Karhu Jak BC

[Lhartley]

Can anyone tell me anything about these? I bought them for the hammerheads just to educate myself on binding activity. This setup is basically come from a time capsule. The owner never used them. Barely a scratch, not a pole mark, nothing. It's unreal, brand new hammerheads. I paid 150CAD plus a bottle of scotch as a tip to the marketplace seller that held them for me and allowed me to show up at midnight after a 600km hotshot trip to Taber that day. I'm very thankfull

Set them to position 5 and gonna rip them at Nakiska tomorrow with T1's. Anyways, about the skis. I've seen conflicting reviews, some saying they're pawlonia, some saying they're poplar blend. I've seen @lo-fi using the non BC version. I plan to remove the hammerheads and mount them on Brahmas. I'll put targas on these Jaks. Anyways, any info is appreciated on these time traveller's. Who keeps these skis and doesn't ski them. Wtf

Ps, how accurate is this image, all these years later? Accurate?

3pin HW is more active than switchback x2? Really?

[Nick BC]

Those were a cult ski in the halcyon days of Telemarktips. For their time they were state of the art, particularly with the HHs. If you buy them I’ll fly over from BC to take them for a spin, if you’ll let me

[Lhartley]

Haha, alright if this is a classic setup I'll leave them as is for a bit, come on out anytime. Good to know, thanks

[Andy M]

Lhartley, kudos on picking up that set-up for a great price. As you suggest, it would have been worth it just for the bindings (or the skis). FYI, I have used the Jak BC skis and the HH bindings extensively, but not together.

I have used the Jak BC as a backcountry ski with the 7tm Power Tours. I really liked them, but they are on the soft side. The Hammerhead is one of my favorite bindings, but it is not a BC binding (although I used it as one before free-pivot bindings became prevalent). IMO, since the Jak BC is more oriented to soft snow, I would put a touring binding on it -- but then it depends on how you are using them.

Regarding that binding chart, I have seen it before, and I think it is still generally accurate. I do think the 3-pin Hardwire is slightly more active than the SB2, mainly because the duckbill is clamped down more forcefully, even though the 3-pin HW pivot point is slightly forward of the SB2 (I just compared them.) -- but it's a toss-up for those two bindings, and they are positioned very closely on the "Power" axis.

I disagree with the binding chart on the HH vs Axl binding power, especially as compared to the G3 Enzo (which I wish was still available). I just skied back-to-back on consecutive days (with 4-buckle T1's) the G3 Enzo (pos. 3/4) and the Axl (on pos. 3). The Enzo in the next to most active position was noticeably more active than the Axl. And, although I haven't skied the HH recently, the HH in pos. 4 or 5 is also more active than the Axl in pos. 3. This is contrary to the chart.

Note that this is somewhat subjective, as it depends on various factors, including how much pre-load you are putting on the springs -- e.g., note on the chart how much more active the BD 01 with Rid-Stiff springs is than with Mid-Stiff springs. I have skied both, and I don't personally think the difference is that great -- this goes to stiff-spring activity (and pre-load) vs. pivot-point activity. I personally think pivot-point activity is more relevant, as long as you aren't running minimal pre-load, which makes any binding less active.

[Lhartley]

Thanks for insights Andy, much appreciated. I can confirm the Jak BC are definitely softer than my Blizzard Zero G despite both being made with similarly with Chinese wood, i believe the Blizzards have carbon in them. Being softer for me fortunately is a benefit at this point as I'm still fairly new to freeheel and developing skills. The hammerheads and can't stop thinking about. The most active bindings I have experience with before this being x2 and BD-01, the hammerheads on 5 were a real adventure. First couple runs i was way out of my comfort zone, it felt like my skis were being pointed together which would make sense with the increase in "tip pressure" (physics debate anybody?). But after a few runs in I was well adjusted and a new active binding addict was born. It has been a fun little combo, BUT like you said hammerheads are better suited for resort so they will go on some new to me brahmas and the JAK BC will get tour friendly binding

[xcdskier]

I have a pair with G3 Ascents. I haven't used them in about 4 years. Quite heavy to push uphill by today's standards (esp. with Ascents). Did the Wapta Traverse, Yoho Traverse on them with multiple visits to Bow Summit, Dolomite, Cirque etc. They don't get knock around in crud like carbon skis. Medium radius, do your edges for Nakiska obviously. Will hold an edge well but I used it mostly as a powder ski at "Shine. Enjoy!!