SNEWS - February 2005

Clyde Soles

G3 Ticket Ski
Posted: 02/14/2005 In Category(s): Product Reviews


New ski brands are fairly uncommon these days, what with consolidation being the name of the game. It's even more unusual for the entire line to receive nearly universal praise from testers. And when one of the models brings a new concept to the market, SNEWS® takes note.

The G3 Ticket is the first freeheel ski with an asymmetric sidecut to help initiate turns. The outside (pinkie toe) edge has a tighter radius than the inner (big toe) edge, which gives the ski a somewhat lopsided look to the tip and tail. Asymmetric skis were tried by the alpine world in the past, but that was before the modern era of shaped all-mountain skis.

Appearances aside, the Ticket takes all of a half dozen turns to figure out -- they turn easily and predictably. Unlike the truly radical, telemark-only Scotty Bob skis, the Ticket is equally adept at parallel and telemark turns. While the Scotty Bob's take a while to get used to and may require an alteration of technique, the Ticket has no learning curve and is fun right off the bat.


With a tip 120 mm wide and an 81 mm underfoot, the Ticket is considered a modern mid-fat ski that is remarkably versatile. At speed on groomed trails, the ski is stable, resists chatter, and is reasonably quick edge-to-edge. In soft conditions, the Ticket handles like any other performance-oriented ski. 


Like the rest of the G3 ski line, the Ticket features a poplar wood core that is vertically laminated with dual fiberglass torsion box construction. This should make for a durable ski that resists flattening. At 3,700 grams, these are reasonably lightweight as well. Although the lack of binding inserts is lamentable, G3 does the next best thing by providing boot-size-specific mounting locations for both telemark and alpine touring bindings.

Our sample came with flat bases (no railed edges) and a good tune. It may be built in northern Africa (Tunisia to be precise) but you'd never know it without being told.

Overall, we've been quite impressed by the Ticket -- it's a high performance ski that isn't too radical. This is probably more ski than a beginner wants, but it is a great choice for advanced skiers and gives intermediates growing room. Since it only comes in 174 and 182 cm, it's certainly intended for larger, more aggressive skiers.


At the current price of $620, the Ticket is already on the high side of the telemark market. At next season's suggested retail of $675 -- considerably more than other brands -- the price becomes a little tougher to swallow. But we are convinced that those who bite will be immensely pleased…these skis rip!


SNEWS® Applause Meter: 5 stars (1 to 5 stars possible, with 5 stars representing functional and design perfection)


Suggested Retail: $620


Rating:

BACKCOUNTRY - October 2005

2006 Gear Guide
Ski Test – Josh Dostal
Women’s-specific Ski Test – Lindsay Yaw

G3 Reverend
A big ski that is designed to arc in every wat, the Reverend deliverd a sound, measured sermon that didn’t do much to inspire a congregation, and even made a few, bigger, stronger testers beg for forgiveness. Some found it best at medium and higher speeds and long and medium radius turns – “These are not ballet shoes,” as one tester said. Or as another was moved to comment: “The meek may inherit the earth, but they should avoid this ski.” On reprobate terrain, the Reverend put down the hammer: “Bombproof long radius [turns] through the worst of the mank,” said a tester. “Crud busting,” said another. “Plows through everything.”

G3 Ticket
Of the four skis G3 introduced in very limited distribution last year, theTicket is the most radical. Its funhouse mirror shape is visibly deeper on the skis’ outer edges than on the inner ones. What inspired the asymmetry: an attempt to get the uphill ski into a tighter turn radius and out of the ay of the downhill ski, preventing ruinous tip crossings. Though not all testers would punch the Ticket, most thought the skis behaved as intended, especially in medium and short radius turns, where they showed a pleasingly supple side. But when pressure was applied, a couple of hard chargers thought the Ticket could be overpowered. “Skis well on groomed – like a cruiser. You feel comfortable and predictable. Cuts and busts up crud well,” said a tester. “Awesome edge pressure and balance. The concept works,” said another. “It’s a fun, mid-speed carving ski that likes to dodge, dart and play,” added a third.

G3 Baron
When it comes to skis, the Baron is the “guide” in Genuine Guide Gear – a utility randonneé ski with reasonable width and a light feel. Overall, the Baron had a fairly royal presence, which was best at medium and long radius turns and dealt well with hardpack, powder and crud. It was palpably - but not overly – stiff for several testers, who thought it needed to be commanded. “Skied vigourously, and performed well,” a tester said. “Solid, stable ski that holds well on the groomed and can handle variable snow,” added another. “Fun all around,” said a third. “Lightweight but not wimpy. Would be good going up or coming down steeps.”

G3 Siren
Homer’s Odysseus had to shove wax in his ears so as not to be lured by the Siren’s song…but that is so last eon. Now with the introduction of G3’s siren, you can indulge your pleasures with this all-day, all-mountain ripper. Our testers found the combination of a rich, calming dampness in fast , long radius turns and a spicy snap for zipping in and out of shorter turns. :The even flex with a little extra in the tails lets the ski flow super smoothly,” said one tester. “The siren pops back to you in the bumps, and remains predictable in tighter swayhs of trees.” Another commented, “This ski is lively and responsive to dance a two-step if you need it to.”