Second’s Wildcat Evolves into Its Newest And Lightest Type
The Second Wildcat 108 Tour lives as much as its predecessor’s rep as a flexible powder-touring ski
The Wildcat is Second’s not-just-for-powder, powder ski. Initially referred to as the Bibby, it was designed to drift in deep powder, however the ski has developed through the years to do rather more than that. The Wildcat Tour is identical previous Wildcat, however with lighter building aimed toward greater days within the backcountry.
Regardless of its proximity to Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, Reno is much less identified for being a hotbed of outside recreation than it’s identified for being a plain previous scorching mattress… Err, basin.
However amidst the strip malls and strip golf equipment of the northern Nevada desert ground, Second Skis emerged in 2003 and shortly turned beloved within the close by Tahoe scene and ultimately turned the biggest ski producer within the US, opting to ramp up their very own manufacturing facility as an alternative of establishing a white label association with one of many huge European ski factories.
Identified for championing the notion of fats skis and mustache rocker profiles (tail rocker wasn’t a lot of a factor within the early ‘00s), Second has solidified its place within the freeride, cliff-hucking quivers of Sierra skiers and past. Of us who love Second are fast to let you know about their loyalty and fandom, and I occur to be a kind of individuals. After three seasons on the Wildcat 108 Excursions, listed here are my ideas.
Specs:
1710g per ski at 184 size. Mild, however not the lightest of their class.
Paulownia and Ash core, a lightweight and low-density hardwood– the identical resilient stuff that Louisville Sluggers are product of. If Mark McGwire can beat the crap out of it, so are you able to.
Tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot.
22m sidecut at 184 size.
Out there lengths: 164, 174, 179, 184, 190
$849
Photograph: Andy Cochrane
Confidence-Inspiring Versatility
Second has a legacy to uphold on the subject of light-weight touring skis: the Bibby and Wildcat 116s are revered as a number of of the very best powder skis you should buy. With a narrowed-down waist, cute face, and a giant behind (good tail rocker) I can fortunately report that the 108 Tour maintains the attributes that individuals love about its predecessors.
The 108mm waist has turn into the gold normal for all-mountain backcountry skis. The dimensions is a flexible crowd-pleaser on account of its capacity to deal with powder days, groomers, and chunder. In comparison with opponents, the Wildcat Excursions weigh in on the heavier finish of the spectrum, however the further mass doesn’t really feel prefer it holds me again on multi-day excursions, and as an alternative retains them stable on practically all circumstances of snow and kinds of snowboarding.
Professionals: Sturdy and Purrr-ty
In a nutshell, the Wildcats are enjoyable as hell. They really feel nice on groomers, powder, corn, and are nonetheless secure in crud. And if you wish to hit the sidecountry, the Wildcats are equally snug on both aspect of the boundary line. The camber and extensive sidecut radius are perfect for powder or mushy snow circumstances and extensive open faces – however they nonetheless carve tight turns fantastically. Whereas constructed to dig in deep to the massive turns, they continue to be simply maneuverable and pivot on a dime. I actually recognize that the Tour model is stout, sustaining similar geometries to their forefather. Due to this, they’re able to tackle no matter you throw at them.
And now, for the controversial: The Wildcat Tour topsheet designs have deviated from what I might name “traditional” Second graphics. I could get flack for this, however I really like the change. Belief me, I do know the historical past and the development of the traditional Bibby topsheets. It’s not Second, it’s me. I’m simply not cool sufficient to rock a Grim Reaper on my skis. The Wildcat Tour graphics have an summary sample, which continues to be badass and stands out, however in much less of a “hey, take a look at how edgy we’re” kind of manner.
Cons: Not the Lightest Loafers
So far as touring skis go, the Wildcats might be lighter. At 1710 grams, they weigh about 100-150 grams greater than different touring-specific skis with comparable size and width. However this could not deter everybody from making an attempt or shopping for these skis. Sure, if weight is tremendous crucial to you and also you’re counting grams, then you need to look into different choices. However I’m the man who carries cans of beer in his pack on a week-long backpacking journey. Why? As a result of I like having enjoyable. I don’t want a titanium spoon, and I’m definitely not stressing over 100 further grams underfoot. That’s: IF the efficiency is value it, which I firmly consider it’s. These skis rip.
The one circumstances I wouldn’t select the Wildcats are on icy days. Whereas I’ve skied them down bulletproof couloirs and managed, I might have most well-liked one thing skinnier and with a shorter radius. When you stay on the East Coast or Midwest, these will not be the skis for you.
Photograph: Andy Cochrane
Verdict: The Ripper’s Backcountry Ski
The Wildcat was made to ski powder and located itself a cult favourite for all circumstances. The Tour mannequin has adopted go well with, and they’re as a lot enjoyable in low angle terrain after a giant storm as they’re on huge open faces. If you wish to push the boundaries of what a touring ski can do, or what a powder ski can do for that matter, step right into a pair of the Wildcat 108 Excursions and be rewarded with skis which are sturdy as a lion and but playful as a kitten.
Sean is a Truckee-based out of doors author and customized homebuilder with a love for snowboarding. Sean helped launch Out of Workplace in 2023, a gear and journey column for Males’s Journal. When he’s not designing and constructing customized houses, he’s exploring the Sierra on excursions and hut journeys in winter and mountain biking and dirtbiking in the summertime.
