Some feedback on this combination...

[Inspiredcapers]

Hello Telemarktalkers,

The last couple of years have seen me shift away from lift serviced skiing to exploring all the great areas I hike here in SouthEast British Columbia. I’ve been bombing around on my Altai Hoks (lotsa fun) and snowshoes. I’m ready to expand my horizons. I’ve located this combination for sale: Karhu XCD GT ski (length: 195cm), sidecut: 83-62-70; Waxless; Binding: 3 pin from Voile; Comes with BD mohair/synthetic kicker skins; Alpina BC 2175 boot. My main interests are logging roads (a lot of them will have snowmobile tracks but there’ll be room for skiing) and snowed over hiking trails. There will be a lot of elevation changes in my jaunts but I don’t plan on steep descents for awhile.

As far as the Karhus go, they seem about right for me (6’ tall, 190#, will often have a 15# pack for daylong excursions).

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[1EyedJack]

Go for it!
Classic backcountry setup.

[lowangle al]

They are a fine ski for logging roads as long as you are more focused on the XC aspect. The problem I have with them is that they need a lot of input to turn. They do not respond to subtle edging like all of my other skis do. I think it's due to being too soft in the tip and lack of tortional rigidity. When you lean them over the tips do nothing to help initiate the turn.

[martin2007]

I'm surprised at the XCD GT dimensions. I have a 90's-era pair and they're much slimmer. I'd have thought more like 68 mm at the shovel. At 190 lbs. plus 15 lb. pack you might want longer skis as mine are 190 cm and I'm 150 lbs. It will be a kick and glide BC set-up. I ski mine on Arkos leathers and, as Al mentioned, carving pretty turns aren't what they do best. Enjoy getting out there. Any snow yet?

[bgregoire]

I'm surprised at the XCD GT dimensions. I have a 90's-era pair and they're much slimmer.

Same name but very different class of ski. Karhu kept up with the trend towards fatter and more sidecut at the years went by.

I don't believe you can find any longer than 195cm for that version of the XCD GT. It's a fine length for the OP IMO.

[lilcliffy]

Karhu XCD GT ski (length: 195cm), sidecut: 83-62-70; Waxless

This is the last generation XCD GT and it is identical to the Madshus Eon- both of which are made in up to 205cm length. The Omnitrack waxless scales are very good (for a waxless scale)- the pattern and orientation are for XC skiing traction.
My family has this ski in multiple lengths in both the waxless-Omnitrack and the sintered waxable base. My personal pick is the 205cm Eon Wax. For reference, I am 5'10" and weigh 185lbs. I have the 195cm as well and I much prefer the 205cm.
This is a very popular distance-oriented Nordic touring ski- and for good reason- it has a soft manageable flex making it very manageable on moderate slopes (As Al points out it is certainly not a downhill ski)

Other options with similar width/flotation (compared to XCDGT/Eon):
1) Fischer E-109: stiffer underfoot- faster
2) Fischer Excursion 88: wider- better flotation; stiffer flex- faster
3) Asnes Combat Nato/Ingstad: more supportive flex; faster; fantastic deep snow performance
4) Fischer E-99: stiffer and more cambered- MUCH faster
5) Asnes Gamme 54: same as E-99

The XCD GT/Eon may seem "wider" than the E-99/Gamme 54, but it is so soft that the XCD GT/Eon is completely unstable when XC skiing in very deep snow. The E99/Gamme 54 are actually better in deep snow than the XCD GT/Eon.

If you are planning on doing some serious trekking- carrying/pulling some weight- I am thinking that you are going to quickly want a ski with a more supportive flex...

There are loads of reviews on these skis on the Reviews Board.

[Inspiredcapers]

Go for it!
Classic backcountry setup.

I kinda thought as much- thanks.

[Inspiredcapers]

They are a fine ski for logging roads as long as you are more focused on the XC aspect. The problem I have with them is that they need a lot of input to turn. They do not respond to subtle edging like all of my other skis do. I think it's due to being too soft in the tip and lack of tortional rigidity. When you lean them over the tips do nothing to help initiate the turn.

Thanks for the input. I’m thinking of this as a learning combination and am leaning more towards xc right now. I anticipate turns in the future however, still pondering what to do.

[Inspiredcapers]

I'm surprised at the XCD GT dimensions. I have a 90's-era pair and they're much slimmer. I'd have thought more like 68 mm at the shovel. At 190 lbs. plus 15 lb. pack you might want longer skis as mine are 190 cm and I'm 150 lbs. It will be a kick and glide BC set-up. I ski mine on Arkos leathers and, as Al mentioned, carving pretty turns aren't what they do best. Enjoy getting out there. Any snow yet?

The length has been a concern to me. Snow conditions here can be so variable, I’m concerned that the 195 length might leave me floundering in the Powder we get.

No significant snow yet, I’ve been able to hike without the need for snowshoes. When it comes it’s in abundance.

[Inspiredcapers]

I'm surprised at the XCD GT dimensions. I have a 90's-era pair and they're much slimmer.

Same name but very different class of ski. Karhu kept up with the trend towards fatter and more sidecut at the years went by.

I don't believe you can find any longer than 195cm for that version of the XCD GT. It's a fine length for the OP IMO.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.