Last spring we shipped our more freeride orientated skis to Kaunertal, Austria for Powder Magazin's annual ski test. A vast array of skiers put in some time skiing the Rockwells, Hill Bills and Lexingtons and below are their thoughts on the 13/14 skis.
Rockwell 182
"Simple, clean and cool design" – was the sound of our testers’ first contact with the Rockwell. It is a noticeably easy ski to use. On hard ground it has playful handling and feels light, it has slalom-like agility and holds a firm edge at speed.
Off to the Powder: The Rockwell feels particularly adept to tree runs; it turns easily and is playful, although with its narrow waist its buoyancy is less good.
For wide open slopes and large turns there are more stable skis. The Rockwell could catch the eye of skiers looking for a single quiver ski.
Conclusion: A tester puts it succinctly: "The Ski takes time, then you don’t want to give it back!" One ski for everything, also for touring.
Hill Bill 179
The Hill Bill is another example of Amplid’s typical style. On the slopes it makes quick short turns fun, the ski is lively and offers good control. The ski ploughs through deep snow with little effort and navigates choppy terrain with confidence. "Easy to ride and control," is a quote from one tester. Another praised the forgiving character and good damping. Overall, it’s more playful than a dedicated big mountain ski.
Conclusion: A ski for ambitious skiers and experienced terrain freaks. It’s good off piste and still controlled on the way back to the lift.
Lexington 185
"Simple, light, wide and soft": These were the first impressions gathered about the ski from the test riders. Traversing down the slopes in the powder, it feels good and makes carving fun. The tips are heavily rockered and so at high speeds naturally they flap, they can feel restless. In soft snow the buoyancy great, but all testers praised the manoeuvrability and the playful character. The Lexington is a "fun machine" with a Soft Flex - depending on driving style too soft perhaps.
Conclusion: A great on and off-piste compromise which offers the most fun skiing powder or doing backcountry tricks.
You can read the entire test article in German by downloading the Powder Magazin ski test pdf. Amplid skis are on page 59.