mi6_
12-15-2007, 12:16 AM
Well, I finally got my skiboards yesterday. I had ordered the new 2008 Revel8 BWPs with Spruce Pro Risers and Rossignol Axium 110 bindings. So today I headed to my local hill to test them out.
For those who don't know my background, I am a first-time skiboarder. I had skiied for years in elementry/JH/SH, but haven't skied in probably 5 or 6 years at least. I also have ice skated since I was 3 and played league hockey for 7 seasons. I still rollerblade often in the summer and Ice skate occasionaly. I am 5'6" and about 155 lbs.
So as expected, my boards arrived with the Spruce Pro bindings attached (as all other international buyers recieve them). Greco sent me the new Revel8 115cm bag instead of the 105cm bag I ordered at no charge (a nice surprise). I spent about 20 minutes setting up the bindings. After that I gave the boards a quick wax, and I was all set. The boards looked absolutely amazing. Quality is top notch. They were better than expected.
So I headed to my hill this afternoon and skiied for about 4 hours until my legs were too sore to continue (skiing uphill on these things is a great workout for your legs). I found it a little wierd at first to get around. The boards are quite a bit wider than skis, so to push around with your thighs you need a pretty wide stance to catch an edge. After about 15 meters I had it down pat. I was afraid that the BWP may be a bit long for me, but I found them to be a great size. Only touched ends a few times (unfortunately chipping the decks a bit :( )
My first run was a fairly steep green. I took it easy, going slow getting a feel for the boards. I noticed quite a bit of chatter at first. I suppose part of the problem was that I was on packed snow, much of which is artificial (not the greatest....too much ice). Having only ever skied on 160-170cm boards also meant that it was a bit more change than I was expecting. Also, I think it took about two runs for the wax to clear a bit. They were super slippery at first. I felt like I was walking on ice at times.
On the second run I began pushing harder. I started to realize that the boards felt more stable once you pushed them harder. You can't turn them lightly like skiis. When you get them on their edges they are amazing. Speed was never a problem. These things make you feel like you are riding on a missile. Scenery blurs pretty quickly.
By my third run I started carving. It was easier then expected. I found it worked best for me by building up some decent speed, and then getting nice and low. As you turn in keep your inside ski in nice and tight on its edge, and then push the outside one out (outstretch your leg). When you get it right you can get pretty low. I was amazed at the speeds and tightness of turns that could be accomplished, especially after only 3-4 runs and not having skied in years.
I started pushing really hard, and took a few falls. The Spruce Pro Bindings felt good. The only releases I had were on major wipeouts (had 3 releases I think). Wiped out once, but managed to sort of save it. The skiboards stayed on my feet which they should have. I found trying to skate stop at full speed was suicidal. Probably works good in a bit of power, but on packed, icy artificial snow it was not a great idea. The boards would just slide out from under me, sending my body to the ground. I had to carve deep and shave some speed, otherwise I'd loose my feet under me and eat some snow. Didn't really try snowplowing, but I suppose that would work for someone learning when you find yourself going too quick.
By my 6th run I decided to try some spins and ride fakie. I went to an easy green (which hapened to be quiet in case I made a fool of myself). Started down the hill, and turned into fakie just as you would with skates. Felt very easy and natural. Did a couple of 360 spins. As long as you concentrate on keeping the skis level, it works great. Catching an edge puts you into the spilts and makes you wobble like a bobble-head doll. Only wiped out once while riding fakie, and it was probably while I was too fast for first time out. I found it a bit hard going down backwards. It is hard to see over your shoulder. I think my fear of crashing was holding me back. Felt just as stable backwards as forwards. I was really impressed though. Anyone who skates should be OK on these things. It all feels very natural for skaters. I'm sure in time that I will be going down entire runs riding fakie. Got some pretty funy looks from snowboarders when you pass them backwards!
By the last hour, I was doing some crazy carves (and I know I will still get better and faster yet). These things are incredible. They grip well beyond what you would imagine. If you push them past their limit they will bite you though (at least on the icy, packed artificial snow my hill always makes). I could catch any skier or Snowboarder and would just rip past them. I was actually amazed at how hard I could push these things first time out. Did some black diamond runs too. Went alright. You can really cook on those ones. Controlling you speed is an issue sometimes until you get more comfortable.
Had several people comment on how nice my "Skiblades" were. I of course corrected them politely, and even explained the difference to one girl. Some people look at you like your an idiot, which is OK I guess. The lift line draws some interesting attention. Everyone has their own thing they like. Even a snowboarder was impressed by the Revel8 Skiboards.
Big thanks to all the forum members, Jeff at spruce, and especially all the skiboardsonline people, especially Greco. Excellent product, service, and experience. Best money I have ever spent.
Thanks everyone! See you out on the hills, maybe even in the park when I get brave enough!
For those who don't know my background, I am a first-time skiboarder. I had skiied for years in elementry/JH/SH, but haven't skied in probably 5 or 6 years at least. I also have ice skated since I was 3 and played league hockey for 7 seasons. I still rollerblade often in the summer and Ice skate occasionaly. I am 5'6" and about 155 lbs.
So as expected, my boards arrived with the Spruce Pro bindings attached (as all other international buyers recieve them). Greco sent me the new Revel8 115cm bag instead of the 105cm bag I ordered at no charge (a nice surprise). I spent about 20 minutes setting up the bindings. After that I gave the boards a quick wax, and I was all set. The boards looked absolutely amazing. Quality is top notch. They were better than expected.
So I headed to my hill this afternoon and skiied for about 4 hours until my legs were too sore to continue (skiing uphill on these things is a great workout for your legs). I found it a little wierd at first to get around. The boards are quite a bit wider than skis, so to push around with your thighs you need a pretty wide stance to catch an edge. After about 15 meters I had it down pat. I was afraid that the BWP may be a bit long for me, but I found them to be a great size. Only touched ends a few times (unfortunately chipping the decks a bit :( )
My first run was a fairly steep green. I took it easy, going slow getting a feel for the boards. I noticed quite a bit of chatter at first. I suppose part of the problem was that I was on packed snow, much of which is artificial (not the greatest....too much ice). Having only ever skied on 160-170cm boards also meant that it was a bit more change than I was expecting. Also, I think it took about two runs for the wax to clear a bit. They were super slippery at first. I felt like I was walking on ice at times.
On the second run I began pushing harder. I started to realize that the boards felt more stable once you pushed them harder. You can't turn them lightly like skiis. When you get them on their edges they are amazing. Speed was never a problem. These things make you feel like you are riding on a missile. Scenery blurs pretty quickly.
By my third run I started carving. It was easier then expected. I found it worked best for me by building up some decent speed, and then getting nice and low. As you turn in keep your inside ski in nice and tight on its edge, and then push the outside one out (outstretch your leg). When you get it right you can get pretty low. I was amazed at the speeds and tightness of turns that could be accomplished, especially after only 3-4 runs and not having skied in years.
I started pushing really hard, and took a few falls. The Spruce Pro Bindings felt good. The only releases I had were on major wipeouts (had 3 releases I think). Wiped out once, but managed to sort of save it. The skiboards stayed on my feet which they should have. I found trying to skate stop at full speed was suicidal. Probably works good in a bit of power, but on packed, icy artificial snow it was not a great idea. The boards would just slide out from under me, sending my body to the ground. I had to carve deep and shave some speed, otherwise I'd loose my feet under me and eat some snow. Didn't really try snowplowing, but I suppose that would work for someone learning when you find yourself going too quick.
By my 6th run I decided to try some spins and ride fakie. I went to an easy green (which hapened to be quiet in case I made a fool of myself). Started down the hill, and turned into fakie just as you would with skates. Felt very easy and natural. Did a couple of 360 spins. As long as you concentrate on keeping the skis level, it works great. Catching an edge puts you into the spilts and makes you wobble like a bobble-head doll. Only wiped out once while riding fakie, and it was probably while I was too fast for first time out. I found it a bit hard going down backwards. It is hard to see over your shoulder. I think my fear of crashing was holding me back. Felt just as stable backwards as forwards. I was really impressed though. Anyone who skates should be OK on these things. It all feels very natural for skaters. I'm sure in time that I will be going down entire runs riding fakie. Got some pretty funy looks from snowboarders when you pass them backwards!
By the last hour, I was doing some crazy carves (and I know I will still get better and faster yet). These things are incredible. They grip well beyond what you would imagine. If you push them past their limit they will bite you though (at least on the icy, packed artificial snow my hill always makes). I could catch any skier or Snowboarder and would just rip past them. I was actually amazed at how hard I could push these things first time out. Did some black diamond runs too. Went alright. You can really cook on those ones. Controlling you speed is an issue sometimes until you get more comfortable.
Had several people comment on how nice my "Skiblades" were. I of course corrected them politely, and even explained the difference to one girl. Some people look at you like your an idiot, which is OK I guess. The lift line draws some interesting attention. Everyone has their own thing they like. Even a snowboarder was impressed by the Revel8 Skiboards.
Big thanks to all the forum members, Jeff at spruce, and especially all the skiboardsonline people, especially Greco. Excellent product, service, and experience. Best money I have ever spent.
Thanks everyone! See you out on the hills, maybe even in the park when I get brave enough!