Push the Envelope: Heritage Labs RC85 and RC95

[Marshal Olson]

are all your skis produced out of the states? Any hopes/plans to try to produce anything here?

well, I have explored many possibilities domestic and global... and could not be more happy with the way the HL skis are coming out and the relationship at present.

[FloridaSnow]

well, I have explored many possibilities domestic and global... and could not be more happy with the way the HL skis are coming out and the relationship at present.

no doubt. I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews of the quality. Was more just curious if you had any plans or want to build skis here in the states with any future models.

[Upinsmoke]

I personally don’t think there is anyone making skis in the USA that are this high of quality(yes I have skied and owned Moments & ON3P)

maybe Folsom or Wagner but in my experience you’re paying the $$$ for custom shapes or builds

[K1mJ0ngTr1ll]

I personally don’t think there is anyone making skis in the USA that are this high of quality(yes I have skied and owned Moments & ON3P)

maybe Folsom or Wagner but in my experience you’re paying the $$$ for custom shapes or builds

I had 2 pair of Folsoms and I spun screws in the core on first mount.

Moment and On3p are better built than Folsom ($1650 is insane) IMO but the quality of HL is definitely on par with those companies.

[The Iron Horse]

I had 2 pair of Folsoms and I spun screws in the core on first mount.

Moment and On3p are better built than Folsom ($1650 is insane) IMO but the quality of HL is definitely on par with those companies.

I have a slightly different take, as my one pair of Folsoms are rock solid. But I paid a lot more for those than I did for my HL, and I'd rate the HL just as high. Also right up there with my Praxis, but again, for a fraction of the price.

I believe my HL surpass every pair of Moments and ON3P I've had. And with a much better tune out of the wrapper. Not even close.

[Marshal Olson]

no doubt. I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews of the quality. Was more just curious if you had any plans or want to build skis here in the states with any future models.

Yeah, I have def. explored it. But the brands that can do what I want don't have extra capacity, and if they did, they would just make more of their own skis!

But that's OK, as I am super happy with what we are doing and the principal at the producer I am using go back ~20 years of working relationship. This makes everything a lot easier to just nail what we are looking for with far less hiccups... which certainly exist when setting up any new supplier. He is also just super fired up on the project and gives it far more attention than a little brand would receive, which again is super helpful.

[a-star]

Got my RC85 comp's today and played around with hand flexing them compared some of the other skis in my quiver. I write this realizing that different skis and widths are built for different uses, but wanted to disseminate the information regardless

These skis are definitely stiffer than my HL R120 comp's (the pink Blossom-built ones).

Compared to my Ranger 107 Ti's (both pairs; 1 unmounted an never skied and 1 pair I have 4 seasons on), I'd say this 'comp' version of the RC85 requires at least 75% more effort to hand flex. I write this noting that Blister said the 107 Ti was difficult to hand flex and damn stiff (https://blisterreview.com/gear-revie...-ranger-107-ti)

The only ski in my quiver that is remotely similar to this RC85 is my pair of pro-model (Austrian factory made) Atomic FIS Sl skis. My Sl skis were raced on by a D1 guy before I bought them off him, so have been skied fairly hard. That said, my RC85's are ~slightly~ more difficult to hand flex than my Sl skis, but given the difference in age and number of ski days, I image the Sl skis would have flexed similarly out of the box to the RC85's.

Excited to put some bindings on the 85's and get them on snow. TBH I'm a little scared too, it's a lot of ski to drive!

[gaijin]

Any profile pics to put this internet, hand flexing somewhat into context?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[Lord Thomas]

How the....... wait...... what the feck just happened. A while back I sold Marshal a pair of boots................and just yesterday another pair of skis landed at my house and I now owe him money. How does this keep happening? This guy is like the high priest of wizard ski pimps.

Now, that out of the way, a pair of RC85 comps is now in my possession. Yes, they are stiff...like really stiff out to the ends, though not totally unbendable. Very noticable looking at the core profile. More rocker than I was anticipating but still not a lot - very low in front They are heavy, weighing in at 2,158 and 2,187. I am officially starting to loose my mind with anticipation. I will be mounting them with a pair of Look Rockerace 15's (geen) and they will be fucking awesome. Been searching a long time for a ski like this.

I've got the rocker profile pics for Gaijin but can't get them uploaded. If someone can help me with the tech I'll post'm.

[Lord Thomas]

How the....... wait...... what the feck just happened. A while back I sold Marshal a pair of boots................and just yesterday another pair of skis landed at my house and I now owe him money. How does this keep happening? This guy is like the high priest of wizard ski pimps.

Now, that out of the way, a pair of RC85 comps is now in my possession. Yes, they are stiff...like really stiff out to the ends, though not totally unbendable. Very noticable looking at the core profile. More rocker than I was anticipating but still not a lot - very low in front They are heavy, weighing in at 2,158 and 2,187. I am officially starting to loose my mind with anticipation. I will be mounting them with a pair of Look Rockerace 15's (geen) and they will be fucking awesome. Been searching a long time for a ski like this.

I've got the rocker profile pics for Gaijin but can't get them uploaded. If someone can help me with the tech I'll post'm.

[chewski]

The wizard found me like new second skis in my size with holes drilled for my binding at my bsl at my preferred mount point in time for my heli trip this year

[waveshello]

How the....... wait...... what the feck just happened. A while back I sold Marshal a pair of boots................and just yesterday another pair of skis landed at my house and I now owe him money. How does this keep happening? This guy is like the high priest of wizard ski pimps.

Now, that out of the way, a pair of RC85 comps is now in my possession. Yes, they are stiff...like really stiff out to the ends, though not totally unbendable. Very noticable looking at the core profile. More rocker than I was anticipating but still not a lot - very low in front They are heavy, weighing in at 2,158 and 2,187. I am officially starting to loose my mind with anticipation. I will be mounting them with a pair of Look Rockerace 15's (geen) and they will be fucking awesome. Been searching a long time for a ski like this.

I've got the rocker profile pics for Gaijin but can't get them uploaded. If someone can help me with the tech I'll post'm.

Welp, I have them in my inbox but photo uploads aren't working for me either at the moment.

Linked here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...wYyNYqfv305ctY

[arild]

Haha, Marshal told me on the phone these were thicc, so that photo's a big confirmation on that point.

Sent fra min LE2123 via Tapatalk

[Lord Thomas]

Yeah, it's noticeable just holding them in your hand! Not for the faint of heart or the junior petites.

The third photo that Wave posted is the tip rocker decambered.

[TAFKALVS]

They are as thicc as some Chicken Heart Course GS I have…

[Lord Thomas]

Yeah, it's noticeable just holding them in your hand! Not for the faint of heart or the junior petites.

The third photo that Wave posted is the tip rocker decambered.

I'm fucking totally geeked out that somebody is actually producing a well conceived, no compromises killing machine. Our kin here on TGR can conceive a ski that at least a few of us really really want...and a manufacturer actually listens and just make it happen.

Viva La Heritage Labs!!!

[gaijin]

Thanks for the detailed profile pics. I really appreciate it.

That ski looks absolutely dialed. Based on the profile, I'm convinced it's more user-friendly than the stiffness leads you to believe... while giving up none of its top-end through imperfect, non-smooth snow.

Goddamnit, Marshall. Just when I had myself convinced that I didn't need a frontside ski anymore. Night laps after work just became appealing again.

[Norseman]

Yeah. That tail is the sex.

[Lord Thomas]

If I don't get too drunk tomorrow morning and remember to do it I will grab a tip profile pic of the RC85's, OG M102's, and my raceroom FIS Blizzard SL boards side-by-side. I think the 85's are easily the most firm of the group. The SL's are surprisingly soft and compliant, especially for coming from a sub 30pt FIS racer.

The tip and tail on these 85's look like they would like to party but they are stiff enough end to end that the resulting party would be pretty hard core.

[Lord Thomas]

If I don't get too drunk tomorrow morning and remember to do it I will grab a tip profile pic of the RC85's, OG M102's, and my raceroom FIS Blizzard SL boards side-by-side. I think the 85's are easily the most firm of the group. The SL's are surprisingly soft and compliant, especially for coming from a sub 30pt FIS racer.

The tip and tail on these 85's look like they would like to party but they are stiff enough end to end that the resulting party would be pretty hard core.

[iriponsnow]

My take -

rc85

Latest in the mix from Marshal Olson @ Heritage Labs is the 85 mm offering that is decidedly not a Rip Sticks or Kendo. Thanks!!

Groomers - whilst not the fastest edge to edge, this model is highly acceptable. It favors a stronger outside ski pressure & was confident thru the arc. If you are a 2 footed skier or have any sort of a stem or heel push, this ski will struggle to respond & you will end up in the back seat. Keep this in mind when considering. Both the FL105 and the r99 comp are far more user friendly or accessible. My feeling on this is independent of the burly flex. My take is that the FL 105 is the entry point for HL or an easy Daily Driver for a mountain pro type. This rc85 levels you up a few.

Short Turns - keeping in my mind the flex, they perform in an okay manner, but if you are looking for a ski to bang out short turns, find something else. I found that these needed an elongated time in the fall line to perform & really craved a release angle of ~20-25 degrees. If you’re looking to be a Wanger Banger, 2 scoop hero or Dolphin turns are your jam - this is not your ski. You will not pass Level 2 PSIA pivot slips or falling leaf drills on this setup.

Long Turns - this is where the rc85 shines ; it’s a true “horses for courses” style ski & here is the sweet spot. If you are looking for a ski that brings the heat in longer turns and will up your game, welcome home. If you are struggling to keep up with mates and have the chops to turn it. This is your ski. If you like big grins at high G’s - the rc85 is your Huckleberry.

Moguls - pretty certain the Surgeon General is coming up with a label for these; don’t try this at home kids. Just it’s a NO! ** Recall that I’m only 146 pounds and feel these are long. I’m told other testers feel they slay at the 200# and over mark, YMMV. I may feel similar on a 175 cm of better / softer flex.

Straight Lining - while some may never consider letting the skis run straight, I view this as a key characteristic of my boards. It’s more a series of tactical choices that separate intermediate from advanced skiing. How is the ski used with the terrain- there’s plenty of times where ice or terrible patches are simply not worth trying to turn on or even dangerous. You may also desire to save you legs as you get back to the lifts, this is where is matters. I’d say the rc85 with its subtle rocker lines and absent any metal was perfection as pointing them and going. They also “feel” or ski long so keep this in mind. Very rarely do I consider a 183 to be a lot of ski, but this one is such.

Off Piste - just super!!! Provided that you want to haul and not make short swing turns to simply shed vertical, this is a fantastic choice. By comparison to the FL 105, the shape of the rc85 wants to hold a better arc despite a shorter radius. It’s confident inspiring and silky smooth in and out of shapes. In comparison to the r99 comp, the ski is more stable and yet also able to break off the prescribed radius better. The in the air though the rc85 feels acceptable, but lesser composed and balanced than the FL 105. Where the FL 105 has an up & over, light feel, this ski has more of a muscle thru & plow pow perspective. Ergo, the increased confidence on the rc85. Of note, where I would not want to cliff out or shoot the trees at speed on the FL 105 for fear of hitting a speed limit, no such concerns here. Tip deflection was not noticed once while on this model.

Final thoughts / comparisons / contrasts - if we suspend disbelief that the flex is not an I beam & agree that the softer version will be better, I’d say this is a winner if you are looking for a ski to handle longer radius turns and / or off piste that trends towards more chalky than deep. This one “skis” long ; I almost felt like it was more of a 190 length. Yet the shape is superbly refined and allows you to release and run faster than you likely should.

The rc85 is a true charger in every sense. This may be a little bit of cold water for folks who are more plug n play skilled skiers. If you can see yourself legitimately brining your A game, it’s a fantastic option. If you are looking for a more accessible and lesser demanding option, the FL 105 will likely be far better for you.

This rig is not a Reckoner or Kendo or Mindbender or QST, it’s got guts. My suspicions are that most ppl should go for the shorter offering when Marshal presses the fall production run. Once corrected for flex, this will still be a monster of a ski. I think this is the truest incarnation of what Marshal founded Heritage Labs for - an unapologetic charger with a new skool twist and brutish design.

One of my perpetual complaints about the ski manufacturing universe is how to obtain the optimal flex or best construction, typically a skier needs to commit to the widest gnarly width for PR rationales; this rc85 bucks the trend and drops top tier build at a reasonable width for the vast majority of ppl who will always scrape bottom - even on a pow day. This is your no compromises, weapon of choice in a beautiful package from topsheet to shape to bases for the discerning skier looking for a muscle car charger in a realistic mid 80s waist.

[iriponsnow]

^ me / ~50 / 146 pounds / 5’9””

[iriponsnow]

TGR is being whacked- pop over to SkiTalk to see the terrain they were tested on in Austria.

[2FUNKY]

You’re on the 185 FL105 correct?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[pfluffenmeister]

You’re on the 185 FL105 correct?

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Which IMHO is a more serious ski than the Kastle MX98s.