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Like most of us on the forum, I started on blades and then moved on to skiboards. As much fun as blades are, at some point you realize their limitations and know you need to upgrade. That moment came for me when I got bogged down in just six inches of new, wet snow.
I found my old blades last weekend in a dusty corner of my garage, cleaned them off, sharpened up the edges and gave them a fresh coat of wax. I had a ton of fun riding them up at Snowbowl today on the fresh groomers. After years of wide skiboards, it was like strapping on a pair of racing skis. First off, they are so light. Cheap capped construction and plastic bindings really don't weigh much, it was like having nothing more than skates on your feet. Typically, the non release bindings were a pain to put on, I swear the bales were bending as I snapped the plastic toe pieces into place. Their narrow profile made turns so fast and the edges bit into the snow like glue. Surprisingly fast as well. They really do embody what minimalism is all about in sports. Pure fun.
As much fun as there were on the groomers, I knew that was all I could ever get out of them. Skibaords are so much more versatile in varied conditions. But, it did take me back. Back to that first moment when you realize how easy it can be to have fun on the slopes.
So, if you can find your old blades, dust them off, get nostalgic and rediscover how you got into the sport.
Here they are; the LK Pro Blades from 5th Element. Classic capped construction with composite bindings. But hey, they do have a wood core!
I found my old blades last weekend in a dusty corner of my garage, cleaned them off, sharpened up the edges and gave them a fresh coat of wax. I had a ton of fun riding them up at Snowbowl today on the fresh groomers. After years of wide skiboards, it was like strapping on a pair of racing skis. First off, they are so light. Cheap capped construction and plastic bindings really don't weigh much, it was like having nothing more than skates on your feet. Typically, the non release bindings were a pain to put on, I swear the bales were bending as I snapped the plastic toe pieces into place. Their narrow profile made turns so fast and the edges bit into the snow like glue. Surprisingly fast as well. They really do embody what minimalism is all about in sports. Pure fun.
As much fun as there were on the groomers, I knew that was all I could ever get out of them. Skibaords are so much more versatile in varied conditions. But, it did take me back. Back to that first moment when you realize how easy it can be to have fun on the slopes.
So, if you can find your old blades, dust them off, get nostalgic and rediscover how you got into the sport.
Here they are; the LK Pro Blades from 5th Element. Classic capped construction with composite bindings. But hey, they do have a wood core!
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