The old-style ATR brake I used to use...

I recently purchased the new V2 Jenex rear brake for my Aero 150s. We live in a hilly area near the Mississippi and can really get going on the downhills in our local valleys. Typically we try to anticipate the needed resistance and pre-click our front ATRs for the anticipated grade of the hill. This generally works well. Sometimes we catch ourselves moving along a bit faster than anticipated and have to reach down and click on another notch to slow down a bit. At other times you overestimate the needed resistance and the downhill can be a bit of a yawner. If you try to click off the ATRs, you might accelerate faster than anticipated. With time, the skill of adjusting the ATRs on the fly can be mastered fairly well.

The new Universal Brake

Jenex's New Brake

When I saw the new brake I was intrigued. It did look to be a bit of a Rube Goldberg contraption on the website. Marty Hall gave it the OK on Jenex's website, so I decided to give it a try. 

The Jenex website does not do it justice!

First of all, it is lightweight and totally unobtrusive. I did have to move my bindings up half an inch to attach the brake, but that was nothing more than a little time consuming. The brake comes complete with drill bits and instructions.

I am thrilled with the results! I can readily climb hills that my training partners avoid because of the scary descents. The ability to modulate the speed is great. On some of the steeper and longer hills I have learned to feather the brake on and off to add speed or regain control. I have found that getting down in a tuck position allows me to apply the brake with a good center of gravity on the steeper hills. On more moderate hills the brake works well in the upright position.

Our EMAG group continues to meet in the predawn, low traffic hours with headlights, taillights and V2 Aeros. We have grown to a regular group of 8 or so skiers. I can't wait until my training partners upgrade to the brake. It has really opened up some new rollerski venues and has put a little spark in my fall training.

Jenex Universal Brake FAQ

Q: Where does the brake mount on the rollerski?
A: The brake mounts behind the binding, 1.125 inches of space is required from the end of the binding to the end of the shaft, or to the molded fender housing on 800 and 900 series

Q: How does the brake work?
A: The brake is actuated by pushing the brake ski about 18 inches (.45M ) ahead of the other ski (think Telemark position) and pushing the knee back.

Q: Is it adjustable?
A: The brake has numerous adjustments to accommodate just about any shoe size and different binding locations. The padded Yoke that engages the leg when braking touches the leg about 1 inch above a typical skate boot.

When in use, the brake arm is raised and locked by a spring loaded plunger, so the brake can only move backward. When properly adjusted, the brake only touches the leg when braking.

Q: Can I fold the brake down?
A: When not skiing, the spring plunger can be pulled out and the brake folded over the binding.

Q: How heavy is it?
A: Weight of complete unit is 125 grams. All materials except the heat treated brake pad are black anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Brakes are available for 800/900 Series and all Aero skis, including the Retro Classic.