Comments on: Jordan gets Skookumed

By: buddhistcowboy

buddhistcowboy — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:28:46 +0000

so which is it – orange is stiffer or black tongue is stiffer? 2012 Skookum

By: Kjetil

Kjetil — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:14:38 +0000

I know, Lou. Thanks for the quick answer! Just trying to gather as much information I can (either to become more knowledgeable or more confused) before I shell out the dollars (or Norwegian Crowns) on new gear. I got the same advice last year before buying my current setup, and it’s definitely the best advice you can get. It’s only one way to find out what suits me, for sure. I think I’ll just take both tongues with me next time when I go to the lift, and change them during lunchtime to see if I really feel a big difference in downhill performance.

Thanks as well, Randonee. I have lot’s of work to do on my technique, but it’s coming along. I agree with you that being more finesse helps in difficult snow, for me that would be snow that affected by wind on the top (don’t know the english word). In some other conditions I feel like I have to charge more through it though, since the ski I use can become too lively due to it’s softness.

I’m sorry if this became off-topic. The boots will not be traded in next season, for sure. I think I’ll get another pair of skis/bindings that are more suited for the uphill and stiffer for the downhill.

By: Randonnee

Randonnee — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:44:01 +0000

In my big-guy view it is a matter of how one chooses to ski. My preference is smaller boots for ski touring comfort. My Zzero3C is the boot that I tour 90% of the time in powder on Manaslu and on firm snow on Seven Summit Superlight. I would expect to transiton to the TLT5 when it is available.

Kjell you and I have similar BMII. I am 6’1″ and 225 on the light end (sometimes heavier) and I skitour 80 days and mountain bike probably more days per year and have the upper and lower body strength to move that carcass well.

Over 20 years ago because of soft touring boots I developed a very smooth and balanced ski technique for ski touring. That was in contrast to bashing around on lift gear and Lange boots at work fulltime. Later, Dynafit bindings also demanded no-bash and smooth technique for me, so that was further refined. Now I prefer smooth and finesse- ride the ski, not driving the ski by pushing the boot. I find that balanced finesse skiing has advantages also in tricky snow and for less fatigue through the day.

In my view, gear that works well for lift skiing does not tour well.

By: Lou

Lou — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:56:09 +0000

Kjetil, a lot of this depends on your style and ski technique. Some skiers need a lot of forward support, others seem to be happy with a softer feel at the front of the boot. Thus, the answer for you is go out and ski!

By: Kjetil

Kjetil — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:44:09 +0000

I’ve been skiing with these boots this season. It’s my first pair of AT-boots, in fact my first pair of boots ever (I used to be a snowboarder). My setup is definitly not the lightest out there with Obsethed-skis and Baron. But I’ve been doing several 3000feet climbs with this setup. Mostly I’m pretty happy with these boots, but I kinda feel like the stiff tongue is too stiff for the uphill. So I tend to put in the softer ones when I go hiking. I don’t really see this as a problem with the Obsethed-skis since they are so soft, but I’m really considering getting a stiffer ski next season (most likely with Dynafit-bindings).

Anybody see a problem “driving” a stiffer ski like Black Crows Navis or Black Diamond Zealot with the Skookums with the soft tongue? Or will the change to Dynafit-bindings make the uphill so much easier that I could just as well use the stiff tongue all the time? Or isn’t there so much difference in downhill-performance between the stiff and soft tongue, like stated by other posters here?

(Have in mind that I’m 5’7 and 215ibs – linebacker gone ski-junkie :biggrin: ) Sorry about the long post though!