Scariest Skis in the West
Deadbolt may be the “Scariest Band in the World” but they are nothing compared to this set of skis…
181cm K2 Darksides with Dynafit Titanium TLT bindings. Rockered to the gills, 156 / 128 / 144mm, no brakes, leashes or fore/aft adjustment in the heelpiece. These skis must be approached from behind, spoken to in a calm voice and treated with respect. No Dynafit rolling starts.
I originally just used these bindings for racing as they have no fore/aft adjustment (fixed boot size) and only tour in one height. They had been languishing in my basement and seemed like a perfect compliment to the skis. On these skis they look more like an avalanche island of safety than a bindings – something you could barely hide behind.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think these skis were bent, but no, they just have a lot of rocker.
A small child in danger of being crushed by skis.
I got these thinking they might be the ultimate Wasatch quiver ski for phat pow days/daze, but after mounting them up and weighing them with the custom fit K2 skins, the whole package only comes in at a svelte 12 pounds, which is only 2 pounds heavier than my main set-up (167cm Waybacks, ST Verticals, Ascension skins), so I might be using them more than I think.
Details to follow as soon as I get a chance to take them out.
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Help support StraightChuter.com and fear no evil with a pair of K2 DarkSide Alpine Skis from Backcountry.com. Click on the photo below…
Category: Gear Reviews
I think you will use them more than you think. My main partner and I use similar skis 30%+ of the time. Not just for weight training, but because it is the right tool for the job. If weight is the issue, pair them with a pair of Dynafit TLT 5 Performance boots. You can generally save about 3+ pounds in boot weight, with great ski ability.
With one heel adjustment you might not be able to set those “f@# your friend” skin tracks anymore….worth the trade off?
Hey Andrew
I see you are using my favorite bindings. I wish I could get some more of the older race bindings for more backcountry setups. The newer race versions ( now discontinued) had a heel piece that was heavier with a higher pin height, like the verticals, which increases the delta to much to me.
If you know anyone wanting to sell there old race bindings I would definitley be interested in buying.
Also, I add comfort plates and cones to give me the high heel rise.
http://www.bndskigear.com/Dynafitcustom.html
If you would like, I can send you some.
Bill
B & D Ski Gear
boywdog@aol.com
What about the children? Won’t someone please think about the children?
I’m calling child protective services.
Precious, Precious, Precious. My Precious, O my Precious!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs041.snc3/12853_1256381083834_1058805878_30826226_7708502_n.jpg
Those widdle, iddy biddy binders just wook wonewee on those skeez.
hell yeah ! same set up here but with verticals.
what boots do you plan on pairing them with?
Are they scary because they are K2s? Welcome to 2010 ;-)
Most likely Scarpa Maestrale’s, but perhaps some Mobe’s. The Mobe’s would be ideal, but I don’t know how far I could actually tour in them.
Snort! I wouldn’t trust anything over 125mm to any company but K2. I’m surprised those boards you use can even withstand getting wet or cold, let alone go downhill. ;)
. . . you mean like snowboarding?
I’ve noticed that being really wide makes penetration more difficult, but also more rewarding.
sweet split board set up