Perfect race skis are the sum of construction and geometry, premium materials and careful selection. First, let’s look at what makes a good race ski.
Madshus racing skis are the tangible result of innovative engineering, years of product development, researched and selected materials, and a carefully controlled and monitored manufacturing process. Even the machines in the factory are largely engineered and built by Madshus.
Then there is testing: we let the skis loose on the most relentless test crew on the planet – world champions aiming for their next record. Their feedback is never sugar coated, and they never settle for compromise.
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The Madshus racing selection consists of the Champion series with the Nanosonic and Hypersonic models, and the Race Performance series with the Terrasonic, Megasonic, Ultrasonic and Intrasonic models as well as the women-specific models Metis and Maya.
“The Champion series skis are our World Cup level products. The Race Performance series models are based on the exact same engineering and geometry, but by using slightly different materials in parts of the construction, we have been able to reduce the price without compromising much of the skis properties,” says Bjørn-Ivar Austrem, who is the Madshus Global Category Manager for Skis.
“One of the differences is that we have more carbon in the Champion series skis. That allows us to better control the stiffness of the ski while maintaining or even lowering the weight,” he explains.
Slight differences in construction and materials
The Madshus Champion series racing skis are based on the Triaxial construction, which basically is a sock of fiberglass and carbon that are woven in a pattern where the fibers are 45 degrees that surrounds the core material. More carbon toward the tip and the tail increases the torsional stiffness of the ski without increasing the weight.
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“You could achieve the same stiffness with a different construction, but that would increase the weight,” Austrem says.
The Race Performance series is based on the technology from the Champion series, but features the 3D Torsion Cap construction. This design consists of a reinforced core covered by a cap, producing an incredibly durable, light and extremely versatile race ski.
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Either way, you’ll have a lightning fast, lively ski that’s easy to love.
Price and accuracy
So the main differences between the Champion series and the Race Performance series is the price and the construction/materials.
However, the Champion series skis have a more specific range of use for each pair, more increments and offer different splays in all models – distinct splay for warm conditions and slight splay for cold conditions. There are more flex ranges and cambers available in the Champion series models, while Race Performance skis have a wider range of skier weight and usage area for each model.
The Champion series skis offer a cold and a warm version of each model, while the Race Performance models are designed to be all-rounders.
“But you can measure the flex, camber and splay in the Race Performance skis just as accurately as for the Champion series skis, using the same tools and techniques,” Austrem says, adding that when choosing race skis, it really comes down to your budget.
“The most important factor is the skier. Get the right ski for your weight, technique, ambition level and the conditions where you will use the skis the most,” he suggests.
Your skis might just be made right next to Bjoerndalen’s
At the Madshus factory, all the skis are built in the same facility and from the same molds, whether they are going to the World Cup or to retailers. This is unique in the manufacturing world. Most of the other brands build their World Cup skis in a different facility from where they produce the skis destined for consumers, Austrem points out.
“But it has always been our philosophy that all skiers are equally important,” he explains.