All purpose backcountry/bushwack ski

[MikeK]

Boy this is getting complicated.

At your height, I suggest buying these with the bindings (provided jooleyen will ship them to NB for the price quoted) and never look back:

http://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=599

For boots, look for a BCX6 or 8, or order a Svartisen from Europe (I can help you with the sizing a bit). An Alaska would be meh... ok. Either that or look for an Alico traditional leather boot. Probably not as comfy as the new boots though - just my experience.

[ddg]

Thanks MikeB. Yes, those are definitely another consideration...

[MikeK]

Oh, if you do go NNN BC I'd urge you to put the Magnum on that ski and steer clear of the Offtrack 5 boot - I think that will be far too soft for what you are after.

This the intended crowd for that boot (Fischer, if you are watching, yes I'm giving you shit):

[video][/video]

(of course the woman falls )

When you get into deep, wetter snow you may ask the skis to turn... then... wait... wait.... wait... ohhh shit, there's that tree!

Or if you do get out onto some harder packed conditions you might be skidding around and wobbling like a bobble head doll.

Those two extremes are where some extra torsional stiffness and ankle support will help a lot!

[lilcliffy]

First time I have ever seen that video- I wonder whether I can order the soundtrack from Fischer?

[MikeK]

I'm sorry I had to subject you to that crap... but us He-men and Wonder-women of the backcountry need to steer clear of that watered down garbage.

It's perfect for rental gear. Or for someone who wants to walk around on skis rather than kick and glide, or climb and descend some hills, or a combination of both...

I'm sorry for the salty comments. Just trying to prove a point.

[bgregoire]

The Offtrack 3 & 5 are also made with an NNN BC sole. I've played around with them in a shop and their really not bad for someone looking to optimize K&G in the BC.

As for the Offtrack ski line, other than the fact that their recommended length is up to 25cm shorter than full length skis (i.e. E99), their construction seems very similar to the backcountry line. That must account to the reduced weight. The Outback 68 reminds me a ot of the Rossignol BC65. I'd see these as good for those that mostly tour in track but would also like to go off track in icy conditions, but as they come only in waxless options, I'd say they're a ski a beginner will likely grow out of very quickly.

[MikeK]

I used the 68 before I bought BC skis as part of my lengthy rental/demo process. I didn't like it at all. It gave me a real bad taste about Fischer at that time and why I wound up buying a Madshus ski.

I also was almost always demo'ing with the Alpina 1550 - which I though had the same sole, just different uppers than the Alaska. Now having the real NNN BC Alaska, I can say for sure the Alaska sole is much more stout, stiffer and feels more connected to the ski (lilcliffy corrected me on this fact with data from Alpina - see the review on the boot).

That and NNN BC auto binding was really rock bottom for BC equipment - but I did try a lot of different skis. Honestly I liked the Rossi BC65 much better for a K+G ski.

[CIMA]

[CIMA- I seem to remember your Rossi BC70s are 170cm?

Correct.
I'm using that one with 170cm in length for consolidated snow and happy with that.

[ddg]

Thanks to all for the advice and information.

I am now leaning in the xcD direction. Something like S112, Annum, BC110 although still considering the slightly narrower varieties. May even consider the Vector BC but price is higher than I prefer for now. Paired up with some T4s and 3 pin cables.

The idea of searching for the hills and turns is really starting to get the better of me. We are just finishing up yet another blizzard here in NB with over a foot fresh snow. I couldn't resist a snow shoe in it today but would much rather have been on a pair of wide skis hitting those hills. I can definitely feel the pull in this direction. This has been an awesome year for snow here.

Still thinking about it...

[MikeK]

What size Annum you after?

I'll sell my 185cm set with a new set of 3pc if you are interested.

No idea what the shipping would be and you'd probably have to plug the old holes and remount the bindings. PM me for more details, pics, whatever...