Volkl adjustable skiis???

[uphillklimber]

I chatted with a fellow at the Balsams, who is an instructor at Sunapee. He was twisting a cam on the rear of his skiis to make them run stiffer. You could see the springs in windows at the front of his skiis stretching out. Apparently, it makes quite a difference in his opinion. Anyone ever use such a ski? How do you like it? What is the expected lifespan of such a set of springs? Do you have to remember to release them at the end of each ski session?

Questions, observations?

[Rushski]

Those would be the Tigersharks (10s or 12s).

Never skied them but Volkl usually doesn't make a lemon...

[wa-loaf]

I demoed them last year. Awesome ski. And expensive. But the switch was noticable and these would make a great EC ski. Typical Volkl bombproof edge hold with the ski stiff and on the soft setting it does nicely in crud and is a bit more forgiving.

[KevinF]

Those springs are part of the binding, which I believe is made by Marker. I think binding companies know a thing or two by now about making springs that last.

[Mildcat]

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

I demoed them last year. Awesome ski. And expensive. But the switch was noticable and these would make a great EC ski. Typical Volkl bombproof edge hold with the ski stiff and on the soft setting it does nicely in crud and is a bit more forgiving.

Here's a good deal if anyone is looking for the 12ft. powerswitch.
http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/Volkl...System-239.asp

Wa-loaf, which one did you demo?

[wa-loaf]

Originally Posted by KevinF

Those springs are part of the binding, which I believe is made by Marker. I think binding companies know a thing or two by now about making springs that last.

No, these are built into the ski and not part of the binding system. They run the whole length of the ski. I think the rods are made of titanium so they're not likely to break, don't know about the springs though. They also have the Marker Piston bindings, but that's a separate system.

[wa-loaf]

Originally Posted by Mildcat

Here's a good deal if anyone is looking for the 12ft. powerswitch.
http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/Volkl...System-239.asp

Wa-loaf, which one did you demo?

I demoed the 10ft. The 12 ft is a little wider. I think 72mm vs 78mm, but don't quote me on it.

[BeanoNYC]

Heavy

[wa-loaf]

Meh, I've never really been bothered by the weight of a ski unless it's something I need to lug a long way. Once they're on my feet I don't notice.

[WoodCore]

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

No, these are built into the ski and not part of the binding system. They run the whole length of the ski. I think the rods are made of titanium so they're not likely to break, don't know about the springs though. They also have the Marker Piston bindings, but that's a separate system.

FYI, The rods themselves are actually made out carbon fiber and run the entire length of the ski in separate tubes on each side of the ski. Increased stiffness in the ski is created by tensioning the carbon rod in the tube. Regardless, the ski is pretty bomb-proof, a solid wood core with a sheet of titanium for good measure.