SKU: 5305 Voile HyperVector BC Skis

I do a lot of low angle skiing in Montana, so lots of long up and down hills that aren't alpine level steep (I do also ski alpine with these). I got into back country XC skiing a few seasons ago on a pair of Rossi BC 100s. Great skis but they didn't offer the flexibility to ski downhill the way I could having the heel locked in. The Hyper Vectors were the perfect answer. They're negligibly heavier than my Rossis, which is crazy considering the Rossis are strictly an XC ski not meant for downhill capability. The Voile HyperVectors climb just as well as the Rossis without skins, the fish scales are amazing. They don't replace skins (like the website says/should be expected) but they save a lot of time on low angle slopes that are continually going up and down because you don't have to take your skins on and off! So, so nice. These skis are such a great way to make low angle skiing more fun and still rip when you want to take them up to the mountain peaks for some steep downhill. I used these at a small resort and I think they're great for resort skiing too (they weren't perfect but I think that has more to do with my Dynafits not being meant for resort skiing and being strictly a backcountry binding).

I am just finishing up my third season on a set of Hypervector BCs, which replaced a pair of Vector BCs that I rode until they were no longer viable. This ski is not for everyone, but for those who have long, rolling approaches to work through, it is an ideal tool. Similarly, I may quit doing ski traverses if this ski is ever discontinued, because moving to anything else is too disappointing of a thought to contemplate. \nThis ski is certainly outperformed by some others in specific conditions, but there are very few options out there that handle everything as well as the Hypervector BC. This trait really shines on long spring tours or multi-day trips, where every type of condition might be encountered. It is easy to make a powder ski fun, but these skis manage to bring a smile to the face while descending mixed spring snow and hauling an overnight pack. They especially excel in wind and sun-affected snow, and in corn. \nAs far as the scales are concerned, I use these primarily from March-June, when the snow gives grip on the uphill and minimal resistance on the down. Dry, early winter snow gives the worst of both worlds, but in a higher-density spring snowpack, it is astonishing what can be climbed without skins (I recently skied a 200+ mile traverse where the skins came out fewer than 5 times). Likewise, not dealing with water-saturated, sticky skins is priceless. In normal mid-late season conditions, a scaly setup is simply faster and more efficient than skins—even race or kicker skins. While it may be possible to travel near the same speed on skins, the effort saved over miles of low-friction gliding makes it possible to travel further with considerably less effort. For me, this means that skiing becomes more fun, which is generally what I am after. \nThis ski can crush miles on the flats and is completely capable of descending anything you might come across, and really benefits from a lighter setup. I ski mine with lightweight bindings (Plum R170) and Alien RS boots, and the result is something that is genuinely pleasant over miles and miles of gentle terrain, but completely capable on any spicy bits that catch the eye. \nFor me, this is a quiver ski, but in a somewhat unconventional sense. It does not come out for certain conditions, but rather for a time of year or a type of skiing. As soon as the days start getting long, my other skis start collecting dust. For long tours that stretch daylight or continue into multiple days, the Hypervector BC is a well-refined tool that continues to shine well after my legs have given up.

A note to locals, quite surprisingly I was able to get all the way up to top of Supreme at Alta, using these skis WITHOUT skins. That is quite a weight/energy savings. Also worth noting, I used to have the older baby blue version of the vector, and I've noticed the new Hyper Vector has been improved significantly - seems more forgiving, and enjoyable in its handling.