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So you're thinking about a new pair of skis, eh? The plethora of the choices can be a little dizzying, especially if you're just starting out, but we've got some tips to help simplify your search and get you on the slopes ASAP.
Quick Read
- Determine your skiing ability, your skiing goals and the terrain you'll ski most often.
- Match the kinds of skiing you want to do with the right ski for you.
- If you're not sure what kind of skis would suit you best, take several out for a test run.[/list:o]
What's Your Skiing Ability?
Recreational
You're a skier who's just getting started or a person enjoys slower speeds on easy to moderate terrain. You need skis that are forgiving and easy to control but that still allow you to tackle more challenging runs on occasion.
Intermediate
You're an experienced skier who can control your speed, and you're ready to tackle steeper, more challenging terrain. You need skis that are responsive yet still a bit forgiving.
Advanced/Expert
You ski with confidence, speed and aggressiveness on the steepest and most challenging terrain. To meet your demands and maximize your performance, you need responsive, high-tech sticks.
Ski Categories
All-Mountain
Designed for everything from groomed slopes to off-piste conditions with drops, jumps, bumps and powder. Generally, these skis have a waist (the narrow center area of a ski) of 70mm+ for stability and flotation.
Carving
Intended primarly for grooomed areas, these range from developmental skis to aggressive, high-speed slalom models. Waists are often 68mm or less for easier turn initiation. Shorter models excel at quick turns; longer skis handle sweeping giant-slalom turns.
Powder
These skis have broad platforms and 90mm+ waists, giving you superb flotation in deep snow. Great for heli-skiing.
Twin Tip
These skis have adapted over the years to become more versatile for all-mountain use while still being ideal for terrain parks. They feature a curved-up tip at both ends of the ski for landing fakie (backwards).
Integrated Skis
These skis are sold with bindings. (You'll find them listed under "Ski and Binding Systems" here on our website.) The bindings are attached to the skis in such a way as to allow the skis to flex more evenly, thus increasing contact with the snow and enhancing performance.
Women's Skis
Skis are available in men's and women's models. Women's skis are generally lighter weight and have a softer flex than most men's skis. Bindings on most of the women's models are positioned farther forward to increase stability and make turning easier. Women can, of course, go with any ski model appropriate for their ability and terrain preferences. Some women, however, especially those with smaller builds, find that lighter women's skis are easier to control.
Understanding the Basics of Ski Construction
As you browse our online selection of skis, you'll see specification charts outlining the construction features and dimensions of each model. These next three sections will help you make some sense of it all.
Sidecut Radius
When people talk about sidecut, they're talking about the amount of curve in the ski. A deep sidecut generally means a quick-turning ski; a shallower cut means a broader-carving ski. But to measure "sidecut" and talk about it in quantifiable terms, we need to use a couple of other terms. One of the best measurements for sidecut is the sidecut radius.
Picture a ski, looking down at it from above. It has inward curves (sidecut) on either edge. Now draw an imaginary circle that extends from one of those curves outward. If your imaginary ski has a deep sidecut (very curvy), then the circle you draw will be smaller. If the sidecut is shallow (straighter profile), then the circle will have to be very large. The sidecut radius is a line drawn from the ski edge to the center of the circle. Measured in meters, the sidecut radius is the size of the turn that the ski will make when set on edge.
Profile Dimensions
Measured in three areas—the tip, the waist, and the tail—profile dimensions give an accurate description of the ski. Knowing these measurements, it's easy to judge a ski's ideal uses. For example, a moderate waist—say around 70mm—will describe a ski useful on groomed slopes, powder, you name it; this is your classic all-mountain ski. Take an even wider waist—let's say 90mm—and you've got yourself a powder ski, while a narrower 68mm waist belongs to a ski that turns like a dream on groomed runs. All of our specification charts list the profile dimension with the tip first, then the waist, then the tail. Here's an example: 106/68/96 millimeters.
Ski Core: Wood Vs. Foam
As ski constructions become more complex, core elements affect performance less. In general, however, wood offers a resilient, lively snap and is known for its durability, while synthetic foam cores offer a consistent flex and lower weight. Metal added to a core enhances stiffness. Many skis today offer a hybrid mix of these materials.
Take 'Em for a Test Spin
You can read all you want about ski construction and how other people think skis perform, but there's nothing like trying them out for yourself. When feasible, it's always a good idea to test drive several models that you think might fit your ability and style. Many REI stores rent skis for you to do just that. You can also rent from the ski area. Manufacturers' demo days are another great way to try before you buy, as you can sample many pairs and make comparisons. Ski areas will often have calendars of such events on their websites.
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发表于 2006-9-28 12:48:01
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