What's interesting watching Ron ski the skis was we had such a variety of conditions from 8" of wet pow to ice hard pack. Although he was a bit nervous when he headed down a hardpack run our last day out, he found the balance and pivot point on these skis and made skiing those conditions on such wide boards look easy.
The video was a good example of how a centered skier that understands how to engage edges can ski a board like this in 1" of loose granular. These skis really came alive in the powder for Ron but you'll notice how easy he makes it look making quiet carves, just rolling ankles and throwing in some "Contarino Boogie" in the process.
Is it his all time favorite ski....I don't think so but he made those babies work for him no doubt. Are they for everybody...nah...d on't think so.....I tried them briefly and felt I would have needed to mount them another 1 to 2 cm forward...still, I felt a lot of board underfoot and for me..overkill. I'm on Icelantics at 92 underfoot for those powder and crud days and my body weight and the way I like to ski....plenty of board for sure. What's funny is that if someone had told me 2 years ago I'd be on a 92mm waisted twin tip...I would have had a good laugh on that one and yet here I am stating that Icelantic Pilgrim is one of my favorite all time skis....still scratching my head!
What is interesting and hats off to Ron for going for it....technology is NOT sitting on it's laurels...Ron's been riding the wave of new gear as too has Phil and John. The stuff is here to stay. You'll see numerous and various combinations but there's so much excellent product out there....go ahead....try some....you might just like it!
Best,
G