The narrowest class of XCD Skis

[Cannatonic]

Still could get them in Montreal right?

LaCordee only stocks Ingstad, Gamme, and Amundsen, the good lengths are gone. I guess these do sell out at list price. Last year was dry in Colorado so sales must have been slower. The good sizes are mostly gone from Neptune as well.

[MikeK]

Yeah I noticed the long Gammes were toast a few weeks ago.

I really WANT a 205, but it seems they only import 210 and 200 at Neptune. Maybe I should ask?

I figure if I do I'm going to pay list and just get them as soon as they come in for next year. You only live once, right?

[Woodserson]

DO IT

When you are on your deathbed you're not going to be thinking about the few hundred bucks you saved, you're going to be thinking about that sweet day on your new skis! YEAH!

[MikeK]

DO IT

When you are on your deathbed you're not going to be thinking about the few hundred bucks you saved, you're going to be thinking about that sweet day on your new skis! YEAH!

I dunno, maybe I'll die on those skis...

...and I'll be thinking I should have just skied what I've got.

[athabascae]

An update:

Before shelling out $$ for a new pair of Asnes Mountain Race from Europe, I looked around to see what I can find lightly used in discontinued skis of this (e89) class - just for fun.

I was extremely lucky enough to find an old pair of Bonna Conquest skis in lightly used condition for sale in Quebec - in 210 cm - score! (I also found some really cool Asnes Taiga in 210 cm in the Ukraine for $15, but the shipping fee was insane - I would have loved to had those ones...).

The specs for the Bonna Conquest are 60-49-54 - same general size as skis such as the Fischer e89, Atomic Mountain BC, Madshus Voss, Rossignol BC89, Asnes Vikafjell, Asnes Taiga, or Asnes Mountain Race. This is a great size of ski for effortless kick and glide.

I thought they had 3/4 steel edges, but turns out they are full metal. They feel super strong, not at all fragile. Interestingly, they have really up swept tips. They are very stiff cambered, with a huge wax pocket.

I dig that they were made in Quebec.

I mounted NNN BC autos on them (would have preferred manuals - but I got these on clearance for $35).

Skied them with Alaskas today and they are the ultimate gliding machine. Wow. I swear they are faster than any track ski I've tried. This is flats skiing at its best.

I love these skis and am elated that I found them. They are the perfect complement to my Asnes Ingstad to make up a two ski quiver for the type of skiing I do. These will once again be a workhorse ski for me.

I thought the Alaskas might be too much boot for this class of ski, but not at all - felt like a nice match. I was going to pick up a pair of Alpina Traverse boots locally when they go on sale for use with these skis, but I don't think I'll need to. What boot are folks using with skis of this size class??

[MikeK]

Alaska all the way for those skis. It might be more than you need, but it certainly doesn't take anything away IMO.

[lilcliffy]

I dig that they were made in QC as well!

The Alaska is a dream off-trail striding boot (as you now know!)

The flex pattern of the sole and the flexibility above the ankle offer such a perfect combination of stability and flexibility for high-performance K&G in the backcountry.

As you are using those skis mostly in a BC context (i.e. not on a groomed track), I do not think that the Alaska is overkill at all. Away from the groomed track the stability of the Alaska will be a huge asset.

I put a NNN-BC binding on a pair of track skis last winter- in order to use my Alaskas. I found it overkill- and went back to NNN.

So you bought the binding that gives NNNBC a bad name- the AUTO!

I think it will be fine in the context you will be using that ski- dense, consolidated snow.

[lilcliffy]

BTW- I too have been considering a BC ski in this class for a few years...

I think I have decided to step up to the next class though (E-99/Glitt/BC68, etc.)

[anemic]

An update:
(SNIP)
I was extremely lucky enough to find an old pair of Bonna Conquest skis in lightly used condition for sale in Quebec - in 210 cm - score!
(SNIP)
They feel super strong, not at all fragile. Interestingly, they have really up swept tips. They are very stiff cambered, with a huge wax pocket.

I dig that they were made in Quebec.
(SNIP)
I love these skis and am elated that I found them. They are the perfect complement to my Asnes Ingstad to make up a two ski quiver for the type of skiing I do. These will once again be a workhorse ski for me.
(SNIP)

Mr athabascae,

That is wonderful that you were able to reconnect with the ski of your past!!! I love this. Do you have snow on which to go test the skis? Keep us posted when you do get to ride them.

[athabascae]

Thank you Mr. Anemic. We have another few weeks of snow thank goodness and I have been out on these skis and they perform wonderfully - I couldn't be happier.

Tom