Q. What differentiates the Lusti RFC series from other "carving" skis.
A. Lusti RFC skis are built with a much tighter sidecut radius. While just about every ski brand markets some portion of their line as carving skis, those skis may typically have a sidecut radius ranging from around 12 to 20 meters. The Lusti RFC's have an 8, 8.5, 9, and 10 meter radius, respectively corresponding to ski lengths of 140, 145, 150, and 155. Combine that sidecut with the highest construction standards, including two sheets of Titanal and a sintered racing base, and you've got the world's finest carving skis.
Q. What makes the Lusti RFC carvers different from slalom race skis?
A. There are two main differences: The Lusti RFC's have an even tighter sidecut radius than that of slalom race skis, and they also have a much more playful flex. Slalom race skis are designed to perform best on hard, icy snow, and they need to be extremely consistent in terms of the diameter they make in each turn. While this is crucial for racing around gates, it makes for poorer performance, less rebound, and less fun on nice resort-manicured soft groomed snow. Interestingly, race courses are often purposely sprayed with water to cause them to ice up. If this were not done, courses would become significantly more rutted up from each racer, which would be a huge disadvantage to the later racers. Except for race courses, you would never want the resort to water down their slopes of nice perfectly groomed snow! So what does this all mean? On unpleasantly hard, icy snow, slalom race skis are better. However on nice soft-groomed snow, you'll be able to perform much tighter carved turns and have a lot more fun with the Lusti Radical Fun Carvers. (That's what makes them so radikal and fun! =)
Q. What kind of skier will benefit from including a Lusti RFC carving ski in their quiver?
A. Any skier desiring to engage in radikal fun carving will appreciate the heightened performance carving characteristics the Lusti RFC series has to offer. Advanced skiers in particular will be able to fully unleash the high performance of this ski. If you are a racer or ex-racer -- bound to regulation race skis with larger, less exciting sidecuts while racing or training -- will have an absolute blast on these! Yet due to their responsiveness even at slower speeds combined with their shortness in length, paradoxically even beginner skiers will benefit from the put-it-on-rail-and-turn capabilities the Lusti RFC skis have to offer.
Q. What skill level of skier is the Lusti RFC series best suited for?
Advanced skiers who are able to drive this ski powerfully through pure carving turns will surely get the most from this ski. There is no better ski for extreme carving. That said, due to the tight turn radius, even a beginner will appreciate how it handles even on shallower slopes at slower speeds. (In fact there is actually a school of thought that beginners should first learn to carve even before learning to rotate into a skidded turn, as it is a more natural way to learn to turn. This particular school of learning should of course only be done on very gentle beginner slopes with flat run-outs.)
Q. In what snow conditions do the Lusti RFC's best perform?
A. The optimal snow conditions for extreme carving are smoothly groomed slopes which are neither icy nor slushy -- essentially the middle range of the snow firmness spectrum. If it is too icy, then tight pure carves will not possible as the ski edges will no longer be able to gain enough purchase into the snow to resist the corresponding centrifugal forces, resulting in skidding. In very slushy snow, the RFC's may excessively dig in while high on edge, creating excess braking, while also the snow will give way more laterally, resulting in a less pure carve. Optimal snow conditions are likely to exist within a week or two of fresh snowfall. However, so long as temperatures remain sufficiently cold, avoiding melt/re-freeze cycles, the snow will likely remain favorable for extreme carving. Additionally, late season conditions are often excellent for extreme carving, so long as the snow is neither too icy (typically in the early morning), nor too slushy (typically later in the afternoon).
Q. How well do Lusti RFC skis perform in moguls?
A. I am finding myself really enjoying these skis in moguls. However, it definitely depends on the condition of the moguls. In small to moderately sized moguls -- so long as it is not deep powder and the moguls are not icy -- the RFCs are incredibly fun. In a word, I would describe them as "dancy" through the moguls. Their low swing weight makes them quick to pivot, they flex agreeably into the face of each mogul, and they have a nice side to side rebound. I have personally had a ton of fun skiing the RFC's down upper intermediate to advanced slopes in moderately large moguls. That said, once the moguls harden up and become icy, then you best be on more traditionally shaped skis with straighter sidecut.
Q. How do Lusti RFC skis do in powder?
A. Before straight out answering this question, it is important that we are on the same page in terms of what our definition of "powder" actually is. Some skiers view anything other than ice as "powder". If you happen to consider packed powder as powder, then yes, they do exceptionally well in (packed) powder. However, if like me you consider powder as a foot or more of fresh snow that has not yet been groomed, then no, these skis will not perform well in powder. That is not what the RFC skis are designed for. In fact, depending on the density and consistency of that ungroomed powder, skiing these short, highly reactive skis in powder may be downright treacherous -- I know from experience (more on that later) -- and thus I would not recommend it. Is should be understood that it is impossible for a ski to be the best ever at carving groomed slopes and also be good at slaying fresh or chopped up powder. It's just not going to happen. That's why serious skiers tend to have a quiver of several different kinds of skis to best match up with various day-to-day conditions they may encounter. So with that being said, you may be curious as to my personal incident with these skis in ungroomed powder. I figure it will be informative and possibly prevent someone from getting hurt. Interestingly, skiing the RFC's in powder was quite fun at first . . . until suddenly it was not. It was the month of April on one of the higher elevation runs at a Tahoe resort, a steep run had just opened after having snowed two or three feet of rather dense powder a couple days prior. I happened to be skiing with my cousin that day. Since he had previously indicated that he had enough of the off-piste powder -- and thinking we would remain on groomed runs for the rest of the day -- I had switched from my all-round skis to the RFC 145's, my personal favorite carving skis. So now here I was on a completely inappropriate ski for the off-piste conditions, yet I figured I'd might as well give it a go. I also figured I just might learn something about how these skis would perform in that moderately deep dense powder in the middle of spring (and I certainly did). At the time, the powder was quickly becoming chopped up yet still with delicious untouched pillows between tracks. I remembered with a shorter/narrower ski, the trick to employ a moderate trampoline-like motion in order to facilitate release for the turns, speed control, and to avoid becoming bogged down. At first it was a hoot. The relatively wide tips and tails compared to narrow waist of the RFC had no trouble bouncing me back up for each subsequent turn. In fact, it was a bit too much like being on a trampoline. Rotating the skis diagonally and compressing the dense powder with each turn (in order to control speed) simultaneously excited the oscillating trampoline-like motion. Then suddenly, in an instant, the dense powder grabbed and I found myself pitched forward head over heels. I pretty much ended up diving headfirst into the dense powder. In fact, I distinctly remember hearing and feeling a sickening crunching sound in my neck. As my cousin laughed hysterically, I quickly checked to determine whether or not I still had control over all my limbs -- whew, luckily I did. I figure I found and went over the limit in terms of snow conditions in which these skis can be safely skied. Due to their short length, narrow waist, and reactive spring-like flex, the Radical Fun Carvers may become dangerous in powder. As I discovered, this is particularly true in denser powder on steeper slopes which necessitates placing greater pressure on the skis during each turn in order to control speed, which may result in the skis becoming over flexed, which subsequently increases the reactiveness of the ski . . . up to the point that instead of rebounding, the skis may catch, pitching the skier forward into a nasty fall. Moral of the story is the RFC skis are not powder skis. I strongly advise you to keep them on the groomed runs where they belong. This concludes our public broadcasting service announcement.
Q. Does the purchase price include bindings?
A. Yes! Each of our Lusti RFC carving skis are shipped complete with the excellent VIST Speedcom plate system and VSP 412 binding pre-installed. This binding system is included in the purchase price of each pair of skis. The Speedcom/VSP binding system is integral to the proper flex and performance characteristics of the RFC carving skis.
Q. Can I purchase the skis without the plates and bindings?
A. At this time we are only selling the skis complete with the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system. We feel this binding system is integral to the proper flex and performance characteristics of the Lusti RFC skis. First, the Speedcom plate has the right measure of flexibility, allowing the ski to properly flex underneath. Secondly, the Speedcom plate is fixed to the ski with eight screws, six of which are mounted in slotted channels which allow the screws to slide along the plate as the ski is flexed and unflexed. Both of these characteristics allow the ski to flex freely and evenly as it is designed. Third, the narrow 72 mm wide brakes are of ideal width for the Lusti RFC skis. Nowadays it is rare to find a binding with a brake width of less than 90 mm. Simply put, the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system is the ideal match for the Lusti RFC series skis.
Q. Is the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system compatible with GripWalk as well as Traditional Alpine ski boots?
A. Yes! New for 2020/2021 Season, the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system has been updated to work with GripWalk as well as traditional alpine sole (ISO 5355) ski boots. Please be aware that it is NOT compatible with WTR or alpine touring boots. Currently VIST is the only manufacturer in the market who have an auto-adjust on the toe piece which allows the surface of the binding to align perfectly with the surface on the underside of the boot, whether it be a GripWalk boot or traditional Alpine boot. Effective by the time the ski resorts open in November of 2020, your RFC carvers will be delivered to you with these GripWalk compatible bindings pre-installed. Should you happen to purchase a pair of RFC carvers before then, I will be sure to ship you the updated GripWalk compatible toe-pieces as soon as I have then in stock.
Q. What is the DIN range of the VIST VSP 412 bindings?
A. The VIST VSP 412 bindings had a DIN range of 4 - 12. This is way more than adequate to fully accommodate any skier of any ability range and normal weight range. (I sure hope you will NOT try hucking cliffs on carving skis).
Q. How easy is it to adjust the VIST Speedcom/VSP 412 bindings?
A. In less than a minute, and without tools, it is possible to adjust the VIST Speedcom/VSO 412 bindings to match any boot length. Binding release values (DIN values) of the bindings are adjusted with a #3 Pozi Drive screwdriver in the same manner as most any other alpine ski binding is adjusted. That said, unless you know what you are doing, it is advised to have a reputable ski ship perform these two categories of adjustments for you. In order to adjust the bindings for boot length, simply flip up the latch in the center of the plate and turn it counter-clockwise 90 degrees. This allows the binding toe and heel piece to be adjusted forwards or backwards along the Speedcom plate. There are two sets of numbers, one set to the left side of the ski (corresponding with a slightly more rearward stance), and the other set to the right side of the ski (corresponding with a slightly more forward stance). Slide the front and rear bindings to match the skier's boot sole length, usually printed on the side the ski boot heel. (Note: This is NOT the same as mondo size.) Turn the latch on the center of the Speedcom plate clockwise 90 degrees and flip it down flush with the Speedcom plate to lock the binding in place. Next, be sure to check that the forward pressure is correct with the boot fastened in place within the binding. The forward pressure indicator is located within the rear of the binding heel piece, and 3/4 of an inch below the rear DIN adjustment screw. With ski boot in place, the forward pressure indicator will retract approximately 1/2 centimeter into the heel piece. When viewed from the side with boot in place, the forward pressure indicator should appear nearly flush with the rear of the binding plus or minus 2-3 mm. If not, make slight adjustments to the fore/aft positions of the toe or heel piece until it does. Once the bindings are properly set to match skier boot length and the forward pressure is correct, adjust the binding release DIN release setting for the skier according to a DIN chart or skier preference. While the bindings can be adjusted without tools to match any boot length, you will need a Pozi Drive #3 screwdriver to adjust the release values (DIN values). The screws are found in the front of the binding toe piece and behind the binding heel piece. If you are unfamiliar or unsure of how to adjust release settings, please have any reputable ski shop do this for you. Please be advised that setting proper binding release values (DIN values) is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. Understand that a release setting that is too low can be just as dangerous as a release setting that is too high. Both the situation of the binding releasing when you did not intend and not releasing in the situations when your binding should release can be highly dangerous. Please be proactive in minimizing risk to yourself and others by adhering to the principle of safety first. Binding adjustments for boot length / forward pressure and release settings are the responsibility of the customer. High G Skis assumes no liability related to these settings.
Q. Is High G Skis responsible for properly setting the bindings for boot length, forward pressure, and DIN release settings?
A. No. Binding adjustments for boot length / forward pressure and release settings are the responsibility of the customer. High G Skis assumes no liability related to these settings. We advise the customer to have a reputable ski shop perform these adjustments for you. The ski shop will need the actual ski boots to be used with these bindings in order to properly make these adjustments.
Q. If you could choose a two or three ski quiver that included the RFC, what would it look like?
A. As part of a two-ski quiver, the RFC will ideally pair with a moderately wide all-mountain or park ski of 85 to 95 mm underfoot, or powder ski. Personally, here in the Sierra Nevada mountains, if I had to limit myself to just two skis, I would choose my favorite Lusti RFC ski -- the 145 with 8.5 m sidecut -- and a rockered powder ski of around 105 - 115 mm underfoot. As part of a three-ski quiver, the RFC will find it's place among an all-mountain or park ski of 85 to 90 mm underfoot, and a powder ski of at least 105 mm underfoot. Caveat: This is only a suggestion. Personal preferences in skis tend to differ significantly from skier to skier.
Q. With the Lusti RFC's being so short in length, how is it that they can be stable?
A. There is a fallacy that short skis are not stable. While there may be some truth that a longer ski will be more stable in certain snow conditions or modes of operation -- when skied flat or landing jumps for example -- the truth is that a longer ski is simply going to be less responsive. While sometimes less responsiveness is a good thing, it is not what high performance radikal fun carving is all about. With the exception of skiing in powder and crud, when considering ski length, one should really be thinking sidecut radius. In terms of performance, when a ski is on edge and properly carving, the ski will be stable so long as the ski and binding system are well designed and working together in concert. And yet the vast majority of skiers end up slarving around on that beautifully groomed corduroy rather than truly carving.
Q. Why is an 8.5 meter sidecut radius on a snowboard common, yet practically unheard of on skis?
A. I believe it comes down to public perception. The first thing to understand is that people seem to think longer is better and the better you are, the longer the skis you should be on. So almost by default, people tend to disregard a ski shorter than about 170 cm. Now although I haven't yet done the math, I imagine extending, say, my favorite carving ski, the RFC 145 -- 145 cm in length with an 8.5 meter sidecut radius -- out to 170 cm or more. It would of course end up having an extraordinarily wide and unwieldily tip and tail, neither of which would be conducive to high performance on-piste carving. So back to the perception thing, most skiers will automatically disregard a ski with a tight sidecut radius simply by virtue that it will inevitably be short in length. But in doing so they are sure missing out!
Q. Why not a ski with both a tight sidecut radius for radikal fun carving and a longer length suitable for skiing in powder and crud?
A. I suppose a hybrid could be designed such that the radius extended only partway along the length of ski, such that the effective edge was much shorter than the ski length. While this is a kind of design that has been put out there by at least one ski brand I can think of with some success, it has not as far as I know been attempted on a ski of such tight sidecut radius as the RFC series. Most every design attempting to include opposing characteristics results in a compromise of the performance on both ends of the spectrum. While the extra length could perhaps allow such a ski to better float in powder and crud, a powder ski must have a sufficiently wide waist width underfoot to perform well in those conditions. Otherwise the ski will dig in underfoot while the larger tip and tail float, thus preventing the skier from rotating the ski.
Q. When can I expect my skis to ship?
A. I will ship your skis out as soon as reasonably possible within 5 business days via FedEx Ground. Please also allow for actual in-transit shipping time. I will email you the tracking number so you can know what day your skis are likely arrive. Understand that it may take few days for me to contact you personally and confirm and process your order. (I work full time at a regular job, conduct demo days, and of course I am a skier too =)
- David Lee, Owner
Q. I'll be up in Tahoe this upcoming week for my annual ski trip. I really want to be able to use these skis. Would it be possible to purchase them directly from you in person? Do you make personal deliveries?
A. Unfortunately the answer to both these questions is no. All sales are to be conducted online only through this website. Please understand that in order to avoid complications, I will NOT be able to conduct business at your location, and I will NOT be able to make personal deliveries. Should you make a purchase, skis will be shipped to you through FedEx. I will initiate shipment of your skis through FedEx within 7 days, most likely sooner. However, be sure to account for the actual shipping time. A signature will be required for delivery. Also, please understand I will not be able to expedite shipping.
Q. How did the ski company Lusti get it's name?
A. The founder's name is Milan Lustinec.
Q. What's up with the word "Radikal" in "Radikal Fun Carving" being spelled so funny?
A. As it turns out, a certain large ski corporation somehow made claim to a certain spelling of a certain word as their 'own' trademark, at least in certain jurisdictions. While I'm not sure how that could ever have been allowed to happen, I've chosen to follow Lusti's lead and just spell the word as "Radikal" (and not have to worry about it as I make "radikal" fun carving turns down the mountain). Whoo-hooo! =)
A. Lusti RFC skis are built with a much tighter sidecut radius. While just about every ski brand markets some portion of their line as carving skis, those skis may typically have a sidecut radius ranging from around 12 to 20 meters. The Lusti RFC's have an 8, 8.5, 9, and 10 meter radius, respectively corresponding to ski lengths of 140, 145, 150, and 155. Combine that sidecut with the highest construction standards, including two sheets of Titanal and a sintered racing base, and you've got the world's finest carving skis.
Q. What makes the Lusti RFC carvers different from slalom race skis?
A. There are two main differences: The Lusti RFC's have an even tighter sidecut radius than that of slalom race skis, and they also have a much more playful flex. Slalom race skis are designed to perform best on hard, icy snow, and they need to be extremely consistent in terms of the diameter they make in each turn. While this is crucial for racing around gates, it makes for poorer performance, less rebound, and less fun on nice resort-manicured soft groomed snow. Interestingly, race courses are often purposely sprayed with water to cause them to ice up. If this were not done, courses would become significantly more rutted up from each racer, which would be a huge disadvantage to the later racers. Except for race courses, you would never want the resort to water down their slopes of nice perfectly groomed snow! So what does this all mean? On unpleasantly hard, icy snow, slalom race skis are better. However on nice soft-groomed snow, you'll be able to perform much tighter carved turns and have a lot more fun with the Lusti Radical Fun Carvers. (That's what makes them so radikal and fun! =)
Q. What kind of skier will benefit from including a Lusti RFC carving ski in their quiver?
A. Any skier desiring to engage in radikal fun carving will appreciate the heightened performance carving characteristics the Lusti RFC series has to offer. Advanced skiers in particular will be able to fully unleash the high performance of this ski. If you are a racer or ex-racer -- bound to regulation race skis with larger, less exciting sidecuts while racing or training -- will have an absolute blast on these! Yet due to their responsiveness even at slower speeds combined with their shortness in length, paradoxically even beginner skiers will benefit from the put-it-on-rail-and-turn capabilities the Lusti RFC skis have to offer.
Q. What skill level of skier is the Lusti RFC series best suited for?
Advanced skiers who are able to drive this ski powerfully through pure carving turns will surely get the most from this ski. There is no better ski for extreme carving. That said, due to the tight turn radius, even a beginner will appreciate how it handles even on shallower slopes at slower speeds. (In fact there is actually a school of thought that beginners should first learn to carve even before learning to rotate into a skidded turn, as it is a more natural way to learn to turn. This particular school of learning should of course only be done on very gentle beginner slopes with flat run-outs.)
Q. In what snow conditions do the Lusti RFC's best perform?
A. The optimal snow conditions for extreme carving are smoothly groomed slopes which are neither icy nor slushy -- essentially the middle range of the snow firmness spectrum. If it is too icy, then tight pure carves will not possible as the ski edges will no longer be able to gain enough purchase into the snow to resist the corresponding centrifugal forces, resulting in skidding. In very slushy snow, the RFC's may excessively dig in while high on edge, creating excess braking, while also the snow will give way more laterally, resulting in a less pure carve. Optimal snow conditions are likely to exist within a week or two of fresh snowfall. However, so long as temperatures remain sufficiently cold, avoiding melt/re-freeze cycles, the snow will likely remain favorable for extreme carving. Additionally, late season conditions are often excellent for extreme carving, so long as the snow is neither too icy (typically in the early morning), nor too slushy (typically later in the afternoon).
Q. How well do Lusti RFC skis perform in moguls?
A. I am finding myself really enjoying these skis in moguls. However, it definitely depends on the condition of the moguls. In small to moderately sized moguls -- so long as it is not deep powder and the moguls are not icy -- the RFCs are incredibly fun. In a word, I would describe them as "dancy" through the moguls. Their low swing weight makes them quick to pivot, they flex agreeably into the face of each mogul, and they have a nice side to side rebound. I have personally had a ton of fun skiing the RFC's down upper intermediate to advanced slopes in moderately large moguls. That said, once the moguls harden up and become icy, then you best be on more traditionally shaped skis with straighter sidecut.
Q. How do Lusti RFC skis do in powder?
A. Before straight out answering this question, it is important that we are on the same page in terms of what our definition of "powder" actually is. Some skiers view anything other than ice as "powder". If you happen to consider packed powder as powder, then yes, they do exceptionally well in (packed) powder. However, if like me you consider powder as a foot or more of fresh snow that has not yet been groomed, then no, these skis will not perform well in powder. That is not what the RFC skis are designed for. In fact, depending on the density and consistency of that ungroomed powder, skiing these short, highly reactive skis in powder may be downright treacherous -- I know from experience (more on that later) -- and thus I would not recommend it. Is should be understood that it is impossible for a ski to be the best ever at carving groomed slopes and also be good at slaying fresh or chopped up powder. It's just not going to happen. That's why serious skiers tend to have a quiver of several different kinds of skis to best match up with various day-to-day conditions they may encounter. So with that being said, you may be curious as to my personal incident with these skis in ungroomed powder. I figure it will be informative and possibly prevent someone from getting hurt. Interestingly, skiing the RFC's in powder was quite fun at first . . . until suddenly it was not. It was the month of April on one of the higher elevation runs at a Tahoe resort, a steep run had just opened after having snowed two or three feet of rather dense powder a couple days prior. I happened to be skiing with my cousin that day. Since he had previously indicated that he had enough of the off-piste powder -- and thinking we would remain on groomed runs for the rest of the day -- I had switched from my all-round skis to the RFC 145's, my personal favorite carving skis. So now here I was on a completely inappropriate ski for the off-piste conditions, yet I figured I'd might as well give it a go. I also figured I just might learn something about how these skis would perform in that moderately deep dense powder in the middle of spring (and I certainly did). At the time, the powder was quickly becoming chopped up yet still with delicious untouched pillows between tracks. I remembered with a shorter/narrower ski, the trick to employ a moderate trampoline-like motion in order to facilitate release for the turns, speed control, and to avoid becoming bogged down. At first it was a hoot. The relatively wide tips and tails compared to narrow waist of the RFC had no trouble bouncing me back up for each subsequent turn. In fact, it was a bit too much like being on a trampoline. Rotating the skis diagonally and compressing the dense powder with each turn (in order to control speed) simultaneously excited the oscillating trampoline-like motion. Then suddenly, in an instant, the dense powder grabbed and I found myself pitched forward head over heels. I pretty much ended up diving headfirst into the dense powder. In fact, I distinctly remember hearing and feeling a sickening crunching sound in my neck. As my cousin laughed hysterically, I quickly checked to determine whether or not I still had control over all my limbs -- whew, luckily I did. I figure I found and went over the limit in terms of snow conditions in which these skis can be safely skied. Due to their short length, narrow waist, and reactive spring-like flex, the Radical Fun Carvers may become dangerous in powder. As I discovered, this is particularly true in denser powder on steeper slopes which necessitates placing greater pressure on the skis during each turn in order to control speed, which may result in the skis becoming over flexed, which subsequently increases the reactiveness of the ski . . . up to the point that instead of rebounding, the skis may catch, pitching the skier forward into a nasty fall. Moral of the story is the RFC skis are not powder skis. I strongly advise you to keep them on the groomed runs where they belong. This concludes our public broadcasting service announcement.
Q. Does the purchase price include bindings?
A. Yes! Each of our Lusti RFC carving skis are shipped complete with the excellent VIST Speedcom plate system and VSP 412 binding pre-installed. This binding system is included in the purchase price of each pair of skis. The Speedcom/VSP binding system is integral to the proper flex and performance characteristics of the RFC carving skis.
Q. Can I purchase the skis without the plates and bindings?
A. At this time we are only selling the skis complete with the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system. We feel this binding system is integral to the proper flex and performance characteristics of the Lusti RFC skis. First, the Speedcom plate has the right measure of flexibility, allowing the ski to properly flex underneath. Secondly, the Speedcom plate is fixed to the ski with eight screws, six of which are mounted in slotted channels which allow the screws to slide along the plate as the ski is flexed and unflexed. Both of these characteristics allow the ski to flex freely and evenly as it is designed. Third, the narrow 72 mm wide brakes are of ideal width for the Lusti RFC skis. Nowadays it is rare to find a binding with a brake width of less than 90 mm. Simply put, the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system is the ideal match for the Lusti RFC series skis.
Q. Is the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system compatible with GripWalk as well as Traditional Alpine ski boots?
A. Yes! New for 2020/2021 Season, the VIST Speedcom/VSP binding system has been updated to work with GripWalk as well as traditional alpine sole (ISO 5355) ski boots. Please be aware that it is NOT compatible with WTR or alpine touring boots. Currently VIST is the only manufacturer in the market who have an auto-adjust on the toe piece which allows the surface of the binding to align perfectly with the surface on the underside of the boot, whether it be a GripWalk boot or traditional Alpine boot. Effective by the time the ski resorts open in November of 2020, your RFC carvers will be delivered to you with these GripWalk compatible bindings pre-installed. Should you happen to purchase a pair of RFC carvers before then, I will be sure to ship you the updated GripWalk compatible toe-pieces as soon as I have then in stock.
Q. What is the DIN range of the VIST VSP 412 bindings?
A. The VIST VSP 412 bindings had a DIN range of 4 - 12. This is way more than adequate to fully accommodate any skier of any ability range and normal weight range. (I sure hope you will NOT try hucking cliffs on carving skis).
Q. How easy is it to adjust the VIST Speedcom/VSP 412 bindings?
A. In less than a minute, and without tools, it is possible to adjust the VIST Speedcom/VSO 412 bindings to match any boot length. Binding release values (DIN values) of the bindings are adjusted with a #3 Pozi Drive screwdriver in the same manner as most any other alpine ski binding is adjusted. That said, unless you know what you are doing, it is advised to have a reputable ski ship perform these two categories of adjustments for you. In order to adjust the bindings for boot length, simply flip up the latch in the center of the plate and turn it counter-clockwise 90 degrees. This allows the binding toe and heel piece to be adjusted forwards or backwards along the Speedcom plate. There are two sets of numbers, one set to the left side of the ski (corresponding with a slightly more rearward stance), and the other set to the right side of the ski (corresponding with a slightly more forward stance). Slide the front and rear bindings to match the skier's boot sole length, usually printed on the side the ski boot heel. (Note: This is NOT the same as mondo size.) Turn the latch on the center of the Speedcom plate clockwise 90 degrees and flip it down flush with the Speedcom plate to lock the binding in place. Next, be sure to check that the forward pressure is correct with the boot fastened in place within the binding. The forward pressure indicator is located within the rear of the binding heel piece, and 3/4 of an inch below the rear DIN adjustment screw. With ski boot in place, the forward pressure indicator will retract approximately 1/2 centimeter into the heel piece. When viewed from the side with boot in place, the forward pressure indicator should appear nearly flush with the rear of the binding plus or minus 2-3 mm. If not, make slight adjustments to the fore/aft positions of the toe or heel piece until it does. Once the bindings are properly set to match skier boot length and the forward pressure is correct, adjust the binding release DIN release setting for the skier according to a DIN chart or skier preference. While the bindings can be adjusted without tools to match any boot length, you will need a Pozi Drive #3 screwdriver to adjust the release values (DIN values). The screws are found in the front of the binding toe piece and behind the binding heel piece. If you are unfamiliar or unsure of how to adjust release settings, please have any reputable ski shop do this for you. Please be advised that setting proper binding release values (DIN values) is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. Understand that a release setting that is too low can be just as dangerous as a release setting that is too high. Both the situation of the binding releasing when you did not intend and not releasing in the situations when your binding should release can be highly dangerous. Please be proactive in minimizing risk to yourself and others by adhering to the principle of safety first. Binding adjustments for boot length / forward pressure and release settings are the responsibility of the customer. High G Skis assumes no liability related to these settings.
Q. Is High G Skis responsible for properly setting the bindings for boot length, forward pressure, and DIN release settings?
A. No. Binding adjustments for boot length / forward pressure and release settings are the responsibility of the customer. High G Skis assumes no liability related to these settings. We advise the customer to have a reputable ski shop perform these adjustments for you. The ski shop will need the actual ski boots to be used with these bindings in order to properly make these adjustments.
Q. If you could choose a two or three ski quiver that included the RFC, what would it look like?
A. As part of a two-ski quiver, the RFC will ideally pair with a moderately wide all-mountain or park ski of 85 to 95 mm underfoot, or powder ski. Personally, here in the Sierra Nevada mountains, if I had to limit myself to just two skis, I would choose my favorite Lusti RFC ski -- the 145 with 8.5 m sidecut -- and a rockered powder ski of around 105 - 115 mm underfoot. As part of a three-ski quiver, the RFC will find it's place among an all-mountain or park ski of 85 to 90 mm underfoot, and a powder ski of at least 105 mm underfoot. Caveat: This is only a suggestion. Personal preferences in skis tend to differ significantly from skier to skier.
Q. With the Lusti RFC's being so short in length, how is it that they can be stable?
A. There is a fallacy that short skis are not stable. While there may be some truth that a longer ski will be more stable in certain snow conditions or modes of operation -- when skied flat or landing jumps for example -- the truth is that a longer ski is simply going to be less responsive. While sometimes less responsiveness is a good thing, it is not what high performance radikal fun carving is all about. With the exception of skiing in powder and crud, when considering ski length, one should really be thinking sidecut radius. In terms of performance, when a ski is on edge and properly carving, the ski will be stable so long as the ski and binding system are well designed and working together in concert. And yet the vast majority of skiers end up slarving around on that beautifully groomed corduroy rather than truly carving.
Q. Why is an 8.5 meter sidecut radius on a snowboard common, yet practically unheard of on skis?
A. I believe it comes down to public perception. The first thing to understand is that people seem to think longer is better and the better you are, the longer the skis you should be on. So almost by default, people tend to disregard a ski shorter than about 170 cm. Now although I haven't yet done the math, I imagine extending, say, my favorite carving ski, the RFC 145 -- 145 cm in length with an 8.5 meter sidecut radius -- out to 170 cm or more. It would of course end up having an extraordinarily wide and unwieldily tip and tail, neither of which would be conducive to high performance on-piste carving. So back to the perception thing, most skiers will automatically disregard a ski with a tight sidecut radius simply by virtue that it will inevitably be short in length. But in doing so they are sure missing out!
Q. Why not a ski with both a tight sidecut radius for radikal fun carving and a longer length suitable for skiing in powder and crud?
A. I suppose a hybrid could be designed such that the radius extended only partway along the length of ski, such that the effective edge was much shorter than the ski length. While this is a kind of design that has been put out there by at least one ski brand I can think of with some success, it has not as far as I know been attempted on a ski of such tight sidecut radius as the RFC series. Most every design attempting to include opposing characteristics results in a compromise of the performance on both ends of the spectrum. While the extra length could perhaps allow such a ski to better float in powder and crud, a powder ski must have a sufficiently wide waist width underfoot to perform well in those conditions. Otherwise the ski will dig in underfoot while the larger tip and tail float, thus preventing the skier from rotating the ski.
Q. When can I expect my skis to ship?
A. I will ship your skis out as soon as reasonably possible within 5 business days via FedEx Ground. Please also allow for actual in-transit shipping time. I will email you the tracking number so you can know what day your skis are likely arrive. Understand that it may take few days for me to contact you personally and confirm and process your order. (I work full time at a regular job, conduct demo days, and of course I am a skier too =)
- David Lee, Owner
Q. I'll be up in Tahoe this upcoming week for my annual ski trip. I really want to be able to use these skis. Would it be possible to purchase them directly from you in person? Do you make personal deliveries?
A. Unfortunately the answer to both these questions is no. All sales are to be conducted online only through this website. Please understand that in order to avoid complications, I will NOT be able to conduct business at your location, and I will NOT be able to make personal deliveries. Should you make a purchase, skis will be shipped to you through FedEx. I will initiate shipment of your skis through FedEx within 7 days, most likely sooner. However, be sure to account for the actual shipping time. A signature will be required for delivery. Also, please understand I will not be able to expedite shipping.
Q. How did the ski company Lusti get it's name?
A. The founder's name is Milan Lustinec.
Q. What's up with the word "Radikal" in "Radikal Fun Carving" being spelled so funny?
A. As it turns out, a certain large ski corporation somehow made claim to a certain spelling of a certain word as their 'own' trademark, at least in certain jurisdictions. While I'm not sure how that could ever have been allowed to happen, I've chosen to follow Lusti's lead and just spell the word as "Radikal" (and not have to worry about it as I make "radikal" fun carving turns down the mountain). Whoo-hooo! =)