Altai Tao

[Krummholz]

@Krummholz
Please forgive me if I missed this in this thread-
what boot are you using with the Tao?
Also- you have NNNBC on the Hok? What BC boot?
......
For reference, I have the 145 Hok- no interest in the 125.

I ski 75mm exclusively. My primary boot is the Fischer Transnordic 75 for telemark. I even use them with some Rossi 86 touring skis with Rotte Super Telemark 75mm bindings. Second is the Alico Arctic for flat and rolling terrain. My friend was using my Hoks for a while with the NNNBC binding. When I use the Hoks I put Voile 75’s on them. I use the Hoks primarily as a snowshoe replacement.

[fedster]

I have the Hoks 145 and I am debating whether getting the Taos or the Koms at 172 (to do what I already do with the Hoks really, going around the forest and over snowmobile tracks). I am happy with the Hoks but when I can get on a snowmobile track they seem terminally slow (and they get terminally terminal on a snowmobile track going steeply downhill). I was wondering whether the Taos or the Koms would be slightly faster/better control in those snowmobile tracks. BTW I say Koms 172 because those are what I could easily get. I am leaning towards the Taos at the moment.

[Guerrierdeneige]

Just got my Taos but I am missing their special set of screws, it should arrive in the next few days. I am going to test them on snowmobile tracks so I’ll tell you how it goes!

[berto9eleven]

Just got my Taos but I am missing their special set of screws, it should arrive in the next few days. I am going to test them on snowmobile tracks so I’ll tell you how it goes!

Hey @Guerrierdeneige
I've been eyeing the Taos and Koms. I'd love to hear about any and all of your impressions of the Taos so far. TIA!

[fatskinning]

@@berto9eleven
I've been skiing the TAOs since they were released (probably 15-20 hours on them so far) and I'm convinced they're the best skinned skis you can buy.

Choosing skis depends entirely on your intended use and terrain. For example, no skinned ski will perform well on groomed runs.

The TAOs are wide skis and longer than the HOKs, requiring more support for downhill skiing. Stiffer boots are definitely recommended; I use plastic boots and wouldn't consider going back to soft boots. The added support allows for better power transfer and control.

The build quality is excellent. They come with pre-installed inserts, allowing you to install the bindings yourself where the manufacturer intended and it also allows you to switch to other bindings without drilling. I've used them with both Voile Hardwire and Voile 3-pin bindings. The Voile 3-pins are a great match, and if you get the ones with removable cables you will be ready for anything.

The TAO's lightweight, soft flex, and minimal camber contribute to exceptional grip on steep ascents. They perform well for kick-and-glide and are surprisingly stable and directional, likely due to the limited rocker. While turn initiation requires slightly more effort than I anticipated, this is a minor point.

I haven't tried the KOMs, but I think they are more performance-oriented than the TAOs.

Skinned skis are unique in their versatility. They are good at everything but they don't excel in any single area.

While some skinned skis are better than others, the TAOs stand out. I've owned the OAC 160 XCD and 160 XCD BC, similar offerings, and was disappointed with both, particularly the BC version. They lacked the grip and stability of the TAOs. Having skied both, I can confidently say the TAOs are far superior.

[Oldbie]

I got Hoks last year and kind of kick myself for missing out on the Tao. Maybe I could sell them, but I think there's low demand for that kind of gear around here. I would consider getting the Tao but might be disappointed with the level of drag and friction that the skins apply on flat and downhill terrain--my main complaint with the Hoks. I see the Power Paste on sale on Altai's Web site and haven't tried that, but have used spray silicone to minimal result. Any other tips on making the permaskins on these a little slicker?

[fatskinning]

@Oldbie
The TAO will definitely have more glide than the HOK 125.
I haven't tried that specific wax, but I doubt you'll see a significant improvement in glide.
That type of wax is used to prevent snow from sticking to the skins in warmer conditions.