Get Down with Down (skis)

[tang]

Beowulf and tautz...
1) did you all confirm that CD104L rocker/camber profile should basically match the prior version?
2) I don't know what batch size would be required, but I'd be certainly interested in a ultralight CD104L... ie, one with a 181cm in the ~1500 gram area.
Other than a bunch of ptex work, mine have held up incredibly well against a lot of days and abuse. It's basically my go-to for all BC skiing, and on a recent lower tide trip they pulled a good bit of resort duty!

[old mexico]

I’d put my hat in for an UL CD104 as well.

I went a different direction after holding out as they were comparable to skis I sold because the extra weight didn’t make sense. I never owned a pair of the originals but the few days I skied on them was amazing at how versatile they were for the weight. That’s hard to find now days.


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[beowulf122]

Beowulf and tautz...
1) did you all confirm that CD104L rocker/camber profile should basically match the prior version?

Rocker/camber profile does not match. More camber, shallower tip rocker, less tail rocker.

Disregard the mounted pair on the right. They are a pair of protos that differ from production models. Middle pair is the current iteration of the cd104l and the left is the previous.



Production model weighs in at 1700 grams for me in a 187. Previous gen 181s are 1600. Not sure if I'm on the high side of the previous and the low end of the current but the changes in base and edge don't seem to have added that much weight.

The currents ski quite differently. They feel closer to a strong directional charger. The ski wants to be pointed downhill and doesn't really seem to come alive until you're at speed. It is surprisingly damp for the weight. They ski fine going slow in good snow. But if the snow is bad the tails are hard to release and initiating turns is more of a burden than the previous model.

Definitely wouldn't grab the new model for any day that ends in a downhill bushwhack or involves endless jump turns down shit snow. As a light(er)weight charger they're great though.

[tang]

Beo - Thx for the update and mini-review. Ugh, quite different. A number of us obviously found the prior version to be quite unique in combo of weight, shape and ultimately how it skied. Glad they're still working for you, but disappointed that such a change from prior
Edit: I should post a pic of mine... they look like your prior's tips/tails but definitely some more camber. But are quite easy to pivot and shape your own turn

[McShortyShorts]

Anyone have time on the new Carbon 87? It's on my radar for the hard snow/lightweight/tech ski spot in my quiver

[bry]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404792766311

Seems like a reasonable deal on some SD105s w PT16s, across the pond

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[arild]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404792766311

Seems like a reasonable deal on some SD105s w PT16s, across the pond

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Magnificent skis, too, I might add.

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[bry]

I've got 10 solid days on my 187 sd105s this season since Feb they're an awesome daily haven't found anything I don't like about them yet

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[Lindahl]

Definitely appreciating thoughts and feedback.

Breaking down the facts first, by detailling the weight increase from old to new version. It is pretty much 4 equal parts...
1) New edges are 2,5 high, old ones were 1,9
2) New bases are 1,8 thick, old ones were 1,2
3) New model has poplar wood core, old L had paulownia
4) New Model has 600grammature carbon, old one had 300

With regards to what that impact, it is two fields.
1-4 will give the ski a significantly longer life span, mostly in impact resistance, overall strength and Maintaing Pop.
3&4 impact ski characteristic, in a way our test crew preferred, in that the construction skis slightly more stable yet being quicker.

I'll take the input in consederation again, we basically have the construction ready. Sharing some future insigth though is that we have a new Lowdown 102 in the Pipeline which will directly approach this type of ski we had in the old 104L.

Ski characteristics can be discussed. What is a non-negotiable for future Down Models are the strong edges and thick bases. Durability = longevity = value. We believe a lot of ski industry took a few erong exits by thinning Down edges and bases, the reality is that this is approximately 1/3 of the "magic" weight savings of the past years in AT skis and its a Marketing BS we do not believe in

Curious to hear about the upcoming revision of the Lowdown 102. Sounds like a lot of ppl here would be better served by that ski than the new 104.

[Mi_shok]

Have somebody chance to ski 23/24 CD114?

Considering them (or Kaestle ZX115) as a replace an Aramada Declivity X, which are good, but have too soft tips. I have old CD104L in quiver and they are great, but the new version could have more diffrence than only 10 mm in width and a bit more weight...

[iriponsnow]

More beta coming soon....

[iriponsnow]

Boom!

News here : https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...WN-skis-Reborn

[arild]

Congratulations, irip and the rest of you!

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[tang]

So great to see! Keeping this comment in the Tech Talk thread...
My old CF104L's are just magical and have 100's of k backcountry vertical on em, and have held up so well! I still wish the new ones were closer to the old 1500 ish gr. But now I'm interested in the regular CD104 as a resort daily driver given its prob ~2200+ gr weight in a 187.
I know all the weights aren't up on the site yet, but surprised that the metal Showdown appears a good bit lighter than the regular (non L) Countdown.

[adrian.clarke2@gmail.com]

Hello!

Will the Lowdowns be available in longer lengths? 175cm is really short....

[McShortyShorts]

Hello!

Will the Lowdowns be available in longer lengths? 175cm is really short....

I hit them up a few months ago and said there were no current plans but open to it in the future. I took the gamble on the 175s @6ft,175lbs for fast and light tours and low speed tomfoolery, we will see how they work this season

[McShortyShorts]

Got around to mounting up my LD87s. 1 ski is 1800g with Zed12s and leashes, which is lighter than any of my other skis WITHOUT their bindings

[cat in january]

The cd104L blems are a good price now. I picked up a pair. Perhaps the shape has gone more generic, but I am good with that. The 181 L in 17/18 went from 1610 to 1670 24/25 according to google search so not too much of an increase in weight, but the quality of materials and tuning seems to have really jumped. I took a chance. If my profile looks any different than Beowulf I will post otherwise Will give ski impressions hopefully sometime in December

Still taking 25% off with presale.

https://downskis.com/collections/down-skis-outlet-store

[tang]

So you went 24/25 B-grade 104Ls? I'm definitely good with cosmetic imperfections. I love the 104L but have two (old ish) pairs now. I'm tempted by the regular 104 in the heavier lay-up (187 prob 2150 ish gr).
What was shipping cost?
Thx

[iriponsnow]

So you went 24/25 B-grade 104Ls? I'm definitely good with cosmetic imperfections. I love the 104L but have two (old ish) pairs now. I'm tempted by the regular 104 in the heavier lay-up (187 prob 2150 ish gr).
What was shipping cost?
Thx

Hit me up….

[cat in january]

Yes bought the cd104L. The regular looks interesting. 200g heavier than weight from 17/18 and a change in the shaping of the wood core.

Shipping is advertised as free over 400 euros, but for some reason not working on outlet skis when I ordered despite being advertised on them. I wrote and received a code.

I think the 25% preseason sale that automatically loads may be going away soon as not advertised. Just a guess on my part.

[tang]

Helpful, thx.
I’d love a confirm on the new shape. Maybe the new tails are flatter than prior? But always figured a heavy ish cd104 woukd be a great resort ski.
I just need to move two pairs along to make room for these!

[cat in january]

Skis arrived and pondering whether to send back or keep. Site advertise them at 1,670g per ski but they measured out 88g per ski heavier. They were already pushing my comfort zone for weight as with atk bindings they will be 380g heavier than my other touring skis of similar dimensions. My primary tour partner is 14 years younger and the other folks who I tour with are even younger. Not sure I want a 3/4 pound per foot handicap. Free returns it looks like, but not the route I wanted to go. On the plus side fit and finish looks high quality

[tang]

Bummer to hear that. I like that their regular CD104s have gotten heavier, but the new "L" versions are now in that zone that's too light for resort duty, but too heavy (for me) for BC.
I think it makes sense in central europe where so much vertical is via trams but when skinning 5k+ feet over here, that weight on your feet matters.
I had a similar situation with SGN when they intro'd their new carbon Hurragane like 4-5 years ago and actual production model was heavier than they expected and marketed - they were cool and took em back, paid for all the shipping, etc. I'm sure Down will be stand-up too if you decide to return.
Glad I hoarded a pair of the old 104L's.

[TijmenDal]

Managed to snag the last Countdown 114's in a 196 for 129€. https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...76#post7167576 Thanks a lot to Cat i January for posting this. Perfect for this broke 6'8" broke Euro-mag that was desperately looking to upgrade his worn-out 2015 Whitedot Ranger Pro's.

Super stoked for these to arrive! Going to fit them with Atomic Shift's. Now I just need to find some affordable boots that accept pins...