hiperfind
February 6th, 2011, 08:41 PM
So, I'm 180lb guy with about 8 yrs in hardboots. Been through a Donek FCI 163, an Oxygen Proton 178(scared me silly!), a Prior 4WD 169, and today I had my first ride on my near-new WCRM 169 I just received second-hand. The venue was Kirkwood, and the weather was packed groomers, a bit hard & cruddy, but a fairly decent carving surface.
First off before even riding it, I was impressed at how light it is, and how thin! Much thinner & lighter than my previous steeds. In fact, to compare it to my other boards really seems unfair, because it's such a different technology. Second, the dampening built into the board makes for very confident edgehold on imperfect snow. It's wonderful how it eats mild icy-crud when cranked over, even better than the 4WD did. I could really feel a difference in the way it responds to bumps, much smoother & controlled, without chattering. Now, for useability overall, I'm happy to report I can skid it at will almost as easily as the 4WD did (Shhhh don't tell anyone I'm a skidder sometimes!), but when it's time to rail, it delivers MUCH confidence when cranked over. It reminds me of a Ducati sportbike...it likes to be "on it's side".
Most of all though, predictability is what I'd say is the best asset of the WCRM. The board is predictable when railed, when slid, and when straight. It does not surprise you which is very refreshing for a 'race' board. However, what I thought was REALLY best about the predictability aspect, is the transitions out of a turn. Whereas some boards with either stuff the nose & toss you when pushed, or wash out, or pop out with much unexpected force, this WCRM comes out of a turn with as much composure as you put into it. In other words, if you want to pop it hard & jump from transition to transition, it will, and it will remain smooth doing so!
A bit on sizing; I thought I'd want a wide version when I was hunting for one, coming from a 4WD, but I run 65/55 angles with mondo 27.5 AF600 Raichles, and had no issues. Plus, being skinnier wasn't actually as twitchy as you'd expect...responsive is what I'd call the feel of it, again it gave me what I put into it. For example, I was sloppy/weak in a few entries off the chairlift for the first turns, and it responded with a sloppy wobbly reply. Then I got in my game with proper stance & concentration, and it responded with control. It's really a communicator of a board.
So, to anyone seeking that board that is truly useable in many areas of the mountain, but still wants a real dedicated trench digger, try a WCRM. It is really a great carving tool. FYI, I 'think' I'd like the 173 a touch better when fully cranked over for the slightly larger scr (even in skinny-tahoe runs), but the scr of the 169 served up well, good arcs with enough trenching time to enjoy and lay it out, but remain within the run. Great Board!!!
First off before even riding it, I was impressed at how light it is, and how thin! Much thinner & lighter than my previous steeds. In fact, to compare it to my other boards really seems unfair, because it's such a different technology. Second, the dampening built into the board makes for very confident edgehold on imperfect snow. It's wonderful how it eats mild icy-crud when cranked over, even better than the 4WD did. I could really feel a difference in the way it responds to bumps, much smoother & controlled, without chattering. Now, for useability overall, I'm happy to report I can skid it at will almost as easily as the 4WD did (Shhhh don't tell anyone I'm a skidder sometimes!), but when it's time to rail, it delivers MUCH confidence when cranked over. It reminds me of a Ducati sportbike...it likes to be "on it's side".
Most of all though, predictability is what I'd say is the best asset of the WCRM. The board is predictable when railed, when slid, and when straight. It does not surprise you which is very refreshing for a 'race' board. However, what I thought was REALLY best about the predictability aspect, is the transitions out of a turn. Whereas some boards with either stuff the nose & toss you when pushed, or wash out, or pop out with much unexpected force, this WCRM comes out of a turn with as much composure as you put into it. In other words, if you want to pop it hard & jump from transition to transition, it will, and it will remain smooth doing so!
A bit on sizing; I thought I'd want a wide version when I was hunting for one, coming from a 4WD, but I run 65/55 angles with mondo 27.5 AF600 Raichles, and had no issues. Plus, being skinnier wasn't actually as twitchy as you'd expect...responsive is what I'd call the feel of it, again it gave me what I put into it. For example, I was sloppy/weak in a few entries off the chairlift for the first turns, and it responded with a sloppy wobbly reply. Then I got in my game with proper stance & concentration, and it responded with control. It's really a communicator of a board.
So, to anyone seeking that board that is truly useable in many areas of the mountain, but still wants a real dedicated trench digger, try a WCRM. It is really a great carving tool. FYI, I 'think' I'd like the 173 a touch better when fully cranked over for the slightly larger scr (even in skinny-tahoe runs), but the scr of the 169 served up well, good arcs with enough trenching time to enjoy and lay it out, but remain within the run. Great Board!!!