product test usi x2 skis

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Revolutionary, innovative, extraordinary, that's how the new USI X2 Triple Threat Ski was described to me.

The X2 is the first mass-produced adjustable keel ski and features three different stages or sizes of inserts for installation in the keel. This gives the rider the ability to "tune" the ski's handling prowess, ranging from mild to ultra aggressive. USI founder/owner Kevin Metheny and his crew took all their knowledge of ski design and poured it into these skis, creating a hybrid masterpiece.

In most cases, a correctly setup sled with a pair of high-performance aftermarket trail skis offered a definite uptick in performance over stock counterparts. But X2s do not provide a mere uptick, but rather performance that towers over most other skis.

Since 1988, when USI introduced the first plastic ski to the industry, the sport has evolved. USI has been at the forefront of ski technology and tested its designs in snocross and cross-country racing.

Adjustable keel skis were a natural progression, and X2s represent the next step in ski design. Now, any rider has the ability to tune this ski for a particular sled, riding condition and riding preference.

The skis
Measuring 40 inches long by 6½ inches wide, the Triple Threats deliver performance, both on and off the trail, exceeding anything I've previously ridden. Not only does the ski feature unique adjustable keel inserts, it offers a unique bottom profile. This incorporates several concepts to produce a hybrid ski that performs in a wide range of conditions.

The X2 carries a fairing-style keel (1-inch tall) that provides a slipstream for the wear rod, resulting in superb penetration and razor sharp handling. Four strakes reside on each side of the keel to reduce drag. These strakes, patterned after a stepped hydroplane hull, are claimed to provide an increase of 3-4 mph.

The X2 also features a tunnel design similar to a tri-keel ski. Four keel ribs that are about 3/8 inches tall run the length of the ski. This design captures and grips the snow for aggressive cornering as well as improved flotation.

But what sets X2s apart from others and establishes a new level of performance are the three stages of keel inserts for the ski's front and rear. Stage 1 is designed for fast running and the least aggressive handling. Front and rear keel inserts fit flush to the ski, extending the stock keel profile. The rear keel, called the Sno Eater Shark Fin, resembles the dorsal fin of a shark, and it protrudes above the deck. This setup delivers mild handling with very easy steering.

The Stage 2 configuration contains a front keel that extends beyond the profile of the ski both front and back to provide a significant step up in grip from Stage 1.

Stage 3 inserts, as you may guess, take it a step further. The front insert is very tall and provides ultimate grip in hard pack and other conditions, while the rear insert provides a big improvement in loose snow and powder. This setup provides aggressive bite for super high-speed trail running, ditch banging and boondocking.

The X2s have meticulously crafted aluminum and CNC-milled 301 Mount Shoes, which provide three-mounting positions - front for aggressive, middle for positive and back position for light steering. In addition, we installed a pair of Power Steering Plates - convex plastic plates that sandwich between the ski and the mounting shoe. These plates provide 100 inches of additional rocker angle by pulling up the front and rear of the ski to expose more of the keel, which produces superb traction and less steering effort.

To top it off, we attached a pair of Stud Boy Shaper Bars with 6 inches of 60-degree carbide. This wear rod features a unique hourglass shape and supplies stunning traction and tighter turning radius than any other wear rod I've tested. If needed, USI also offers a Shaper Plate, a beveled spacer plate that mounts between the wear rod and the ski, which provides greater grip in loose snow and powder.

Setup
As with most performance products, setup is critical. These skis are not an install it and forget it proposition. By bolting on a pair of X2s, handling is altered. USI recommends that each X2 owner call the company to speak with a technician who will provide advice for the owner to find the best setup.

A 2002 Arctic Cat ZR500 served as our test bed for the skis, which made setup a snap. I kept the preload high and the torsion bar setting stiff for minimal lateral weight transfer and superb front-end bite. After adjusting the rear limiter strap, and using the dial adjust handlebar control, I was able to find the ideal balance between track and skis. I prefer a tad more weight bias on the front. This provides ultra responsive handling and a modicum of track spin for easily squaring up corners.

Trial by throttle
Due to late snow, much of the Midwest riding occurred in the second half of the season. Spring riding afforded me a wide range of conditions and I pounded through everything from hard pack to slush.

To acquire a baseline, I installed the Stage 1 setup with flush mounted keel inserts at the bow and stern, and I was impressed with the ease of use. This setup is ideal for all-day 50 mph touring. With light touch to the bars, the skis tracked through the corners with deft precision. I couldn't wait to take it up to the Stage 2 setup. While the X2s seemed marginally faster, I wasn't able to reliably verify a 3-4 mph gain over stock.

Within minutes, I was easily able to swap the Stage 2 inserts for the Stage 1 inserts using a wrench and Phillips screwdriver. The Stage 2 keel inserts extended well beyond the edge of the molded-in keel to provide that extra measure of turning power. In the warm spring temperatures, the trail turned to oatmeal slush and the X2s showed their true colors. Flicking the sled into the turns, the skis tracked from entrance to exit with amazing agility. Often, an aggressive ski will push or understeer from mid-corner to the exit in slushy conditions, requiring a throttle and steering adjustment. Not the X2s. The harder I pushed the skis in the corners, the more confident I felt.

The ultimate package
While the Stage 2 provided improvement, Stage 3 delivered a giant leap forward in handling and control. The front insert is even taller to provide aggressive bite for full-throttle riding while the rear fin provided aggressive cornering. I dropped the hammer, navigating narrow, winding trails, which revealed the handling traits of the skis. Through "S" corners and switchbacks, I searched for the edge of traction as I pushed the sled closer to the limit. In tight hairpins, I just flicked the sled in and the front end stuck. I could choose any line and follow it from entrance to exit.

Other skis that have approached this level of razor sharp handling have come at the high price of additional steering effort. The X2s are the first skis to provide such aggressive handling in concert with light steering effort. After a hard day's ride, the X2s didn't make me feel like I'd spent a day at the gym.

Conclusions
The X2 Triple Threats are the most precise handling and versatile skis on the market. Most skis offer a definite improvement in handling prowess vs. stock, but usually with heavy steering.

The X2s performed across a wide range of conditions, with minimal steering effort and virtually no darting. Turn-in was lightning quick; tracking was rock solid. From trail touring riders to ditch bangers, any rider will appreciate the capability of the ski to adapt to a variety of riding conditions.

USI X2 Triple Threat Skis
($274.99 pair)
Length: 40½ in.
Width: 6½ in.
Keel Dimensions: 1 in. wide x 1 in. tall
Weight: 7½-8½ lbs. (each) w/mount shoes, wear bars
Wear Rods: Stud Boy/USI Shaper Bars 6 in. and 60-degree carbide ($84.99)
Mounting Shoe: 301 High Performance Mount Shoe, 1.3 lbs. per mount, ($159.99)
Accessories: Power Steering Plates ($19.99)
Project's Total Cost: $539.96 US