PMGear is an independent boutique-like ski manufacturer based in Reno (Nevada) with roots in the freeride community around the TGR forums. With its deep embededdness in the U.S. and (more and more) worldwide freeride community PMGear produces a whole bundle of skis developed entirely for the needs of the off-piste crowd.
One of their latest ski models is the Lhasa Pow. Last summer I used the pre-sale conditions and ordered a pair of 186 Lhasa Pow in its carbon type model (there is a fiberglass model on offer as well). After one winter (I used the Lhasas as my “first choice” from February to April) on these skis I think that I do have enough experience on them to write a review.
Just some basics about their features:
Ski: Lhasa Pow Bro model 186 Carbon 2009/2010
Shape: tip-rocker, semi pintail, 3 mm positive camber, 140-112-122 mm
Weight: about 4 kg
Available lenghts: 186 cm – 191 cm – 196 cm (tested in 186cm)
Mounting point: Right at the mark (red line) as recommended by pmgear
Lhasa Pow Bro model (pmgear)
Rigged with Dynaft Comfort bindings (about 1 kg) the skis are comparatively lightweight for their size making them perfect backcountry touring skis.
During the winter I accounted a great range of snow and terrain conditions. I skied them from the dense woods at the Unterberg near Vienna to the wide, open glaciers atop of La Grave (France). Snow conditons varied from fresh powder over wind-affected snow and crust to slushy spring time snow.
Though it is fair to say that the Lhasas are powder-oriented skis they excel in all snow conditions. They even stood up to the test at the icy moguls of the home-run in the woods down to La Grave. Their versatility is incredible making them a truly one-quiver ski just as advertised. From big mountain lines to narrow tree runs and steep couloirs they performed really well. Even on groomed runs you would not believe to have 112 mm under your food.
Lhasa Pow at the entrance of the Narrndattl couloir (Schneeberg)
As expected their performance in powder is superior. Thanks to the tip rocker and the ski’s general shape they float perfectly in soft snow. Though I like them best using long lines they are surprisingly easy to turn even with narrower radius. Changes between different radius is easy and takes virtually no effort at all.
Floating with the Lhasas in fresh snow (Queyras, France), photy by gerrit
What is especially astonishing about the Lhasa Pow is their excellent performance in sub-par snow conditions. Crusty snow is usually quite detrimental to having fun. Not so with the Lhasas. The same holds true with wind-packed snow. Skiing the Lhasas in these snow conditions is almost as easily and as enjoyable as in real powder.
