Take a Seat: Built to Rip

Weight: 30-35 lbs.

Price: $2,500-$3,600

A monoski breaks down into four main components, says Jeff Goodman of Radventures, Inc., maker of Yetti brand monoskis. There's the seating system (1), which consists primarily of a fiberglass seat, which may be reinforced with Kevlar or carbon fiber to improve its strength-to-weight ratio. Next comes the frame (2), constructed of chromoly steel or aluminum. "Much like a bicycle frame," says Goodman. A suspension system (3) cushions the ride, and typically uses a stock motorcycle shock absorber, though pricey suspensions may feature customized shocks. Finally, there's the binding system (4), really a high-end conventional race binding, modified to prevent release, which accommodates a boot-shaped adapter. As for the ski, Goodman says just about any traditional ski will work, but "stiffer boards are better."

JANUARY 2005