Touring ski help

CatBoy

CatBoy

Member
Insight please. Looking for a dedicated touring ski. I have it narrowed down to:

Voile x7

Voile V6

BD link 105

Steeple 102

Liberty Helix

Rossignol Soul 7

I'm looking for something playful, and preferably a directional twin. Will be putting G3 ion 12's, so no huge booters/switch landings. I'm used to chopsticks, so I kind of like a shorter feeling ski, but perhaps I should expand my horizons. Anyone ski any of these? This will be long hut tours/couloirs/spring corn/everything in between
 
Honestly if you are going for a tour specific ski I would probably go with the BD or Rossi. I ride the Jeffery 113's with barrons and although I love them for charging when I am out skinning they are heavvyyy. ON3P makes bomb proof boards but new light tech they do not have down. You want a big name brand that will have the money to have invested in tech. Sad but true. That being said if your goal is to have something that rips the way down to shreds go Portland made all the way.
 
If you are slapping tech bindings on them, just get a true alpine ski that is still on the light end of the spectrum. I think the Helix fits the bill perfectly. It's got a nice waist for touring, is pretty light, but doesn't ski all that light so you can confidently bomb down the run after your hard work skinning up. It's also super versatile whether you are skiing pow, corn, chop, or hardpack.
 
I'm kind of in the same boat, and have been doing a lot of research so I might be able to offer some advice.

first off, the Link 105, V6, and Soul 7 are not twins, but rather have slightly rockered tails.

Secondly, I feel as though you might want to look into lighter options if you are thinking of doing long hut tours. The soul 7, Helix and Steeple are all a little heavy for extended tours at around 1800 grams and up. If you are primarily going to be doing shorter day trips, then this will likely not be much of an issue.

Third, I'll offer some other options that I have been looking at. The Moment Underworld, Kitten Factory All Mountain, Scott Cascade 110, and next years Salomon QST 106 are all worth looking at. The V6 has had very good reviews, and won Backcountry Skiing Canada's Gear of the Year award. Someone is also selling a pair with Ion's and skins right now on NS for $800, so might be worth a look.

Good luck with the search.
 
You should really consider DPS skis especially if you are looking at the Soul. Wailer 112 if you want to spend the money the Pure construction is ideal for a touring specific ski.
 
You say you skied chopsticks. Are you more concerned with a ski that's a solid, powerful ride or moreso with weight for the bigger tours you're planning?
 
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