G3 Zen Oxide – WildSnow Arrow of the Week
I got a laugh this morning when a Buddhist friend of mine called me for ski recommends. We were talking mid-fats, and I said one of the ones to consider, and perhaps he’d like because of the name, is the Zen Oxide. Which begs the question, what’s next, the Evangelical Anhydride?
Ecumenicism aside, we’ve put a pair of these guns in our test and review quiver for this coming winter. We think they’ll be fun. Wood core, 178 centimeter, reasonable weight for this type of width and length: 131/105/123 at 63.9 ounces (1810 gr) per ski. Touted by G3 as “their fattest lightweight ski.” Not heavily rockered, but the early rise type looks to provide the lift assist we’re all looking for in the soft stuff. See our weight chart to compare with other skis.
G3 Zen Oxide for backcountry skiing. Nice looking planks though we'd rather they were light colored to prevent ice buildup on the topskin, click to enlarge
G3 Zen Oxide 'early rise' tip is essentially a bit of rocker, about 15 cm.
The party line from G3.
We’re looking forward to riding these religious icons! Shop for Zen.
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15 Responses to “G3 Zen Oxide – WildSnow Arrow of the Week”
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@Lou,
I’ve noticed G3 skis seem to be shorter for an advertised length than, say, BD’s skis. Is that true with the Zen Oxide too?
I’d say perhaps yes. For example, the 174 Wayback (an arrow for another week) we have here in the quiver is almost exactly the same physical length as the 178 G3. I need some enlightenment on this. Anyone?
I can believe that, as my 167 Coombacks are about 1 cm less than my 171 Free Randos.
I skied 185′s that seemed as long as my 183′s Liberty Helix, so yes(?). The weight was a joy on the up, but seemed wimpy at times going down… or maybe I’m the wimp.
The internet thinks k2 skis run long. My 174 Sahales are ~3 cm shorter than my 177 Hombres (same mold as your Oxides, I expect) and Kongurs.
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/105658-Do-K2-skis-measure-short-Help-w-ski-length.
http://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/352008/cat_id/8/
http://www.backcountry.com/store/qanda/159534/Many-people-say-k2-skis-are-longer-than-they.html
K2s measure longer than their advertised length.
Maybe k2 measures with a line from tip to tail where other manufacturers lay the meter on the curve of the tip and to the tail. ?
Lou,
You’ll probably like this ski but I will warn you that it tempts you to not turn. Have fun! Best ski I’ve tried in a long long while
Did you say mid-fat? Terms like that sure are a moving target. Sounds like this might be a fun ski for sure.
supposedly nordica are the only skis that are consistently as long as they say
This ski length issue reminds me of another length issue. In the end, just not a big deal compared to more important aspects.
The length thing; well it’s obvious that us men folk are the ones making the skis.
I’ll leave the rest up to you!!
K2 measures their skis by pulling the tape taught from the tip to tail. Most other manufactures measure by following the curvature of the ski.
I have been out a couple early sessions with this ski…. So far they have been a blast!
Lou,
Just picked up a pair of 186 2012/13 ZenOxides for exclusively BC use in Tahoe area. Visually, the mount reference point looks a little tailward. Before I have the also new Plum Guides mounted, I thought I would check for any opinions you might share about whether to mount them on the reference or ahead a cm or so.
Thanks in advance.