The ski waist widths grow wider as you climb the model numbers in Volkl's AC Unlimited collection, and the Men's Unlimited AC50 Skis w/ iPT Wide Ride 12.0 D Binding is at the top of the wide rides--the last AC before you step into the powder-hungry Volkl Grizzly. The AC50 with integrated Marker iPT Wide Ride binding is an ideal choice for advanced and expert skiers who want an easy-turning, do-it-all-well design for big mountain venues like Valdez, Alaska, Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia and Verbier, Switzerland. The AC50 has a wider turn radius than the lower number ACs, so it's better oriented toward GS fans, especially those who prefer a lot of untracked terrain. Volkl made their AC50 with an Extended Double Grip construction, a fancy way of describing the dual chambers on the ski that extend from almost the tip to the tail. The parallel chambers in the Extended Double Grip construction give better support along the edges than traditional skis, and this helps distribute even pressure along the edges to the snow, so you're more likely to turn when and where you want to--even on icy hardpack. Volkl combined their Extended Double Grip construction with their Extended Sensorwood core, a complex CNC milling process that extends the wood core upward. This combination of core and grip is found only in Volkl's most advanced and highest performing skis. Volkl paired this AC50 model with the Marker iPT Wide Ride 12.0 binding. The Wide Ride is 30 wider than the original iPT binding, so it fits perfectly without brake bar modifications. If you're looking for comparisons, the Marker iPT Wide Ride has the same toe and heel hardware found on Marker's Duke and Jester freeride bindings. These toe and heel pieces feature a better and more secure wrap around the boot lug in front, with increased directional elasticity throughout the heel area. We like this ski/binding combo more than seasons past because of the ounces shaved and the shorter connection between your boots and the skis. This means that you'll probably find this ski/binding combo easier to handle than other wide ski/binding designs.
Purchase USD$45 or more and get free shipping. The Volkl Unlimited AC50 Skis w/ iPT Wide Ride 12.0 D Bindings for Men is available through Altrec.com.
Great ski on groomers
skied this ski on Michigan groomers at a test fest, and was suprised at the way it hooked up. It held well through the ice patches, and blasted through what crud I could find that day. I'll take this ski to Jackson Hole,ski some crud, and hopefully find a little powder, and add to this review later.
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