2014 HO A3 Review Ski - First 2 Rides

Horton

I took 2 sets on the A3 Friday night.
The first few passes were pretty messy. What I would call a "box of chocolates" (See terms ) Even though it was messy I ran 4 or 5 at 38. Considering that I have run less than ten 38s all year that is pretty good.

For the second set I adjusted ME and things started clicking. I ran one 32 and then five 35s. There is little question in my mind that this is a good ski and I am darn happy to spend August on it.

rq0013

Is the textured bottom as soft as some were saying on here? That you could push it in with your finger nail.

Horton

Yes the new bottom. You can sort of make a finger nail dent but it springs right back. Is sort of bazaar. If it skis good who cares.

jwr

Evidently it is just a coating. I can see on mine where they missed some spots.

A_B

So who needs Bubble Buoys if the ski collapses?
I know I am bored. Rain and gale winds all weekend. But I made an awesome turtle trap...

Ed_Johnson

Are we going to be invited over for turtle soup....and some of those great treats your Wife makes.

Horton

May ban you all.

Horton

@davelemons
what size ski?

Horton

ran 38 first ride today.

thager

@Horton It does not suck? Braaaahahahahaaaaaa!!!

Horton

So now I know that the face I make at 6 ball at 38 is same as if I had a massive cerebral hemorrhage

Horton

Haaa here is 4 ball on that same 38. Holy S*** I am a BallOfSpray!

swerveit

if anyone’s guessing at the coated bottom, it’s something I’ve thought about for some time. You just need to look at Mother Nature to find the best engineering. If you put the skin of a great white shark under a magnifying scope the ski is "plated" it feels abrasive in one direction. They have recently adopted this technology in swim suits.
I guess the bottom of the ski is using a mixture of the golf ball dimpling and sharkskin… (im just guessing)

jwr

@Horton I thought that was your vinegar strokes. I think I just saw into your soul. Very disturbing.

Killer

@swerveit Very cool, I think you nailed it: its called Biomimicry. We have a lot to learn from nature...

youtube.com/watch?v=RHrO4t86phA

Chef23

I also heard that the 2014 was softer than the 2013.

Horton

@Chef23 for the record: what ever the flex it feels good. It does not "feel" soft in any way.

Chef23

@Horton I don't know enough about ski flex to say what I need my comment is based on discussions with an HO staff member.

BG1

@Horton Anything new to report with the 2014 A3? Thanks

Horton

@bg1 I have not skied since Sunday

BG1

@Horton OK. You need a substitute ski tester for days you can’t ski. Are you taking applications? I will ski for food.

Horton

Mmmmmm Hmmm sure

A_B

Is the A3 wider than a "standard" ski?

Horton

@ab no

Jörgen Jansson

Horton
what size ski?

Horton

67

OTF

@horton you can mail it to MN when your done with it. Be happy to provide address. @MS says I need a new stick

colo_skier

If @MS says it then it must be so. I am sure @Horton will oblige.

bhs

@DaveLemons isn't that short for your weight?