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X-Kart vs Blackeye

post #1 of 5
8/3/12 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
I'd appreciate any opinions or feedback I'm looking to update my frontside skis. I was set on getting the Atomic Blackeye Ti until I read about the Salomon X-Kart. Day-in-day-out they would suit me better, but the Blackeye would be better for those rare days when there is fresh snow. I am worried now that the Blackeyes would be like my old Volkl G30s: very nice at speed, but too much work in tight spots.
I'm currently on hand-me-down Atomic SL 9.12 from 2003 in 154cm (?). I would never have bought those skis, but they are short and grip well, which I find handy for skiing with my young sons. I do lots of short, slow turns and need to be maneuverable when helping the kids. I'm 5'9", 160lbs, advanced, male, confined to the northeast. Hardpack and ice are common here.
Re: Length, my first thought is 164cm for the X-Kart but should I go with 157cm instead. If I go with the Blackeye then is 167cm right?
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post #2 of 5
8/6/12 at 2:41pm

Welcome to EpicSki. 

 

With this bump, perhaps someone will see it who has been on the skis you're talking about.  

 

 

Would you consider a different ski if it were suited to your needs? 

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post #3 of 5
8/6/12 at 5:22pm
Hi!
I've been pleasantly surprised this season by the Blackeye . I found them very versatile and not at all what I expected. The flex and edge feel is quite similar to my Atomic SL ti 's, albeit with a less aggressive tip. The "rocker" makes it feel quite de-tuned on the shovel, so it really skis much shorter than it's length. It's no slalom ski, but will crank turns from the familiar Atomic sweet spot if you ask it to.

It will then cruise nicely - I took it to Tremblant for spring skiing and it handled marvelously, handled cheater gs turn shapes, but then let me hit the brakes and snap some short turns thru bumps. This is my first recreational ski and I had a ball on it. You just have to keep in mind that you can't load the tip like you would a race ski., but also, you don't have to sound the internal alarms if you suddenly cruise into some bumps, the softer tip sucks it up for you nicely.

I really enjoyed the fact that the Blackeye "feels" Atomic racey, so it was just a transition to the thicker waist and more patient turn shape if you switch skis... I can't comment on the Salomons. I wound up on the Blackeye after purchasing a Dynastar Sultan and hating it (wanted to try the thick waist skis). I'm back on Atomic last season after years on dyna and rossi. Plus, you can find a last year's Blackeye (mine is 2011) at a great deal - I paid $399 and think it was alot of ski for the money (was looking at Salomons xt850 for $1100... Went with the $ and didn't look back lol)
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post #4 of 5
8/6/12 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MNummi View Post

I'd appreciate any opinions or feedback I'm looking to update my frontside skis. I was set on getting the Atomic Blackeye Ti until I read about the Salomon X-Kart. 
 
 I'm 5'9", 160lbs, advanced, male, confined to the northeast. Hardpack and ice are common here.
 
Re: Length, my first thought is 164cm for the X-Kart but should I go with 157cm instead. If I go with the Blackeye then is 167cm right?

 

Just a thought here.  What you read about in reviews, doesn't always translate to your individual experience.  I've tried several models that get rave reviews for the most part, but still weren't my favorites.   Can you wait until you have a chance to demo?  That might answer most of your questions. 

 

FWIW, I'm 5'10" and 140 lbs.  I'm on 170cm skis, but with early rise/rocker on most newer skis, I'll probably go a little longer, like 176-180 on my next pair of all-mountain daily driver skis.  Of course, I'm skiing in the PNW, more frequent snow and less ice.  Notheless, I feel the 157 is too short, the Blackeye 167cm may be a good fit.   

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post #5 of 5
8/8/12 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the feedback. I will likely go with the 167 blackeyes. Info on the x-kart is hard to come by, it seems they get less marketing on this side of the Atlantic than in Europe. Anybody have experience with the X-Karts?
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