Pick my next NNNBC Ski

[westslope]

Hey all, longtime lurker infrequent poster. Getting a little tired of reading about physics so thought I would start a gear thread and enlist your help in picking my next ski.

I count myself lucky to ski 3-4 times a week. A couple days a week in the late afternoon after work I ski my NNNBC setup (SB98 and Alpina Alaskas) in the terrain a short drive from home. Depending on snow conditions I generally stick to ungroomed rolling terrain. Occasionally I ski the local groomed trails.

On the weekend, depending on snow conditions, avy risk, and family obligations, I pick between a day at my local downhill resort, a longer NNNBC tour with mellow downhill, or an alpine tour on an AT setup.

Like many of you I have slowly been building a quiver of different skis for different conditions/uses. I’m interested in adding another NNNBC ski to the quiver. Looking to find a faster/narrower ski capable of variable snow conditions in ungroomed terrain but also able to ski groomed tracks when the mood strikes.

In a nutshell, I want something fast that will track better and make the flats/groomed tracks more enjoyable. But I also want the capability to ski twisty single track (MTB/hike trails). I don't plan to buy new boots so I need a setup that plays nice with my Alaskas.

I anticipate several will recommend the Gamme. I have been looking and it appears they are very difficult to find in the US. Still interested in hearing why that would be a good ski for my needs (and whether Finnmark would be a suitable alternative without the metal edge). But I would love to hear other recommendations too. I’m open to a waxless or waxable ski but leaning waxable as I understand they would do well in my conditions (Western Colorado).

[mca80]

I am no expert. Newb, really. I ski Finnmarks. From what I understand the Finnmark design led to the redesign of the Gamme. That said, lack of metal edge may make it less stiff. I find this a benefit for my particular skiing. For a waxable ski that can fit in a track and still go off course you're basically limited to what Asnes you can get in USA. Amundsen, Gamme, Finnmark, MR48. Latter can't be found anymore except with integrated skins so far as I know--if I can get a waxable one in 190 I would snap it up asap. So basically 3 options. Amundsen has less sidecut than Gamme/Finnmark. That said, without any experience on this ski--likely my next purchase--it will track straighter, go faster, and be adequate for step turns etc off the track. From all I have read here, specifically from @lilcliffy, this is a helluva ski for bc touring without serious turns and seems to fit in with what you are looking for. Most folks have recommended sizing up 1 size from Asnes recommendations based on weight. To boot, from what I have read by users, this ski will handle ALL snow conditions well, whereas the Gamme may not be great in breakable crust, etc.

[spopepro]

“Fast in the tracks” and “good on twisty singletrack” are kinda opposite needs. I think you’re going to have to choose which one to compromise on.

As you already know, the gamme is likely the ski to get. But I’ll also suggest the transnordic 59 (the artist formerly known as the e89) which was kinda the only option for tracks+backcountry for a while. My wife loves hers, but she’s not ripping singletrack…

[westslope]

spopepro you voice one of my concerns. I want to be track capable but still agile enough to ski ungroomed singletrack. Perhaps those are two diametrically opposed capabilities for a nordic ski... I don't have enough experience in groomed tracks to say.

I would sacrifice some capability in the tracks to ensure capability in singletrack as I prefer that kind of terrain. That said, if I had the right ski and improved my K&G technique on groomed I may surprise myself and learn to enjoy the groomed stuff more. Hence the question for those with experience in both...

Thanks for the feedback

[spopepro]

The issue is that a good track ski has serious double camber. This gives it good “pop” and keeps the kick zone well off the snow. But full double camber makes it hard to do any turning because it’s tough to get the full edge in contact with the snow.

A few ways to go about sacrificing track performance for turns: 1) get a single camber ski, like the Fischer spider 62. I think this is the worst choice, as it will be stable, but slow wherever you go. But some people think this is good. 2) get a double camber ski in a short length. Most here ski double camber skis longer than the manufacturer recommends. I am 185cm and 82kg and ski the MR48 in 210cm, which isn’t what åsnes recommends because I wanted the extra camber to be fast. And it’s perfect for me. But if I wanted them to turn better, I’d consider the 200 or even the 190. The issue would be that I would start dragging the kick zone at some point. It’s the key point in mca80’s rec for the non metal edged ski comes in—if it’s easier to compress, it’s more maneuverable. 3) get a ski with more side cut. I don’t know of a ski with a 60mm or less tip and substantial side cut. Maybe others do. But it could be what you’re looking for.

[westslope]

Very helpful. Thanks

[Stephen]

@westslope, If you like the Mountain Race 48 idea, and don’t mind a skin ski, you could check these out:
https://varuste.net/en/p110054/åsnes-mo ... ce-48-skin

[westslope]

Thanks for the mention Stephen. I looked at that the other day after reading up on the MR48. I'm a little wary of the integrated skin. If it was the regular MR48 I would have already made the purchase as it appears to be a great price.

Given the available options, I'm looking at the Ousland and Finnmark. I haven't ruled out other skis necessarily, but I'm not very familiar with options outside of Fischer and Asnes skis. I'm leaning Asnes so I can give waxable skis a try.

I have read prior threads with reviews on the Ousland and Finnmark and don't have a strong pull in either direction. If anyone familiar with either or both skis has strong opinions I would be interested to hear your thoughts. I'm aware of the Finnmark's lack of a metal edge and unsure whether that is a problem as I rarely encounter icy conditions. I'm also aware that the Ousland has a softer tip, which may make it more capable in groomed tracks. Outside of those differences I'm not really sure which direction to go.

[Stephen]

Back to trade-offs.
The Ousland has a narrower tip, which should make it more track-friendly, but, it also has a full metal edge, which is going to cause the tip to engage the edge of the track more forcefully, especially in turns.
Whereas, the Finnmark, which is 2mm wider, may actually work better in the track, due to the lack of a catchy metal edge.
The Finnmark may be a little more supportive in loose snow, due to stiffer tip, less rocker, and being slightly wider, overall. And, may be the more efficient track ski.
The Ousland should be a better turner.
All that based on your not having to deal with icy conditions much.
I haven’t skied either of those skis.

[Stephen]

In addition to what I posted above, I will say that, based on my own search for skis, it is useful to very closely read the descriptions for the skis on the Asnes website.

It may sometimes seem like they are saying all skis are good for all conditions, but if you read between the lines, and pay close attention, I think they do a good job of describing the conditions the skis are meant for and are good in.
A casual read will not give you that.