Thanks for watching, I know I keep launch episodes later at night! trying to hit the content hard this week, so apologies for the weird time of day, but hope you enjoy!
If you want to reduce shock for less money (decouple the ski from the bindings) you can simply add a heavy durometer urethane shim (lifter) between the bindings and the ski.
As a man who owns way to many mountain bikes and who also loves to ski, I'm generally with you in this one. This product doesn't solve a problem, and it uses parts designed for a completely different purpose to do it. As you aluded to, MTB suspension is for traction to increase your ability to ride down large obstacles. Reducing chatter and smoothing out a ride are side effects on high-end components, which these shocks are not. Last thing I'll mention, though, I wouldn't be concerned about servicability. All you need is a hex wrench and a $30 pump for the most part. I would, however, be concerned with heat build-up and hydrolocking. Those are XC shocks not designed for rapid stroke procession. Prolonged downhill runs would put this thing way out of its normal use.
I met the inventor at the Snowbound Expo in Boston this past November. He told me he invented this product and he doesn't SKI! He did say he will need to learn. He says the product has been tried by expert skiers that provide feedback.
That makes a lot of sense. I saw these and thought who asked for this? also the choice to use 2 shocks per ski seems kinda lazy, maybe the weight isnt that much different vs a single shock design shock design, but nevertheless its more stuff that needs to be serviced and can fail. You could probably achieve 1cm of suspension travel with thick insoles in your boots.
i don't remember if you covered but you need to check out what's happening with Balenciaga's skiwear. I'm talking $450 dollar ski poles $1000 dollar goggles $6300 rental style skis that don't come with bindings. it's crazy what people sell, and people buy.
Back in the early 2000s, K2 had a piezo dampened ski at end of life and introduced the Mod-X with the piezo dampener. If I recall, they removed the piezo dampener because both combined dampened the skis way too much. It seems like shred shox is applying a mechanical technology for a problem that's been solved (and arguably not well liked) using passive technologies with virtually no failure points.
Call me crazy but I seem to remember like 20 yrs ago at Timberline in the summer all the racers on these bindings that had you elevated a good 1/2 inch or more from the ski. I seem to remember a LOT of injuries as a result of these bindings and they've been since relegated to the dustbin of history.
Used to be a thing called Deflex or Derbyflex. Basically bindings mounted to an aluminum plate, which was then mounted to the ski with a rubber bushing. Basically same thing here.
Heath Robinson is alive and well, it seems! For the uninitiated, he was a British cartoonist who created whimsical drawings of overly complicated contraptions lashed together to solve what in reality were simple problems!!!
What about in the event of an ejection? First off, the mounting plate raises the ski brakes by about an inch, dramatically reducing their effectiveness at retaining a runaway ski. Furthermore, what does this do to compromise binding release? Do we have to adjust our DINs to account for the added weight and articulation of the system?
Speaking of gimmicky products, do you have any thoughts on the Dahu ski boots? Way back in the 70's I had a pair of the "revolutionary" Raichle Red Hot boots, which also came with an apres ski liner. The Raichle's were not even close to the best boots I've owned....
Have you played around with MNC bindings at all? Recently mounted a set of Solomon Shift MNC 13s on a pair of 2024 Elan Ripstick 106's, wondering what your thoughts are on that platform. 👋from up North!
I'm super new to skiing (mostly train lifting and martial arts) but wouldn't this go against what you need to "feel" when skiing? I like stiffer skis from the couple that I have tied cuz I like how they feel. These might feel like those heavily padded foam shoes (which I absolutely hate with passion).
Hi Elliott! I have a question about buying used skis. I've been seeing a lot of demo ski models from 2020 from Black Crows, Line and etc. They sell for around 60-70% of the new prices. Do you think buying these older ski models affects the value I'm getting when purchasing the skis? Is there any difference between the technology?
I ALWAYS buy used skis. The low prices I pay for barely used skis allows me to have a full quiver for less than MSRP of one brand-new pair of skis. And, the difference in “technology” between this year’s skis and some that are 5 years old is only marketing hype. A ski that was a great ski 5years ago is still a great ski!
Since we are venting about bindings I will join in. This is the first year I have purchased skis and because of the deals I have bought several pairs between myself and my kids. But as a new purchaser I think it ridiculous that the VAST majority of bindings are not the adjustable type (demo/rental) to the point that it is difficult to find them. It's been a headache, specifically when looking for different (wider) brake widths in kids bindings. I understand that there are advantages to the non-adjustable bindings (1.weight, 2. lower profile, 3. ski flex), however I think that those will not even be noticed by 95% of skiers. I do think that 95% would benefit from having an adjustable binding on their ski (1. Not worrying if a new boot will work with your binding, 2. Family/friends being able to use/try your skis, 3. Easier resale, 4. Being able to play with stance location on the ski in seconds). It's even crazier to me that it's hard to find adjustable kids bindings, I have 3 kids and I'm supposed to hope that they will all have the same boot size relative to height as they grow into different skis? To add insult to injury, every ski review I watch is of someone telling me all about a ski that they tested using adjustable bindings, so clearly it's not that big of a deal even for them. It feels like a scam by the ski industry. Vent over!
I just googled demo bindings and there seem to be many available that you could mount, maybe not as prevalent as many years ago, but still readily available. Also, many kids skis, carving skis, and intermediate skis come with system bindings which effectively have a demo binding included. All of my recent kids skis have these, and it's harder to find them without the system than with. I actually just bought a new Rossignol Rallybird 92 with a system binding for my kid, which is an intermediate freeride ski. Advanced/Expert skiers don't typically like the adjustable plate because it adds height and weight to the ski, and most mounted bindings can move to accommodate moving up or down a size. From a safety standpoint, there are problems with making it easy for anyone to be switching skis - namely most people not knowing how to correctly set the din and forward pressure for the new skier.
I have been known to spend obscene amounts of money on snow skiing shit (I live in Texas and own 7 pairs of skis)......but I'm not even a little bit tempted to try these..... I also think that the elevated skiing position (off the top of the ski) could definitely lead to some problematic dynamics / geometries and some serious knee injuries...... And all of that high end untested engineering.... got a funny feeling about that. HARD NO for me. And yes, snow boards are the Devil's Snow Transport.....
OVERENGINNIERING great point Elliot! It's a common problem here. The need for everything to be 'smart' or have 'AI'. I've never seen the point of a 'smart' toaster let alone a fridge. Misbehave and Big Brother will lock you out on your own fridge! And don't trust 'smart' remote operated thermostats they'll have you roasting within your own home come summer.
I can't imagine skiing these...by definition it would seem to mute skier input. Also, 1> correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like the $2k is ON TOP of what your bindings cost...bindings not included. 2> no mention of weight on the website, guessing 500-800g-ish...? yikes. If you're looking for what their selling, seems like a 3mm elastomer damping pad under your bindings would probably be as helpful for $30 and
Maybe Atomic should make these standard on Volants? [As someone who owned a pair back in the '90s when they were priced like … skis, I say this from a place of love (◕‿◕✿)]
I still feel a bit guilty about spending $4,200 on my ebike when my 1996 Honda Accord cost $5K out the door a yr ago. Fully rebuilt motor runs great don't be clownin on me lol!
thanks elliot', looks like it just raises your foot', not exciting', to me', customized ' boot liners', and custom to your specs' your skis outline curve' and ski lightness', are the things that make me keep going with my progressions', in carving', moguls',
it seems like a weekend project from someone with too much time and money. like the guy who bought two 2x4's from homedepot and installed bindings and rode those
I was expecting that at the two minute mark when you said $2,000 that the whole screen would just go blank and that would be the end of the video. No explanation no more review just a blank screen. People invent the stupidest things. 🤦🤦🤦
Yeah, no. You couldn't pay me 2 grand to buy into this stupidity. And if you did, I'd take the money and buy a plane ticket to go skiing out West. First there are all the reaons you cited... getting fetched up on any number of objects, fixed or moving. The rearward mounting point definitely could compromise the structural integrity of the skis and I'd bet most shops won't even touch these things. Sometimes I think people who come up with ideas and designs like this are just craving attention. There's this unspoken idea that leaving well enough alone just doesn't cut it so let's design something that's utterly stupid but one which may still return a profit. Plus we get all sorts of digital attention even if it's an abyssmal failure. It sort of seems like today, everyone needs to get better at whatever and brag about it without having to put the work in. And the kind of chatter this company's saying is a thing is not unless you suck to begin with-- so get better and stop blaming the damn gear. I mountain bike and while there are some similarites with skiing regarding counter rotation say in flat corners, I don't see how tires compare with skis or how rocks and roots compares with snow.
Thanks for watching, I know I keep launch episodes later at night! trying to hit the content hard this week, so apologies for the weird time of day, but hope you enjoy!
This looks like a solution in search of a problem
If you want to reduce shock for less money (decouple the ski from the bindings) you can simply add a heavy durometer urethane shim (lifter) between the bindings and the ski.
Finally i can quit bending my knees.
There are already footbeds that reduce performance and increase shock absorbtion.
As a man who owns way to many mountain bikes and who also loves to ski, I'm generally with you in this one. This product doesn't solve a problem, and it uses parts designed for a completely different purpose to do it.
As you aluded to, MTB suspension is for traction to increase your ability to ride down large obstacles. Reducing chatter and smoothing out a ride are side effects on high-end components, which these shocks are not.
Last thing I'll mention, though, I wouldn't be concerned about servicability. All you need is a hex wrench and a $30 pump for the most part. I would, however, be concerned with heat build-up and hydrolocking. Those are XC shocks not designed for rapid stroke procession. Prolonged downhill runs would put this thing way out of its normal use.
I met the inventor at the Snowbound Expo in Boston this past November. He told me he invented this product and he doesn't SKI! He did say he will need to learn. He says the product has been tried by expert skiers that provide feedback.
That makes a lot of sense. I saw these and thought who asked for this? also the choice to use 2 shocks per ski seems kinda lazy, maybe the weight isnt that much different vs a single shock design shock design, but nevertheless its more stuff that needs to be serviced and can fail. You could probably achieve 1cm of suspension travel with thick insoles in your boots.
I was waiting for you to come across this product and your reaction did not disappoint
Speaking of bike parts and skis, I'd love to see Elliott demo a ski-bike.
Will you talk about M1 full aluminum skis next? Another one of those new ideas this year.
I'm gonna talk about this on the next video!
i don't remember if you covered but you need to check out what's happening with Balenciaga's skiwear. I'm talking $450 dollar ski poles $1000 dollar goggles $6300 rental style skis that don't come with bindings. it's crazy what people sell, and people buy.
But its got a European name which you can't pronounce without hearing wealthy people say it first. Must be high end!
I mentioned those skis a year ago and my comment was taken down promptly by TH-cam.
Back in the early 2000s, K2 had a piezo dampened ski at end of life and introduced the Mod-X with the piezo dampener. If I recall, they removed the piezo dampener because both combined dampened the skis way too much. It seems like shred shox is applying a mechanical technology for a problem that's been solved (and arguably not well liked) using passive technologies with virtually no failure points.
Call me crazy but I seem to remember like 20 yrs ago at Timberline in the summer all the racers on these bindings that had you elevated a good 1/2 inch or more from the ski. I seem to remember a LOT of injuries as a result of these bindings and they've been since relegated to the dustbin of history.
Used to be a thing called Deflex or Derbyflex. Basically bindings mounted to an aluminum plate, which was then mounted to the ski with a rubber bushing. Basically same thing here.
They are for jumping the shark!!
You win the internet today!
Heath Robinson is alive and well, it seems!
For the uninitiated, he was a British cartoonist who created whimsical drawings of overly complicated contraptions lashed together to solve what in reality were simple problems!!!
What about in the event of an ejection? First off, the mounting plate raises the ski brakes by about an inch, dramatically reducing their effectiveness at retaining a runaway ski. Furthermore, what does this do to compromise binding release? Do we have to adjust our DINs to account for the added weight and articulation of the system?
Speaking of gimmicky products, do you have any thoughts on the Dahu ski boots? Way back in the 70's I had a pair of the "revolutionary" Raichle Red Hot boots, which also came with an apres ski liner. The Raichle's were not even close to the best boots I've owned....
Yo keep it up man
Just saw an edit 4 u on the gram and it was fire 🔥
Did this company do any testing on how this design effects proper binding release?
I saw this at Snowvana and I was honestly surprised someone would invent such a crazy device. It would be fun to test, but it's not my cup of tea.
Have you played around with MNC bindings at all? Recently mounted a set of Solomon Shift MNC 13s on a pair of 2024 Elan Ripstick 106's, wondering what your thoughts are on that platform.
👋from up North!
I'm super new to skiing (mostly train lifting and martial arts) but wouldn't this go against what you need to "feel" when skiing? I like stiffer skis from the couple that I have tied cuz I like how they feel. These might feel like those heavily padded foam shoes (which I absolutely hate with passion).
The thumbnail 😂
have you seen the new beanie helmet ive seen advertising on youtube are advertising it called anti ordinary a2?
Not familiar.
Hi Elliott! I have a question about buying used skis. I've been seeing a lot of demo ski models from 2020 from Black Crows, Line and etc. They sell for around 60-70% of the new prices. Do you think buying these older ski models affects the value I'm getting when purchasing the skis? Is there any difference between the technology?
I ALWAYS buy used skis. The low prices I pay for barely used skis allows me to have a full quiver for less than MSRP of one brand-new pair of skis. And, the difference in “technology” between this year’s skis and some that are 5 years old is only marketing hype. A ski that was a great ski 5years ago is still a great ski!
If you want to dampen out, just ride some Stocklis, cheaper by far, and not often you can say that…
My thoughts especially all the dangers
Since we are venting about bindings I will join in. This is the first year I have purchased skis and because of the deals I have bought several pairs between myself and my kids. But as a new purchaser I think it ridiculous that the VAST majority of bindings are not the adjustable type (demo/rental) to the point that it is difficult to find them. It's been a headache, specifically when looking for different (wider) brake widths in kids bindings. I understand that there are advantages to the non-adjustable bindings (1.weight, 2. lower profile, 3. ski flex), however I think that those will not even be noticed by 95% of skiers. I do think that 95% would benefit from having an adjustable binding on their ski (1. Not worrying if a new boot will work with your binding, 2. Family/friends being able to use/try your skis, 3. Easier resale, 4. Being able to play with stance location on the ski in seconds). It's even crazier to me that it's hard to find adjustable kids bindings, I have 3 kids and I'm supposed to hope that they will all have the same boot size relative to height as they grow into different skis? To add insult to injury, every ski review I watch is of someone telling me all about a ski that they tested using adjustable bindings, so clearly it's not that big of a deal even for them. It feels like a scam by the ski industry. Vent over!
I just googled demo bindings and there seem to be many available that you could mount, maybe not as prevalent as many years ago, but still readily available. Also, many kids skis, carving skis, and intermediate skis come with system bindings which effectively have a demo binding included. All of my recent kids skis have these, and it's harder to find them without the system than with. I actually just bought a new Rossignol Rallybird 92 with a system binding for my kid, which is an intermediate freeride ski. Advanced/Expert skiers don't typically like the adjustable plate because it adds height and weight to the ski, and most mounted bindings can move to accommodate moving up or down a size. From a safety standpoint, there are problems with making it easy for anyone to be switching skis - namely most people not knowing how to correctly set the din and forward pressure for the new skier.
I have been known to spend obscene amounts of money on snow skiing shit (I live in Texas and own 7 pairs of skis)......but I'm not even a little bit tempted to try these..... I also think that the elevated skiing position (off the top of the ski) could definitely lead to some problematic dynamics / geometries and some serious knee injuries...... And all of that high end untested engineering.... got a funny feeling about that. HARD NO for me. And yes, snow boards are the Devil's Snow Transport.....
OVERENGINNIERING great point Elliot! It's a common problem here. The need for everything to be 'smart' or have 'AI'. I've never seen the point of a 'smart' toaster let alone a fridge. Misbehave and Big Brother will lock you out on your own fridge! And don't trust 'smart' remote operated thermostats they'll have you roasting within your own home come summer.
totally agree, and for my appliances it makes them so much more prone to failure.
Awesome, can I also get a lift kit to avoid moguls, and maybe an electronic braking system so I don't have to slow down manually. 🤦♂😜🤣
I can't imagine skiing these...by definition it would seem to mute skier input. Also, 1> correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like the $2k is ON TOP of what your bindings cost...bindings not included. 2> no mention of weight on the website, guessing 500-800g-ish...? yikes. If you're looking for what their selling, seems like a 3mm elastomer damping pad under your bindings would probably be as helpful for $30 and
The does NOT include a binding. You still have to mount a binding of your choice on the ShredShox
Yah! mount them on a Bomber x Caviar Kaspia Pro-Carve 70! Add in a 995$ Bomber helmet. Show people you've got money!!!!!
Maybe Atomic should make these standard on Volants?
[As someone who owned a pair back in the '90s when they were priced like … skis, I say this from a place of love (◕‿◕✿)]
im so scared
How was it to Mount them?
I still feel a bit guilty about spending $4,200 on my ebike when my 1996 Honda Accord cost $5K out the door a yr ago. Fully rebuilt motor runs great don't be clownin on me lol!
Here's a review of the ski shocks. It's everything you expected! th-cam.com/video/NnTmfCnQEJY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=SIC_RLz0m_Kk9uqH
lol,,,this is a flash in the pan.....
thanks elliot', looks like it just raises your foot', not exciting', to me', customized ' boot liners', and custom to your specs' your skis outline curve' and ski lightness', are the things that make me keep going with my progressions', in carving', moguls',
it seems like a weekend project from someone with too much time and money. like the guy who bought two 2x4's from homedepot and installed bindings and rode those
i have tons of shit I can blow $$$$ on. This is not one.
I was expecting that at the two minute mark when you said $2,000 that the whole screen would just go blank and that would be the end of the video. No explanation no more review just a blank screen. People invent the stupidest things. 🤦🤦🤦
This product fails to even pass the laugh test.
Not of any use. Who would buy it. The investors that financed that just got fleeced.....
shredshox is a gimmick to sell low end mtb components and a poorly machined bracket system to jerrys with money
Yeah, no. You couldn't pay me 2 grand to buy into this stupidity. And if you did, I'd take the money and buy a plane ticket to go skiing out West. First there are all the reaons you cited... getting fetched up on any number of objects, fixed or moving. The rearward mounting point definitely could compromise the structural integrity of the skis and I'd bet most shops won't even touch these things. Sometimes I think people who come up with ideas and designs like this are just craving attention. There's this unspoken idea that leaving well enough alone just doesn't cut it so let's design something that's utterly stupid but one which may still return a profit. Plus we get all sorts of digital attention even if it's an abyssmal failure. It sort of seems like today, everyone needs to get better at whatever and brag about it without having to put the work in. And the kind of chatter this company's saying is a thing is not unless you suck to begin with-- so get better and stop blaming the damn gear. I mountain bike and while there are some similarites with skiing regarding counter rotation say in flat corners, I don't see how tires compare with skis or how rocks and roots compares with snow.