Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

See my post on page 2, of 1/21/2021 for final update.

Trying to figure out if my expectations are unrealistic or what.
Just received long-awaited, special order FT62 in 188.
Assume they are are 2020/21 model, since tail looks reasonable, rather than the higher tail of last year.
(Although, it’s interesting that the attached sticker on the base does not list 196 as an available length.)
But, that not the subject...

The pair I received are not true.
The skis have twist. In an ideal world, both skis should be flat and true.
These are not.
One ski has more twist than the other.
So, if I use these skis, I have to decide if I want the outside tip, or outside tail to bite more.
It’s “only” a cumulative 2.5mm gap (twist) at the tails. It does not take much pressure to squeeze the tails together.
Should I just suck it up and move on, or look for some sort of solution, whether that’s from Åsnes, or trying to “untwist” them over the summer?
(I will add that there is 10mm difference between the balance points of the two skis. Again, I don’t know if this is in tolerance or not. I just mounted a pair of 180cm Asnes Gammes for my wife and they had a 10mm difference in balance points, also.)
Maybe I’m too much of a perfectionist. Or, maybe the FT62s should be more true — I don’t know.
What do you think?

In the pictures, the tips have a spring clamp holding the tip bases together.
The pictures show the resulting gap at the tails.
2.5mm gap at the tails.

Before anything else, contact Åsnes.
I don't think this is within any kind of tolerances but it isn't normal and I suspect some transport damage.

As far as BP, wood core skis and balance points might not be dead on. This is more common than dead-equal BPs in my experience, across many different brands. My FT BP's were 2+cm apart IIRC.

no opinion on the twist

I emailed Asnes on this and will update when I get a reply.
I’m just curious if others have seen this on new skis and what effect it will have.

If you put them on the correct feet, it will make them more schmeary. Which is the point of this ski with all its rocker.

Basically, Elan AMPHIBIO technology!!!

Woodserson wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 24, 2020 2:40 pm

If you put them on the correct feet, it will make them more schmeary. Which is the point of this ski with all its rocker.

I thought of that — more schmeary on the back end BUT more railed on the tips.
Plus, the way it works out, the graphics end up right to left, rather than left to right (“backwards”).
Sometimes being a perfectionist sucks — can I have a helping of “Ignorance is bliss” please?

Seriously, Elan Amphibio tech.

Also, the shovels are straight, right? The slight twist in the tails of such a tiny amount, on such a floppy ski, with a shovel that is heavily rockered, is not going to "rail" the front end of the ski. The twist in the back is not going to make it to the front. It's just not. I mean the ski is like a banana. If it does, it means you are on a fully-cambered multi-titanal layered GS World Cup ski that is not available to the public and you are Bode Miller and you're pissed about losing 0.01. The FT62 ain't that.

I mount my skis backwards graphic wise all the time just to screw with people on the chairlift.

EDIT I'm not saying it's right or you should accept it, that's your own decision.

Stephen, try putting a gallon of milk on the pin line. If the ski sits flat that is approximately 7 pounds. If the ski sits flat with 7 lbs. of weight, I would think the difference is not significant. As that is less than 10% of half your weight.
I am only offering a perspective. Those skis aren’t cheap. If they were mine, I would need to sell myself on the idea the twist was insignificant.

fisheater wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:05 pm

As that is less than 10% of half your weight.

So 5% of his weight?

Great recommendation!

I’m surprised there isn’t more input on this one.
Would you buy skis off the rack with this amount of twist?
I remember that was one of the several things I would check when buying wood skis.
Unfortunately, these were special order, and sight unseen.
Unless Asnes is willing to do something about it, I’m stuck with them.
I’m with Bob — I’m having a hard time selling myself on this.