Epic Planks Sherpa Skis

Epic Planks is a fairly new kid on the ski manufacturers block having only started up shop in 2009. They already have an impressive line up of skis and snowboards. Their raison d'être? To offer handmade premium skis and snowboards that are tested by cat and heli guides in the mountains of BC. They even listen to their customers for their thoughts and ideas on how to evolve the products. Based out of Belmont Michigan the company was started by Bill Wanrooy and Brian VanDenBrand. Their first production ski was the Crop Duster in 2010-2011 and it was a huge success. From here they have grown their line to include two snowboard models and a total of five skis, including of course the Sherpa, which is the focus of this review. All skis and boards are sold directly through their web site epicplanks.com

The Epic Planks Sherpa Skis are a fat all mountain ski with a traditional camber profile and flat tail to maximize running length (this also allows for a stable anchor for ski mountaineering). Because of their geometry they make a great touring or tele choice as they are fat enough to handle the pow and are plenty stiff for ripping in bounds. A good side cut makes the Sherpa want to turn so they are a lot of fun to ski whether in-bounds or out-of-bounds, on day old crud, fresh laid corduroy or knee deep pow.

We mounted the Epic Planks Sherpa skis with the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro bindings which have a DIN range of 4-12 and weigh in at 2.2kg or 4lb 8oz. With four height adjustments at 0°, 3°, 9° or 13° of lift they provide lots of choice while climbing. The new wider base plates allow for better transmission of power more evenly across todays fatter skis. The Freeride incorporates 'Gliding Technology' which places the pivot point on the toe piece behind the toe of your boot and combined with the moving baseplate allows you to raise your foot until it is completely perpendicular to the ski which results in a more natural stride when skinning. The price point for the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro binding is $499.95 US.

Design:

A traditional full camber ski with sidewall construction and a turn radius of 21m @177cm. For the advanced, expert or pro skier who wants a ski that rips at the resort and in the side country with a tele or touring set up. An integrated skin hook on the tail makes things easy and a one year warranty gives you some reassurance.

Materials:

Core: Spruce and ash / triaxial fiberglass
Top sheet: Optically active nylon with depth effect
Base: Sintered UHMW
Other: Titanal Aluminum underfoot for telemark binding mount

Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro Binding:

The Epic Planks Sherpa Skis were mounted with the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro bindings which have a DIN range of 4-12 and weigh in at 2.2kg or 4lb 8oz. With four height adjustments at  0°, 3°, 9° or 13° of lift they provide lots of choice while climbing. The new wider base plates allow for better transmission of power more evenly across todays fatter skis. The Freeride incorporates 'Gliding Technology' which places the pivot point on the toe piece behind the toe of your boot and combined with the moving baseplate allows you to raise your foot until it is completely perpendicular to the ski which results in a more natural stride when skinning. The price point for the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro binding is $499.95 US.

Verdict:

The Epic Planks Sherpa Skis are a really fun, solid and versatile ski. If you cannot have a dedicated touring set-up as well as a resort set-up then this one pair of skis will very comfortably satisfy all your needs. They are torsionally stiff, responsive and easy to drive through chop and crud while still being able to float in the backcountry. They're not the lightest skis I have ever toured with but did provide enough stability and pleasure to justify taking them beyond the boundaries on a regular basis. At 10 pounds the Epic Planks are heavy, though it's their weight that gives you a really stable ride and that will let you power through anything. All over, I found them better suited to inbounds and slack country lines as the weight would become an issue on multi-day cabin trips and backcountry skiing traverses. Having said that, these skis can do it all, unlike many ultralight backcountry specific skis that are difficult to carve inbounds.

SPECS:

Price: $749.99 US
Size: 177cm, 187cm, 197cm
Radius: 21m
Dimensions: 134/100/124 (177cm), 132/100/122 (187cm ), 130/100/122 (197cm)
Weight: 4.5 kg / 10lbs

PROS:

Groovy 3-D top sheet graphics, great all round ski for skiing inbound groomers, crud and backcountry bliss.

CONS:

A heavier ski for the dedicated backcountry skier.

Rating: 8.5/10

Powder Performance         2/2  
Groomer Performance       2/2     
Stability                           2/2
Weight                              1/2
Value                                1.5/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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