Pow Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 I was out carving today at Jiminy Peak when I spotted a couple on a very unique ski system. http://www.virtualpowder.com/default.asp They told me their friend had invented this because he didn't feel atheletic enough to ride modern alpine skiis. Turns out, these skiis aren't just for those who outgrew serious training and exercise. Theyre also great for beginners who are trying to learn. Also, the man I was riding with was a mogul coach, and was carving them with his partner (wife?) In the tightest arcs I've ever seen on skiis! He could match my every move I made on my slalom board. I didn't get to see his partner ride as much, but from what I saw she was carving extremely well too. And both of them were having more fun than anyone else on the mountain (well besides me maybe:p ), so experts won't outgrow them from what I saw. What does this have to do with snowboarding? After riding with them, they told me to email them at the virtualpowder website about a snowboard system they're developing. They asked if I wanted to help them test it sometime, but I told them that I might be too much of a novice to give them good feedback (although they might be looking for more of a novice rider now that I think of it). Dave Espi: interested in testing? I told them there was an alpine snowboarder who teaches at Jiminy Peak, and can carve on any board, hard or soft, wayy better than me. Anybody else interested? Tell me what you think of all this, because I think It's increadible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pebu Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 I'm not really sure what to think yet. I'd imagine it'd give you a real surfy feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pow Posted April 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 Im thinking it might be useful in learning to carve, beginner alpine boards are practically non-existant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skategoat Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 The website needs more videos and graphics that show how the system works. I'm intrigued though. I'd love to see the system work in varying conditions (moguls, powder, ice). If it increases the contact edge, I think it would do wonders on ice. I need new skiis next season so if he's doing any demos in Ontario, let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pow Posted April 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 They were testing it out today, I think it's still a prototype really so they don't have too many photos or videos. they held great on ice/granular today. They looked just like alpine boarders riding on those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 A bunch of us met the inventor at SES 05. The skis and the piston system look pretty cool. He gave carvers props for the inspiration... http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/SES05.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobdea Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 I'd love to test some gear, I'd probably be a good canidate as I tend to break gear easily too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueB Posted April 7, 2007 Report Share Posted April 7, 2007 Damn! It's almost the same to the system I've been sketching for few months now :( I'll have to come up with sneaky plan B... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 10, 2007 Report Share Posted April 10, 2007 I tell ya, the guy looked like he was on hockey skates when coming down. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it looks like it would be fun for a few runs, then be too much like riding crazy short slalom skis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pow Posted April 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2007 the guys i saw were on crazy short slolam skiis... in the low 150s. They asked me if I had any suggestions... I said make a longer model... about 20 to 30 cm longer model:biggthump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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