Description

Having worked on a similar product years ago, Francois and Nils knew that they wanted their first ski to be the Hok. The idea of combining the qualities of snowshoe and ski has been an interesting challenge for both of them and together they have taken the concept to a new level in function and design.

THE PURPOSE

The Hok is designed as an easy to use ski for the backcountry. Its short wide dimensions makes the ski incredibly maneuverable, and the integrated climbing skin gives the Hok great traction for climbing.The right balance of running base and skin material makes the ski’s downhill speed manageable and easy to control. Bridging cross-country skis and snowshoes, the Hok combines the maneuverability and ease of use found in snowshoes with the ski’s efficiency of sliding forward rather then lifting and stepping with each stride.

THE FEATURES

The Hok features a synthetic climbing skin integrated into the base of the ski, steel edges for durability, and a light weight cap construction. In an effort to minimize our carbon footprint, we use, a sustainable paulownia wood corereinforced with a combination of organicnatural fibers and fiberglass. Simple graphics and natural fibers combine with design themes from the the Altai Mountains for a unique look.

THE NAME

The name, ‘Hok’ {hawk}, is the Tuwa word for ski in the Altai Mountains. The Tuwas are the smallest ethnic group in the area and the most dedicated skiers.

BINDINGS

The skis comes with inserts matching the extended 75mm norm hole pattern. This is compatible with current 75mm 3pin bindings as well as the universal binding we are offering with the ski. We also have an adapter plate that is compatible with Rottefella NNN BC and Solomon BC bindings.

SIZING

The Hok will be available in three sizes, the 125 cm., the 145 cm. and the kids version, Balla Hok, 99cm. While user size can influence your choice of which length to get, intended use is equally important.

Here is a brief description of the differences between the two lengths.

The 145 has a little more “ski” DNA in it and works better for those looking to use the Hoks in a more downhill fashion. The 145 has a bit more glide as well, but is less maneuverable in tight spaces. The 145 has a bit more floatation for deep snow and BIG skiers.

The 125 is better as a snowshoe substitute, more maneuverable, better in thick woods and brush, lighter, and a little better grip. The 125 is also easier to control and use for those unfamiliar with skis.

Both sizes turn well with the 125 being a bit easier due to the length, but also a bit less stable at speed.

For general use and as a snowshoe substitute the 125 works best. The length affects the boot/binding you use as well, with the 125 being easier to ski with a light boot or the universal binding.

The Hoks have been updated as of fall 2016 and the changes are as follows:

The 125 and 145 Hoks have a new skin shape. We did this to reduce waste on the skin material, testing the new shape for most of last season. Our goal wast meet or exceed performance of the previous shape while allowing us to reduce the waste of this material. We succeeded in this!

In changing the skin design we felt it was a good time to change the graphics a bit. We kept the same theme but change colors on the tail design and gave each size its own color on the graphic detail. We now have a Hok family.

We also added a tip logo on the base that is inset into the black ptex. This is done with clear ptex so you can see the wood core through the logo. We like it!

We changed the mounting point on the 145 cm Hok, moving it back 3 cm (about 1 1/4 inches). Several users have asked about the forward position, and we have been testing this for a while. The forward position of the mounting gives the Hoks a easier to maneuver factor, as well as makes them break trail better in deep snow. For non skiers it is easier to have a long thing attached to your foot following you then one leading the way… :-). Many of us as well as our users are finding the 145 to be a fun tool to really go out and explore/ski in more adventuresome terrain. In pushing the mounting point of the 145 back, we are pushing the 145 a little further toward “ski” on the ski to snowshoe continuum.

Finally, we also changed a layer of fiberglass in the 145 to make the ski about 7% stiffer overall. This gives the ski a bit better floatation for big guys (breaking trail or skiing) and also make the 145 a bit more sturdy skiing at higher speeds.

Check our ‘Try’ page in season to find out where

you can give the Hok, and skishoeing, a test drive.

Here’s a few videos on the Hoks, there are more if you visit out Youtube page here.

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