Demonstration of the super-wide Hok ski-snowshoe made by Atlai. I feel these are a great alternative to snowshoes. For bushwhacking in brush and deep snow they really work well.
Had to chuckle at the final remark! Thanks for sharing this info with us. I am digging through the back videos to see all you have posted over the years, and not necessarily in order. You are my "Back in the good old days, when I was young" historian! Thank you, sir!
Just took mine out for the first time today, really had a great time with them. I didn't have any ski or snowshoe experience (other than watching UA-cam reviews like yours) and was just looking for a winter sport to take up while my trail bike hibernates for the winter. Thanks for the video, it helped me decide to purchase - and I'm having a lot of fun with them!
Thanks so much for this helpful video!! Especially the part where you mention that you wear size 13 boots and added another notch to accommodate them! I also wear size 13 and was having a little trouble with getting the heel to sit down properly. (Which is why I was looking up these videos) So I also added a notch and I'm all set now! Thanks again!!
Thanks for posting this video. I've been wanting to buy a pair of skis appropriate for skiing in the back country during late season hunts and just for fun. I have zero skiing experience but lots of flat (or relatively flat) land that I can access to practice skiing. So, this looks like a great starter investment in the sport.
Great little overview ! I just ordered some Altai koms amd the hoks 125 for the wife. They are fun ! I had rented them in 2016 for a winter camp. They are indeed effective for the return journey ! :)
Cool I seen a show about the Russian Taiga trappers that use a similar ski handmade with a moose hair skin covering that gives them grip on the snow surface.
Raisinheelbcandteleequip I noticed that the bindings ("X-trace Universal" from Altai skis) were put on opposite (L>R) to what I would recommend. Not sure how much it matters but I think the buckles should be to the outside to help prevent hanging up as one skis or strides along.....
Someone finally noticed. They will work either way but are supposed to be buckles out so they don't collide. I noticed it after I had posted the video and left it be.
setsailatnoon Thanks, it is a good clarification. I do not remember that my instructions even mentioned how they should be worn. Once I used them and the buckles were clicking against each other I learned.
I've had mine for a winter and a half . I really like them but for whatever reason mine don't glide downhill at all . I have to use the same motion as on the flat to get down a hill . It's easier of course but even on steep hill , unless well packed , it still takes effort .
Looks better than a snowshoe. But still looks clumsy compared to back country XC skis (like the Fischer E109 for example) with properly sized poles. But they look fine for shorter distances at a leisurely pace, or manouvering about dense forests and/or steep terrain etc. Still way better than a snowshoe though.
It looked like the ankle support wasn't so good when you were climbing the knob. Also, it seems like this would require some Free heel skiing skills in order to stay in control when going downhill. What is the learning curve for being in control when skiing downhill?
A synthetic hairy skin is the best I can say. The hairs grip the snow even on very steep slopes. Climbing skins have been slipped over skis for climbing and then removed for the downhill run for a long time now.
It isn't necessary to cut the bindings to accommodate size 13 & 14 boots. The slides on the bindings are spring-loaded so all you have to do is push backward with your heel and they will open up another 3/4" or so. Otherwise, nice video.
askip7 You got me wondering so I put my boot into the binding. When I raise the heel the rear of the binding pushes out against that spring pressure. A good part of the extra length you can attain seems to be needed for your boot to flex properly.
Those are way better than snow shoes. They are more efficient. I saw something similar on an old video of a trapper in Siberia that made wide skis for the bush.
I still prefer them for breaking trail and maybe the next time thorough too. If you have a nice packed trail the extra drag and weight is not a good thing.
Mine are still holding up. A few screws came loose on the strap over my ankle and when I am forced to push through brush it is hard on the climbing skin but I have been able to glue it back down.
No, I even carry a heavy pack with them sometimes. As I note in the video if you wear shoes of size 12 US- 47EUR you may need to do a little adapting by cutting another slot or two in the adjustable plate on the bottom. I have had mine a few years now so maybe the company has addressed this issue.
Thanks for the review! Just to let you know, the Altai site does have a "Universal pivot binding XL" designed for people with boats for feet. They are $10 more. They also sell an adapter plate that allows use of an NNN binding. Now for a question, based on your use in deep snow. I'm in Utah, I figure that for me, at 165 lbs, I could use the 145 and my wife at 135 lbs could use the 125. What do you think?
From FAQ at Altaiskis>dotI am 6 feet and about 200 pounds in my skivvies. The 125 worked just fine for me, except I thought I could use a bit more flotation in soft snow. I'm in the process of trading up to 145. But at 165 pounds, I think you'd be happy with 125. Maybe I'll post results as soon as I get my new skis, AND when we get some snow - no sign of any snow in my area yet. [UPDATE 2 years later] I found no great benefit for me in getting the 145 cm skis versus the 125 cm skis. The 145's do give me a bit more flotation in soft deep snow, but they don't slide as well as the 125's. On firm snow on level ground, I was able to get a decent 'kick and slide' with my 125's, but much less with the 145's. I guess there's more of that climbing skin to cause drag. I kinda wish I'd just stayed with my 125's.
I have never regretted getting them. When I head to the cabin for a visit I will use them with a light pack. Going back out I widen the track so on the way back in my sled fits in the channel. Even after the trail is packed I keep using them. They are not fast but they sure allow me to head anywhere and have a much easier time on the return,
Good morning Martin, thanks for the demo, do you use these regularly in the North Country or are they more of a specialty ski? Perhaps for deep snow/trail breaking?
The plan is to use them for breaking a trail and when hauling in the sled with supplies. It never works out that way as more snow comes down. For my type of venturing during the day they work out well. For me less miles is more enjoyment.
My poles have always been an issue as most of my north country plodding is in deeper untracked snow so I do rely on my poles too much. Shorter poles are easy to tote along since I do not use them aggressively.
Look boys and girls. HOKS are cool, BUT. and as the historic recent global inventor / instigator of gliding snowshoes. Hoks you still don't get it!! I mean the Nords began skin skiing 6000 years ago. I invented YUPI Skishoes out of Whistler for snowboarding purposes,what in 1996 . Then we discovered they became insane fun for many others within our Whistler lifestyle??!! We then realized,--- how awesome,--- this could bring skiing to the world. Ranchers, farmers, people that could not afford skiing; like just strap em on and go ----Anywhere there is soft or even just softish snow. The truth is Yupi Skishoes design and genra is still the best. OK Hoks, get your dandruff up. I don't care. I'm 64. What I by this message is for you guys to do a better job. You need to make Much more stable bindings for one. And you need to tell everyone they need medium shell Soft snowboard boots!! Period. It doesn't matter what the skill or desire level is. The combination of a good binding and Boot makes ALL the difference, whether hi end or golf course.Hi end, the Yupi Design kills anything. but of course, you can't rollerskate in a watermellon patch, and you cannot wind surf without wind. AND you can't use gliding snowshoes without some soft snow. The steeper the deeper. if you don't GETIT. look up my old vids on UA-cam under Scott Fennell.
Had to chuckle at the final remark! Thanks for sharing this info with us. I am digging through the back videos to see all you have posted over the years, and not necessarily in order. You are my "Back in the good old days, when I was young" historian! Thank you, sir!
Just took mine out for the first time today, really had a great time with them. I didn't have any ski or snowshoe experience (other than watching UA-cam reviews like yours) and was just looking for a winter sport to take up while my trail bike hibernates for the winter. Thanks for the video, it helped me decide to purchase - and I'm having a lot of fun with them!
Thanks so much for this helpful video!! Especially the part where you mention that you wear size 13 boots and added another notch to accommodate them! I also wear size 13 and was having a little trouble with getting the heel to sit down properly. (Which is why I was looking up these videos) So I also added a notch and I'm all set now! Thanks again!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for posting this video. I've been wanting to buy a pair of skis appropriate for skiing in the back country during late season hunts and just for fun. I have zero skiing experience but lots of flat (or relatively flat) land that I can access to practice skiing. So, this looks like a great starter investment in the sport.
I have used them for years now and still love them for busting trail.
Very helpful demo showing how the Hok skis fit and work. Thank you!
Great little overview ! I just ordered some Altai koms amd the hoks 125 for the wife. They are fun ! I had rented them in 2016 for a winter camp. They are indeed effective for the return journey ! :)
Hi Martin, I've been thinking of getting a pair of Hoks. Thanks for the review. I'm convinced now that I need a pair of these. -Bill
Thank you for this honest review!
Glad it was helpful!
Cool I seen a show about the Russian Taiga trappers that use a similar ski handmade with a moose hair skin covering that gives them grip on the snow surface.
Not for speed but really nice in the deep stuff.
Nice review! I wish I could use those out here in California. The last time it snowed here was over a decade ago.
Raisinheelbcandteleequip I noticed that the bindings ("X-trace Universal" from Altai skis) were put on opposite (L>R) to what I would recommend. Not sure how much it matters but I think the buckles should be to the outside to help prevent hanging up as one skis or strides along.....
You are right, I did not note it when I shot the video. They tend to collide when worn on the wrong side.
Remind me of some army surplus skis
I believe those adjustment buckles on the bindings should be on the outside, n'est ce pas?
You are right, I have them on the wrong side. It works that way but they tend to hit each other.
If you have longer poles with larger baskets you might get more progress than with the poles shown...
Don't you have the bindings backwards...buckles to inside, rather than outside?
Someone finally noticed. They will work either way but are supposed to be buckles out so they don't collide. I noticed it after I had posted the video and left it be.
TheNorthwoodsman1 Just don't want people confused, is all.
setsailatnoon Thanks, it is a good clarification. I do not remember that my instructions even mentioned how they should be worn. Once I used them and the buckles were clicking against each other I learned.
Yup, think he does...
I've had mine for a winter and a half . I really like them but for whatever reason mine don't glide downhill at all . I have to use the same motion as on the flat to get down a hill . It's easier of course but even on steep hill , unless well packed , it still takes effort .
I would try putting something on the ends to help the glide.
Did you order your Hoks or visit a retailer? Wondering were to find the 145cm.
I ordered mine from a dealer in Mn years ago, can't remember the name.
@@TheNorthwoodsman1 Ordered a pair from the US hok store. We'll see. Thank you for the response.
Looks better than a snowshoe. But still looks clumsy compared to back country XC skis (like the Fischer E109 for example) with properly sized poles. But they look fine for shorter distances at a leisurely pace, or manouvering about dense forests and/or steep terrain etc. Still way better than a snowshoe though.
Definitely fills a niche but not for everyone.
nice review on the bindings thanks, your poles appear to be a bit too short and they are making you hunch over, try some longer ones maybe
This was great, thanks!
It looked like the ankle support wasn't so good when you were climbing the knob. Also, it seems like this would require some Free heel skiing skills in order to stay in control when going downhill. What is the learning curve for being in control when skiing downhill?
Real hills are not available to me but other videos on youtube must cover it.
Can you get up a good speed with them doing the classic diagonal XC skiing ?
No, they excel at breaking trail in deep snow but best to switch to lighter skis once trail is made.
@@TheNorthwoodsman1 You just saved me money and a big disappointment. Thank you!
Can you lock the heel down?
Not with the binding I used.
What exactly is the "skin"? It looks like cloth backed sandpaper.
A synthetic hairy skin is the best I can say. The hairs grip the snow even on very steep slopes. Climbing skins have been slipped over skis for climbing and then removed for the downhill run for a long time now.
@@TheNorthwoodsman1
Oh ok. Thanks
It isn't necessary to cut the bindings to accommodate size 13 & 14 boots. The slides on the bindings are spring-loaded so all you have to do is push backward with your heel and they will open up another 3/4" or so. Otherwise, nice video.
askip7 You got me wondering so I put my boot into the binding. When I raise the heel the rear of the binding pushes out against that spring pressure. A good part of the extra length you can attain seems to be needed for your boot to flex properly.
Those are way better than snow shoes. They are more efficient. I saw something similar on an old video of a trapper in Siberia that made wide skis for the bush.
I still prefer them for breaking trail and maybe the next time thorough too. If you have a nice packed trail the extra drag and weight is not a good thing.
thanks for the vid
Mine are still holding up. A few screws came loose on the strap over my ankle and when I am forced to push through brush it is hard on the climbing skin but I have been able to glue it back down.
Is there a weight limit for these?
No, I even carry a heavy pack with them sometimes. As I note in the video if you wear shoes of size 12 US- 47EUR you may need to do a little adapting by cutting another slot or two in the adjustable plate on the bottom. I have had mine a few years now so maybe the company has addressed this issue.
neato I'm about 250 lbs, and I like the idea of having compact skis, easier to get into my car :D
Thanks for the review! Just to let you know, the Altai site does have a "Universal pivot binding XL" designed for people with boats for feet. They are $10 more. They also sell an adapter plate that allows use of an NNN binding.
Now for a question, based on your use in deep snow. I'm in Utah, I figure that for me, at 165 lbs, I could use the 145 and my wife at 135 lbs could use the 125. What do you think?
From FAQ at Altaiskis>dot
[UPDATE 2 years later] I found no great benefit for me in getting the 145 cm skis versus the 125 cm skis. The 145's do give me a bit more flotation in soft deep snow, but they don't slide as well as the 125's. On firm snow on level ground, I was able to get a decent 'kick and slide' with my 125's, but much less with the 145's. I guess there's more of that climbing skin to cause drag. I kinda wish I'd just stayed with my 125's.
Thanks. That's great info.
I finally bit the bullet and ordered these in 125 with the pivot bindings. Looking forward to getting out on them. Are you still liking yours? Thanks.
I have never regretted getting them. When I head to the cabin for a visit I will use them with a light pack. Going back out I widen the track so on the way back in my sled fits in the channel. Even after the trail is packed I keep using them. They are not fast but they sure allow me to head anywhere and have a much easier time on the return,
Good morning Martin, thanks for the demo, do you use these regularly in the North Country or are they more of a specialty ski? Perhaps for deep snow/trail breaking?
The plan is to use them for breaking a trail and when hauling in the sled with supplies. It never works out that way as more snow comes down. For my type of venturing during the day they work out well. For me less miles is more enjoyment.
Thanks, that is interesting to try sometime.
( It,s a pitty that you just made your driveway free of snow, eh ;)
hmm, rachet on the inside?
You saw that mistake! I missed it when I filmed.
buckles should be on the outside
You are right, did not catch it the day I filmed that clip.
Hi
Looks like you’ve got the skis on the wrong feet. The buckles should be on the outside. Otherwise good review
You are right, they go click click click as you move when on wrong.
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Wrong size poles and stand up tall when going up hill ,it's a lot easier.
My poles have always been an issue as most of my north country plodding is in deeper untracked snow so I do rely on my poles too much. Shorter poles are easy to tote along since I do not use them aggressively.
Skis are on wrong feet, buckles to the outside
That is right, click click click when worn that way.
Look boys and girls. HOKS are cool, BUT. and as the historic recent global inventor / instigator of gliding snowshoes. Hoks you still don't get it!!
I mean the Nords began skin skiing 6000 years ago. I invented YUPI Skishoes out of Whistler for snowboarding purposes,what in 1996 . Then we discovered they became insane fun for many others within our Whistler lifestyle??!! We then realized,--- how awesome,--- this could bring skiing to the world. Ranchers, farmers, people that could not afford skiing; like just strap em on and go ----Anywhere there is soft or even just softish snow.
The truth is Yupi Skishoes design and genra is still the best.
OK Hoks, get your dandruff up. I don't care. I'm 64. What I by this message is for you guys to do a better job. You need to make Much more stable bindings for one. And you need to tell everyone they need medium shell Soft snowboard boots!! Period. It doesn't matter what the skill or desire level is. The combination of a good binding and Boot makes ALL the difference, whether hi end or golf course.Hi end, the Yupi Design kills anything. but of course, you can't rollerskate in a watermellon patch, and you cannot wind surf without wind. AND you can't use gliding snowshoes without some soft snow. The steeper the deeper. if you don't GETIT. look up my old vids on UA-cam under Scott Fennell.
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