Innovation. It's something all businesses want, but often few find. This post is about perceived engineering innovation. Why perceived? The answer rests with the performance of my new skis in the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Race (54 km / 34 miles). I'll report back after the race, but even you non skiers should be interested in this "evolving story" of Madshus Skis and the Northstar Nerd. Let me define the scenario, and how Madshus has expanded the marketplace with what I perceive as an innovation in the design of waxless classic cross-country skis.
The Scenario: Yours truly is a decent citizen racer. Over the course of the Winter I compete in many long distance ski races. My preferred event is "classic", which requires matching the wax, which allows the skier to move forward, to the weather and snow conditions. Over the course of long distance races, two things often happen:
- Wax may wear off due to hard skiing and / or debris on the trail
- Temperatures may rise or fall which then require different waxes
- Saturday's race weather forecast has temperatures warming from 17F to 34F
- The Birkie Trail is likely to have abundant pine needles (rips off wax)
The Concern: The combination of rising temperatures through many wax ranges (Green, Blue, Purple, etc.) and pine needles when coupled with a long distance race makes waxing for this citizen racer very difficult, if not impossible. However, I've been skiing on classic skis and waxing to meet the snow / weather conditions since the late 1960's. I know how to wax, and have "nailed" every waxing job for the four other races in which I've competed this Winter.
The Ego: Many skiers, including myself have always looked down upon waxless skies. Performance over the years has generally been worse than a good waxable ski.
The Decision: Due to a bad waxing experience out on the Birkie Trail during the Birkie Tour, I did some online research and discovered Madshus Terrasonic Zero Waxless Ski. I already knew about Madshus Skis, but not this product. Their waxless ski bottom design incorporates materials on a base where one uses sandpaper to adjust the ski's kick zone! The days of "fishscale" noisy waxless skis are over. (read Madshus waxless skis bottom preparation instructions).
My Pre-Birkie Test: Although I had pretty much decided to go with my new Madshus skis, I still had a nagging concern that it was the wrong decision. Thus, this afternoon I conducted a time trial ... Hoeg vs Hoeg! I drove over to the local ski trails and did a 1.5 km test ski at full speed on both my Atomic Pro Race Classic and Madshus Terrasonic Skis. I skied my Atomic skis first, and measured the results with my Garmin. The difference between the two tests was one second. (test conditions: sunny, 18F and icy older snow)
A Bit More Data: I've skied Atomic Skis for a long time. Thus, Madshus has not only convinced me to try a waxless ski, but to also change brands. For athletes, that is often a big deal.
This ENDS Part #1: I spent $250 to purchase my new skis with bindings (normally more expensive, but I benefited with end of Winter sales). I'll report back after the Birkie and let folks know whether I believe Madshus has achieved innovation ... only 54 kilometers to go!
I also have contacted Madshus. Let's see if I can bring them into this dialogue.
Update on Friday, Feb. 26th: Although I like my new Madshus Skis, I'm wavering in my resolve at the forecast looks colder at the start than expected. I hope to finish in around 4+ hours. I start at 8:40 a.m.
Post Birkie Update: I did use my Atomic ProRace Classis waxable skis for the Birkie. I was concerned that the conditions were too cold for my Madshus skis at the start. At around 44km, I did stop and add purple wax, which was a smart move given how much it warmed up through the morning.
However, I have been very pleased with the performance of my Madshus Terrasonic skis at 25+F.
