Iain
02-04-2009, 10:05 PM
Here is my first attempt at a review.
Set up: Revel8 tansho’s 07/08 with bombers
Background info: I am male, am 5’ 8”, and about 130 pounds. This is my first real season on skiboards, I purchased my tansho’s last season but I only made it out to the hill for one day last year. I have never really been an avid skier however for the last 3 or 4 years I have gone skiing a few times in the winter. I always felt out of place on two long planks on the hill. I frequently saw people on cheap Solomon snowblades, and they always seemed to be having a blast. I started doing some research about snowblades, however in the end, I finally ended up on this site. After much thought and consideration, I opened my front door some time last year to find my skiboards sitting on my front step.
During my first time out on skiboards I realized that I definitely got some double takes from a lot of different people. Most people don’t comment but a few older skiers and snowboarders have asked “are those fun?” The only derogatory comment that I have so far received is from a older ski instructor at the hill who jokingly said, “Maybe your skis will get bigger too when you grow up.”
But your probably wondering how I thought they performed. Well it almost felt to me as if they were an extension of my body. Almost like I was destined to meet up with these boards. After the first few runs I was used to the length and the width of these boards. I was surprised by how nimble they were. They could really turn on a dime. By they end of the first day I was confident to slowly venture down two of Calabogie Peaks black diamond runs (I don’t know how they compare to bigger hills black runs). I have been able to return to the hill 4 times so far this season. Each time, I have grown more and more confident, however the only thing that doesn’t change is the smile on my face. Due to the nice flex of the tansho’s, I find that they hold an edge on ice, but at the same time they are forgiving for a beginner like me. I can really notice the improvement after each outing, however I am still not even close to mastering this sport. By watching other skiers I have learnt to spin around, 180, and ride fakie. I recently visited a smaller hill with a decent terrain park. After building up courage and a bit of practice I could ride a box sideways and come out fakie and the same on a rail that was made out of a PVC pipe. Also I hit a 10 foot jump with a simple grab.
Here is a quick review on how the tansho’s have performed in different terrains:
Groomers: they are light, nimble, and really fun to cruise and spin around on. They can still hit a pretty fast speed with a good wax despite their size.
Bumps: I have only taken a few runs in the moguls, but I intend to practice some more.
Park: Nice on the few rails and boxes that I have tried, but if I want to hit bigger jumps it would probably be easier to land on boards that are a little longer.
Powder: I have ridden some powder at the side of a run that was about a foot deep. As long as I kept my weight on my tails I could manage my way down the run without eating some snow.
Quality: Awesome durable boards, there are only a few topsheet nicks but they are from my own stupidity and banging them together accidentally.
I am looking forward to going to Mont Ste-Anne later this month were I will be able to ride more powder and bumps.
Set up: Revel8 tansho’s 07/08 with bombers
Background info: I am male, am 5’ 8”, and about 130 pounds. This is my first real season on skiboards, I purchased my tansho’s last season but I only made it out to the hill for one day last year. I have never really been an avid skier however for the last 3 or 4 years I have gone skiing a few times in the winter. I always felt out of place on two long planks on the hill. I frequently saw people on cheap Solomon snowblades, and they always seemed to be having a blast. I started doing some research about snowblades, however in the end, I finally ended up on this site. After much thought and consideration, I opened my front door some time last year to find my skiboards sitting on my front step.
During my first time out on skiboards I realized that I definitely got some double takes from a lot of different people. Most people don’t comment but a few older skiers and snowboarders have asked “are those fun?” The only derogatory comment that I have so far received is from a older ski instructor at the hill who jokingly said, “Maybe your skis will get bigger too when you grow up.”
But your probably wondering how I thought they performed. Well it almost felt to me as if they were an extension of my body. Almost like I was destined to meet up with these boards. After the first few runs I was used to the length and the width of these boards. I was surprised by how nimble they were. They could really turn on a dime. By they end of the first day I was confident to slowly venture down two of Calabogie Peaks black diamond runs (I don’t know how they compare to bigger hills black runs). I have been able to return to the hill 4 times so far this season. Each time, I have grown more and more confident, however the only thing that doesn’t change is the smile on my face. Due to the nice flex of the tansho’s, I find that they hold an edge on ice, but at the same time they are forgiving for a beginner like me. I can really notice the improvement after each outing, however I am still not even close to mastering this sport. By watching other skiers I have learnt to spin around, 180, and ride fakie. I recently visited a smaller hill with a decent terrain park. After building up courage and a bit of practice I could ride a box sideways and come out fakie and the same on a rail that was made out of a PVC pipe. Also I hit a 10 foot jump with a simple grab.
Here is a quick review on how the tansho’s have performed in different terrains:
Groomers: they are light, nimble, and really fun to cruise and spin around on. They can still hit a pretty fast speed with a good wax despite their size.
Bumps: I have only taken a few runs in the moguls, but I intend to practice some more.
Park: Nice on the few rails and boxes that I have tried, but if I want to hit bigger jumps it would probably be easier to land on boards that are a little longer.
Powder: I have ridden some powder at the side of a run that was about a foot deep. As long as I kept my weight on my tails I could manage my way down the run without eating some snow.
Quality: Awesome durable boards, there are only a few topsheet nicks but they are from my own stupidity and banging them together accidentally.
I am looking forward to going to Mont Ste-Anne later this month were I will be able to ride more powder and bumps.