Madshus introduces a new skate ski design for 2010-2011. The new ski is an evolution of the previous model, utilizing most of the same materials, but with a different top sheet shape and foam core material. Madshus uses the three dimensional shape and distribution of materials to determine the distribution of load and tension in their skis, and so a new shape is a fairly big deal. The new shape appears to smooth out the build to pressure in the fore body and reduce tension in transition zones. The new foam core material is similar to the previous material, but designed to withstand heat without deformation. As a side benefit, the new material allows more precise milling of the ski shape. This enabled them to create new shapes to provide additional torsional stiffness in the tip and tail.
In recent years Madshus has used two main camber profiles in their ski production. The R or regular model (166) and the SC or soft conditions model (196) have been built in what Madshus calls the “HU” mold, creating a ski with a high resting camber and a very soft closing flex which produces an active and silky feeling ski. The HP or hardpack model (176 & 186) has been built using the “U+” mold which has a moderately high resting camber and a stiffer finishing flex, creating a more stable and energetic hard snow platform. The U+ mold has been the overwhelming favorite among World Cup racers recently – particularly the model with straight sidecut that was introduced to the public this past winter as the 186.
For 2010-2011 Madshus will continue to make use of these two familiar camber profiles. The new Regular model (116) will be very much like the old R ski – built on the HU mold and with the pronounced sidecut that most Madshus skiers are familiar with. The new Hardpack model (118) will be very much like last year’s 186 model – built on the U+ mold with a straight sidecut profile – straight off the World Cup. The new Soft Conditions model (119) will be something new to the buying public. Instead of utilizing the familiar HU mold from the old soft conditions ski, the new SC will be built using a mold only available through the racing department previously. The U++ camber profile has a lower resting camber and quite a stiff finish. The height of the camber is back under the foot compared with the U+ mold, creating a lower-tension forebody and good floating characteristics. The U++ ski was introduced for soft and wet conditions, but has been adopted for more universal use by some racers. That new ski that Noah Hoffman used in West Yellowstone was a U++, and it remained one of his go-to skis all season.
We find that the Madshus Skaters are unique among brands. While Fischer and Rossignol have a similar feel, the Madshus Nanosonic sets itself apart. You end up being much farther forward on Madshus than the other brands, giving a different feel in the cockpit. The skis excel at building speed quickly and thrive when the skier is moving dynamically from ski to ski. They accelerate quickly to speed and run well on edge where the other brands tend to start dying out.
We have had a hard time nailing down exactly who fits this ski. We've had more than a few people with full quivers of other brands try the Madshus skate skis and immediately switch - abandoning entire fleets they've built up over years. They seem to work well for people who are dynamic skiers that constantly move over the skis. Hard core gliders and mashers tend not to "get" these skis right away.
This is a hand-selected ski, which means that when you order it, we'll give you a call to determine what fits you best. We can then adjust anything - length, model, whatever, so if you want to order this ski, but aren't sure which one is right for you, just make a guess and order it - we'll call you up to make sure that you get the perfect match.