Keeper - Testimonials
Thank you for the chance to demo the Keeper for 2 days at the end of the season at Loveland. The conditions would have been considered mid-season, so that gave me the chance to ride in a variety of conditions. It was not easy giving them back to you and I can't wait to purchase a pair for next season when they become available.
I love the design, the rockered tips/tails are perfect for the powder, and the camber/stiffness underfoot brought back memories of the Nomad.
For me, they are a 1-ski quiver! Here are my thoughts from where I skied:
Powder - obviously what the ski was designed for. The float is enjoyable, and I was able to manuever as pleased. A different feel than other skis who plane.
Chopped/Mank/Mixed - to me, this is the best terrain for the Keeper. I get tossed around on my current ski in this condition, but instead with the Keeper I was seeking it out, wanting to bust, slice and dice away with reckless abandon.
Trees - quick turning. No problems here!
Crusted groomers - much better than expected. The Keeper "keeps" an incredible edge (due to combination of camber and stiffness). I tried them back to back with my current skis, and preferred these due to edgehold. The carving is more underfoot than other skis, so some might need an adjustment here. Some people think it's crazy to ski groomers with skis this fat, but they worked just as well as thinner ones, that is why I thnk of them as a 1 ski quiver.
Moguls - not much time spent on them due to my leg. I think they would be fine because of the ability to turn quickly.
The 167cm length was not too short for me (I thought it might be until I zoomed by people). I loved the ability to turn quickly, plow through undesirable snow and be stable anywhere I went.
I also noticed that more and more Icelantics at Loveland, so keep up the good work!
~Patrick