Post
by Salto » Fri Jan 26, 2024 3:58 pm
Hi All - Reporting back on Rabb 68. I have now go about 40-50 miles on these skis. A mix between road approaches and good treeline and above treeline alpine ski terrain with 20-25 degree slopes.
I went voile 3-pin because I had them and have both Alaska 75 and Excursion Boots.
Alaska: Nice to tour, trail, and road ski in. Depending on grade, its pretty easy to rock good gorilla p-turns in difficult terrain and on limited width trails. On mixed snow above tree line, the Alaska with cable gave adequate support and was able to keep tele turns going in difficult snow, but not without some nervousness. On hard dense icey or windblown, I felt almost no improvement over Rossi BC90 or Guides. Skittish to say least.
Excursion: A little slower than alaska and not as comfortable, but still good range of motion and felt natural on the Rabb for more dedicated downhill pursuits. I just skied an area that is dominated by AT gear (rarely - or never see leather boots or xcd gear) with a 1.5 mile mild approach and another 1.5 mile of steeper but still low angle bowls. Snow was great 4-6" with nice base and the Rabb Excursion combo was heavenly. I was quite happy to be in the excursion over the alaska for the entire trip, up and down. In these perfect conditions, teleturn control felt 80-90% of Miejdo setup. Again, was stoked to have the option to switch up. Now if I could only find a leathers that gets close to an excursion.
Rabb (188) v Karhu Guide (185): I go the rabb to upgrade and retire my guides which are starting to come apart. Although I was hoping for a down hill ski in the Rabb, I find it only marginally better than the guide for downhill. What I do like better about the Rabb is the skinny waist and ability to get it on edge with the Alaska's and much better with the excursions. The Excursions never really ever commanded the Guides, I always had to finesse a bit to work the bigger Guides, on the Rabb the Excursions were in control. The new Rabbs are also much bouncier than my 15-year old guides, much more playful. Regarding touring, they are about the same. I am still learning to wax and keep getting sticky snow. I also think the Rabbs are less directional than the guides. Finally, I am 210 lbs so I am maxing out the Rabbs. I do really like the x-skin and find I can climb very steep terrain with the 58mm nylon skin.
Waxing: I suck at waxing, but going to keep trying. Keep erroring on too soft of waxes and clumping, but grip was good. Infact outgripped voile scaled skis on last trip. Easy to scrape off at top, so not a huge deal.
X-skins: I have only used they 58mm nylon, and they climb great, and much less drag and work than a full skin. I also bought 30mm mohair, but holding off till I lose my temper with wax.
Length: A 196 cm should be an option, this ski is so easy to turn, would be better for me anyway.
So, I have a pair of Skaget boots and explore bindings sitting in my closet and still not sure if I want to mount the Rabb with these, will likely keep experimenting before making the move.