Topsheet:
The look and quality of the titanial topsheet is amazing. Not only does it look and feel amazing, It seems to have a heavy resistance to scratching and gouging. Various people stepped on and rode over top, and there seemed to be no apparent marking from doing so. On the edges of the topsheet; where the most damage begins occuring, there was none. While not totally invincible, they are pretty damn close. Looking over after a heavy day of riding….(7.5hrs) there were only a few minor scratches from heavier spills. One of which I broke some leashes.
Edges:
They are rockwell steel edges on these still; but as discussed in other threads, they seem to be much sharper. My full day of riding, the edges always felt sharp….They dug in consistently as if they were right out of the box. This feeling lasted all day. I am not sure if the angle of cut on the edges differs from the Revel 8 lineup, but there is a deffinate sustainability of edge sharpness. I always ride hard and fast when I go out, which usually takes away edge sharpness at the end of the day…especailly with partial ice conditions. This was not the case with these boards. I was hard carving all day and they still seemed to stay sharp.
At the end of the day I actually cut myself on the middle edge of the board. After a full day of riding!! A clean razor style slice. If that doesnt say anything about the quality of edges, nothing does.
Bases:
The base on these boards are the Ptex2000 Base. The speed while riding is truly amazing. The bases ride smooth and fast and do it consistently. As the conditions were melting and getting sloppy. The bases allowed me to cruise over crude, ice, and grainular with ease. The bases allowed for an extra push of speed in the steeper areas.
Weight:
These things are built like tanks. Whatever extra materials go into the making are felt while riding. With a pound difference between the BWPs or (.5 per foot) and .6 between the 105 Revolt (.3lbs a foot). It take a while to get used to the weight differential once they were strapped to my feet. I usually have Tanshos on, so I was up 1.5lbs. Once you get used to the extra baggage, it get right back to that skiboard feel. For those of us that enjoy the heavier boards, these are a must have.
Butters:
No troubles here. Same feel and consistency as BWPs. Buttering was a little firmer which I liked, because I have more of a taste for firm boards. Being firmer, they have a little less “bounce” or “pop” when pressing weight into your tips, this could lead to smoother or rougher buttering depending on your riding style. A lighter rider may not be able to get the real flex that these can have when hardpressing. (Im 200lbs) This may be the sub 100 for you heaver gents because of the firmness they offer.
Fakie:
MMM fast. Loved the fakie riding on these. Although I have not tried the KTPs and have kind of steered clear from post 100 boards. These could very well be a contender for you fakie lovers. With this base being as fast as it is, I was pushing speeds well beyond my normal fakie riding. I dont know if it was the torpedo shaped tails/nose or the slick bases. They seemed to be locked to the snow, while at the same time gliding so fast i actually had to stop myself from running ovr people. They allowed me to ride harder/faster/longer backwards. It was great. If you love to go backwards and fast, I highly suggest a pair of these.
Flex:
The most Bulky/firm sub 100 on the Revel 8 site. This is the best board for those of us that like a little less flex. Very firm and consistent throughout the board, although forgiving on those hard landings. Much Lighter persons may find the firmness more unforgiving.
Rails:
The bases are a big part of rails. The bases slide over rails and boxes with ease. It felt like the boards were prewaxed every time. I never got caught up on any rails, as i sometimes do when it gets sticy out.
Jumps:
Great overall board for Big Airs. I dont know what it was but they reminded me of 105s when I was riding them. A 99 that lands like a 105cm, it was strange. Its like a had a heavier/firmer pair of Revolts on my feet. I landed firmly and consistently like I did when I had EMPs(Revolts) in my lineup. You would expect the sharp edges to hold you back in your landings, but they did the oposite. I was able to pull out and fakie out of possible bad landings. The sharp edges made board control quick and sharp.
Final note:
Amazing pair of boards that add some weight and firmness to your riding. Lacroix has made a real winner, and I hope this year is the beginning of many with their sub 100 boards.
Rider – J. Manley – Expert Skiboarder
