The bcXCD Thread

[Campgottagopee]

Did someone say long skis?

 

[Brownski]

Last question is should I go 189 or 179? I’m 5 foot 9 inches and currently 180 LBs but when I get lazy I tend t9 roll up into the 200 LB’er range. Looks like I’m right between the two on Fischer’s size chart

 

[Tjf1967]

Shorter. You have your cruiser set up

 

[JK_PA]

Last question is should I go 189 or 179? I’m 5 foot 9 inches and currently 180 LBs but when I get lazy I tend t9 roll up into the 200 LB’er range. Looks like I’m right between the two on Fischer’s size chart

Great question and one that I went back and forth on before I purchased. I too was in-between sizes (shorter ski if I just considering my weight) but I would easily be in the range for the longer ski based on just carrying a light pack. I saw Ripitz added the below to one of his posts from yesterday:

*Edit to add - If you find yourself in between sizes in the guide, size down if you think the majority of your skiing will be hiking trails and woods, size up if it’s golf courses and rail trails.

I plan to be in the woods as much as possible with my new setup so I sized down. I still have the old set-up if I just want to go straight and flat (another reason you may want to keep your old setup). Hopefully going with the shorter size will give me a little more grip on the uphill as well. Time will tell whether I made the best choice. Regardless, I look forward to having my new setup in the woods compared to my old setup!

 

[Endoftheline]

Best early season XC and BC in a long time. LE really makes a difference. And before the first day of Winter(Meteorologistly)

 

[BRLKED]

Last question is should I go 189 or 179? I’m 5 foot 9 inches and currently 180 LBs but when I get lazy I tend t9 roll up into the 200 LB’er range. Looks like I’m right between the two on Fischer’s size chart

If you normally wear a pack when skiing consider that weight when sizing.
Most weight charts are accurate for a unladen skier.
Also my personal opinion , 3 pins for control!

 

[Endoftheline]

Wow, the LE machine keeps hitting, Another 3-4 " overnight. Last 2 nights got in 2 excellent full moon(almost) skis in. Only problem is I can't get the deer and coyotes to stop post holing my trails! Don't they know their supposed to wear snowshoes?

 

[Capt_Planit]

Untracked goodness, with bonus runout! Usually the logs in there at the bottom make entry pricey!

There is a big brush pile, just left of center. Gives you an idea how thick it is. I didn't touch bottom all day.

I had this slope (left) pretty roto-tilled up by 4:20, but the light only got worse as the day went on, so no pics.

Bonus Sbound/Alaska shot since there was a discussion of these up thread. Still untreated, my Alaskas.

 

[JK_PA]

The Alaskas have a waterproof / breathable membrane that work very well. I’ve never had my feet get wet from the outside or the inside for that matter. I use a gaitor when the snow is super deep. I haven’t treated them yet but plan on doing it for this season. I think the two best options are Sno Seal or Nikwax, with Nikwax being preferred.

Thanks Ripitz for the boot-treatment info and options. Much appreciated! I look forward to diving into my options in more detail.

Following, I got new Alaskas last year but have not treated them either

Thanks for the info gorgonzola

Untracked goodness, with bonus runout! Usually the logs in there at the bottom make entry pricey!

Bonus Sbound/Alaska shot since there was a discussion of these up thread. Still untreated, my Alaskas.

Capt_Planit - Sounds like a fantastic day!!! Beautiful pictures as well. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Ripitz, gorgonzola and Capt_Planit for letting me know that you’ve used the Alpinas before treating. That was very helpful for me to know. While I would presume treating them makes sense at some point, I was impatient to try out my new set-up (Madshus M-68/Alpina Alaskas) and knowing other used the Alaskas before treating them made me feel better about taking them out. I went on a ~7 mile trek in the Catskills last weekend. Snow was soft but rocks were ubiquitous just beneath the surface (at least where I went). I definitely took my time picking my way down anything but the gentlest of slope. I’m looking forward to taking them out again when there is more cover. That said, it felt good to kick the tires and see what they could do.
On a related note: I think a set of skins will be purchased in the near future. Anyone have any recommendations for this type of ski (ideally without breaking the bank)?

 

[Ripitz]

Thanks Ripitz, gorgonzola and Capt_Planit for letting me know that you’ve used the Alpinas before treating. That was very helpful for me to know. While I would presume treating them makes sense at some point, I was impatient to try out my new set-up (Madshus M-68/Alpina Alaskas) and knowing other used the Alaskas before treating them made me feel better about taking them out. I went on a ~7 mile trek in the Catskills last weekend. Snow was soft but rocks were ubiquitous just beneath the surface (at least where I went). I definitely took my time picking my way down anything but the gentlest of slope. I’m looking forward to taking them out again when there is more cover. That said, it felt good to kick the tires and see what they could do.
On a related note: I think a set of skins will be purchased in the near future. Anyone have any recommendations for this type of ski (ideally without breaking the bank)?

Ideally treatment would be applied when the boots are clean so when they are new it’s best. Just avoid muddy parking lots and stream crossings if possible. That’s usually more of an issue in the Spring. Use a soft stiff brush for cleaning if they get soiled. My boots are still in good condition after years of use with no additional treatment. Whatever is done in the original manufacturing process has been adequate. My reason for wanting to treat mine is to extend their life and prevent the leather from drying out.

I got the pink Pomoca skins from skimo.co for my Annums. I went with a full length skin after a few frustrating outings with the Black Diamond kicker skins that have an additional strap to attach. Without a tail attachment, snow would gather under the skins and they would start falling off. The Pomoca skins are very light. They are very thin as well so when they roll up they take up very little space compared to what has been available in the past. They may have a skinny skimo skin that will fit your 68s. I would give them a call, explain your situation and ask for advice. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Skins are obviously used for ascending but they come in handy for speed control on the descents. When you find yourself on steep skinny hiking trails or boney terrain it’s best to just throw them on to slow yourself down. Trying to make hop turns and hockey stops with XC skis and free heel floppy leathers can be a frightening experience. It’s a good way to wreck yourself and your skis. I took a hip check to frozen sharkey ground at James Baird State Park many years ago fucking around by myself and learned my lesson. XCD is not for whimps.

Would love to hear more about this Catskill adventure. Where did you go? Conditions, etc…