The last few years I've always skied skis over 185cm. On the recommendation of Patrik Sannes from Norse, I wanted to try out the 180cm version this time. The ski was put through its paces on 1300 metre tours, powder skiing in Engelberg and in various lift-assisted mixed terrain. I'm 176cm tall, weigh a good 75kg and like a wide variety of ski concepts, which tend to be a little more firm. When powder skiing, nothing beats the Praxis Powderboard, I can always rely on my Fischer Ranger 107ti and on piste days, I prefer my Völkl Deacon 84. The boots used during the test were the Dalbello Krypton Pro and the Dalbello Lupo 130C.
Practical test
For the first few days, I couldn't really get to grips with the skis. It wasn't until my snowboarding colleagues left me standing on the trails that I realised it was the surface that was slowing me down. After consulting with Norse, I hot waxed the ski and brushed it out well. According to Patrik, the base apparently does need care and wax, just like any other ski. Since then, the ski has skied much better. The following assessments refer to the waxed ski.
Piste performance
The first time I used the ski on the piste, it brought back memories of freeriding. Put it on and the ski does what it's told. The pilot is in control at all times. Movements are directly translated into directional changes without the feeling of not being centred over the ski or of being thrown off.
The radius of 21 metres does not make the ski the sportiest all-mountain weapon. Due to the pronounced tip rocker and the narrow shovel, it is difficult to get pressure on the shovel. As a result, you get the feeling that the ski is not travelling over the entire edge, but over the rear 2/3 of the ski length. Nevertheless, the ski is easy to steer through the turns thanks to its harmonious flex. The edge grip is remarkably good, which I explain by the torsionally stable construction. Thanks to its present but not too long or choppy tail, the ski inspires confidence at all times - regardless of the snow conditions.
Performance in off-piste terrain
The ski feels most at home in "vegetables". Whether in choppy terrain, in moguls, on dust on crust or a completely rutted piste. I can rely on the ski in all types of terrain and snow. Turn initiation is effortless in steep and technically difficult terrain without the feeling of losing control of the ski. As with freeride, the long rocker profile, the softer ski ends and the relatively short sidecut have a positive effect on the ski's manoeuvrability. And when the ski is brought into the fall line and picks up speed, it absorbs the bumps incredibly well - amazing for a ski in this weight class. Another thing that impresses me about this ski is that if you like to take off on off-piste edges, the ski automatically returns to the correct position when you land.
