Ski question

[NoPin]

I'm just about to pull the trigger on a pair of G3 Synapse Carbon 101. They sound great on paper but I'm wondering if anyone has skied them or heard any good/bad things about them.

[chamonix]

Lou Dawson had a few remarks on the ski at the end of the G3 Zenoxide C3 review

https://www.wildsnow.com/8970/new-g3-zenoxide-c3-light-fat-and-stiff/

He liked the Carbon Synapse 101 for spring skiing

(I hope this link is ok Dostie?)

[Dostie]

The consistent knowledge of what is on WildSnow whilst missing what is on the host site is disturbing to say the least.

EYT's view of G3 C3 Zenoxide.

EYT review of the Synapse to come...but you'll have to leave this forum to read it.

[chamonix]

Dostie,
I think you linked to the same WS review? I was looking for info on the Synapse ski, not a G3 Zenoxide review.
I look forward to a EYT review of the G3 Synapse skis.

here is your link to a G3 Zenoxide review

http://www.earnyourturns.com/24327/review-g3s-zenoxide-carbon-skis/

[Dostie]

HA HA! Indeed, I was trying to make a link to my review, but......sigh.....

The Synapse has been on my to do list so I'll move it up on the priority list. It is definitely similar to the Zenoxide, but not quite.

PS: Everybody needs an editor. Everybody.

[stevesliva]

You are allowed to plug this site here, though. I'm sure lots of people skip right to the forum. We sure all did at telemarktips, because everything but the forum was stale. Habits are hard to break.

[chamonix]

I would be interested in a comparison of the G3 Synapse 101 to the Carbon Convert, two skis I am thinking about..

[NoPin]

The Synapse has been on my to do list so I'll move it up on the priority list. It is definitely similar to the Zenoxide, but not quite.

I had already read the Zenoxide C3 reviews on both EYT and WildSnow (and many other sites... Google is my friend) as I had initially considered that ski as well. However, from the reviews it sounded like they had a large(r) turning radius and also didn't carve well on firm/icy snow. That, and the extra weight, has me leaning towards the Synapse.... significantly lighter and a much tighter turning radius, apparently.

However, there seems to be a lack of REAL reviews on the Synapse. Almost everything I could find on them was a rehash of the manufactures marketing info or someone's speculation on how they might ski based on their material, weight and dimensions.

What I was hoping to find here is feedback from people who have actually skied them. What I'm looking for is a light, quick-turning, snappy ski not a new-school straightliner.

I'll keep an eye out for your review, Dostie. A head-to-head comparison with the Zenoxide would be great.

[chamonix]

some info from the "other site" in the comments section of the Zen review

Randy, I have full specifications from G3, verified by their engineers. Here are weights for the skis you’re asking about:
ZenOxide Carbon 105, 178cm, 2,900 gr/pr (Louie from above blog post “3,000 grams.)
Synapse Carbon 109, 180cm, 3,085 gr/pr (estimated)
Synapse Carbon 109, 175cm, 2,920 gr/pr
Synapse Carbon 109, 170cm, 2,755 gr/pr (estimated)
From the looks of this, the Zen is actually lighter, probably due to it being slightly narrower?
For what it’s worth, I’ve skied the Synapse Carbon 101 in the 170 length and quite liked it as a springtime touring ski. Only 2,628 grams a pair, verified here at HQ!

[Valdez Telehead]

wow…the weight difference is about the same as anything small in your pack……or too much belly flab, which is a weight factor many of us tend to ignore as the real location to cut weight and improve performance of all your gear regardless of a few measly grams between skis or bindings.

[Dostie]

wow…the weight difference is about the same as anything small in your pack……or too much belly flab, which is a weight factor many of us tend to ignore as the real location to cut weight and improve performance of all your gear regardless of a few measly grams between skis or bindings.

Hey, I resemble that remark. Have you read the Rules of Engagement here? No personal insults, okay!?!

[chamonix]

Don't blame me, over on WS, they are pretty weight obsessed.

[Valdez Telehead]

Old ski guys like us are allowed some extra training weight. Last year I was at 9% BF. This year I don't have to worry about it as much.

[tele.skier]

First,... I look for gear for friends when I am asked to do that.... I always come here (dostie's home page) and use the search function to look for his reviews on specific gear. It's been really helpful. I don't think Dostie gets enough credit for the great efforts he makes to review gear... It's a great resource that I take advantage of when I search for info. Thanks Dostie..

Second,... G3's zenoxide is a ski with an odd combination of properties. It's evolved from year to year by changing it's camber profile one year, then adding a carbon fiber version a year later. It's had a traditional GS shape with no taper in the tip in all 3 versions. It has a very small tip rise that is almost non existant. I own the second year, non-carbon version. It's got way too much camber underfoot for a ski that's 105 underfoot. Add a soft flex, and it makes the zenoxide a sluggish handling, slow to unweight, low performance ski. (granted, I am a heavy skier, and lighter skiers may not need as stiff a ski)

I'll sell you my non carbon zenoxide if you want... It's got inserts for NTN freedom binding...

I've looked at the synapse's specs,... (Yeah, I know that I haven't skied it!) and they make a lot more sense as an overall design than the zenoxide's hodge podge design does. The only thing I would be wary of is how light they are. A pair of skis under 5 lbs per pair is really light. I would worry about durability. G3, regardless of their occasionally poorly designed ski (want a list of them?....) have always had good manufacturing quality.

G3's marketing is always hyperbolic. I would ignore their propoganda and just make my decision from the specs of the ski alone. From the specs of the synapse, it looks like a better than average G3 design.... just my opinion and I have owned 5 different G3 skis...

[chamonix]

I still have these Zenoxides, early version, no rocker. NT Bulldog binding. One good thing about them, they have the same sidecut (within a few mm) of my old Coombas. So I can swap the edge-to-edge skins back and forth.

I've had good luck with G3 skis, RTs, Zens, Tonics, Manhattans, So the Synapse Carbon might be fun.