The Scala easily folds into a compact package.
After multiple laps down the concrete couloirs of the Outdoor Retailer show, what a delight to team up with G3 and SCARPA for a day on the real thing — the snowy slopes of the Uinta mountain range here in Utah.
Since Lou is in Europe, G3 and SCARPA generously allowed me to squeeze two WildSnow guest bloggers into his seat. Michael and Julie Kennedy will report on the ski day. I’ll give an overview of what’s new with SCARPA and G3.
G3 Scala
New in G3 skins is the Scala. Big innovation is the tip. The G3 urethane tip connector extends down to the first logical contact point of the ski. When uphilling, there’s not a lot of grip benefit in the tip of a skin but there is a lot of glide deficit.
The Scala is designed to increase the glide up front without sacrificing the grip underfoot. As you break trail in deep snow, it pops the tip of the ski up so you’re not struggling to kick up your ski on every stride.
G3 put a scale pattern on the urethane tip section so it does have some grip when it’s engaged on the skin track. The scale pattern is a U shape rather than a roll pattern. U shaped scales provide legitimate grip on technical terrain. For example, when you’re sidehilling you can get hold up on the tip rather than washing out as you would with a roll patterned scale.
The Scala easily folds into a tight package.
The packing of it is another notable feature of the Scala. Fold the skin up onto the tip and it is compact. Slide it into the back of your pack, the reservoir sleeve, the shovel pocket or into a pocket of your jacket. The Scala stays flat and out of the way.
The Scala is made with G3’s Alpinist nylon plush. Stated weight, 283g/10oz in the 100mm width. MSRP, $210-$220
SCARPA F1
SCARPA’s new F1 is constructed with a carbon-fiber frame that runs the length of the boot under and around the sides of the foot. The cuff is made with raised I-beam construction. The combination results in a 95 flex boot. It can be set for 20 or 22 degrees of forward lean. Functional range of motion is 62 degrees.
Comes with a heat-moldable Intuition liner. Available in men’s and women’s models. Stated weight, 2lbs, 11oz for size 27. MSRP, $700.
Another new G3 skin is the Alpinist LT Mohair — made of 100% mohair, it’s the lightest skin in the G3 line. Stated weight, 229g/8.1oz in the 100mm width. MSRP, $195-205
Alpinist LT Climbing Skins are updated with a new lightweight nylon plush material and a simplified 1-piece tail clip. Stated weight, 234g/8.3oz in the 100mm width. MSRP, $190-200.
All G3’s Alpinist skins are updated for fall 2016 with re-engineered lower profile stainless steel hands to provide better ski fit and reduced tip-catch.
A few of G3’s backcountry ski lineup. From left to right: Women’s Synapse Elle, FINDr, Men’s Synapse, FINDr, Women’s ROAMr Elle.
FINDr 102
Dimensions: 133/102/120mm
Available lengths: 174, 179, 184, 189
Radius: 21-25m
Stated Weigh: 1.48kg/3lbs 4oz (174 single)
FINDr 94
Dimensions: 126/94/113mm
Available lengths: 167, 172, 177, 182
Radius: 19-22m
Stated Weigh: 1.37kg/3lbs (167 single)
FINDr 86
Dimensions: 122/86/109mm
Available lengths: 167, 182, 177, 182
Radius: 16-19m
Stated Weigh: 1.27kg/2lbs 13oz (167 single)
ROAMr 100
Dimensions: 129/100/117mm
Available lengths: 171, 178, 185, 192
Radius: 19-25m
Stated Weigh: 1.61kg/3lbs 9oz (171 single)
ROAMr 100 Elle
Dimensions: 129/100/117mm
Available lengths: 157, 164, 171
Radius: 16-19m
Stated Weigh: 1.44kg/3lbs 3oz (157 single)
Synapse Carbon skis are updated with new graphics.
Now let’s go skiing with the Park City Powder Cats. Trip report here.
WildSnow Girl, Lisa Dawson, is the luckiest girl in the world. Also known as Mrs. WildSnow.com, she tests whatever gear she wants. She gives the WildSnow family of websites the feminine voice.
