Hart Javelin SL 165cm

[volklgirl]

The Tester: 190+ lbs, 5'5", 42 Years old, PSIA Level II, Platinum/Gold level Nastar and 2x/week league racer. I prefer stiffer skis with lots of pop that can handle my preference for high speed ripping.

The Conditions: A-Basin in May! Perfectly groomed morning corduroy after a dump the previous day.

The Test Runs: 1 run down a green and 1 run down a long mild blue groomer making high speed carves of various turn radii. 1 run down a steeper blue/black making medium and high speed carves .

The Skis:
2008 Hart Javelin SL 165cm

They didn't have this in a 155cm which is the size I would normally use for slalom, so Phil put me on the 165cm which is very close to the size I'm on for my groomer-zoomer/all-mountain ski. I found this longer length to be a stellar choice for frontside cruising. While it is a full-fledged race ski, it was neither nervous or viciously aggressive. Its unique design with the widest part of the shovel forward of the contact point made it incredibly easy to rip off turns of any size and shape by simply tipping the ski onto a higher or lower edge angle - no weight transfer or pressure distribution change necessary. It stayed calm and rock-solid at all times yet never felt "dead". Its edge grip rivaled that of my Volkls (did I just say that?????). Surprisingly for a race ski, it was even tractable at medium and slow speeds, and unlike most slalom skis, it never demanded "turn,turn,turn,turn,turn".

In a Nutshell: I was incredibly inpressed with this ski in this length. It would make an unbeatable frontside ski for any strong skier who likes speed and has a penchant for "smaller" turns (although I found no limit on larger turns either).

OK, I am a Diva.......I gotta admit I wasn't inspired by the graphics although they're not awful.

 

[SnowDancer]

Thanks, VolklGirl - great review! I particularly appreciate hearing from someone closer to both my size and age - even though my ability level isn't quite up to yours.

I too prefer a more lively ski with good feedback and, since I primarily ski the northeast, edge grip is a must as well. While slalom skis might help you dodge fallen skiers on crowded, narrow trails (NE skiing again), I truly dislike skis that force you to "turn, turn, turn" instead of being ready to turn how you want, when you want.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[volklgirl]

You're welcome.

I love demoing skis and am constantly surprised by the variety of skis currently available.

For some reason the pic isn't working now. Here's another try:

 

[volklgirl]

I knew I forgot something

I knew I forgot something in this review, but once daylight hit, I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was. This am I deleted my ski tuning article off my hard drive and it finally came to me .

Beginning my first run, as I went into the lift line, I got the oddest feeling that the skis were a little hesitant about skidding. Same thing happened when I exited the chairlift ramp. Thinking that may they have had burrs on the edge, I did a quick check. Nope, the edges were clean. While actually skiing, though, that odd feeling was gone. They were smooth, maneuverable, fast, and consistent, but the same thing happened as I began my next run, and the next. Hmmmmm.....

As I skied up to give them back to Phil it occurred to me - I wonder what bevel these have? So I asked Phil. Sure enough. All my skis are tuned to 1/3, giving me the best combination of edge release and edge grip for my style on our midwest hills. Turns out the Javelin is factory tuned with a 0 deg base bevel! That totally explains it. On a race ski, a factory tune with a 0 deg base bevel is a fabulous idea - it allows the racer or tech to set the correct base bevel for the owner without have to stone grind the base to remove any previous bevel first. Sweet!