Shred Review: “CARVING BEAST”, DAY 1 on the ShredShox, A log of every descent

Rider Details

Level 3 Skier

Average 4 Days a week

Male | Age 65 | 195lbs

Skis | Rip Stick 106, Rip Stick Black Label

Breckenridge Colorado

Top Speed | 49mph

Getting Started

• “Walking with them sucks. Balanced center of shoulder works best. Definitely need a ski tie to make it easier.”
  Transitioning is challenging due to the added weight.

• “Are they shocks? Cool.”
  Immediate attention from others on the lift sparks curiosity.

• “You feel the weight on the chair lift.”
  The extra heft becomes noticeable during ascent.

Run 1: First Encounter

• “First run is super weird.”
  The initial adjustment feels awkward and unfamiliar.

• “Releasing the back edge takes more effort. Good practice for powder… maybe more effort for weight compensation.”
  Early signs point to ShredShox being ideal for specific terrains.

• “Did I make a mistake? Has this completely ruined my skiing?”
  Doubts emerge, but they’re tempered by curiosity.

Run 2: Smoothing Out

• “You find the edge before you realize it. Weird at first.”
  Subtle mechanics help naturally engage the ski.

• “So freaking smooth. Disconcertingly smooth.”
  The vibration damping impresses but feels detached.

• “Am I on edge? I don’t know! I can’t feel the snow. Just smooth.”
  The skis’ smoothness contrasts with traditional tactile feedback.

Run 3: Building Confidence

• “When you forget about them, you start skiing normally.”
  Muscle memory begins to return.

• “45mph! What?!”
  Speed increases effortlessly as trust builds.

• “Not confident for quick edge-to-edge transitions. It feels like I’m learning to carve again.”
  Adjusting to ShredShox takes time, especially for dynamic transitions.

Run 4: Customizing Damping

• “Luxury sedan to sports car in 3 clicks.”
  Fine-tuning changes the skiing experience dramatically.

• “Getting the front a little more responsive really helped while still being soft.”
  Adjustments provide a blend of control and comfort.

Run 5: Breakthrough

• “OMG. 45.9mph.”
  Top speeds become a reality with increased confidence.

• “I trusted the edge. I trusted it would hold.”
  Full commitment to the ski’s edge redefines performance.

• “It makes sense. You have a heavier ski with more surface consistency and dynamics.”
  Understanding ShredShox’s mechanics enhances the skiing experience.

Run 6: Mastery Emerging

• “46.6mph. Feeling GOOD!”
  Trust leads to confidence at high speeds.

• “This has changed skiing!”
  A pivotal moment of satisfaction and recognition of the innovation.

• “My theory was right: sitting slightly higher makes edge-to-edge transitions easier.”
  Small adjustments unlock significant performance improvements.

Run 7-8: Technical Turns

• “Parallel push turns on the fall line are a lot more work.”
  Challenges remain with technical, quick transitions.

• “It holds a line better than ever before.”
  The ski’s stability shines in carving situations.

• “Push turns are easier with a soft front and harder rear.”
  Testing damping settings reveals potential setups for specific conditions.

Run 9: Tweaking Settings

• “Front at 8, rear at 7… it absolutely helped with push turns parallel to the fall line.”
  Continued experimentation refines the performance.

• “For powder, I probably want damping at the front to be soft and a little stiffer at the rear.”
  Forward planning for variable conditions emerges from the day’s learnings.

Run 13: Comfort Mode

• “Carving beast! I can dent the turn, rely on the edge, and not get all the bumps translated to my knees.”
  Adjustments prioritize comfort and efficiency as fatigue sets in.

• “Love it. Gave an older guy the details. 2 lifties asked for the brand.”
  ShredShox begins attracting attention on the slopes.

• “All I can say is awesome, 26,000 feet today and it just kept getting better. My knees are happy!