Gear Review - CARV 2
- Henry
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
The skiing world's redefining coaching gadget gets a redefining update to solve some of the puzzles provided by the original.
Last year, I got the chance to try CARV, the revolutionary digital ski coach that was trying to redefine the ski development game. This year, it was the turn of CARV 2, the ulta-revolutionary digital ski coach that is set to turn the industry on its head.
So what is CARV? CARV uses digital sensors attached to your ski boots to measure a huge range of metrics as you are skiing along. It then carefully considers this data, and spits it back out to you as a range of actionable objectives; get on your edges early, ensure your weight is more balanced, be more parallel in your turn. You get the idea.
It might be worth stepping aside and giving my review of the original CARV a quick read before going any further. A lot of what I will cover here will be how CARV 2 adapts to some of the criticisms I levied at the original, which held it back from being a truly revolutionary tool.
So off you pop …
… right, back with us? Cool.
From that review, I highlighted three things that could be improved. The first is the insole itself, taking up so much room in the boot it was at times unwearable. Secondly, it failed to consider how your skiing was being adapted for varying terrain and snow types. And finally, implied if more than stated, was the “gamification” of skiing and ski instruction that, whilst unlocking an animalistic desire to be better than everyone else felt a little out of place if just trying to quietly grow your own skiing.
Shall we get cracking with CARV 2? Let’s.
To kick things off, CARV 2 is nothing like CARV 1. Rather than fitting in as an insole into your ski boot, CARV 2 now simply clips onto the cuff of our boot at the top of the ankle/shin. CARV provide plenty of absolutely foolproof guides of where to place it around the power strap to ensure it both reads data correctly and reduces the risk of being knocked off as you ski. The units are the same size and weight as the battery packs of the old model, or of your boot heaters if you have them, meaning they do not feel cumbersome or out-of-place on your boots.
This immediately solves the biggest problem I had with CARV 1. The space taken up in the boot by the insole, if only 3mm thick, was enough to cause me absolute agony as I skied along, enough that I had to take my boots off – not just unbuckle them – every couple of runs. My boots aren’t exactly the most performance (read: tight) fit either, meaning I probably wasn’t alone in experiencing this.
By removing the insole, therefore, I was able to ski comfortably with CARV all day long - so comfortably, in fact, that on several occasions I forgot completely that I was wearing it and therefore forgot to turn it on at the start of my first run!
But what of the data provided? You might expect that the data collected should be a step back from CARV 1, as it’s no longer collecting the same pressure and angle based data that it was previously. CARV themselves, at least in my conversations with them, state that they are now collecting an entirely different data set to what they were previously and, again according to them, the data they now have is better then with the original CARV. Either way, to the average skier such as you and me, it is irrelevant. You get the same end result and the same Skier:IQ, too, and CARVs new computer can spit out even more actionable objectives along the way, too.
Which brings me to my other criticisms of CARV 1. With much better data and a higher processing ability, CARV 2 is now able to recognise different terrain and snow types. Whilst it is not perfect, this aspect is night and day compared to CARV 1 where your Skier:IQ was directly impacted because you weren’t on an absolutely perfect pitch, an perfect corduroy blue run where you could turn your carving on and and the freedom to really dial it up to 11.
CARV 2 was much better able to recognise when skiing in powder or uneven terrain, adjusting your Skier:IQ and the feedback you received to ensure you didn’t take a dive on the leaderboards, or were able to grow your skiing more than just simply “hur duh get on your edges”.
The data processed back also provided a more personal experience, too. The “gameification” of the skiing experience has been watered down as part of this. Sure, you still have the Skier:IQ and the global ranking system, meaning you can really have a (digital) scrap with random skiers if you want to, but the data and feedback it is, well, feeding back to you is far more refined to what you really want.
It can recognise really minor deficiencies in your skiing, such as your pole plant being too close to your body. How? I am sure I do not know. Either way, the tailored feedback you receive from the system was far removed from the simple, animalistic feedback of CARV 1.
The system is not cheap, however. The sensors themselves come in at just around £200, but to keep them active you will need to subscribe for a year for another c.£200. CARV have run a promotion so far this season where you can get the sensors for free and just pay for the annual subscription, but either way it is not much cheaper than a day-rate for an instructor who can fix all the things wrong with your skiing in a day – with no input from Daniel or Martha (CARV’s slightly too robotic voice coaches) needed.
Fundamentally, however, CARV 2 remains an exceptional piece of software, vastly improved from the first generation version. Yes, it remains pricey, but for a committed skier it will be the companion you need to see you through your ski season and ensure your technique remains as sharp as ever. It is also a tremendous British success story, which in skiing deserves to be celebrated!
Looking to buy? Follow the link below to purchase CARV 2 now.
UK only. Skiing Unlocked may receive commission for purchase made via links provided; Skiing Unlocked's Gear Reviews remain tried, tested, and unbiased to ensure you can unlock your skiing.
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