2017 Praxis Skis Info and Resource Thread

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Originally Posted by galibier_numero_un

My 182 Enduro/Carbon GPOs come in at 8.9 Lbs. I'd expect a skinny version (106) to hit the mark you're after.

I suspect that you read the Blister review. Let's just say that I strongly disagree with their assessment. If you plowed through the massive GPO thread, believe the comments of SupreChicken, Shu Shu, Dane1 and others. They haven't steered me wrong and they're not steering you wrong.

... Thom

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The blister review seems to be about the tune.

105 seems to be the consensus best size for touring. Around the PNW, there are multiple ways to equip oneself for touring. Some of the people here have a volcano ski (85-100mm), a daily tourer (101-110mm) and a pow touring kit ( > 112mm).

I currently have the standard bamboo enduro/carbon 188 Quixote set up for pow touring and it is sweet. Could probably save weight with a 184 bibby tour (interested) or the solly mtn lab (less interested).

I think my move is to get a 106mm GPO enduro/Carbon 182 and tour mostly with that. Use the quixotes on deeper days or shorter tours.

Could also do a 180 BC, but it doesn't get reviewed as being as stable and versatile as the GPO. Could do a fat yeti (104mm) or a fat exp (98mm) to allow for slight changes in weights or to opt for a less rockered ski.

I'm not racing enduro, I don't obsess over weight (though I do obsess over just about everything else). I've always liked the GPO immensely.

Any need for a smaller ski than 106mm?

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Originally Posted by SupreChicken

The blister review seems to be about the tune.

105 seems to be the consensus best size for touring. Around the PNW, there are multiple ways to equip oneself for touring. Some of the people here have a volcano ski (85-100mm), a daily tourer (101-110mm) and a pow touring kit ( > 112mm).

I currently have the standard bamboo enduro/carbon 188 Quixote set up for pow touring and it is sweet. Could probably save weight with a 184 bibby tour (interested) or the solly mtn lab (less interested).

I think my move is to get a 106mm GPO enduro/Carbon 182 and tour mostly with that. Use the quixotes on deeper days or shorter tours.

Could also do a 180 BC, but it doesn't get reviewed as being as stable and versatile as the GPO. Could do a fat yeti (104mm) or a fat exp (98mm) to allow for slight changes in weights or to opt for a less rockered ski.

I'm not racing enduro, I don't obsess over weight (though I do obsess over just about everything else). I've always liked the GPO immensely.

Any need for a smaller ski than 106mm?

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After converting the GPOs for touring, the idea of a skinny GPO (106) has really caught my attention - that, or a skinny-Q. Some of this may well be a case of "better the devil you know than the devil you don't", but I'm also far more attracted to the idea of a skinny GPO or Q than I am to a BC, for the exact reasons you stated.

I'm really surprised how badly the Blister guys dropped the ball on this one. [Edit] this isn't about them liking or not liking the skis, but rather the process they follow in order to reach their conclusions. At the end of the day, you try to read between the lines for information that's relevant to you.[/Edit]

When I first wrote up my GPO experiences, I used the phrase "skis sharp". I meant that the skis hold an edge really well for their width category, and furthermore, that they benefit from/require fairly heavy de-tuning. This is from someone with an East Coast background who's used to a sharp tune. Upon handling my GPOs after unwrapping them, I wondered why everyone was making a big fuss over how sharp they were. I'm used to sharp.

Well, after my first couple of runs I was really scratching my head because the skis were grabby (the snow that day was chalky) and I wasn't having much fun. I went down and gave them a heavy de-tune - down to the taper points on the tip and tail. When I say heavy, I mean I rounded them off (file at 45 degree angle). The transformation was a revelation.

... Thom

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Originally Posted by eskido

but also noticed you never pulled that trigger

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Pulled the trigger I did. And have skied them a lot in two seasons :)

One thing I notice and think is important about the unmentionable ski is that it is thicker, especially underfoot. And flatter, but still has camber.

Was referring to the -10, I get a bit rambly and confusing after a few cocktails, was already aware of your "other" skis. Actually, after reading that I'm not even quite sure what I was trying to say... my bad


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Well I caved and emailed Keith, my skis are done and will be shipped this week. Hopefully they get to my house just in time for me to get home for the winter! I'm really excited. I'll definitely post pictures and an initial review of the +10 Freerides

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Originally Posted by eskido

Was referring to the -10, I get a bit rambly and confusing after a few cocktails, was already aware of your "other" skis. Actually, after reading that I'm not even quite sure what I was trying to say... my bad


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'sokay :)

Santa Keith has his FedEx sleight drop something off today. They are massive, and feel massive, next to my 196 Protests, they almost make the Protests normal sized? Flex feels about what I like in a ski. Weight is a little more then I thought it would be, but I think it's for the better. Need to mount them up now, question is where...

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^^^ whoa ....

can you post a profile/rocker picture??

Those would be uber-beastly with a Maple/Ash layup..

If the sale happens again next year, I'll probably be going with some 194 Freerides

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Originally Posted by N1CK.

^^^ whoa ....

can you post a profile/rocker picture??

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Attachment 213674 Attachment 213675 Attachment 213676

Underfoot there is maybe 1-2mm of camber, that is a good old fashion American nickel for reference

And the tip and tail.

I was slightly nervous they would have too much camber, but now I'm pretty happy.

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Originally Posted by Betelgeuse

Those would be uber-beastly with a Maple/Ash layup..

If the sale happens again next year, I'll probably be going with some 194 Freerides

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I wasn't sure how the cherry would come out, but I'm happy. They are a little darker then I would of hoped, but it's alright because they are awesome.

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Originally Posted by skibrd

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Underfoot there is maybe 1-2mm of camber, that is a good old fashion American nickel for reference

And the tip and tail.

I was slightly nervous they would have too much camber, but now I'm pretty happy.

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Can you take a picture of the full length rocker profile, bases together?

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Originally Posted by skibrd

I wasn't sure how the cherry would come out, but I'm happy. They are a little darker then I would of hoped, but it's alright because they are awesome.

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I think they look great. Very warm, and relaxing to look at.

I fuckin' love the Max graphic on veneers.

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Originally Posted by skibrd

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Underfoot there is maybe 1-2mm of camber, that is a good old fashion American nickel for reference

And the tip and tail.

I was slightly nervous they would have too much camber, but now I'm pretty happy.

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You have change for that nickel​?

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Originally Posted by Betelgeuse

Can you take a picture of the full length rocker profile, bases together?

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sorry, yea this is what I meant. beautiful skis man.

At a glance, that is noticeably less camber than I had in my FRs.

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Originally Posted by neck beard

Protest-10 would probably be the closest Praxis ski to that other ski we can't mention.

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Are you talking about The Rax?

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Originally Posted by Betelgeuse

Can you take a picture of the full length rocker profile, bases together?

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Attachment 213695

That's the best I could do, pretty shitty shot. I'll try better later

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Originally Posted by skibrd

Santa Keith has his FedEx sleight drop something off today. They are massive, and feel massive, next to my 196 Protests, they almost make the Protests normal sized? Flex feels about what I like in a ski. Weight is a little more then I thought it would be, but I think it's for the better. Need to mount them up now, question is where...

Attachment 213671Attachment 213672Attachment 213673

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That max topsheet on Veneer is so fresh, but...

+10 on the freeride? Wow. I'm not boss enough to make that move. Rocketships obtained. Don't fuck with skibrd.

I feel like this is the TGR equivalent of hanging a new shiny pair of nuts from your tow hitch and driving around.

Shame you didn't get them in a flex 5 :biggrin:

I wonder what Keith's reactions are when he sees an order like this.

"These are gonna ski him so bad"
"Those TGR morons"
"I hope this dude weighs at least 250"

Or maybe he's more like

"why don't I build a pair for Tabke"

I bet they end up being essentially a nicer Bibby special/196 governor.

I would love it if your skiing friends have that or a 191 113 Wren laying around. See how close they are.

Turning is overrated. Or at least it will become so.

@auvgeek - would you buy this ski?

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Originally Posted by SupreChicken

That max topsheet on Veneer is so fresh, but...

+10 on the freeride? Wow. I'm not boss enough to make that move. Rocketships obtained. Don't fuck with skibrd.

I feel like this is the TGR equivalent of hanging a new shiny pair of nuts from your tow hitch and driving around.

Shame you didn't get them in a flex 5 :biggrin:

I wonder what Keith's reactions are when he sees an order like this.

"These are gonna ski him so bad"
"Those TGR morons"
"I hope this dude weighs at least 250"

Or maybe he's more like

"why don't I build a pair for Tabke"

I bet they end up being essentially a nicer Bibby special/196 governor.

I would love it if your skiing friends have that or a 191 113 Wren laying around. See how close they are.

Turning is overrated. Or at least it will become so.

@auvgeek - would you buy this ski?

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So Keith and I had a fairly long email chain about these before I ordered them. The whole process started because I was looking for a pow ski to compliment my 194 Kastle MX 98s, and to replace my 193 Shiros.

Initially I asked Keith if there was a mold for a 19X RX, because any of the 185-190 pow skis I've been on felt too small. I am 6-4 and getting close to 225 with ski gear on. He said no, but suggested the 194 Freeride at +10 mm. I asked if he had made any before and if he had, how did they come out. Needless to say he responded mine are not the first pair of +10 Freerides.

The flex was discussed and I'm really happy I didn't insist on flex 4. Flex 4 feels awesome and they hand flex about the same as my 193 Shiros (I ended up grabbing a new pair for cheap a few months later) and a little softer then the 203 Shiros or MX 98s. I possibly could of skied these at flex 5, but I'm really happy where these are at. I don't think I'd want them any softer either, I really really don't like soft skis.

I haven't been on a Bibby Special or Governor, but if I do get on a pair, I'll definitely compare the two.

There is Wren's old pair of extra still 191 Wrens in the mail on their way to my house as we speak. I will let you know what I think of both and A B them this winter.

I'm really excited to see how the veneer max looks on snow. I need figure out if they are getting green or orange P/FKS 18s...

Congrats on all the news skis everyone! Its got to be hard waiting for these beauty's.

Couple comments are raising concern on a pair of Ullr's I got recently. Bought used 194 fiberglass & carbon 5 flex. Am I in for it?! In general I like stiff traditional skis. Wasnt looking for smeary pow, wanted big pow gun / crud buster for more open resorts. Have C&D as alternative. Thought Ullr good for places like Bachelor, Crystal, or storm nights at Stevens when fewer on hill. Also trips to Fernie and Big White. I'm 6' 195 experienced

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Originally Posted by CascadeLuke

Congrats on all the news skis everyone! Its got to be hard waiting for these beauty's.

Couple comments are raising concern on a pair of Ullr's I got recently. Bought used 194 fiberglass & carbon 5 flex. Am I in for it?! In general I like stiff traditional skis. Wasnt looking for smeary pow, wanted big pow gun / crud buster for more open resorts. Have C&D as alternative. Thought Ullr good for places like Bachelor, Crystal, or storm nights at Stevens when fewer on hill. Also trips to Fernie and Big White. I'm 6' 195 experienced

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I think that's the perfect ski for what you're describing. They are more crud bust than smear. C&D/any RES tip will be more smear.

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Originally Posted by SupreChicken

I think that's the perfect ski for what you're describing. They are more crud bust than smear. C&D/any RES tip will be more smear.

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Agreed

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Originally Posted by CascadeLuke

Congrats on all the news skis everyone! Its got to be hard waiting for these beauty's.

Couple comments are raising concern on a pair of Ullr's I got recently. Bought used 194 fiberglass & carbon 5 flex. Am I in for it?! In general I like stiff traditional skis. Wasnt looking for smeary pow, wanted big pow gun / crud buster for more open resorts. Have C&D as alternative. Thought Ullr good for places like Bachelor, Crystal, or storm nights at Stevens when fewer on hill. Also trips to Fernie and Big White. I'm 6' 195 experienced

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That's way too much ski for you. You should send it to me for proper disposal. 😁

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Originally Posted by skibrd

So Keith and I had a fairly long email chain about these before I ordered them. The whole process started because I was looking for a pow ski to compliment my 194 Kastle MX 98s, and to replace my 193 Shiros.

Initially I asked Keith if there was a mold for a 19X RX, because any of the 185-190 pow skis I've been on felt too small. I am 6-4 and getting close to 225 with ski gear on. He said no, but suggested the 194 Freeride at +10 mm. I asked if he had made any before and if he had, how did they come out. Needless to say he responded mine are not the first pair of +10 Freerides.

The flex was discussed and I'm really happy I didn't insist on flex 4. Flex 4 feels awesome and they hand flex about the same as my 193 Shiros (I ended up grabbing a new pair for cheap a few months later) and a little softer then the 203 Shiros or MX 98s. I possibly could of skied these at flex 5, but I'm really happy where these are at. I don't think I'd want them any softer either, I really really don't like soft skis.

I haven't been on a Bibby Special or Governor, but if I do get on a pair, I'll definitely compare the two.

There is Wren's old pair of extra still 191 Wrens in the mail on their way to my house as we speak. I will let you know what I think of both and A B them this winter.

I'm really excited to see how the veneer max looks on snow. I need figure out if they are getting green or orange P/FKS 18s...

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Excited to hear this! Thanks for the background info, helpful for sure.

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Originally Posted by Kopi_Red

That's way too much ski for you. You should send it to me for proper disposal. [emoji16]

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The day someone falls for that line I'm going to lose all hope for humanity

I had dismissed the Freerides thinking they'd have too much camber, but those look absolutely perfect!

Is this the new standard camber profile for the FR, or did Keith do some special trick on these?

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Originally Posted by skibrd

The day someone falls for that line I'm going to lose all hope for humanity

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Me too but I'm just hoping that the joy of getting new skis will ease the pain of my lost hope.

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Originally Posted by SupreChicken

I think that's the perfect ski for what you're describing. They are more crud bust than smear. C&D/any RES tip will be more smear.

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Thanks for the assurance. My carpet assessment shows very similar shape to Lotus 124 when compared in person. My L124 is 185, great ski but wanted longer. Ullrs close to 192 (L124 = 183.25). Ullr's add 500gs but there's the resort buster quality I was after.

How does one get colored sidewalls on their Praxis? I have seen some green, blue, yellow and I think red sidewalls..

If possible, next year I’d like to get a colorful pair.


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Originally Posted by irul&ublo

Are you talking about The Rax?

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Rax can always be mentioned.

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Originally Posted by Island Bay

I had dismissed the Freerides thinking they'd have too much camber, but those look absolutely perfect!

Is this the new standard camber profile for the FR, or did Keith do some special trick on these?

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I was really nervous about too much camber but my worries were for naut. Idk? But they are awesome as they are. I didn't know we could ask for them to come flat until a few days ago, or I might if asked for them with 0 camber. All in all I'm happy so far.

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Originally Posted by skibrd

I didn't know we could ask for them to come flat until a few days ago, or I might if asked for them with 0 camber.

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wot?

fuk!

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Originally Posted by neck beard

wot?

fuk!

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X2 !?!?

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Originally Posted by grinch

X2 !?!?

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Couldn't have said it better myself!

Wait a tic, Does Keith customize rocker profiles as well? Can he add or subtract rocker/camber??

If so, that just opened up the flood gates of choices for me to decide on next year.


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d8d2e817ed.jpg

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Originally Posted by Betelgeuse

Wait a tic, Does Keith customize rocker profiles as well? Can he add or subtract rocker/camber??

If so, that just opened up the flood gates of choices for me to decide on next year.

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This could crash the TGR servers ;-)

... Thom

I’m wondering if he gave my skinny Q’s a little extra rocker up front, because I told him I specifically wanted a K2 marksman replacement..

Mine look like they can definitely butter around! Whereas some of the other Quixotes look to have a bit more camber..

Would be cool if he did that!

Im probably just misinterpreting the pictures though..


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