Frontend Diving in Powder

[BombaPolaYama]

One thing you should all be aware of. More aggressive skis mean steering effort is increased. My shoulders are extremely sore today, more so than any other day I have ever ridden.

It may depend on the ski because I have the Slydog Powderhounds on my VL and found that the steering effort is much easier than the stock ski. These skis stay on top of the snow and do not follow other tracks and even if they do get in a rut it is so much easier to steer out. The reduced steering effort was a pleasant surprise on these because I read so much about the more aggresive ski being harder to steer.

 

[RowdyRoddy]

I agree. I don't find my slydogs harder to steer. I've put a few trips on them now, and all I can say is what an improvement over stock!!!


RR

 

[Goddo]

Wider doesn't necessarily mean more aggressive. It all depends on the style and shape of the keel. The 6.9s have a large keel right down the center, and when it cuts into hardpack it's tough to turn it.

Some skis have different designs (keels on the edges, etc) to improve steering effort and provide a wider ski for flotation.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Wider doesn't necessarily mean more aggressive. It all depends on the style and shape of the keel. The 6.9s have a large keel right down the center, and when it cuts into hardpack it's tough to turn it.

Some skis have different designs (keels on the edges, etc) to improve steering effort and provide a wider ski for flotation.

Pic attached of the keel design of the Powderhound - much more aggressive than the stock ski but with better steering effort. I have noticed though that if you get into crusty conditions they will dart dangerously and the steering effort is increased.

 

[Goddo]

Yeah, that's a tiny keel compared to a 6.9 pilot which has a standard v shaped deep keel.

Gotta love ski technology.

 

[Southern Renegade]

a lot smaller than the yammi mtn ski also

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Yeah, that's a tiny keel compared to a 6.9 pilot which has a standard v shaped deep keel.

Gotta love ski technology.

But, size ain't everything! (LOL)

 

[karl]

I switched from stock skis (7" wide) with 9" skins on my VL -MP to the Simmons Gen 2. hugh difference in handling along with incredible floatation. I don't ride groomed trails so can't speak to how they would handle in those conditions but so far they have been a big improvement on sled packed trails and deep powder. not to much steering effort and the sled goes where you point the bars. The Simmons Gen 2's are 10" wide, so you aren't dragging your belly pan if you have any speed up. The sled runs really high in the snow.