For years surfers have developed relationships with their board shapers resulting in absolutely custom boards developed for only one rider. In the ski industry, a select few racers and professionals have been privy to having skis tailored to their needs in a similar way, but the "race stock" ski has always been shrouded in a mysterious cloak of exclusivity. Stephan Drake and Cyrille Boinay are out to change the way you buy a ski.

On July 9, 2003 Drakeboinay skis announced its entrance into the volatile world of ski manufacturing. Where others have failed before, Drakeboinay believes it holds the right mindset and technology to successfully bring the core powder skier into a whole new world of riding. Manufactured in Michigan at the Goode factory, Drakeboinay skis feature the same complete carbon fiber technology, but takes things a step further with custom flexing, custom colors and deep powder dimensions to satisfy the biggest hound. They claim their skis are 40-percent lighter than conventionally made skis and at the same time stronger and more reactive.

Custom flex in a ski is not a new thing, but, according to Drake, carbon-fiber technology allows them to customize flex in ways that have not been done before. "If you want the tail of your ski to flex 20 percent softer than the shovel, or you want a flex similar to a ski you owned in the past and like, we can do that." Skiers fill out a flex questionnaire when ordering skis to determine preferred flex, but Drakeboinay encourages specific requests for flex. Drake and Boinay will establish contact with customers upon order submission.

Drakeboinay has three ski shapes for their first season, representing what they consider to be the perfect quiver. The R (115/79/104) is their all-mountain and hardpack ski. The Surreal (125/94/112) is designed for varying conditions and powder, and features, along with the R, a slightly turned up tail for ease of exiting turns and hitting booters switch. The last ski in their line up may be the mother of all powder boards. Hold your jaw up: the TablaRasa (142/118/125) features a swallowtail and is at home on the most epic of powder days. Drake claims carbon-fiber construction has allowed the 185cm TablaRasa to be lighter then an Atomic 10.EX, a significantly narrower ski. Smack on some Fritschi Freeridesā€¦the mind reels with possibilities.

With all their skis in the $8-900 USD range, Drakeboinay skis are not for the weak of wallet. Drake contends the increased durability of carbon-fiber construction will pay off for customers in the long run. Flex life is virtually infinite, a big plus over foam-core skis which can lose their snap after half a season of regular use. Drakeboinay skis feature a full Kevlar wrap, so even if a rock manages to break through the thick bases and snowboard-width edges it has one more barrier before claiming a core shot. Drake estimates the life of their skis to be three to four full seasons.

--Jamey Voss

Visit Drakeboinay skis at www.dbskis.com.