Just bought a pair of the K2 Axis Launcher for touring (red version - last version before they stopped producing them). Someone on this site has claimed that this last version is stiffer than previous ones. I wonder if somebody has details about how the Launcher has developed since it was first introduced. I know that the waist was increased from 88 mm to 90 mm. But has the ski also changed in terms of flex and/or construction?
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Thread: K2 launcher/Axis development.
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02-22-2005, 06:03 AM #1
Lyngen makes me happy
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K2 launcher/Axis development.
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02-22-2005, 06:33 AM #2
lightweight
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The old skis were totally flat topsheeted; the new ones are the same but with a 3D type topsheet. Theory is that the 3D bits add a bit more stiffness.
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02-22-2005, 11:34 AM #3
gear pimp extraordinaire
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I would think the older yellow ones are softer too.
Nice ski in any vintage.
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02-22-2005, 11:45 AM #4
or you will die biatch
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yellow ones =slightly softer
Work is the curse of the drinking classes.
Oscar Wilde
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02-22-2005, 12:35 PM #5
Livin' the Moontime
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Yellow ones = Killer sweet ski.
"Have fun, get a flyrod, and give the worm dunkers the finger when you start double hauling." ~Lumpy
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02-23-2005, 02:28 AM #6
Lyngen makes me happy
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Since I have you hooked up here, another one;
What about the launcher durability? It does have a woodcore, but with this special k2 "triaxial torsion box" design (?). I wonder if this means that the ski keeps its flex for quite some time, or if I have to expect to become "dead" after a while (as a cap ski)? Is it more comparable with a sandwich or a cap ski?
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02-23-2005, 09:04 AM #7
Registered User
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These skis are at their best when new, and will become "less lively" after about 30 days of hard use, in my experience.
Not dead, though.
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02-23-2005, 10:21 AM #8
My guts have superbrains
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Have to agree as well... I have a pair with somewhere over 100 days on them from many years back and they have 0 camber left. I still use them for rock/pow touring but they have gotten progressively softer and blow inbounds. Launchers go soft pretty fast. I also ripped a toe piece off of the ski with a hunk of core still attached to it... FWIW.
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02-23-2005, 11:15 AM #9
glocal
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Triaxial refers to the fiberglass used. Torsion box means it has sidewalls and a core.
Originally Posted by KANUTTEN
It's the 'braided wood core' terminology I have trouble with.
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