A few years ago powder skiing changed forever with the birth of reversed cambered skis. Seeing the difference between hard pack skiing and powder skiing, mad scientist and skiing icon Shane McConkey, started looking at water skis as an inspiration for a new kind of powder ski. The result was the first ever reversed cambered ski, the now legendary Spatula. It has taken the ski industry a few years to accept the change but now there are a number of different companies building reversed cambered and rocked skis. Because this ~technology’ is still relatively new companies are trying new things and building their skis with unique characteristics. Here are some of the best.
Armada ARG (185cm, 125-135-133-134-120) The first thing that probably- jumps out at you is the fact that the ski has five measurements instead of the standard three measurements. The reason for this is that the ski becomes wider between the tip and underfoot and underfoot and the tail while directly underfoot is about 12-14 inches of straight edge.
K2 Hell Bent (179cm, 189cm, 150-122-141) The K2 Hell Bent is a twin tip, rocker ski with an elongated tail for smooth switch landings. Made for powder skiing but also designed for easy butters and presses. New ski for the 07/08 season.
Lotus 138 â?” (192cm, 202cm, 140-138-139) Build with carbon fiber laminates, a wood core and bamboo sidewalls the Lotus 138 is a stiff burly ski while still remaining lightweight. In the 192 you have the choose between two different flexes. K2 Pontoon â?” (179cm, 189, 160-130-120) Designed by the guy who started the whole revolution, Mr. McConkey, the Pontoon offers the next steep in rocker design. With an unsinkable tip (160mm) and a tapered tail the Pontoon delivers a ripping powder skis that can still make it back to the lift with relative ease. Praxis â?” (175cm 117,121,111 -185cm 124,136,131 -195cm 124,136,131) Based out of Tahoe this homegrown ski company is building rocker skis with no flat spots. The ski has a lessening curve from the tip and tail to the middle. Five different graphics will be available on the 07/08 models.
