B
Blaser
Well-known member
I thought I would pop in and give a little info on the Fastway Trail Rider mod- and hopefully answer a few of the questions we are getting.
We have tested and ridden the Trail Rider extensively on both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 skis. The Gen 2 works as good as the Gen 1 with the Fastway mod, on the trail. Internally we have a few preferences we still need to agree on- mainly with running the stock (short) angles on the inside, or on the outside of the Gen 2. I like the Fastway angles (long ones) on the wings, with the stockers on the inside... this really makes the Gen 2 hold a side hill.
General info. The 3 main ski issues we are focusing on are trail handling, powder handling, and steering effort.
Steering effort and center of pressure/contact patch: The key to eliminating steering effort is to overcome the massive contact patch of a ski. We do this by raising the ski up and off of the trail- onto a contact patch that is roughly the size of a dirt bikes tire contact patch. This is something that a common center keeled skis do not do. Finding the proper "rise" off the trail, (ramp angle) combined with the proper width of the center keel (so that you CAN rise off the trail, and still penetrate into the powder to eliminate "push") is key. Combine this with specific channels, durometer, shape, coatings, and hardness- and you get a taste of what we've been up to.
Trail Handling- I think everyone agrees that a dual "outside keel" ski is the best off trail solution for single ski machines- and off trail is what we all want to ride. That being said, in less desirable frozen trail conditions, both keels tend to fight each other. The result is that sketchy/darting handling on the trail. The hawk guys had a revolutionary idea with the flexible top mount, but it had drawbacks off trail- hence TLKD's great solutions. We took that flexible idea, and put it underneath the ski. Then we tested solid keel mounts, solid channeled billet mounts, and all sizes and durometers of rubber mounts to come up with what we have. The flexible mount outperformed the solid mount in every test, with every tester. The width, depth and location of the milled channels in the center runner have also been tested and are specific to how this kit works. With the main ski surface off the snow, and the flexible center keel/mount absorbing all the trail chatter; straight line confidence is off the hook. (that's a scientific measurement)
When cornering, the center keel flexes to the side, increasing keel bite, and stays engaged when the side angles come into play.
Powder handling: This is where we like to ride. We named it the Trail Rider, because it goes like nothing else on the trail. All our recent effort has been focused on improving the powder aspect. Currently, I can only tell you about 2 things- ramp angle, and powder coat. All kits shipping as of Monday (10th) come with all stainless pieces that are now powder coated. Less friction, and reduced snow sticking are the obvious benefits. The price will go up a few bucks.
Ramp angle- We have been using a 40mm tall bobbin set (the rubber mounts). All kits will now ship with 30mm tall bobbins. This 25% decrease in the ramp angle of the center keel makes the center keel virtually match the side profile of the Gen 1 ski. It also makes the side to side transition between center keel and side runners almost seamless. This change enhances the powder performance substantially. It is tough to beat 40mm bobbins on the trail. 30's work almost as good in the straight sections, better in transitions (cornering) but really make a big difference in handling off-trail- specifically when riding behind someone who’s fresh-tracking.
So far, everything we've done or are working on, will be reverse compatible. We are set on building the best products, and not forgetting those who were our early adopters. 30mm bobbins are available if anyone wants to try them in the powder. They screw right on.
There are other big changes coming in the next few weeks- that will also be compatible with current versions. Let’s just say that we have read all the forums, listened to all the feedback, and we are working hard on the Trail Rider to make it work for everyone, all while keeping the price down.
Not to deviate from this topic, but we also agree that the Gen 1 and Gen 2 skis (while currently the best 'readily available' solution) are not the real answer to our ski needs. We need our own ski. (Thanks Allen!)
And, just for the record, (Tony) I had already "banana'd" 2 Hawk skis prior to your crashing our demo ride all those years ago. Our not using the Hawk ski had nothing to do with how much we liked it (we did). I also have a Hawk ski here next to my desk, that I will be riding with the Trail Rider kit tomorrow! Should be good!
Thanks again for your support!
We have tested and ridden the Trail Rider extensively on both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 skis. The Gen 2 works as good as the Gen 1 with the Fastway mod, on the trail. Internally we have a few preferences we still need to agree on- mainly with running the stock (short) angles on the inside, or on the outside of the Gen 2. I like the Fastway angles (long ones) on the wings, with the stockers on the inside... this really makes the Gen 2 hold a side hill.
General info. The 3 main ski issues we are focusing on are trail handling, powder handling, and steering effort.
Steering effort and center of pressure/contact patch: The key to eliminating steering effort is to overcome the massive contact patch of a ski. We do this by raising the ski up and off of the trail- onto a contact patch that is roughly the size of a dirt bikes tire contact patch. This is something that a common center keeled skis do not do. Finding the proper "rise" off the trail, (ramp angle) combined with the proper width of the center keel (so that you CAN rise off the trail, and still penetrate into the powder to eliminate "push") is key. Combine this with specific channels, durometer, shape, coatings, and hardness- and you get a taste of what we've been up to.
Trail Handling- I think everyone agrees that a dual "outside keel" ski is the best off trail solution for single ski machines- and off trail is what we all want to ride. That being said, in less desirable frozen trail conditions, both keels tend to fight each other. The result is that sketchy/darting handling on the trail. The hawk guys had a revolutionary idea with the flexible top mount, but it had drawbacks off trail- hence TLKD's great solutions. We took that flexible idea, and put it underneath the ski. Then we tested solid keel mounts, solid channeled billet mounts, and all sizes and durometers of rubber mounts to come up with what we have. The flexible mount outperformed the solid mount in every test, with every tester. The width, depth and location of the milled channels in the center runner have also been tested and are specific to how this kit works. With the main ski surface off the snow, and the flexible center keel/mount absorbing all the trail chatter; straight line confidence is off the hook. (that's a scientific measurement)
When cornering, the center keel flexes to the side, increasing keel bite, and stays engaged when the side angles come into play.
Powder handling: This is where we like to ride. We named it the Trail Rider, because it goes like nothing else on the trail. All our recent effort has been focused on improving the powder aspect. Currently, I can only tell you about 2 things- ramp angle, and powder coat. All kits shipping as of Monday (10th) come with all stainless pieces that are now powder coated. Less friction, and reduced snow sticking are the obvious benefits. The price will go up a few bucks.
Ramp angle- We have been using a 40mm tall bobbin set (the rubber mounts). All kits will now ship with 30mm tall bobbins. This 25% decrease in the ramp angle of the center keel makes the center keel virtually match the side profile of the Gen 1 ski. It also makes the side to side transition between center keel and side runners almost seamless. This change enhances the powder performance substantially. It is tough to beat 40mm bobbins on the trail. 30's work almost as good in the straight sections, better in transitions (cornering) but really make a big difference in handling off-trail- specifically when riding behind someone who’s fresh-tracking.
So far, everything we've done or are working on, will be reverse compatible. We are set on building the best products, and not forgetting those who were our early adopters. 30mm bobbins are available if anyone wants to try them in the powder. They screw right on.
There are other big changes coming in the next few weeks- that will also be compatible with current versions. Let’s just say that we have read all the forums, listened to all the feedback, and we are working hard on the Trail Rider to make it work for everyone, all while keeping the price down.
Not to deviate from this topic, but we also agree that the Gen 1 and Gen 2 skis (while currently the best 'readily available' solution) are not the real answer to our ski needs. We need our own ski. (Thanks Allen!)
And, just for the record, (Tony) I had already "banana'd" 2 Hawk skis prior to your crashing our demo ride all those years ago. Our not using the Hawk ski had nothing to do with how much we liked it (we did). I also have a Hawk ski here next to my desk, that I will be riding with the Trail Rider kit tomorrow! Should be good!
Thanks again for your support!
