The older construction for the RTM 81 was great; the new 3D Ridge construction is fantastic! It feels way lighter than the old model, more agile edge to edge, and yet still retains the same damp feel afforded by the steel in the core layup. The wood core used is a major factor in determining the handling and response of the ski, with beech and poplar the chosen ingredients here.
You can still expect a forgiving entry into the turn and the feeling of power building up as you reach the middle and then a nice burst of energy as you complete the turn. Powder snow is handled with poise and balance, just keep yourself in the middle and surf it out.
The rocker has changed for this year to the new XTD Tip and tail rocker which give you a nice balance of float and grip with a shorter camber section underfoot. This improves the hard snow feel over last year’s model in our opinion. The tip has been stiffened slightly and works well with the tip rocker and then is a medium flex in the middle and medium/stiff out the back through the tail rocker.
The other major difference on the new model is the increased contact width on the binding integration. The binding hugs the 3D ridge almost seamlessly and must be the best binding/ski binding integration on the market.
Overall the improvements on last year’s model are well executed with all the good points being sharpened further – this is a well-tuned all mountain performance ski for the advanced to expert skier.
Ski Specification
Geometry: 129mm/81mm/109mm
Turn Radius: 17.9m @ 177cm
Terrain: Piste, All Mountain, Side Piste
Core Material: Beech, Poplar, Steel laminate
Camber/Rocker: Tip and Tail Rocker
Technology: 3D Ridge, 3D Core, 3D Sidewall, Wideride
Bindings: Marker IPT Wideride 12.0
Ski Profile
Snow Conditions: All Conditions, Powder
Ski Terrain: All Mountain, Piste
Skier Level: Advanced/Expert
What does Si think?
The RTM range has always been a good seller and this year will be no exception. The RTM 81 has been given an overhaul that really has energised what was already a great ski. The new sleek design and reduced swing weight will enhance the performance while reducing the amount of energy expended using it. The ski feels firm and grippy in the front and fills you with the confidence you need to ski fast and this ski can shift! The steel laminate in the construction gives the ski a nice dampness and the 3D sidewall delivers the power efficiently to the edge. This is a ski to consider if you ski 60-70% on piste and have the technique to pop off the side when conditions allow.
This ski is for you if…. you have found system ski sets to be a bit heavy and cumbersome or lifeless and would like a ski with agility and quick performance edge to edge and at the same time give you the confidence you need to amplify the speed.
Post time: Jun-30-2017