The Launch is our “flagship” skibike; it is still made 100% in-house by Devin himself, and it’s the bike that helped skibiking become what it is today. The Recon is made over seas but is painted and assembled in house. However, we want to make it very clear that just because the Recon is made over seas, the quality and durability is just as good as the Launch. We have never had a Recon frame fail. The Sortie is our small bike and is closer to the Recon in how it feels and handles, but don’t be fooled; just because it’s a smaller frame doesn’t mean it can’t handle any type of riding and terrain. Because of it’s smaller size it is quick, nimble in tight technical terrain, yet still stable at high speed.
If you were to compare the Launch and Recon in terms of mountain bikes, the Launch is like a downhill bike in that the frame itself is a little more stout, it usually comes with longer travel (160-180mm), and is happiest when going fast and making carves. The Recon is like a long travel enduro bike in that it is a little lighter, the travel is usually a little shorter (150-180mm), and is a great all mountain bike. Devin himself will tell you that the Recon is a better feeling, more natural, more playful bike than the Launch. The Recon is at home with whatever you want to do with it…cruise groomers, navigate the moguls/trees, or play in the terrain park.
Most riders will find the Recon to be sufficient for all styles of riding. Very seldom do we have someone “outgrow” a Recon and get a Launch.
If you are looking for specific geometry differences, you can find that info under the “geometry” tab on each bikes’ page.