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Ski Review: The Mishka Original

MadMadWorld

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Date: 02/02/14

Proving Ground: Cannon Mountain

Conditions: PP, MG, WB, HP, pretty much everything!

Summary: On Super Bowl Sunday I had the honor of being the AZer to ski on Mishka's prototype ski. Everything was handmade by himself at his "factory" (aka the garage). After hearing him describe the time he invested in this project I decided I would give them a shot. Conditions were starting to get very scratched off and throwing on something other than my rockered Kung Fujas seemed like a solid decision. I did 4 runs on them and here is my review....

Run #1

Bumps on Paulie's Folly. Decided that I would put them to the test right away. It was a bit of a transition for me after skiing on a really soft ski all day but that is not a knock on this ski. It forced me to be a little more upright to absorb the moguls with a stiffer ski. As I switched up my style, I found that these skis really easy to skid and skiing from rut to rut was enjoyable. I would say this first run was more about the skier adapting to the ski than anything.

Run # 2

Bumps on Avalanche. Second bump run skied much better than the first and I felt a much better rhythm. One area where this ski does really well is with vibration or lack thereof. It was easy to drive my tips down and put them on edge right away which was nice to feel in those types of conditions.

Run # 3

Groomed HP on Gary's. The ski does really well on HP as long as you are not looking to GS turns. This ski excels in short skidded turns. What stood out for me again was how quiet it skied on that kind of a surface.

Run # 4

Groomed PP under the Peabody Lift. The best run of the afternoon on this ski. This was the kind of terrain this ski was meant for. It was very easy to engage my edge early and to hold it throughout the turn.

Conclusion: Very impressed by Mishka's ski making ability. I give anyone credit who takes them time to make their own ski but this was genuinely a good ski. I think this is a great ski for a high intermediate who likes to dabble in bumps or who is just learning to ski them. If you are looking for an extra pair I hear Mishka gives free demos and tours of the factory (bring your own vodka of course!). I look forward to seeing the next pair!
 

snoseek

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Cool, nice write up. I met up with Mishka late last spring at Wildcat as he was about to start making skis. I came to the conclusion just chatting that he put a TON of thought into the project and that would result in a well made ski. I suggest others on here give them a try if you can...
 

Savemeasammy

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Where are the pics of the skis, MMW?! I'm curious what the length and dimensions of the ski are. How about the construction?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

bvibert

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Where are the pics of the skis, MMW?! I'm curious what the length and dimensions of the ski are. How about the construction?


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This! Would love to see some pics of the skis, construction process, etc..
 

MadMadWorld

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Where are the pics of the skis, MMW?! I'm curious what the length and dimensions of the ski are. How about the construction?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm sure the designer will chime in with that information. I believe he said they were 86 underfoot. Didn't take any pictures because my phone was dead after coordinating meetups all morning. I know excuses excuses.
 

mishka

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Thank you.

112-120--86-110 R17m 175cm

Sandwich/sidewall construction.
core: Maple popular IPE sidewall.
triaxial fiberglass ski specific epoxy
To reduce vibration I use vibration damping membrane
skis is light 3lb 7oz or about 1600 g per ski


16_zpscbf58a62.jpg


17_zps27b08534.jpg
 

mishka

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Probably better pictures of identical pair I mad.
While it looks similar it completely different.
Maple core, carbon fiber reinforcement. This changes made skis extremely stiff as stiff as skis with metal construction was out extra weight

MR-86-2-1_zpsa070484f.jpg


MR-86-2-2b_zps25413b84.jpg
 

hrstrat57

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I saw the skis in the flesh last month and was super impressed. I especially liked seeing the wood core thru the sidewalls, very cool.

Was heading out as Mike was heading in unfortunately tho so I didn't get the demo. Nice report thanks, they are very impressive skis indeed.
 

MadMadWorld

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I would highly recommend giving them a try. If you like the skis he might be willing to work design a ski a for you. Sounds like fun to me
 

mishka

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hopefully I will be at wawa on Friday. if anybody want to try the skis let me know.

while anything is possible this skis design came out good. With exception of icy hardpack they preform well. Even in fresh pow thay float nicely on the top for the skis only 86mm underfoot it added bonus. What can be easily modified is stiffness.
What I like the most wide sweet spot almost never feel unbalanced or skis running from under knees of you.
MMW forgot to ask. Did you find skis short?
 

MadMadWorld

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hopefully I will be at wawa on Friday. if anybody want to try the skis let me know.

while anything is possible this skis design came out good. With exception of icy hardpack they preform well. Even in fresh pow thay float nicely on the top for the skis only 86mm underfoot it added bonus. What can be easily modified is stiffness.
What I like the most wide sweet spot almost never feel unbalanced or skis running from under knees of you.
MMW forgot to ask. Did you find skis short?

Yes definitely. Very easy to steer.
 

mishka

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yes 6mm. Tip long and flat working like a rocker when on the edge shortening running laugh in tight turns
I am working on rocker now with 110 wide underfoot and 185cm long
 

snoseek

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yes 6mm. Tip long and flat working like a rocker when on the edge shortening running laugh in tight turns
I am working on rocker now with 110 wide underfoot and 185cm long
This sounds very interesting, dimensions are perfect for out here
 

mishka

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Mishka, are you planning on starting a business or selling skis? or is this just a hobby?

There are no plan. Making skis as a business doesn't sounds like a fun as of right now. Making skis for myself and friends that's sounds like fun
 
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