The Andrew Rivkin Ski Report - Andrew Rivkin's Favourite Ski's

Volkl AC3 Unlimited

Andrew Rivkin's Ski Equipment Review:

Sometimes going back to the roots can be a good thing. In the case of the new Volkl AC3, its great!

Volkl Unlimited AC3 Titanium

Model: Volkl Unlimited AC3 Titanium (2007)
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 156/13.5 163/5.1 170/16.7 177/18.4
Sidecut: 118-76-104

Manufacturer's Description of the Volkl Unlimited AC3 Titanium:

"The new AC3 is wider at the waist, and more versatile. It is the true 50/50 frontside/backside favorite. With iPT and Extended Double Grip. This will be the go-to ski for 06/07 in the expert all-mountain category."

"The new binding system, called the iPT (Internal Power Transmission) is partially inside the ski, making it both lighter, more powerful and it makes the interface the most rigid of any Motion System built to date. The sides of the interface rest directly on top of the exclusive Extended Double Grip construction, pressuring the ski directly over the edges, and maximizing the system's efficiency."

Andrew Rivkin's verdict:

Two sheets of metal (for a smooth feel at speed) like most great GS boards, and add some wood, in this case 2 laminated stringers running from shovel to tail, and the result is a new AC3 that was one of the stars of the industry demo. When the press, dealers, reps, shop people, examiners, racers and those lucky enough to be invited to these events, are still talking about a ski well after the dinner hour; then we have a winner. Only a handful of skis enjoy that kind of reception each year and this year's Volkl AC3 is one of them.

Comments from other testers:

Fast, and still easy to maneuver, smooth at speed, initiation is positive and edgehold is more than just “secure” I REALLY like this one.

The AC3 is an expert ski, with race ski construction, so skills are required to achieve top performance. Pay attention on this one and the results are FUN and a ski that seems more than willing to play with the big boys.

Half All Mountain Expert Ski. Half Luxury Car Cruiser. Smooooth and fast.

Solomon X-wing

The X-Wing 10 is quicker and lighter than its 3 big brothers, so unless you actually launch off cliffs and rip down steeps that seem too steep to hold snow, the new 10 makes perfect sense and brings a new versatility to this category. Any turn shape can be executed with minimal muscle or effort.

Salomon X-Wing 10

Model: Salomon X-Wing 10 (2008)
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 166/14.9
Sidecut: 118-72-101

Manufacturer's Description of the Salomon X-Wing 10:

"Salomon’s revised X Wing skis are some of the most well-balanced skis available for a blend of precision and power. The wood core and Pulse Pad Technology offer a stable ride on hard snow, combined with a large width chassis for excellent floatation through crud and powder."

Andrew Rivkin's Verdict:

The Salomon X-Wing 10 feels very light and easy to coax into any turn shape. A fun ride with some great built in benefits to skiers who want one pair of ski but ski in a mixed bag of conditions and terrain. They are not for speed freaks, but you may find yourself skiing a little faster and better, just because the X-Wing 10 feels so eager to respond to your input.

Experts will be able to push the X-Wing 10 past its limits, but those skiers aspiring to expert levels will achieve their goals faster on a ski like this, simply because they encourage you to ski better by raising your confidence and allowing an occasional “faux pas” to go unpunished. Ski more runs on more terrain with less fatigue. Most important...the X-Wing 10 is fun.

I’ll be brief. Light, quick, forgiving, versatile and reasonably priced.