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NEW SKI TECHNOLOGY
SLP: Newest Mohawk Ski Strikes Balance
Starting Line Products has been a premier aftermarket supplier to the snowmobile industry for decades, and it now has three distinct ski options. These include the SLT trail ski, the Powder Pro off-trail ski, and the new Mohawk crossover ski. With a wide 7 3/8-inch top with traction grips, this ski offers good flotation, and SLP claims the hourglass-shaped rocker keel with gull wing edges totally reduces darting. What you’ll notice first about this ski is its flexibility. That is important for any off-trail or obstacle riding. Conforming, yet keeping the keel rocker and rigidity is important here. This ski is built specifically for rider-forward crossover machines. Check out any of SLP’s thousands of aftermarket options, including their new Mohawk ski at:
www.slp.cc.
Tuner III Skis: What’s the Best Setup?
So far, we’ve found that six inches of carbide on the inside and four inches on the outside work best for most semi-aggressive riders in many different condition applications with this ski. We will be studding our long-term demo Yamaha Sidewinder unit, so we will see if this setup works well with studs and let you know what our thoughts are after a full season. Stay “Tuned!”
New C&A XCS Skis: Best of Both Worlds
Last season, we tested the new crossover XCS skis from C&A Pro Skis, and we found them to be very good for both on- and off-trail riding. They are tapered to allow for sidehilling moves, but they also have outboard keels and “snow scoops” to maintain a consistent and predictable grip on the trail. We would feel confident recommending these skis for a variety of riders and applications. They are not cheap at $459 a pair, but
AmSnow Test Riders will tell you that a good pair of skis that fit you and your riding style can make a huge difference.
More info: www.caproskis.net
Curve XSM Skis & Optional Hardware
AmSnow editors have used Curve XS skis for years, but the new XSM backcountry-focused ski from Curve is a newer development in the shapely line of skis from Curve. It is primarily for off-trail riding with a stepped “mountain profile” on the outside of the shaped skis to aid in sidehilling. These skis also offer enhanced floatation over trail skis and many older mountain skis. You can also change the skis from one side to another to quickly shift the focus from off-trail to on-trail performance. Curve Industries will tell you they are the handling experts, and they offer many other options to fine-tune your skis. The Thruster add-on is an on-trail/off-trail application for Curve skis that offers more flotation and aggressive cornering in piled-up snow, fresh, and other conditions. They come in 8 or 17-inch options. In addition, Curve offers its Leading Edge products (2- or 4-inch options) which decrease darting, improve tracking, and decrease possible carbide degradation from objects you might hit on the trail. XSM skis – $279.99, Thrusters – $79.99, Leading Edge – $69.99 or $89.99.
More info: www.curveindustries.com