Graphite v Lithium v Carbon

[coxjon]

So call me thick, but looking for a steer here.

 

Looking at new skis and there is the obvious material build differences.......Graphite v Lithium v Carbon. However, is there a clear ride difference when weighing up what material a new ski shuld be made of? Ive only skied on my Senate C (carbon) so unsure what the others would offer.

[fu_man]

Graphite=carbon. Senate C =senate graphite. Lithium is also carbon skin but with a PVC core. PVC is lighter and more responsive than what is in the graphite and alloy models.

[gsm_peter]

I have similar thoughts for the Senate.

Is it more, better etc carbon in the Lithium models compare to carbon models?

At what ski level does one pick up more bois with the Lithium, pvc core models?

 

[gt2003]

Thanks @coxjon for bringing this up. I'm sure many of us who are newer to the sport are wondering the same thing. I'm interested to hear the replies.

[coxjon]

from what fu_man says, the Lithium model clearly is different due to a lighter core. This also shows in the pricing, especially of the new 2016 Senate.

 

Im an intemediate skier and sometimes just get a bit bind blown at all the options available.

[ToddL]

@eddie_roberts_jr - care to share the specific construction elements of these various Radar skis?

[gt2003]

@eddie_roberts_jr , the difference that the average skier might notice from one version to the other

 

[Horton]

I will take a swing at this and then @eddie_roberts_jr will correct it.

 

All the skis come from the same mold. The only difference is the materials. Better materials means a better ski experience. The Lithium has the best possible core and is all carbon. As you add some glass or downgrade to the PU core the ski is a little slower and less snappy.

 

The Lithium is built with the best stuff money can buy

The Graphite is all carbon but with a downgraded core

The Alloy is a carbon/glass blend with the downgraded core.

 

So does the Graphite suck? Nope. In fact I sort of wish I had one. It might be a touch more forgiving than the Lithium. Given a choice I would go for the Lithium but if you are learning 15 off get the darn Alloy and spend the left over money on lessons (from Matt Rini).

 

[Stickman]

So the Lithium Senate is not being made in the USA like the Vapor?

[303Skier]

What is a GOODE? I thought it was carbon composite? No core?

[Horton]

@303Skier I almost gave you a panda for a nonsensical post. This Thread is about the different versions on the Radar Vapor.

 

All high end (top of the line) skis are carbon fiber laminate on the outside and PVC (or similar material) core on the inside.

 

The only exception to this is the super ultra rare WONE from the guys at Warp. That's ski is carbon fiber with no core.

[eddie_roberts_jr]

Well, Horton is pretty much correct on this one, but I have to say that the Poly Urethane core in the Graphite and Alloy is not necessarily a down grade. For an intermediate skier who skis in iffy conditions it is probably even the better choice. Advanced skiers will definitely appreciate the quicker acceleration of the Lithium Senate whereas the PU core in the Graphite and Alloy will give the skier a tad more time at the finish of the turn to get their act? together. The Senates are built in our own facility in China where only our skis are made under the direct supervision of full time Radar employees. The same carbon fiber laminates are used in all 3 constructions.

[303Skier]

@Horton sorry i missed that man.