The majority of our skis are equipped with ABS sections (a synthetic material with fiberglass particles), which act as shock-absorbers when skiing on hard snow or ice. The only skis that don’t have this reinforcement are the high-end touring skis (for the purpose of light cap weight. We developed a new 3D light cap ABS (CTS LIGHT) which permits still a lower weight but with an incredible resistance. We use this new technology for some skis in the free touring and freeride sector.
We use exclusively top quality sintered bases with high molecular density. We use 3 different P-Tex ( 2000 / 4000 / 5000 ) bases throughout the range which are carefully chosen to match the individual ski.
The new 3D light cap ABS sidewall is unique in the way that the ABS runs through to the wood core of the ski and works also as a form of reinforcement. This system also offers a weight gain over the classic CTS which why it is integrated in to the Free Touring and Freeride ranges.
We reviewed the way we use our different edges throughout the entire range, with a focus on increasing durability of the skis that get the heaviest use. We’ve done this by varying the thickness of the edge along the length of the majority of the skis. The touring and free-touring ranges now benefit from a wider edge in places to help resist impacts associated with poor snow cover. The only skis with a completely straight and thinner edge profile are the competition touring range for weight-saving reasons. The edges are in 3 distinct widths; 1.8mm, 2.0mm & 2.4mm.
All of the vulnerable areas of the ski (edges, tip & tail) are reinforced with a rubber layer that protects from shocks and seals the ski. These layers also serve to absorb vibrations and stop the infiltration of water into the ski’s core, which can cause delimitation and eventually the destruction of the ski.
The top sheet of a ski has a pretty hard time; it needs to be resistant to repetitive shocks, impacts, huge temperature changes and UV rays. Our top sheets all confirm to the industry standard (ICP 8210) which guarantees the best quality out there. The upper layer of the top-sheet is a highly-resistant polyamide, which is made up of two thermally-bonded layers of the following thickness: 0.15mm / 0.25mm / 0.40mm and 0.50mm. The top sheets all then have an anti-UV treatment and anti-stick coating (to repel snow – particularly important in the touring range). The X-Series range will also benefit from a new technology with a dual-layer top sheet.
The Twin Rocker has an exaggerated length and height of rocker on both the tip and the tail which allows the ski to pivot easily and float effortlessly in powder. The ski still has a good contact zone in the center with plenty of edge to keep grip and maintain stability at speed.
The wood core of a ski is fundamentally important; not only does it give the ski its liveliness, it also pre-determines the ski’s durability and therefore differs hugely between the different ranges (piste-freeride-freestyle-touring). We continue to only use wood cores that are certified FCS and PEPS (www.fcs.org, www.pefc.org). We use the following woods in our manufacturing: Beech, Okume, Poplar, EPL poplar light, Light Karuba, Ultra light Karuba. Every core is designed to match the qualities of the relevant ski.
Largely inspired by the Free-Touring movement, the VERTEX is an ultra-modern geometry ski. The tip has a large rocker profile and the tail has a less pronounced rocker, which allow the ski to pivot easily and quickly. This is a fun and playful ski which still performs in any conditions. Under foot, the ABS (CTS LIGHT) cap helps transmit pressure from the boot to the edge effortlessly and gives a very solid feel to the ski. This ski is really designed for touring, but also performs on the piste. Definitely the most versatile ski in the Touring collection.