Karhu Meta skis

[TheNatrix]

After having two snow days in a row out here in Rome and Camden I was able to get out and test these new "skis" out. I was never much of a cross country skier but I did dabble with telemarks a few times going up Wright; so I didn't have a whole lot of preconceived notions to how these would work. Anyway, I took them out on a path that follows the Mohawk River all the way down to the Erie Canal. A pretty nice trail I usually reserve for my Mt. bike. They worked out pretty nice! There was a ton of fresh snow and I did sink in a little but for the most part I really enjoyed the skis. My g/f followed me with the Karhu Karvers and she too enjoyed the experience, probably a little more since she wasn't breaking trail. My legs are a little sore already which worries me since it hasn't been all that long.

Has anyone else used these before?

[Hobbitling]

wow, I like that idea. I've seen short stubby skis for downhill skiing, but never for cross country. it seems like they would be good for strapping on a pack. I might just get over my dislike of x-country skiing.

[coolrobc]

Haven't used them, but I'm interested in them. I was looking at those a few months back. They seem like a great in between ski (at least between Snowshoes and BC XC skis) Seems like they'd be great for skating.

How stable are the bindings? Did your foot twist at the two at all?

[TheNatrix]

The bindings were fine on both of our skis, the meta and karver. We were in some pretty deep snow and had them on for about 3 1/2 hours. Very comfortable and our feet stayed real stable, no twisting.

[JJW]

TheNatrix ask: Has anyone else used these before? (Karhu Meta Skis)

No, I had not even seen or heard of them yet. A quick search turned up this ad/description:
Simply one of the most innovative winter outdoor gear designs for backcountry skiing, the 2006/2007 Karhu Meta All-Terrain Skis are a fresh approach that expands the traditional free-heel market – no special boot and binding combination are needed. The fat oversized design offers a stable and maneuverable platform similar to snowshoes, while the built-in bearfur base creates incredible grip going uphills and excellent balance between thrills and controlled glide on the downhills - no matter how steep the slope or tight the trees are! The pre-mounted adjustable universal bindings allow you to use any hiking boot or snow boot. Snowshoe-Ski poles recommended
The Karhu Meta Skiis are widetrak for all-terrain use in backyards, parks, ski trails, snowshoe trails and backcountry. Ski construction is a wood core. Base integrated "Bearfur" Climbing Skin in sintered base. Universal binding is designed to fit any hiking shoe or winter boot, and the binding combines an adjustable telescoping body with a PU highback for ultimate stability, control, and flexibility. Forefoot and instep ratcheting buckles ensure easy adjustment for the ultimate in comfort.

They look like they would float on top well, but look like they would be slow?

Have Fun!

[TheNatrix]

This lake effect storm has allowed the opportunity for another snow day out here in Rome and Camden soooo I was able to tromp around once again today.

You are entirely correct about the Karhus. They do float on top quite nicely, especially with all this fresh snow, but they are rather slow, there is not much of a glide.

My brother had some snowshoes on and he was able to move a bit quicker than we were on the skis.

They are still a lot of fun.

[Trailpatrol]

Karvers

Hi, I bought a pair of Karvers last weekend, up in Duluth (MN) on my way to the BWCA. I usually wear Empire Canvas True North mukluks, which are pretty broad. (See avatar picture) They worked really well after I got the straps to fit around them. I was impressed with the stability of the bindings compared to the Berwins on my Trak Bushwackers. That heel piece makes a big difference.

Now we have some real snow, finally. I will go try them tonight or tomorrow for real.

Ski safe,
Hans

[Boreal Chickadee]

Let us know how you like them. I asked about these last year or the year before on VfTT and they were pretty much panned. General opinion was they were a compromise between a snowshoe and a ski and didn't do a good job at either one. So I ended up giving up on the idea.