lusti RFC carving skis
New for 2020: Bindings now have additional compatibility with GripWalk boots!!
All RFC skis are configured as pictured above.
All RFC skis are configured as pictured above.
All skis are now in stock and ready to ship! If you have any questions or you would like my recommendation on what ski length is likely to be best for you, please send me a message via the "Contact" tab, found at the very top of this page. For best recommendation, please include information on your weight and how aggressive a skier you are.
Each of our LUSTi RFC carving skis are shipped complete with the excellent VIST Speedcom plates and VSP 412 bindings 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 of the RFC carving skis. The VSP 412 bindings have a DIN range of 4 -12. With the flip and twist of a lever, the VIST VSP 412 / Speedcom system can be quickly adjusted to match the length of any GripWalk sole or traditional alpine sole ski boot (ISO 5355). Please be aware that the VISP VSP bindings are not compatible with WTR or AT touring boots. But the format wars for the next generation of downhill ski boot standard has been won -- and the winner is GripWalk.
RFC 140
140 cm in length
121-67-110
8 meter sidecut radius
The RFC 140 is an incredibly tight cornering carving ski. The thinnest of the RFC line, it is best suited for smaller, lighter skiers. If you are petite, or lean and mean, and you want a carving ski which will maintain good dynamic flex and rebound, then this is the ski for you. I recommend the RFC 140 for skiers up to approximately 150 lbs in weight.
(At my weight of 205 lbs, I can still have a blast on the RFC 140, however due to my greater mass, when carving aggressively I do tend to over-flex this length.)
RFC 145
145 cm in length
123-68-112
8.5 meter sidecut radius
This ski is absolutely incredible! For the majority of advanced skiers of average athletic weight, the RFC 145 is the pinnacle of what a fun carving ski should be. There is just something magical about that 8.5 meter sidecut radius and flex profile. The result is a ski with wonderfully quick turn engagement, lively rebound, and solid stability for full on low-to-the-snow tight carving aggression. This is a ski that does kind of keep you on your toes, but in a good way. Once at speed it is not a ski that allows you to be lazy -- it demands to be driven. If you are an aggressive skier and happen to weigh between approximately 150 - 210 lbs, and you are at all in doubt as to which carving ski is right for you, then stop thinking about it and start carving -- this is your ski!
(The RFC 145 is my own absolute favorite length. I am 205 lbs in weight.)
RFC 150
150 cm in length
124-68-113 (tip-waist-tail width in mm)
9 meter sidecut radius
The RFC 150 is quite similar to the RFC 145. Although it gives up a little bit of quickness in turn initiation compared with the RFC 145, it corners with that much more solid drive and stability. The RFC 150 is a bit thicker, and thus somewhat stiffer than the RFC 145. If you find the RFC 145 to be a bit too aggressive in the turns, or you are a somewhat heavier skier between approximately 210 - 250 lbs in weight, then the RFC 150 may be just your ticket.
(The RFC 150 happens to be my second personal favorite right after the shorter RFC 145. I am 205 lbs in weight.)
RFC 155
155 cm in length
124-69-113 (tip-waist-tail width in mm)
10 meter sidecut radius
The RFC 155 is a super stable carving ski with solid down the line drive. It has what I would describe as a luxurious feel. If the RFC 145 and RFC 150 are both too aggressive for you, then the RFC 155 may be just the ski for you. While I personally feel this ski gives up a bit too much in terms of tight cornering and liveliness for my own personal style of carving, many a skier will appreciate the smooth and refined qualities it has to offer. Even this longest of the RFC series has a much tighter sidecut than pretty much anything else on the mountain. As this ski maintains extra solid drive and stability at higher speeds, it is ideal for when high speeds on smoothly groomed slopes are preferred rather than absolute knuckle-drag style carving. Also since it has the thickest profile of the RFC line, it is appropriate for heavier skiers over approximately 250 lbs in weight.
RFC 145 vs. RFC 150
The RFC 145 and RFC 150 are the two skis that I refer to as the sweet spot of the range. For the majority of skiers of average weight, the optimal choice is most likely going to come down to one of these two skis. Both of these skis carve extremely well and having to choose between them feels a bit like splitting hairs.
Within the RFC series, it is important to note that the longer the ski, the thicker it is as well, thus the more resistant it will be to bending. The greater you are able to bend the ski, the tighter you will be able to carve the turn. A ski which facilitates quickness into the turn, and lively rebound out of the turn is highly desirable in a carving ski. Yet there is a balance to be had. The longer/thicker RFC skis will provide greater stability with a smoother carving turn, and a more predictable rebound, yet may not feel quite as dynamic and playful as the shorter/thinner RFC skis. Although there is a high level of subjectivity in terms of which ski length will prove best for you, it is helpful to think in terms of which length will have the optimal balance of liveliness to stability to be the best match for your own skiing style, weight, and level of aggression.
Extreme carving is all about laying down the tightest, purest carving turns possible, getting as low down to the snow as physics will allow, and maximizing centrifugal force. As such, the shorter RFC skis with the tighter sidecuts should be considered as more aggressive than the longer lengths. However, since the shorter lengths are also thinner in cross-section, they have progressively lighter weight limits. For example, a skier over 200 lbs in weight like me is likely to over-flex the RFC 140 during an aggressive carve. When this happens, the ski may hook or loose its edge altogether. Thus, for most advanced skiers between 150 - 210 lbs in weight, the RFC 145 is likely to provide the best overall performance with best balance between liveliness and stability, allowing for the greatest level of aggression. I personally love how quick the RFC 145 is when initiating a carve. As soon as you lay it on over, it just seems to automatically take you right into the optimal trajectory. I also love how when the RFC 145 is driven aggressively, the rebound will literally catapult you into the next turn -- that's what I mean by it keeping you on your toes (but in a good way). Yet with that said, the slightly longer RFC 150 feels a bit more solid and predictable with less of a potential to catch one off guard.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Prior to first use of Lusti RFC series skis with VIST Speedcom plates and VSP 412 bindings, it will be necessary to have the bindings adjusted for boot length / forward pressure, and to properly set the DIN release settings appropriate to the skier. To adjust 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.
DISCLAIMER
Binding adjustments for boot length / forward pressure and DIN 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.