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Darn near ready to purchase, but wanting to know where "the line" is with regard to the ski's center.
Two weeks after first asking, it's starting to seem like it's a closely-guarded state secret.....
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Blossom fans
- Thread starter mulva28
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Darn near ready to purchase, but wanting to know where "the line" is with regard to the ski's center.
Two weeks after first asking, it's starting to seem like it's a closely-guarded state secret.....
No secret, just not many in the wild. I am not sure why it matters at this point. It will be what it is, and you can always adjust once you see it in person.Darn near ready to purchase, but wanting to know where "the line" is with regard to the ski's center.
Two weeks after first asking, it's starting to seem like it's a closely-guarded state secret.....
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2015
- Posts
- 8,480
Mike got back to me, and it looks like it's -9 ish.
Why it matters to me is that I wanted to know the ski designer's intent, that's all.
@Premier Skis, what's the construction difference between the FIS and No.1 SL version 
I also really liked the edge thickness of the N1 SL, I didn't measured it but it's above 1.5mm for sure, maybe closer to 2mm
I also really liked the edge thickness of the N1 SL, I didn't measured it but it's above 1.5mm for sure, maybe closer to 2mm
I wish I could give you a convincing response here but I haven't been on enough of the recent crop of SLs to be able to report responsibly on a first hand basis.
Are you planning to race, or are you looking for a race ski for free skiing? (My SL race experience is close to non-existent, so I absolutely cannot advise you there.)
It happens that of the people I know personally who ski FIS SLs - and who also actually know how to arc a string of clean high-energy tight-radius turns - most are on Atomics or Rossis. This is almost certainly meaningless, since obviously Fischer, for example, can make a great race ski. But it does illustrate that ambitious civilian non-racers find those skis satisfying.
I've been on several versions of the Volkl but none newer than about 2015. I liked them a whole lot for their friendly snap and intuitive feel. If I were starting from scratch these would be first on my demo list. (Well, maybe after Stockli, but only based on hearsay, not on direct knowledge.)
Never been on the Rossi FIS SL but I always like the snow feel of Rossi race skis, and have a pair of their GS boards. FWIW those have superb bases but really thin edges.
I have about one run on each of two Augments, neither of which spoke to me. I acknowledge I'm in the minority there.
The things I like about the Blossom are the durable topsheets, excellent quiet edge hold, and high level of predictability. Honestly the reason I'm on that brand is mostly that I got a good deal on them - which is a perfectly good reason, IMHO. I do still have trouble getting the bases to hold wax, however.
Sold - Brand New Fischer RC4 World Cup SL 165cm $400
For sale are brand new Fischer RC4 World Cup SL skis. 165 cm in length, race code 2081. Genuine Fischer race room skis. 54 flex. Curv booster race plate compatible with Fischer, Tyrolia, Head, Elan Freeflex, Race Service bindings & Attack2’s. Bindings not included in sale. These are obviously...
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No racing background, no intention to race, just free skiing
I've seen Junior GS skis from them, Völkl as well... Pretty thin indeed
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Great deal, but i am on the other side of the big Blue, pfffSold - Brand New Fischer RC4 World Cup SL 165cm $400
For sale are brand new Fischer RC4 World Cup SL skis. 165 cm in length, race code 2081. Genuine Fischer race room skis. 54 flex. Curv booster race plate compatible with Fischer, Tyrolia, Head, Elan Freeflex, Race Service bindings & Attack2’s. Bindings not included in sale. These are obviously...
@Premier Skis, what's the construction difference between the FIS and No.1 SL version
Quite a bit of difference between the FIS SL and the No.1 SL, but here are the primary differences:
- Like all FIS skis, the dimensions and turn radius is determined by FIS regulations. However, like most non-FIS skis, the No.1 SL has much more shape to it, with a wider tip and tail.
- The FIS SL is built with materials designed for FIS racing, resulting in a ski that is considerably stiffer both longitudinally and in torsional flex. The No.1 SL on the other hand, has a construction similar to Blossom's other carving skis (No.1 GS, RC, etc.).
Hope this helps.
Mike
Helps make me want the No. 1SL even more, Mike! As if @Ron didn’t do a good enough job of that already…
Anyone ride the No.1 RC mounted flat? Curious if a plate is required. Anyone get to flex and weigh an XC in the wild yet?
I have. It's a beast that I think will be fantastic. Just need snow to test!
I'm an older (much?) skier, and not especially skilled, but last season was my first to own and ski on a Blossom FIS SL. It became the ski I took out most often in my 111 days skiing at Crested Butte. That says as much about the snow conditions as it does the skis, but still shows they can be an every day ski. The other skis I used were an old pair of Wagners for powder days, a pair of Blossom White Outs for in-between days, and a pair of Blizzard Firebird SLCs* when I felt like it. The point of this post is: Do not fear the Blossom FIS SL, it's can be a fine every day ski.
*Some days you just need to be on a red ski.
*Some days you just need to be on a red ski.
Your comments are very helpful to me as I am close to pulling the trigger on my first pair of Blossoms and an on the fence between the AM77 and No. 1 RC. I am looking at this ski to fill the need for an east coast front side ski. Versatility and playfulness are definitely welcome, but I am looking for something that gives me a reason to leave my Enforcer 100s in the closet what there isn't a lot of fresh snow, heavy crud or I am headed into the backcountry. Ideally, I would have ripped this ski yesterday while chasing my kids down groomers on Mt. Mansfield with few people on the mountain. These skis will be my primary carvers, but I'd like to be able to handle what comes (death cookies, boilerplate, bumps).
How would you compare the skis in terms of confidence at speed. What about hard snow, ice grip?
I am 5'11', 190 and am looking at the 176 length.
This is helpful as Gripwalk compatibility is not addressed on the Premier Skis website (or I missed it). Do you know if GW was confirmed for the Speedlock this season? Reading the various reviews on this site it seems like anyone who has used both bindings feels the Speedlocks are a step up. Are there any advantages to the Speedcoms other than less weight?
@Belichick
I'm about your size, own the No. 1 RC, and, for years skied the Blossom predecessor to the AM 77, both in 170 cm. While the common wisdom is that bigger skiers like you and I should be on 176, I found the 176 length Blossoms to want higher speeds, more aggressive skiing than I prefer. Factor your personal style preference into your decision. Agree that the No. 1 RC does need more attention to ski well, it is well matched for my smaller mountain, hard snow Pocono skiing. My thinking is that if you want versatility, the the AM 77 would be a better ski, shorter version is better in eastern bumps. I took my Blossom made 78 waist ski out west many times, they shined when there was not new snow. I'm not a fan of 100 mm skis, the transition to AM 77 should be a little easier.
I have the Speedcom binding, very pleased with it's performance. My thinking is similar to the reasons why a 177 or 170 would be a better ski for an individual. If you rip on skis, then consider the Speedock system, I've never needed a binding with a din above the standard 12.
My vote would be the AM 77.
I'm about your size, own the No. 1 RC, and, for years skied the Blossom predecessor to the AM 77, both in 170 cm. While the common wisdom is that bigger skiers like you and I should be on 176, I found the 176 length Blossoms to want higher speeds, more aggressive skiing than I prefer. Factor your personal style preference into your decision. Agree that the No. 1 RC does need more attention to ski well, it is well matched for my smaller mountain, hard snow Pocono skiing. My thinking is that if you want versatility, the the AM 77 would be a better ski, shorter version is better in eastern bumps. I took my Blossom made 78 waist ski out west many times, they shined when there was not new snow. I'm not a fan of 100 mm skis, the transition to AM 77 should be a little easier.
I have the Speedcom binding, very pleased with it's performance. My thinking is similar to the reasons why a 177 or 170 would be a better ski for an individual. If you rip on skis, then consider the Speedock system, I've never needed a binding with a din above the standard 12.
My vote would be the AM 77.
Thanks! This is all very helpful food for thought. I really appreciate the firsthand perspective.
Interesting thoughts on the sizing. I'm trying to ignore preconceptions with these skis, but it's difficult to peg as I have never skied one and can't demo. One more variable to consider, but I do tend to ski fast.
Speedcom is GW compatible, Speedlock is not.
You could also order the skis flat and put whatever GW compatible binding you prefer.
You could also order the skis flat and put whatever GW compatible binding you prefer.
@Belichick, GW is available for Speedlocks this year.
Any reports on the on snow performance of the XCs?