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02-27-2006, 11:17 PM #1
Salomon Gun Lab and AK Rocket Lab Review
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Salomon Oasis free demo tent at Heavenly. I decided to take the 188 Salomon Gun Lab and 195 AK Rocket Lab for a free ride.
Me: 5'10", 178#
My current quiver: 2006 188 Soft Bros w/ Freerides, 2005 188 Stiff Bros w/ Tyrolia Demos, 2004 188 Rossignol Scratch BC w/ Atomic 412.
The conditions at Heavenly: Mixed, including soft chalky winter snow on upper elevation north facing slopes, firm to chopped snowcone on upper elevation slopes with other exposures, along with good crud, and a variety of corn at lower elevations.
Terrain: Steeps (Killebrew and Mott) Trees (Maggies, Hogsback, etc.) Bumps (Gunbarrel, Milky Way) and a few groomed cruisers.
After clicking out of my beloved soft Bros I entered the Salomon Tent to see if they had Gun Labs available. Yes. When I requested these skis I was looked upon as having mucho grande cajones. Hmmm.
My first impression of the Gun Lab was that it had a damp feeling like my Scratch BCs. After a couple of runs I could tell that they were more stable, had a stiffer tail, and responded well to a little forward pressure and being rolled on edge. They seemed to be easier to turn with every run I made. Comfortable and confidence inspiring. A versatile ski that could be taken anywhere. The more I skied them the better I liked them. However, my two hours were up. I was about to leave when I noticed the AK Rockets, oh yeah, I've heard of these. Why not. At first glance they looked a bit massive. However, once I had them on, they turned easily, even short turns. My first impression was that they felt like bigger 4x4 flame Bigs with a more drastic swallow tail. These skis like to move. I didn't notice/feel the length. Quick, stable, one-way only. You wouldn't want to ski switch on these. A fun ride. Ideal for someone who would rather straightline a narrow chute than billygoat it. Comparing the two skis, I preferred the Gun Labs versatility. Both felt much better than previous Salomon skis I have tried (Pocket Rocket, X-Scream, Crossmax, 1S.) If someone gave me $1200 and told me I had to buy a Salomon, I'd be happy with the Gun Labs. You spancered guys are very fortunate.
It did feel good to get back on my Bros for the rest of the day, so very light, quick, fun. They weren't even jealous, welcoming me back after my three-way.
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02-27-2006, 11:19 PM #2
FYI: next year the gun lab is repalcing the PR and will be $700ish retail.
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02-27-2006, 11:23 PM #3
Then what happens to the GUN (which is last years Pocket Rocket with new name and top sheet)?
Every man dies. Not every man lives.
You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.
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02-27-2006, 11:23 PM #4Originally Posted by Jim S
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02-27-2006, 11:53 PM #5
marshall is it like the Squads are now... the shorter guns will be sissy sticks then the 188 will be the "lab" from this year or are they all getting the same construction?
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02-28-2006, 05:17 AM #6
They will all be the same construction for the entire range.
I have my doubts that the Gun labs from this year are constructed any different from what they will be next year.
When i first bought my Gun labs from austria, they both arrived with major flaws in the pressing. I had to send them back to Salomon for a replacement. If these had been hand made, they would not have made it through the check process as it took me 2 mins to find the pressing was wrong. A Salomon Lab tech would have picked them up in 2 seconds. I think they were made as a prep for the Gun line for next year rather than in the Salomon lab as they don't actually have the Salomon Lab Stamp on the Tail like all the other Salomon Lab Stuff. I also compared the construction to a pair of foils i had for a bit. The construction looked identical ....
I'd be interested to find out if anyone has any Salomon Contacts willing to spill the beans.
I'm not overly fussed as i got mine for the same price as a pair of Foils but i think there is a bit of misinformation about them.Semper in Pulveris .... Only the depth varies
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02-28-2006, 07:06 AM #7Originally Posted by wildstyle
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02-28-2006, 08:37 AM #8Originally Posted by wildstyle
the reason they are "s-lab" is the race base, edges, and core.
they super high density core remains next year (very simliar to squad's foam core) but they get a more durable consumer level base and edge materials. this is a very good thing IMO, as the race base coreshot too easily.
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02-28-2006, 09:27 AM #9Originally Posted by marshalolson
I also found them quite tough.
I'm thinking they're consumer bases at the moment ....Semper in Pulveris .... Only the depth varies
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02-28-2006, 04:05 PM #10Registered User
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
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Are next year's GUNS (this year's GUN LAB) going to come in the same size range as the GUNS of this year or just be available in the 188? I would hope just in 188.
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02-28-2006, 04:47 PM #11
they will be full range, not just 188cms ....
Semper in Pulveris .... Only the depth varies
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02-28-2006, 04:48 PM #12Originally Posted by huck303
you must be totally core to want just the 188.Cruise-ships of choice:
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02-28-2006, 05:48 PM #13
Gun's will be available in 188/174/164/154
Dimensions:
188- 135/101/126 Radius 22.2
174- 130/96/124 Radius 18.6
164- 130/94/123 Radius 15.5
154- 130/90/122 Radius 12.8
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02-28-2006, 07:01 PM #14Registered User
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
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- 6
roorfan, chill out guy. I am a loyal salomon fan/user but think they need a good exclusive high end product. I was hoping the new GUN/GUN LAB could be that ski they need. They have a horrible rep with people who are considered "core" by dorks like you.
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03-01-2006, 03:53 AM #15
if you want to see what Salomon is doing with next years line up, here it is.
http://wangel.jp/ski/_salomon07.htmlSemper in Pulveris .... Only the depth varies
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03-03-2006, 07:56 AM #16Originally Posted by huck303
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03-04-2006, 03:06 PM #17Originally Posted by Alkasquawlik
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03-06-2006, 09:13 AM #18
it would appear that the graphics on next year's solomons are unforgiveable, but thats why they made aircraft grey paint, nobody steals them either
Three fundamentals of every extreme skier, total disregard for personal saftey, amphetamines, and lots and lots of malt liquor......-jack handy
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03-06-2006, 07:53 PM #19Originally Posted by couloir
edit: a word? no?Cruise-ships of choice:
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