Woodpecker 2013 Description
A 90mm waist is the best shape for versatility, especially when it comes to groomers. The 65%-35% Camber provides a catch-free tip that can hook up and carve like a race ski. At 90mm, the Woodpecker can also handle soft snow and pow with ease. The Razor Cut sidecut gives this medium-wide ski incredible edge grip on the hardest snow. The full vertical bamboo core makes the ski feel more rock solid and energetic than any other construction.
RAMP Sports uses an innovative new way to print graphics directly onto the raw wood material. This was an "impossibility" according to product experts. We invented a process to prove them wrong, and in turn, our top sheets look painted, like fine artwork. Each print is slightly different in color and dimension from the other, meaning you get a genuine handmade gem. We stand behind our graphic sublimation process. Our "Love It or Leave It" warranty is there for your satisfaction, and we are confident you'll love your new, unique handmade-in-America ski. Enjoy.
- I demo'd, I liked! by Craig W.
- I'm a Mountain Host at PCMR this year and first heard about RAMP skis at the product night. The whole idea of locally produced skis made out of environmentally friendly materials and with sustainable processes definitely caught my interest. So I finally reserved a pair of the demo Woodpecker's and took them out today on my own time.
Boy did I have a GREAT day! The performance of the skis was evident from the first run to the last. I took them everywhere they could go and they performed with grace and precision. RAMP is definitely my ski manufacturer from now on! It's going to be fun buying a pair. Now if only I could get them to make a totally black custom pair with "Carbon Offset" in their funky green color running up the tops and "Ramp NOCO2" in green on the back end :)
Thanx RAMP for the demo! (Posted on 2/20/13) - Woody would be a riot as a tele quiver ski by Brad Miller
- I get more questions about the Woodpeckers than any ski I have ever had (had some Hanson vf101 boots in the mid 80s that got a few more questions). The following is what I have found. Keep in mind, I use them as a tele ski.
1: The ski works very well in deeper softer snow. A-
2: Groomers are easily handled with the WPs A-
3: Skiing in the woods is fun on them. A
4: The pitch and ice are tougher C
5: Running the sticks (gates) moderate terrain B+
A: Very soft flex length wise :) :(
B: Stiff torsionally :)))))
C: Base grind upon arrival :( Hard to get wax to sink in.
D: Top sheet is falling off in places :(((( Duct tape holds it down for now.
In short, I didn't get the Woodpeckers to race on so I have enjoyed them very much. The quality of the base grind was not so good however; the base is bullet proof. I was a bit worried about the top skin when they arrived and as I thought it has peeled a bit. I would have no problem telling folks Woody would be a riot as a tele quiver ski and appreciate your efforts to check up on your customers.
Brad Miller
PSIA-C Alpine, Nordic and Childrens Ed Staff (Posted on 2/18/13) - I recommend these skis to my friends by Scott Edwards
- I have 20 days of eastern skiing on my Woodpeckers. Great all around ski, good on the groomers, bumps and woods. My first rockered ski and I now have an appreciation for how it helps initiate turns. I do have a concern about the top sheet of the ski as the top edges are damaged easily. ...However, I do recommend these skis to my friends as I'm often asked about them.
(Posted on 2/18/13) - Response to Ben by Mike Kilchenstein
- Hi Ben,
Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. First of all, we are excited you're enjoying the performance of the ski. The Woodpecker is a great all around ski, and one of our most popular models. As for your concerns with our sidewalls, bamboo is a very resilient material, we have done multiple tests on it and have been blown away at the results. Bamboo is harder and stronger than the traditional ABS plastic sidewall material, thus making it more durable.
One of the most challenging parts of our construction was finding the right adhesion between the bamboo topsheet and the protective top layer. Our skis feature a vertical sidewall, because we believe this gives the ski a more agressive and stronger construction. Due to this, it is possible to gouge the topsheet. In the battle between the plastic top of the ski and the very sharp steel edges, when the ski crosses and the sharp edge slams into the plastic top sheet the edges always wins.
If you do have issues with the topsheets or sidewalls, we have a excellent warranty, so don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service at [email protected]
Thanks again for the support,
Mike Kilchenstein, President & CEO RAMP Sports (Posted on 2/11/13) - first tracks to last chair ... amazing by Bob M.
- This is an update to my review on 1/31/13. Yesterday I patrolled our mountain with the 2013 Woodpecker. Typical east coast conditions; frozen groomers, ice and hard pack in the morning that quickly changed to moist soft snow covering ice. First track summit temperature was -4 degrees and you could chip the ridges in the corduroy with your pole. Staying in the front seat allowing the ski to do the work making the first turns of the day effortless and in control. As the day progressed the sun and rise in temperatures along with customers pushing the snow around completed the transformation to islands of soft moist snow surrounded by ice. The early tip rise, softer shovel and flexibility of the Woodpecker quickly responded to my requests and the changing conditions. I’m a small framed guy so a nimble ski allows me to conserve energy and stay on the hill longer. During sweep I still had plenty of energy. My fellow patrollers and recreational skiers in the lift lines were asking about your product. I happily spoke about your skis and pointed them to the website.
(Posted on 2/11/13) - first tracks to last chair ... amazing by Bob M.
- This is an update to my review on 1/31/13. Yesterday I patrolled our mountain with the 2013 Woodpecker. Typical east coast conditions; frozen groomers, ice and hard pack in the morning that quickly changed to moist soft snow covering ice. First track summit temperature was -4 degrees and you could chip the ridges in the corduroy with your pole. Staying in the front seat allowing the ski to do the work making the first turns of the day effortless and in control. As the day progressed the sun and rise in temperatures along with customers pushing the snow around completed the transformation to islands of soft moist snow surrounded by ice. The early tip rise, softer shovel and flexibility of the Woodpecker quickly responded to my requests and the changing conditions. I’m a small framed guy so a nimble ski allows me to conserve energy and stay on the hill longer. During sweep I still had plenty of energy. My fellow patrollers and recreational skiers in the lift lines were asking about your product. I happily spoke about your skis and pointed them to the website.
(Posted on 2/11/13) - Great ski, but... by Ben
- I bought this ski on sale (having never ridden it) around Xmas 12. My first trip up was shortly thereafter, and every weekend since. I am by no means a great skier, but I have been skiing since I was 3 (I'm 32). While not good, I am an aggressive skier and I love to go fast. These skis handle like almost nothing else I've ridden. As Bob M says, they carve like a dream. I ski the Central CO Rockies and they are great front side sticks. and still have enough underfoot to make them a pleasure on the back side bowls in the powder. The ski surface has held up well to the abuse I've dished.
All that being said, I do have a complaint. Maybe constructive criticism would be better... These boards have an exposed bamboo "sidewall." While it is a cool aesthetic feature, it is not confidence inspiring. I have seen that edge actually look wet. While CO snow tends to be very dry, I don't know that these would survive in my native Oregon. I think an actual edge finish would do these skis well. Additionally, I have noticed splintering along the edge of the topsheet. I'm not sure if a more durable/thicker topsheet would fix it - or if the edge finish would matter. The splinters are not long and none of this has affected the performance of the skis, but it is one of the first things people notice about them.
While they do perform like a champ, I really don't expect them to last more than a season or two. Again, I know I am rough on skis, but my last set lasted 5 solid seasons. (Posted on 2/7/13) - WOW ... what a product by Bob M.
- Thank you for your 2013 Woodpecker. I had the opportunity to demo it today at Okemo Mountain in Vermont. The conditions were packed powder on groomers and 6 inches of powder from the snow fall the night before. My first run was on a groomed slope and the ski response was amazing. A gentle edge and the ski engaged the turn asking for more. The transition to the next turn was flawless. I was thinking my god this is great. On my next run I looked for the fresh snow. Being from the east coast we don’t see too many powder days. My experience with powder on other skis was less than stellar. The float was gentle and consistent throughout the entire ride down the mountain. The ski made the ride so easy and so much fun. Then I went after short radius turns. The flex and pop from turn to turn was fantastic. Once again the ski made the ride so easy. My last experiment was to transition back and forth between groomed, powder and short radius through a single trail. I was giddy when I reached the bottom. This is a ski for the east coast. Okemo had only 1 2013 Woodpecker so I snapped it up. Thanks again for a wonderful product. (Posted on 1/31/13)
- Artful Craftsmanship by Jim_K
- A big THANK YOU for the fantastic, incredible skis that came to my home residence about two weeks ago. A first class way to send them was exhibited by the way they were packaged. The Ramp logo bag was the best way I've ever seen packaging presented.
The Woodpecker skis are a true work of artful craftsmanship. We are excited to see you at our up coming event so you can proudly hand these off to a very grateful snowsports enthusiast. (Posted on 1/3/13) - Can"t Wait by Rock Chaffee
- Just ordered my Wood Peckers with Speed Plates...Can't wait (Posted on 12/29/12)