- Joined
- Aug 24, 2017
- Posts
- 364
Hi folks,
I'm considering some new skis (Volkl Blaze 106) and I'm thinking of mounting them at + 1 or + 2 from the recommended line. Actually, there is a regular line on these skis, as well as a + 1 and + 2 line, so it would be within the "somewhat acceptable" range. Why am I considering this? My understanding is that the Blaze 106 is a fairly maneuverable though directional ski, that likes to be driven with forward stance. I, on the other hand, feel more comfortable skiing with a more upright stance, and I like more surfy and maneuverable feel. So, I'm hoping that by mounting a little forward, I can get the most out of these skis, for my style. These skis will be mounted with Atomic Shift bindings, and Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 boots. Like the skis, these binding and boots are back country oriented...on the light side for dedicated piste gear, and on the heavy side for pure touring gear. I plan to use them about 50/50 on/off piste.
Specifically, can we draw any broad conclusions about how a ski's behavior will change when mounted a little forward of the usual line? Will they work better with a more upright stance? Will they have a more surfy feel? Will the tails be easier or harder to swing around? Presumably, the tips won't plane quite as well in powder. Basically, how does moving the mount point forward affect a ski???
Here are some things I know will be said so I'll go ahead and say them first
All the best,
Bruno
I'm considering some new skis (Volkl Blaze 106) and I'm thinking of mounting them at + 1 or + 2 from the recommended line. Actually, there is a regular line on these skis, as well as a + 1 and + 2 line, so it would be within the "somewhat acceptable" range. Why am I considering this? My understanding is that the Blaze 106 is a fairly maneuverable though directional ski, that likes to be driven with forward stance. I, on the other hand, feel more comfortable skiing with a more upright stance, and I like more surfy and maneuverable feel. So, I'm hoping that by mounting a little forward, I can get the most out of these skis, for my style. These skis will be mounted with Atomic Shift bindings, and Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 boots. Like the skis, these binding and boots are back country oriented...on the light side for dedicated piste gear, and on the heavy side for pure touring gear. I plan to use them about 50/50 on/off piste.
Specifically, can we draw any broad conclusions about how a ski's behavior will change when mounted a little forward of the usual line? Will they work better with a more upright stance? Will they have a more surfy feel? Will the tails be easier or harder to swing around? Presumably, the tips won't plane quite as well in powder. Basically, how does moving the mount point forward affect a ski???
Here are some things I know will be said so I'll go ahead and say them first
- Buy a different ski. If the Blaze 106 prefers a more forward stance, maybe I should consider a different ski? Fair enough, but it's not so easy to find a good 50/50 front/backcountry ski at 1700-1800 grams like the Blaze.
- Adopt a more forward position. Yup. I love my SL skis and carving on piste. But when skiing in difficult, variable snow, especially when tired or wearing a pack, I'm more comfortable with a centered stance.
- Learn to control the skis better and don't worry about equipment. Yup again. I constantly work to improve my technique. That said, as above, when off piste, in difficult, variable snow, tired, carrying a pack, I need all the help I can get. That's why I'm planning on using a relatively heavy ski/boot/binding combination as my back country set up.
All the best,
Bruno