By: randosteve|Posted on: June 19, 2008|Posted in: DIY - Modification, Gear, Gear Reviews | 3 comments
Someday I’m going to use my KLR to actually go skiing.
The one thing that drives me nuts about testing ski gear is that half the time the products are prototypes, and not quite fine tuned for production. Right now I have some Dynafit Manaslu skis and Zzeus boots in my possession, and although the Manaslu skis performed well on the soft snow on Mount Woodring last week, I could tell something was not quite right with the mounting position of the bindings.
Though the Manaslus skied well, I felt like I was a little bit in the back seat and on some firmer snow, I could really tell that the mount wasn’t where it needed to be. Upon calling Dynafit HQ, I learned that the pair of 178’s I have are in fact prototypes and that after extensive testing, as well as some strong feelings from Reiner Gerstner, business manager for Dynafit, the decision was made to move the predrilled mounting points forward. I always knew Reiner was a smart one.
A little sketchy drilling skis that you don’t own.
So, being the perfectionist I am, and in order to feel what the Manaslu ski really skis like, I brought the skis into the shop and remounted them in the right position. Unfortunately, the Zzeus boots are easily a full size too big and so I don’t trash my feet, testing them will be reserved for some turns with short approaches. Not the easiest thing to find right now, but Teton Pass (though melting quickly in the heat) still looks to be skiing pretty close to the road, so I will try to get some turns on them there.
Though it was recommended I move the bindings forward 16mm,
the position of the pre-drilled holes only allowed me to move it about 14mm.
Anyway, temps have been a little on the warm side recently, with the low only hitting 45 in the valley on Tuesday night. I’m skiing in the park today and will know more about conditions later…if you’re interested and looking to get out. Ciao for now!
Steve,
How did your testing of the Dynafit Manaslu go? I saw your initial blog about testing the ski and moving the binding forward, but I haven’t seen a fulluer follow up review.
I am particularly interested in how much edge hold such a light ski has and how it survivies firm and variable conditions. Reports from Lou and elsewhere were that it is great in soft snow.
Didn’t get out on them again as the season went to crap soon after the remount. Might have to give them back at Summer OR. 🙁
Steve —
Hi. Quite a bit out of the blue here: My name is Martin Illner, and I’m a Czech-American living in Prague for the past 10+ years or so. I’ve been ski-touring since the early 90’s, when I was living in France and Switzerland. I may even have made some first descents in Corsica and New Mexico, but who really knows 🙂 Anyway, I have also done some Himalayan skiing (Gasherbrum I) and want to do an ascent and ski-descent of Manaslu next year. And of course, being neither rich nor a professional, I’m looking for sponsors 🙂 Would it be at all possible for you to put me in touch with the Dynafit guys? Apparently their ZZeus boots and Manaslu skis were developed during a recent Manaslu descent, and maybe they’ll be receptive? I don’t know anyone in the industry, and only stumbled on your site today via Google. My email is m@illner.cz. If it’s at all possible, I’d appreciate it very much. Thanks!
Martin
PS: I have the old pink & blue TourLite Tech Dynafit boot (before they strenghtened the toe buckle — I think first year they made it?), and used it with some kind of a custom liner on Gasherbrum. I was worried about step-in crampons losing hold, so I ground down the grooves above the heel and toe to good effect. Also had a custom foam liner (maybe Conformable brand, but probably not) made at Snell in Chamonix to keep my toes warm (w/o toe cap). Worked perfectly until about 7200m, and it was the only boot I used on the mountain. Also adapted the TourLite Tech bindings to be able to lock them. In otherwords — I’m a long-time satsifed Dynafit customer … but I suppose this will probably interest Dynafit more than it interest you or your readers 🙂 Again, thanks in advance for the contact, if possible.