2016 ON3P Kartel 106 Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: 2015/16 Kartel 106
Product Brand: ON3P
Best Use: All/Big Mountain/Freeride
Sizes Available / Specs:
- Lengths available: 161, 171, 176, 181, 186
- bamboo core
- elliptical sidecut
- elliptical rocker
- UHMW sidewalls and tip spacers
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Mt Bachelor - 2015 WWSRA On Snow Demo
Duration: One of many skis tested over the course of 2 days
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: I skied the new 2015/16 ON3P Kartel 106 at the WWSRA On Snow Demo at Mt. Bachelor and was more than impressed with how well it performed. I took out both the 181 & 186 lengths and while I had a little more fun on the longer ski, the 181 was essentially capable of everything the 186 was.
This ski is incredibly stable at speed and crushes crud and chunder. It has beautiful responsiveness and holds an edge like a wild ride on a world class roller coaster. While there was really no powder, there was plenty of corn and soft stuff to be found as the day warmed up, and the Kartel proved to be a great smearing and slashing tool in spring-like conditions. What I like most about this ski is its superior carvability and the perfectly versatile 22 meter turning radius.
Like all ON3P skis, the Kartel 106 (and the Kartel 98 - a more park-oriented ski) is constructed with a base material and steel edges that are twice the thickness of the industry standard. The UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) sidewalls are 1/2 " deep and the proprietary topsheet application that protects the ski's graphics is second to none. ON3P spares no expense when it comes to durability in ski construction and their product is likely to outlast many others.
This is a great "one ski quiver" option for anyone looking for a daily driver that hauls serious a##! I want a pair! Check out my video below.
The Good List: As solid underfoot as any ski I've encountered with a slightly softer tip and tail that enhances the smoothness of the ride. Surprisingly quick edge to edge. Absolutely amazing at speed!
The Not so Good List: It can take a little bit of muscle, weight & speed to truly tap in to the skis full potential. (Not really a bad thing...)
The Bottom Line: A sturdy and adaptable ski that knows no top speed and has virtually no limitations.