Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Can anyone provide feedback on the SBound 88 (not Excursion). I was considering buying new excursion 88s, but just found online a used pair of SBound 88s. I can find very little info online about these. The seller indicates she got them in 2021 from REI. As a new Backcountry skier who will be in fairly mellow terrain in central oregon (no aggressive downhill for me at this point). Mostly rolling terrain, moderate hills, some trail breaking. Thanks!

Run26211 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:11 pm

Can anyone provide feedback on the SBound 88 (not Excursion). I was considering buying new excursion 88s, but just found online a used pair of SBound 88s. I can find very little info online about these. The seller indicates she got them in 2021 from REI. As a new Backcountry skier who will be in fairly mellow terrain in central oregon (no aggressive downhill for me at this point). Mostly rolling terrain, moderate hills, some trail breaking. Thanks!

Good. Relatively very little change from year to year, a constant classic that stands the test of time. Some slight weight differences and construction differences from current Excursion. Depending on the year it may not have the EZ Skin attachment if that is important to you. The Excursion is just a souped up new name. The mission of this ski from any year remains the same, a good jack of all trades ski.

Unlike the S-Bound 98/Boundless (which has been tweaked back and forth with respect to camber-flex)- all of the S-Bound/Excursion 88s I have handled and tested have been identical with respect to camber and stiffness (the old "Outbound" ski that it is based on did not have Nordic rocker in the shovel).

Great, great backcountry Nordic touring ski- rock solid stable in all snow conditions and remarkably efficient K&G ski on consolidated snow for having a full 68mm underfoot (most touring skis that wide have much less camber)-

A bit of a bear to turn unless you get em real short- personally, this ski shines in a XC length (If you want em short for easier-smoother turning- the 98 is a better choice IMO.)

Run26211 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:11 pm

Can anyone provide feedback on the SBound 88 (not Excursion). I was considering buying new excursion 88s, but just found online a used pair of SBound 88s. I can find very little info online about these. The seller indicates she got them in 2021 from REI. As a new Backcountry skier who will be in fairly mellow terrain in central oregon (no aggressive downhill for me at this point). Mostly rolling terrain, moderate hills, some trail breaking. Thanks!

If it is a good price and your length I would jump on it. If it does not have Easyskin attachments just use a kicker-skin.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I bought the skis and can’t wait to get out with them!

For anyone still reading , my sbound 88s do not have easy skin attachment. They are 68 mm under foot. I found some black diamond kicker skins at 65 mm. I think this is the best size. Any feedback appreciated!

Run26211 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 9:09 am

For anyone still reading , my sbound 88s do not have easy skin attachment. They are 68 mm under foot. I found some black diamond kicker skins at 65 mm. I think this is the best size. Any feedback appreciated!

On my Excursion 88s I have 50mm Easyskins, I passed on the wider ones. Some people like them wider. Personal preference really.

Run26211 wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 10, 2024 7:06 pm

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I bought the skis and can’t wait to get out with them!

Have fun, bon ski, and berg heil