Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I came across an eBay listing of some old military surplus Karhu waxable skis in 190cm. They're pretty cheap and seem like a low cost way to experiment with waxable skis. My question is, 190cm is fine for me but my wife also wants to try some. She weighs around 135lbs and I'm worried that the 190s would be too long of a ski for her to fully compress and utilize the wax pocket. Anyone have experience with these bad boys?

Never skied the Karhu’s. I remember reading the were more of an alpine flex ski. I also remember they were a foam core ski. That is what I remember from reports a few years back. There weren’t too many glowing reports, but I think they were reported to be decent downhill.

I have a pair of those skis.

I think they were purpose-designed for soldiers in moderate terrain lugging giant backpacks full of supplies.
The flex is definitely cambered, but more an 'XCD' type of camber-and-a-half than a full Nordic camber.
They don't ski very well. I have the 190s and I find that they're stiff and hard to control.
I have not tried them with a 40 lb pack on. (Nor do I want to!) Maybe they'd be great for that.

I'm not sure what to do with these skis. I haven't enjoyed them very much.

That's my opinion, at any rate. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Looks like you can still get the Asnes USGIs in 200cm https://colemans.com/u-s-g-i-cross-coun ... nhill-skis, several people here including myself ski those and have positive reviews. I'd favor those over the Karhus from what people have said. The USGIs are a true double-camber nordic ski with a kickwax pocket.

EDIT re-read the OP, the 200s are probably too much ski for your wife. I'm 185 lb and the 210cms are PLENTY of ski for me.

I have the Coleman’s Åsnes skis. They are XCD. The Karhu are a different animal.

Those old military Karhu skis only virtue is their very low price, nothing else. The skis are very heavy, and slow.

fgd135 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 03, 2025 1:14 pm

Those old military Karhu skis only virtue is their very low price, nothing else. The skis are very heavy, and slow.

That seems to be what I'm gathering from the feedback. I think I'll probably end up passing on them. A cheap ski is cool and all but if it's kind of a drag and not enjoyable to ski it's not really worth much.

I appreciate everyone's feedback!