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Spruce Mountain Skiboards - 115 CM Crossbow Longboards

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  • Spruce Mountain Skiboards - 115 CM Crossbow Longboards

    They say that Christmas time is a time of happiness when a jolly old man from the North spreads joy by delivering presents to everyone on the "Nice" list. Well if this is true I've been very good and Christmas has come early at my house (and Santa's workshop is in New Hampshire not the North Pole.)

    Thanks to Santa Jeff (and FexEx) I give your first look at the 115 Crossbow from Spruce Mountain Skiboards:



    LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

    Before comparing them to other boards let's just talk about these in isolation. The construction looks solid, no less than what I would expect from a perfectionist like Jeff Singer at Spruce. These are sidewall constructed. White sidewalls and black bases. The pics (both above and on https://www.spruceski.com) do not do justice to the topsheets. They really came out nice and the "CTS" graphics pop a lot more than they did when Spruce used them on the last batch of Spruce 120s. The primary colors are deep black and white with grey and green accents. The rocker is very gentle at both ends with a modest camber underfoot. As anticipated they have 2 sets of 4x10 inserts to allow for a center or a setback riding position. The tip of the board has a very tall rise that is more pronounced than anything in my quiver. It should make crud busting and powder riding a joy.



    Now how do they compare to other boards? Pictured above from left to right are the following:
    • 105 CM RVL8 Revolt Cities (no Ricky they are not for sale)
    • 109 CM RVL8 Spliff
    • 115 CM Spruce Crossbows
    • 120 CM Spruce 120s


    The waist width is comparable to the Revolts while the sidecut seems to be closer to the 120s. I do not currently have my RVL8 SIIs for comparision (out on loan for the day) but they really do look like the Spruce 120s and SIIs had a love child. These appear to be a directional skiboard not a symmetrical skiboard with a more pronounced tip than tail. It also appears that the side cut starts a bit further back from the tip than it does from the tail employing a design detail found in many long skis today that gives you a crud busting shovel at the tip that doesn't get in the way when you carve. As far as stiffness goes these appear to lean toward the soft flex end of the spectrum. Certainly softer than my 120s but this may just be at the tip and tail as the construction underfoot is very robust. Only time on the hill will tell the real story.

    So when will I get this out to test drive? I am hoping this week but with the holidays it may have to wait until after Christmas. I'll post my thoughts after my first ride but if you have a set headed your way or order a set tomorrow and beat me to the hill feel free to share your thoughts on this thread to keep the conversation going.

    If you are interested, Spruce starts sale to the general public tomorrow (12/19/17). Follow this link to order and for more information: https://www.spruceski.com/store/p50/...Skiboards.html
    Boards:
    2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
    2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
    2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
    2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
    2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
    2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
    2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
    2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

  • #2
    Beautiful! Can't wait to hear how they perform on the mountain!

    You mentioned these are sidewall constructed, are all Spruce boards moving to sidewall or just the Crossbows?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Toro View Post
      You mentioned these are sidewall constructed, are all Spruce boards moving to sidewall or just the Crossbows?
      I am not sure if all Spruce boards are moving to sidewall over capped construction. The last batch of Spruce 120s was capped construction but my 125LEs (preproduction Raptors) were sidewall construction.

      For me I prefer sidewall construction. Some don't like that the sidewalls chip a bit and prefer capped construction. For me the chipping is a minor nuisance and a badge of honor. Sidewall, IMHO, gives the skiboards a high end ski look and more stiffness across the board for edge grip.
      Boards:
      2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
      2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
      2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
      2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
      2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
      2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
      2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
      2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

      Comment


      • #4
        Awesome write up, be nice to know how they do on both sides of the states, and with people of all sizes too. I’m small in comparison to most, standing at 5’9” and weighing in at 155. I’m wondering if these are more geared to the larger framed and stronger then the normal person.
        Anyone out near California want to test these out anytime soon? I have a pair on order and I’m willing to get as many that want to give them a test run when I receive them ..


        Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
        I'm just the FNG--== ****ing new guy

        Comment


        • #5


          Christmas came early for a few of us! Thanks Wookie for saving me from typing - I can say ditto to everything he said. I also agree with the softer flex, but really think that it is more in the tips and tails because the camber underfoot appears to be more robust than the 120’s as I recall them. For another comparison, these tips/tails are stiffer than my 2012 Rockered Condors.

          I plan to ride these on Thursday so hope to post a review soon after. I am excited to ride these - they are very sharp looking and in hand show significant promise!


          Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

          Comment


          • #6
            Can you guys snap a photo from the side with the skis on a level surface, like a table, to see the side profile?

            I think soft tips are generally good for versatility in softer conditions. The stiffer center might still provide good stability and edge hold.

            But weren't these supposed to be symmetrical? I prefer directional as forward is where I am facing most of the time , just was confused, I guess.

            As for bigger vs smaller riders, it is not a simple choice. I think a lighter and less aggressive rider should avoid overly stiff boards regardless if board size. Heavier or more aggressive riders might benefit from stiffer and bigger boards. But there is a wide range of preferences and riding styles. Most skiboards are fine for most riders, except at the extreme weight ranges and snow conditions combinations - don't want a heavy rider on short skinny boards in deep soft conditions for example.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Kocho View Post
              Can you guys snap a photo from the side with the skis on a level surface, like a table, to see the side profile?

              I think soft tips are generally good for versatility in softer conditions. The stiffer center might still provide good stability and edge hold.

              But weren't these supposed to be symmetrical? I prefer directional as forward is where I am facing most of the time , just was confused, I guess.

              As for bigger vs smaller riders, it is not a simple choice. I think a lighter and less aggressive rider should avoid overly stiff boards regardless if board size. Heavier or more aggressive riders might benefit from stiffer and bigger boards. But there is a wide range of preferences and riding styles. Most skiboards are fine for most riders, except at the extreme weight ranges and snow conditions combinations - don't want a heavy rider on short skinny boards in deep soft conditions for example.
              I can post a photo of the side profile tonight (unless Wookie beats me to it). These boards are symmetrical in the width profile (138-112-138), but the tips appear to have quite a bit more rocker in them showing them to be naturally a more directional board as Wookie mentioned.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Kocho View Post
                Can you guys snap a photo from the side with the skis on a level surface, like a table, to see the side profile?
                See below. These are just some quick shots with my iPhone. I would taken better reference shots on my workbench but the background would have been very cluttered and there is a 7th grade Science project currently in residence. The tip of the board is facing right:

                (I inserted these as embedded Flickr files so if you click on them you can get to the higher res originals)

                Full Board

                Spruce Crossbow Profile (Tail -- Tip)

                Tip

                Spruce Crossbow (Tip)

                Tail

                Spruce Crossbow (Tail)

                Originally posted by Kocho View Post
                But weren't these supposed to be symmetrical?
                Only Jeff can comment for sure on the design but he has never made a symmetrical board. Even the 120s are directional though it's barely noticeable. I have not measured them but to my eye the tip raises higher than the tail (not the rocker but the portion beyond the sidecut). The side cut at the tip seems to stop sooner than the tail. When you stack these reversed you can see the differences in symmetry (or lack thereof).

                Originally posted by macrophotog View Post
                I can post a photo of the side profile tonight (unless Wookie beats me to it).
                You are a better photographer than I am so please feel free to post some pics when you can.

                Originally posted by macrophotog View Post
                These boards are symmetrical in the width profile (138-112-138), but the tips appear to have quite a bit more rocker in them showing them to be naturally a more directional board as Wookie mentioned.
                The side cut is 138-112-138 but I think the widest part of the tip is slightly further back from the end than the widest part of the tail. Please compare your boards and verify. I suspect that the setback position, like the SIIs, will feel like the more natural center of the skiboard. Testing this week to vet that out.
                Boards:
                2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
                2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
                2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
                2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
                2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
                2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
                2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
                2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

                Comment


                • #9
                  If I remember correctly, the running base of the 120 (the bit that sits on the snow) was symmetrical, and the binding was dead centre of this. But the tip was longer than the tail, giving the appearance of a directional board, but was in reality symmetrical. I suspect the Crossbow is the same?

                  Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk
                  Crossbow (go to dream board)
                  Most everything else over time.
                  Go Android

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by valmorel View Post
                    If I remember correctly, the running base of the 120 (the bit that sits on the snow) was symmetrical, and the binding was dead centre of this. But the tip was longer than the tail, giving the appearance of a directional board, but was in reality symmetrical. I suspect the Crossbow is the same?
                    This is exactly what I am trying to describe with the Crossbows.
                    Boards:
                    2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
                    2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
                    2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
                    2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
                    2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
                    2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
                    2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
                    2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Wookie View Post
                      The side cut is 138-112-138 but I think the widest part of the tip is slightly further back from the end than the widest part of the tail. Please compare your boards and verify.
                      This is correct - the widest part of the tip is further back than the widest part of the tail. It reminded me of how some powder boards are built where the shovel is narrower than the widest part of the tip.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Thanks! Wow, a lot of tip and tail in the air ... They must ski short And a lot of camber too. Keep us posted on how you find them on the slopes later this week.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Kocho View Post
                          Thanks! Wow, a lot of tip and tail in the air ... They must ski short And a lot of camber too. Keep us posted on how you find them on the slopes later this week.
                          I haven't measured it out yet, but I think the design specified running length is just over 93cm.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Kocho View Post
                            Thanks! Wow, a lot of tip and tail in the air ... They must ski short And a lot of camber too.
                            The tip and tail height really stands out. A side-by-side pic with the SII would be interesting to see.
                            Boards/Bindings:
                            2013 Spruce Sherpas w/Tyrolia Peak 11s
                            2023 Spruce Stingers w/Tyrolia Peak 11s
                            2015 RVL8 Blunt XLs w/Tyrolia Attack 13s
                            2020 RVL8 Sticky Icky Ickys w/Tyrolia SX 10s


                            Boots:
                            Salomon X-Pro 80

                            Past boards: Salomon Snowblades, Line MNPs 89 & 98 cm, Five-Os, Bullets, Jedis, Spruce 120s, LE 125s, Ospreys, Crossbows
                            Summit 110s, Nomads, Jades, RVL8 ALPs, BWPs, KTPs, Tanshos, Rockets, DLPs, Blunts, Condors, RCs, Revolts, Spliffs

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by sempai View Post
                              The tip and tail height really stands out. A side-by-side pic with the SII would be interesting to see.
                              Ask and ye shall receive:

                              The angles to get these photos exaggerate things a bit but you can really see the more pronounced Tip and Tail.

                              Side by Side

                              file

                              SIIs overlay on Crossbows

                              file4

                              Profile w/ SIIs in foreground
                              <-- Tail --------------- Tip --->

                              file1

                              Tips aligned

                              file2

                              Tails aligned

                              file3
                              Boards:
                              2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
                              2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
                              2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
                              2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
                              2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
                              2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
                              2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
                              2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

                              Comment

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