slow
02-15-2011, 09:39 PM
These are my initial impressions of the KTPs having ridden them for only 4 hours on short groomed runs with temps above freezing but waxed for colder temps. I tuned to a 0 base edge, 88 side edge and detuned 1" front and back. I also used my modified Bombers with three pads (no center disk or bumpers) center mounted. My point of reference are my Condors that I have been riding solely for the last 14 months. Keep in mind that I am an old guy at 52 years old, 190 lbs, 5’ 10”, and I do not ride in the terrain park. I enjoy trying to get from point A to B as quickly as possible while dodging moving pylons (skiers and snowboarders) at our very small local hills.
The increased stiffness was immediately noticeable with more transmission of the terrain. After a couple of runs I picked up speed and it became a very smooth ride.
The KTPs take more effort than the flexier Condors to edge at slow speeds. But push the KTPs with higher speed and they carve like ice skates. Edge hold on ice was excellent and the best I have experienced on any skiboard
The high stiffness made them very forgiving when I found myself back on my heels and about to loose by balance. I was pleasantly surprised how much fore and aft stability they provided given their short length.
I had a chance to run some short packed paths through the trees and they were much easier to maneuver and control than my Condors. They were a heck of a lot of fun in those conditions and I could not get enough of it.
The smaller turn radius combined with excellent edge hold took a few runs to get use to. For all out speed, I backed off edging and ran them flat longer between carves without them becoming squirrely.
I had no problem getting the KTPs on edge having ridden only the wider Condors for the last 14 months.
Even with poor gliding wax, I was one of the fastest snow sliders on the slopes. So they are certainly fast if you want them to be.
I now understand why the KTP is so well received by aggressive riders who want speed, maneuverability and stability. The KTPs are excellent for those riders.
Hopefully I will get a chance to try the KTPs out on some variable terrain this season and post another review.
PS. I should also mention that the 2011 KTPs are absolutely gorgeous! I kept wiping the snow off in the lift line so I could see the graphics while riding up the lift.
The increased stiffness was immediately noticeable with more transmission of the terrain. After a couple of runs I picked up speed and it became a very smooth ride.
The KTPs take more effort than the flexier Condors to edge at slow speeds. But push the KTPs with higher speed and they carve like ice skates. Edge hold on ice was excellent and the best I have experienced on any skiboard
The high stiffness made them very forgiving when I found myself back on my heels and about to loose by balance. I was pleasantly surprised how much fore and aft stability they provided given their short length.
I had a chance to run some short packed paths through the trees and they were much easier to maneuver and control than my Condors. They were a heck of a lot of fun in those conditions and I could not get enough of it.
The smaller turn radius combined with excellent edge hold took a few runs to get use to. For all out speed, I backed off edging and ran them flat longer between carves without them becoming squirrely.
I had no problem getting the KTPs on edge having ridden only the wider Condors for the last 14 months.
Even with poor gliding wax, I was one of the fastest snow sliders on the slopes. So they are certainly fast if you want them to be.
I now understand why the KTP is so well received by aggressive riders who want speed, maneuverability and stability. The KTPs are excellent for those riders.
Hopefully I will get a chance to try the KTPs out on some variable terrain this season and post another review.
PS. I should also mention that the 2011 KTPs are absolutely gorgeous! I kept wiping the snow off in the lift line so I could see the graphics while riding up the lift.