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2013 Icelantic Nomad RKR Skis vs. Nomad (Non RKR) Review

Ski: 2013 Icelantic Nomad RKR Skis

Size: 171cm

Dimensions: 140-105-130

Turn Radius: 16m

Weight: 8.65lbs

Rocker: Yes (Tip and Tail)

The 2013 Icelantic Nomad RKR is a brand new ski for Icelantic and after skiing it I can tell you that it will be in their line up for years to come. I was only able to ski the 171cm length, however what I can tell you is this ski wants to go fast and with the all new structure and finish (Thanks to a $500,000 Wintersteiger Machine) that Icelantic is putting into their skis you will notice a huge difference from the past.

The Nomad RKR comes with both tip and tail rocker and it loves to ski trees with confidence. Because of the early rise tip and tail you can certainly ski this ski longer than you would the normal Nomad with no early rise. It would not surprise me if Icelantic decided to come out with a 191cm length in this ski for 2014!! The Icelantic Nomad RKR wants to be pushing the limits at all times, it is super fun to play on and will go anywhere on the mountain with confidence that you want to take it. If you are just in for some Super G turns this ski so incredibly stable thanks to the all new Carbonium Topsheet that not only helps prevent the topsheet from chipping but when you also add 3 layers of rubber foil the ski is incredibly damp. If you want a ski that you can take with confidence on and off trail at anytime the Nomad RKR is a great choice.

I know a lot of guys and girls who will be using this as their tele or tour set up because of the versatility and how light the ski is. It is very quick edge to edge in the woods and also loves to zipper line moguls as well. Great all around ski for someone who is looking for light weight. If you don’t like the feeling of RKR you can still get this ski in the non RKR version. I have a feeling the RKR will sell 4 to 1 over the non RKR version after skiing both.

The non RKR Nomad is still an excellent ski and for those who do not enjoy skis with early rise. I know there is still a few of you out there who are not converts and if you are one of those then go with the regular Nomad. If you only ski groomers then you may enjoy not having the early rise. I had a blast on both versions of this ski so you really can not go wrong. If you spend more time in the woods go with the RKR if you spend more time on groomers you can consider the regular Nomad.

These skis are also made in the USA and come with a 2 year warranty from Icelantic. If you are tough on skis and need something durable this is a great ski for you.

 

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Comments

14 responses to “2013 Icelantic Nomad RKR Skis vs. Nomad (Non RKR) Review”

  1. Ted Eshbach Avatar
    Ted Eshbach

    How would you compare the Icelantic Nomad RKR to the Line Bacon?Are there any clear or significant relative strengths/differences,particularly for one(me) who has no intention to ski switch,launch major air,or do any park related maneuvers?My use would be Ut.&B.C. resort trees/powder whenever conditions cooperate &occas. catski day.Other skis that have caught my attn. are Kastle West XX110,Sal. Rocker 2 108,Rossi. Sickle,but Ifeel I’ve narrowed it down to the Nomad RKR vs Bacon.Living in the east makes demo’g in the preferred conditions tough. Thanks

  2. adam Avatar
    adam

    Hi Ted!
    For what you are going to be using the skis for the Nomad RKR is certainly a great ski for you. It is energetic and will ski anything on the mountain. It was one of my favorite skis along with the Bacon. The Bacon is mounted closer to center and is a softer ski than the RKR. The RKR is a one ski do everything ski that is playful and energetic, yet when screaming down the face of a hill is very damp and sticks to the snow. You will really enjoy the ride of the RKR.

  3. Ted Avatar
    Ted

    Adam-Thanks for your prompt reply and advice.Your comments reinforced my leanings-so the RKR it is. Now if we can only put last season’s conditions behind and return to a more typical snow year for the sake of us all!

  4. Ted Avatar
    Ted

    P.S Are you sure you didn’t know I had already ordered the RKR from Al’s? Either way,I can’t wait to get on them.

  5. adam Avatar
    adam

    That’s all any of us want is just a typical snow year and we will be happy!! PS: You know I know everything that is going on around here :), but you also know that anything I say Bruce is also going to say the same thing! We couldn’t believe the difference from the Nomad to the Nomad RKR, I didnt even buy the Nomad this year because of how fun the RKR version was.

  6. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Hi Adam. I am a 5’9″ female and ordered the 171 Nomad RKR. I read your review and said you can ski this ski longer. I am worried the 171 will be too short. I will be mounting an AT binding on them and using them for backcountry primarily. Right now I ski a 170 Volkl Gotama and they are actually longer than the Nomad RKR when I put them next to each other. Of course, the Gotama is a very low profile rocker. Any thoughts on if you think a 171 is too short?

  7. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    I am replacing a decade old pair of World Piste (might be older). I am looking at this ski and the BD Revert. I’d welcome thoughts on a comparison.

    I get one ski and ski it in all conditions here in CO. I am mostly front side, but with the kids getting older, I am hoping to get more time out of bounds.

  8. adam Avatar
    adam

    The Nomad RKR is certainly an amazing ski and it is hard to pick away from it as it really will do anything in every kind of condition and is quicker edge to edge than the BD Revert.

  9. M Avatar
    M

    Can anyone compare these to scott punisher and kästle west xx110?

  10. adam Avatar
    adam

    Never skied the Scott Punisher but loved the Colby West 110 skis. The RKR was a lot like the West xx110, very playful yet will still charge all mountain and is very stable at higher speeds. Can’t go wrong with wither the West 110 or the Nomad RKR

  11. TPG Avatar
    TPG

    Adam…thanks for the nice review. Any thoughts on how the Nomad RKR compares with the RMU Apostle?

  12. adam Avatar
    adam

    I did not get any time on the RMU but I have friends that have skied it and have said they ski very similar but the RKR is slightly quicker edge to edge the RMU likes to charge bigger turns.

  13. Holly Avatar
    Holly

    Thanks for all the great info! I’ve just received the 171 Keeper as an early Christmas gift. Though I’m tempted to get them mounted up and go for it, I’m a bit nervous that they might be too much ski for me. I’m 5’1″ 110lb aggressive, expert female skier.. but this ski is much bigger than anything I’ve skied before. I’ve previously been on K2 Obsethed, Seth Pistols and Volkl Kiku. Any advice? Would the Nomad be a more realistic option for me or is the Keeper doable?

  14. adam Avatar
    adam

    Hi Holly,
    You can’t go wrong with either ski. I loved the Keeper and although it looks like a big ski it certainly does not ski as big as it looks. It skis much shorter because of the overall design of the ski, unlike with the Obsethed or Pistol which did not have the early taper of the Keeper. Nomad is actually a stiffer ski than the Keeper, but they are both certainly hard chargers.

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