Wagner "Skier DNA" Custom Ski Algorithm Software?

[juanrogera]

I've always been intrigued by hand-build quality goods with pride of workmanship. In recent months I've found myself perusing the list of ski manufacturers here: http://www.exoticskis.com/ExoticSkis/list.aspx. Most of them look to be boutique brands offering custom graphic options, but Wagner seems to have something different: a software code.

Reading about it in this TGR story, Wagner’s Skier DNA Software is 300,000 lines of code. Video embed of Pete discussing the software below.

This leaves me with a couple questions:

(1) Is a software like this truly capable of designing a better ski, compared to something of a consultation with ski designer? (I understand Wagner does both). For example, in consideration of all the ski's I've ever owned, I know attributes of each provide distinct ride characteristics. In my brain I *think* I could frankenstein those attributes to design a ski to fit a particular skier's desires. Can/does software take that to the next level of design improvement?

(2) Do custom skis tailored to the individual truly make a difference, or is it just a bunch of hooey? Dentists trying to buy better skills through equipment instead of investing in lessons...

[Shredhead]

The guys skis are works of art.

[m2711c]

Is it art? Or is it data?

[juanrogera]

The guys skis are works of art.

Do you mean "art" in the literal sense of subjectively beautiful aesthetics, or in the figurative sense praising the benefits of custom tailored skis with clear performance benefits?

[Shredhead]

Beautiful aesthetics. Never skied, just admire the fit and finish.

My shop buds got me to fill out the questionnaire.
Just can’t get myself to spend that much and I buy a lot of skis.
Lots of Kastles, V-Werks, etc.
I tend to buy at the end of the season for <50%.

[schindlerpiste]

So what about the "stock" Wagners that you see at Gorsuch? Still expensive, but not custom. I've never fondled a pair, but you've got to be intrigued by the hype. I just question whether people are truly that in tuned with what makes them ski better, or what they need to maximize enjoyment. Like I could say, "give me a square tail, sandwich construction with two sheets of metal and vertical sidewalls." WTF do I know.

[myles long]

Love my Wagners. The process for getting to a proof/design involved a lot of questions about use and other skis. Not sure if it was just me but asking a lot about skis I ride/rode, what I liked about them and what I didn't. If I had to guess he has a database of ski tech specs and uses that as part of the algorithm to land on a design.

The while setup comes as a package if you want. I dropped my boot off at the shop in telluride and he shipped it all back to me mounted and ready to go. The production manager sent progress pics of the build along the way. Overall a very fun process.

They ski the way I wanted them to and I find myself grabbing them on most days.


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[SnakeMagnet]

Man i'd just be worried that I *don't* have the right idea about what I want in a ski and have all that cash blown up for just another stick. Yeah they'll re-make it, yet that just feels like a dick move on my behalf. But it's a bucket-list thing to get a pair of these; even have the topsheet lined up, so i'm going to properly record my thoughts on anything I ride here on out.

Though tools or not, i'd still feel like a dick when I inevitably wreck them on rocks.

[myles long]

Man i'd just be worried that I *don't* have the right idea about what I want in a ski and have all that cash blown up for just another stick. .

I think when you talk to Pete he takes all this in and makes a design based on his experience and skills. I would be worried less about liking what you have and more about wanting more than 1.

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[juanrogera]

Does anybody have any perception on the software aspect of the design process? The comments above lead me to believe the perception is based on Pete's experience and skill in design and building.

[myles long]

Does anybody have any perception on the software aspect of the design process? The comments above lead me to believe the perception is based on Pete's experience and skill in design and building.

From what I could tell the software was more of a catalog of existing skis and specs. Plugging in what you like, what you want narrows in on a series of specs. There are a few proofs on design and you can down a route from there. It likely also creates the build plans/specs for any machining.

Didn't get to see what his end looked like but just from what I remember in the meetings and emails.

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