only those with Fischer skis.

New Ski Mountaineering and Skimo Racing Skis: La Sportiva, Fischer, Black Diamond, Dynafit, Salomon, Atomic, Hagan, Voile

By 2 Comments

During my recent visit to Outdoor Retailer show I had a chance to touch, flex and discover new skimo racing and ski mountaineering skis that will be coming out in the fall of 2016.
My overall observation was that now most manufacturers, instead of just few, will have a light line of skis. And I do mean light, and I do mean a line of skis. This means that going forward, whether you will want a light pair of 80mm skis, or 90mm, or even wider, then you will have more choice than ever before.
» For current lightest skimo skis see our comparisons chart.

La Sportiva and Ski Trab skis

The most interesting finding while browsing the La Sportiva booth, and apart from the new Stratos Hi-Cube ski boots, was that starting next season Ski Trab is partnering with La Sportiva to bring their skimo racing and light touring models to North America.
Below you can see that they will be La Sportiva branded Ski Trab skis. On the left, it’s the Maestro LS (940g at 171cm, width 75mm) suitable for lots of spring ski mountaineering, and on the right, are the racing models Gara Aero LS for men and women (715g at 164cm, and 685g at 157cm).
la-sportiva-ski-trab-skis-2016
Here are some wider skis from La Sportiva, from left – Maximo LS men and women models (1310g at 178cm width 90mm, and 1205g at 164cm width 92mm)  that are intended for fun, light and fast ski touring. Then in contrast on the right you can see the new Vapor Float powder machines weighing only 1400g at 178cm while measuring 117mm in waist!
la-sportiva-skis-2016-fat

Fischer skis

Just like with the new great looking Travers Carbon ski boot, Fischer is disrupting the market with some light touring skis as well.
The photo below shows their full ski touring and skimo racing line. The first two from left are Hannibal 100 and Hannibal 94 (1500g at 180cm width 100mm, 1250g at 177cm width 94mm) for ski touring in powder and soft snow. Then I want to highlight the Transalp 80, in green and fifth from left, as highly suitable for any type of ski mountaineering whether that be steep faces, couloirs, or just enjoying corn in the spring, weighing only 950g at 163cm in width 80mm! The Ranger line is freeride oriented – wider, fun but still pretty light given the widths.
fischer-skis-line-2016
For ski mountaineering racing, Fischer is pushing the weight limits with their two models (photo below):

  • The VerticAlp (in black on the right) is a pure vertical race specialist – 580g in 161cm – and it features a substantial camber to mimic classic xc skis for improved kick, and almost no side-cut (82-64-72) to ensure the skis doesn’t glide sideways on any terrain. This is a great design given that modern vertical races are hosted mostly on groomed runs and roads.
  • The AlpAttack (in black on the left) is a super light skimo racing skis – 650g at 161cm – with what appears to be a stiff torsional construction, thus, it should ski well at high speed and in hard/icy conditions. The 99mm at the tip, in contrast with 65mm waist and 81mm tail, should make the ski float well in powder and crusty snow.

fischer-race-skis-2016

Black Diamond skis

While Black Diamond has been producing some light skis already, their new full Helio line is screaming ski mountaineering in all conditions. On top of that, Black Diamond has moved production of its skis from China to Austria which should result in greater durability than before.
All Helio models feature carbon reinforcements, ABS sidewalls and ultra-light balsa flax wood core. All skis feel very light yet strongly built, and are shaped and rockered exactly for the type of snow or skiing their widths predetermines them.

  • 116 model weighs 1550g in 176cm at 143-116-126 and features generous tip and tail rocker.
  • 105 model weighs 1450g in 175cm at 132-105-119 with slightly smaller rocker at both ends than the 116 model.
  • 95 model weighs 1250g in 173cm at 123-95-113 and slightly shorter rockers than 105.
  • 88 model is shaped a bit differently than any of the above. It seems to be built for spring, steep and hard snow ski mountaineering. Weighing 1200g in 168cm at 121-88-111 the ski feels torsionally stiff and has just enough rocker to make it a well rounded tool.

black-diamond-skis-2016

Dynafit skis

After liberating the world from heavy and clunky bindings in late 80s, Dynafit is now also known for its light skis in all kinds of widths and shapes. However, in last 2-3 seasons, the brand is poking into ever more into the freeride skiing. Here are couple of upcoming models from the photo below:

  • Third pair from left, the new Dhaulagiri, named after 8000m peak, appears to be suited for a variety of conditions but will mostly likely excel most in softer snow – weighing 1400g in 177cm with a side-cut of 130.5-99-114.
  • The purple Sphinx (1670g in 170cm at 124-96-114) is a woman-specific model while the green/yellow Meteorite (1820g in 177cm at 126-97-116) is for heavier or more aggressive skiers. Both versions should be suitable for higher speeds given their bigger mass.
  • The Chugach (1950g in 181cm at 107mm width) and Hokkaido (2100g in 182cm at 117mm width) models are big mountain skis and more traditional shape than other recent Dynafit models.

dynafit-skis-fat-2016
In skimo racing department, Dynafit is now using their flex tip technology and new side shaping (like in the above Denali and Dhaulagiri models) with different colours for let and right skis:

  • DNA model, the two skis on the left, is Dynafit’s lightest weighing 690g in 161cm with a side-cut of 99-65-80. 
  • PDG model, two skis in the middle, is a heavier version of the DNAs with the same side-cut and length but at 790g. Usually, also about half the price of the DNA.

dynafit-race-skis-2016

Salomon S-Lab Minim ski

With long tradition in ski edges, boots and bindings manufacturing, Salomon has only started to build their own full skis in around 1990.
I went to the Salomon ski booth to mostly check out their new light S-Lab Minim ski mountaineering ski as it was developed in collaboration with Kilian Jornet, who previously skied Atomics for a long time.
The Minim ski will weigh 720g in 160cm and is slightly wider than all other skimo racing skis – with a side-cut of 97-68.5-83 it is 3-4mm wider in the waist. It features Karuba woodcore and CFX Superfiber reinforcement.
Salomon-s-lab-minim-skis-2016

Atomic skis

Like Fischer, Atomic is an Austrian manufacturer and has been building skis for decades. Although they have couple of touring and freeride models I was mostly insterested in checking out their Backland Ultimate line (on the right side below) as they are the brand’s most suitable for light and fast ski mountaineering:

  • Backland UL 85 weighs only 1050g at 163cm with a 85mm waist
  • Backland UL 78 comes in 980g at 163cm with a 78mm waist
  • and Atomic’s skimo racing skis, the Backland UL 65, weighs only 680g at 162cm with waist of 65mm and a reshaped tip

atomic-skis-2016

Hagan and Voile skis

While Hagan has been manufacturing skimo racing skis for long time Voile entered the market only two years ago. However, both brands have a couple of lightweight models in various widths. I didn’t get any specifications for the below skis but both brands have improved their existing models and should not definitely not be overlooked when buying a new quiver next season.

Hagan's new racing models feel torsionally stiffer and tip's shape has been improved for skinning.
Hagan’s new racing models feel torsionally stiffer and tip’s shape has been improved for skinning.
All of the Hagan wider models feel very solid and lightweight.
All of the Hagan wider models feel very solid and lightweight.
Voile is a Salt Lake City manufacturer with reputation for well built yet lighter weight skis. Their skimo race skis have substantial rocker and can been clearly picked out in this photo.
voile-skis-2016

Preview of new Fischer Travers Carbon ski mountaineering boots

By 1 Comment

There were a couple of new ski mountaineering and ski touring boots that caught my eye at the recent Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. In this post, I would like to introduce you to a light and very good looking boot from an Austrian company with rich history in winter sports.
Fischer-factory
Fischer, founded in 1924 and family owned, is a traditional alpine skiing and cross-country skiing manufacturer with many wins on the World Cup circuits in both sports. Recently, the company is making more and more inroads into ski mountaineering and skimo racing with some well-designed and innovative products.
fischer-travers-carbon-3With the Travers Carbon boot, Fischer has done a fantastic job at delivering a very light, simple and functional boot. I am saying this without actually skiing the boots because it seems like they took the most effective solutions from other boots and combined them into one.
At the claimed 990 grams for size 26.5MP, the Travers Carbon will be challenging for the lightest ski mountaineering boot on the market apart from the obvious skimo racing models.
Cuff rotation, also known as ankle articulation, appears as good as on my Dynafit TLT6 and feels quite frictionless just as we have become used to with racing and light touring boots.
The choice and design of closing mechanisms is minimalistic and simple. Cuff locks into ski position with a lever that is located on its backside, just like on most skimo racing boots. The shin/calf closing buckle uses a tall velcro-style power strap, with the buckle being hollow, making it very light.

fischer-travers-carbon-1
There is a waterproof gaiter under the Boa lacing. The lever (on the right) flips up and down quite easily.
For adjusting forefoot tension and closing the lower shell Fischer opted to use a Boa Closure System. However, unlike on Scarpa Alien skimo boots where Boa was first used, the Travers uses small pulleys to reduce friction and wear on the Boa laces. The Boa tightening wheel is placed slightly higher than on Aliens and more on the outside of the boot, but doesn’t seem outside enough to be an issue while boot-packing.
Cuff forward lean in ski mode looks fairly neutral (not up right though) which is usually desirable for long days in the mountains. Steep and aggressive forward leaning boots can be tiring for your quads during long or multiple descents, although, it is an individual preference.
The boot’s cuff and shell are made out of Grilamid, very hard and abrasion resistant “plastic”, that is now more commonly used by other manufacturers as well. Bottom part of the shell is also reinforced with carbon fiber sole to create a no-torsion base with the goal of maximum power transfer.
fischer-travers-carbon-2
The Grilamid shell and cuff have nice matte, non-shiny look.
The Tech inserts seem to be directly from Dynafit and should offer good durability and fit with various Tech style bindings.
Width in the forefoot, or last, is 100 mm.
Overall, the Travers boot looks and feels well manufactured and finished. With Fischer now fully in the game, I believe this will benefit all ski mountaineering enthusiasts as the pressure for better gear will keep piling on.
Stay tuned as in the next post we will take a closer look at the new Arc’Teryx Procline Carbon ski alpinism boots.

New Skimo Gear for 2015-2016 Season

By 7 Comments

La Sportiva Sideral 2.0
La Sportiva Sideral 2.0
It’s that time of year when all the manufacturers are coming out with the newest products. Here we want to give you a quick overview of what is new this season. Frankly, it is a relatively quiet one, with very few truly new products. Several companies have given current products some big updates however.
The biggest change of the season is in skimo racing bindings. Weight continues to be shaved off despite new ISMF regulations that require race bindings to have manual locking mechanisms (pulling up on the toe piece to lock in). All the major brands now have a competitive (light weight) binding with a manual lock.

La Sportiva

No major changes to the La Sportiva ski line but the citizen race/ski touring boot – the Sideral – has been update to the 2.0 version. It features improved buckles (borrowed from the Spectre model) and an updated sole that offers compatibility with Tech, Frame and Trab TR2 binding systems.

Dynafit

Dynafit continues to improve its ski running line with the retail release of the 2.0 version of the DNA Race ski, boot, and Low Tech Race binding.

Dynafit Low Tech Race 2.0 Binding
Dynafit Low Tech Race 2.0 Binding
DNA 2.0 ski (and PDG 2.0) – The new DNA ski is 40 grams lighter than the black DyNA thanks to its carbon construction. It is also shaped a bit differently (similar to the Cho-Oyu or Denali shape) compared to previous version, while retaining the same dimensions (99-65-80) and turn radius (20m). The PDG 2.0 adopts the same shape and shaves 25 grams off its predecessor.
DNA Boot (PG RC-1 2.0) – Last year, Dynafit stepped away from their DyNA race boot and began licensing the Pierre Gignoux Morpho 400 as their RC-1 race boot. The 2015/16 DNA Boot is an improved RC-1 with a new color scheme (green and pink to match the skis) as well as an improved sole (way better than the RC-1!), and a new upper cuff strap system. Probably, it will be pretty difficult to find much stock in the US but if you find yourself in Europe it’s much more common over there.
Low Tech Race 2.0 Binding – With ISMF regulations requiring a race binding toe that does not auto lock, the Low Tech Race has taken an TLT Superlight toe piece with locking lever and trimmed it down to the essential material, pairing it with a Gignoux plastic heel piece to create a lightweight (around 100g) binding with a removable crampon attachment.

Plum Race 99 Bindings
Plum Race 99 Bindings

Plum

Race 99 Binding – This is an exciting entry into the game from Plum as the lightest all-metal binding on the market at a scant 99 grams. Mount these on any of the lighter skis and you might find yourself needing to add weight to meet the ISMF minimums! We got a chance to check them out at the 2015 Pierra Menta in March and at the Plum factory in Annecy, they are pretty cool!

Fischer

While racing the World Cup last season, Eric took mental note of all the broken skis that he saw throughout the year, and there were lots! The yellow Fischers topped the list but it looks like they have worked out the issues this year with their new Alp Attack Carbon skis. It has the same design as the (older) yellow version with a new construction and top sheet.
Race binding – Fisher is moving away from ATK as their bindings manufacturer and adopted the Dynafit Low Tech as its own re-branded binding for this season. Using the same toe as the Low Tech described above, it is slightly heavier with the older version Low Tech heel (metal rather than the current plastic Gignoux heel). This unit is likely much more durable for day-to-day use.

Fischer Profoil Skins
Fischer Profoil Skins
Profoil skins – Not really a skimo race quiver but worthy of a mention. The Fischer Profoil skins are just a thin sheet of plastic with no natural or artificial hair. Fischer claims the skins are just as effective climbing, have as good glide as mohair, but due to the material they literally can never ball up with snow (when wet to cold conditions occur). They cannot be trimmed and are only able to be used on a ski of a certain width (to allow room for a certain pattern on the base), but with their light weight and low bulk they could be especially useful on an ultra-wide ski.

CAMP Speed 2.0 Helmet
CAMP Speed 2.0 Helmet

CAMP

Speed 2.0 Helmet – CAMP is responsible for some excellent skimo accessories including their Rapid Racing Pack and their Race 290 crampons, and have now improved their venerable Speed helmet to be slightly lighter and with a new retention system. The Speed 2.0 helmet is comfortable for racing and does not to conflict much with sunglasses or a light light hat.

Ski Trab

Gara Titan binding – Ski Trab’s new binding comes in at just over 100g (slightly less than Dynafit Low Tech 2.0) and has all the required features plus a new design that allows the tech toe to close without coiled springs on the wings. Being completely new on the market, it may require some testing of the concept but it’s a possible worthy alternative binding.

Petzl Rad System
Petzl Rad System

Petzl

Rad Line – This is a special 30 meter, 6mm diameter ‘hyperstatic’ cord that can be used for rappelling and for glacier travel. The cord is pre-packaged by Petzl with three lightweight screw-lock carabiners, a double-shoulder length sling (can be used as an anchor or improvised harness), a micro traction (rope capture pulley (for a crevasse rescue), and a Tibloc (for rope ascent), all in a fancy Petzl bag.
The Rad Line is basically a ready-to-go ski mountaineering kit. Perfect for glaciers in the North Cascades, or Chamonix, or dropping into gnarly lines in the Tetons. Pair it with a thicker 30m lead line for harder terrain or use a skinny pull rope for 30m rappels.

For now, that’s all we have for new 2015-2016 skimo gear. We will have some more in-depth reviews of all of the above products soon! If we’ve missed anything, please give us a shout in the comments below or via our contact form.