Skis: Aftermarket Center Keel versus Stock?

[apex yooper]

I am ready to buy Simmons skis, but see that some of you prefer aftermarket center keel skis. Why would an aftermarket ski that just has minor changes to the keel, be noticebly better than a stock ski?

 

[WarriorBeads]

Many of those 'minor' keel difference make a huge difference in handling, be it the overall shape, length or depth of the keel. It also depends on your application. Simmons skis are generally wider and provide better floatation for off trail riders compared to many of the other aftermarkets. It also depends on how aggressive you ride and how much ski pressure you run. I'm not an expert by any means, but I've riden sleds with lots of different skis (including C&A, precision & simmons) and they all seem to handle differntly than stock.

I use ski-doo precision skis. Under certain conditions like ice they seem to handle better than stock. But in the slushy corners it late spring they seem to handle worse than factory, with a tendacy to push. JMO.

 

[richierich]

the center keels are wider deeper and shaped different then oem and are usually longer thru out the entire ski.

what are you looking to do ? the razors work great in all conditions and are cheaper then simmons and when its time for new carbide's you only need one pair not 2.

 

[apex yooper]

skis

I don't know anything about razors. The concept of a concave bottom, and bars on the outside, which gives you a wider ski stance, make sense on the Simmons.

 

[richierich]

The razors are same width ( 6" ) as the simmons.But with the center keel you get more pressure so when you turn it bites and doesnt float like the simmons.Thats why the simmons push in corners.And then with the v-keels on the razors you still get good tracking ( no darting).If you dont ride aggressive the simmons are ok all around.Hope that made sense ? lol

 

[snowbeast]

Our simmons dont push in corners the way we have them set up,i also think what type carbide you use on them has alot to do with push,but your transfer rod has more to do with it than alot of stuff,plus anytime you have a high lug track like the ripsaw,this justs adds to the extra push,now add 136 in track with a 1.25 ripsaw and you have alot more push,that being said the simmons ride over the bumps better than any ski i have ever come acrossed in 30+ years of riding,i guess it has something to do with the flexing of the loop and ski togeather,plus it is wider for your stance and you can notice this right away,only down fall is increased ski pressure,but we have that because we have the rod adjusted for the extra bite,did i say how much i love the zero darting!!!

 

[studdog]

I've run most aftermarket skis and never liked the dual runners(skidoo precisions or simmons) too much wearbar on the ground for me. Hard steering as well. In some applications they're exellent,particularly off trail. I'm running Slydogs and have been very happy with them over 4000 miles of trail crusing.

 

[4Fighter]

Re: skis

I don't know anything about razors. The concept of a concave bottom, and bars on the outside, which gives you a wider ski stance, make sense on the Simmons.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Simmons. I didn't find them harder to turn at all, except when carving. They made a HUGE diff. on my dinosaur.

 

[MR.HAPPY]

Razors worked good for me on my Attak!
Little harder to turn, but no push & much better flotation!!!

BR