Spring/Fall Tour Ski Recommendations

[ducky]

Started a new thread because I didn't see an existing one? Currently on a Voile V6 ATK Crest with Tecnica boots. They have worked out well this year but, with spring skiing here I need to find a narrower ski more appropriate for hard pack, corn, and handle small pockets of powder. Currently ski in the Winds, south of the Tetons. Looking at around 90 underfoot, but unsure of length adjustment (currently at a 171, probably should be longer but hadn't been skiing for a few years as I have been informed by a former ski buddy ). Considering atomic backland UL, k2 wayback 88, Dynafit radical 88 tour w, and mixed feelings about the elan ripstick tours. Slightly thinking the K2 or Dynafit but haven't found many reviews for them. Also, might be fun just to post Spring/Fall Tour set ups for other gals? Thanks Divas!

 

[Aerlind]

My SO has the Dynafit Radicals but in 97 as his sole tour setup, and really likes them. So much so that he encouraged his brother (who tours on Icelantics) to get the same but narrower (close to 90 underfoot, I don’t remember the exact width) for his girlfriend, and she’s reported liking them too. My SO and I tour in southwest Montana and the Tetons area (his dad has a house in Driggs) and his brother and GF are in Colorado.

I rented some Black Diamond impluse skis last weekend and despite them being a heavier ski didn’t find them cumbersome on the way up, and I was very thankful for their stability in the punchy, dense snow on the way down. The ones I rented were 104 underfoot but I know they come in a couple of narrower versions.

A lot of people I know ski slightly shorter skis for touring than in the resort, mostly for the lower weight and added maneuverability. Most of that is personal preference, I think.

 

[arbusch]

We get so few good spring touring condition days in NE Oregon. I just use the same set up for both. I have some skis 99 underfoot that I might use than my 108 underfoot. Yet, my Moment Bella Tours 108 underfoot are lighter (with bindings and skins) than my old black crows daemon birdies 99 underfoot (with bindings and skins) so doesn't save me weight. Black Crows ski a bit better for spring like conditions and not as long.

 

[WaterGirl]

and mixed feelings about the elan ripstick tours.

curious why? Ripsticks are Eastern Sierra favorites, I have older version of the 94 ski as my back country set up, not the tour version, (only a few grams different at the time) and am very happy in the conditions you describe, they shine in frozen, corn and light powder....... admittedly I should get on the newest version to compare ....

are you able to demo?
My only other advice is to be mindful of the delta angle on the bindings you are demoing/ currently have. Many of the bindings on the market still have a high delta which could affect how you are interpreting the ski.......

 

[Beckster]

I haven‘t shopped for a new ski for a few years now so I don’t have any opinions on what you’re considering. I can say I‘ve never skied a Dynafit on hard now with any joy.
However, I can tell you how much I love my Scott Superguide 95‘s. Love them so much that I bought a back-up pair on sale last spring .
It’s been my one quiver ski in every condition the mountains can throw at me. Fun on corn and have enough float in deep powder. They‘re powerful and extremely stable at speed on rutted icy conditions, blast through that top crusted over powder or typical crud. Turns zippy or wide.
Here in Switzerland, you can experience every type of condition possible in just one day and I am always confident on my Superguide 95‘s.
The downfall may be the weight, but for me it’s worth it. Even the big 5000+ vertical foot days, no regrets.

 

[beane]

We (me, husband, and 13y.o. kid) demo'd a bunch a weekend or so ago and the hands down favorite was the Zag ubac. I tried the 95 and I wish it came in slightly diff sizes but it was much much improved from previous years--super light, railed on carves, and def stiffer. We weren't able to do any uphilling but I would def give that a look.

 

[Aerlind]

We (me, husband, and 13y.o. kid) demo'd a bunch a weekend or so ago and the hands down favorite was the Zag ubac. I tried the 95 and I wish it came in slightly diff sizes but it was much much improved from previous years--super light, railed on carves, and def stiffer. We weren't able to do any uphilling but I would def give that a look.

There are a couple of pairs of the Zag Ubac 89 up on Sierra right now for $300. Should you want to buy a pair…

 

[beane]

There are a couple of pairs of the Zag Ubac 89 up on Sierra right now for $300. Should you want to buy a pair…

That's the previous generation. I found the new ones much much improved