G3 Tonic
G3, the popular acronym for Genuine Guide Gear, released the Tonic ($689, 2010 prices) at the start of the 2009-2010 season. The ski utilizes G3's JoyRide construction, which combines early tip and tail rise for better float in powder and ease in initiating turns. It has less mass in the tip to make the ski more nimble, and a dual density sidewall to reduce chatter when railing the ski at high speeds. The waist is 100 mm, an ideal compromise between turning ability and float in powder. G3 offers the Tonic in two lengths, a 177 cm and 185 cm. The Tonic weighs 8.1 pounds per pair in the 177 cm length.
Dynafit Mansalu
Weight savings hounds will appreciate the Dynafit Mansalu ($699, 2010 prices), which, at 6.3 pounds per pair will make skinning uphill feel almost effortless. Dynafit achieves this lightness in part by using a Paulownia wood core. The Mansalu is available in 169, 178, and 187 lengths. The 169 is 92 mm at the waist, while the other two are 95 mm at the waist, providing enough float for all but the deepest powder dumps. As a plus, the ski comes with pre-drilled inserts for the popular Dynafit AT bindings. The Mansalu won Backcountry's Editor's Choice of 2009.
Voile Insane
The Voile Insane ($550, 2010 prices), is a popular lightweight ski offered in three lengths with differing amounts of sidecut. Backcountry enthusiasts who crave powder days make the ski in Salt Lake City. The 161 cm Insane is 95 mm at the waist and weighs a mere 6 pounds. The 172 cm is the perfect mid-fat waist of 103 mm and weighs 7 pounds, while the 183 cm is 108 mm at the waist and weighs 8.4 pounds. All have narrow turning radiuses, under 17 meters, making them ideal for tight chutes as well as backcountry powder. You can purchase the Insanes with inserts for four-hole telemark bindings or platforms compatible with all AT bindings.
