How to Choose the Right Skis
Choosing the right set of skis is crucial for a great skiing experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pair that suits your needs. In this post, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right skis based on your skill level, riding style, and preferred terrain. 1. Skill Level:
When choosing a ski, consider your skill level. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to go for a shorter, softer flex ski that is more forgiving and easier to control. Intermediate skiiers can opt for a medium flex ski that is longer than their beginnner counterpart. These offer a comprimise between stability and control. As you reach the advanced or expert stage, you should move to a stiffer, longer ski to increase stability. 2. Rider Style:
Your style plays a signifigant role in determining the type of skis you should choose. If you stick to the groomers, you want a narrower, stiffer ski. There are many skis available made specifically for groomed trails, my personal favourite being the Atomic Redster Q9.8, which offers a dedicated advanced groomer ski that will still hold up when the conditions get poor.
Those wanting to spend their season in the park should look for a shorter, lighter, twin tip ski. These are made to be extremely maneuveranle at the price of stability at speed .(many learn this the hard way, me included.) My personal favourite park skis are the Armada Arv, B-dog, and Edollo, as well as the Head Oblivion series.
Anyone looking to get off the trail and venture into the back country pow lines should go for a wide, long ski with a heavy rocker on the tip. Many of these also have a twin tip. You need the larger width in order to 'float' on top of the snow. The rocker tip helps to resurface the ski if it sinks down. These skis can be some of the most fun, as they can be used anywhere, on or off trail and can get you into new lines you weren't able to acess before. My favourites in this category are the Atomic Bent Chetlers and the Dynastar M-Free.
Lastly, if you arent decided on what type of ski you want or simply want to do it all, there are many all-mountain skis out there, which offer a mix off all the above features. These skis won't outperform skis made specifically for one type of skiing, but they allow you to use the same set no matter the conditions or trails.
3. Bindings:
The stance you set your bindings to is very important. When you get your bindings mounted, (ALWAYS have a professional do this) you need to decide on the setback. Most skis have a factory reccomendation. This is where it should be for the vast majority of riders. The exceptions are skis that are solely going to be used in deep powder, which are often set slightly further back and park skis, which should be mounted in the center of the ski.
Bindings also have another measurement, being the release force. This is measured in DIN, short for Deutsches Institut für Normung, and determines how much force needs to be applied before the bindings release off of your feet. It is vital that this is set properly and should be done by professionals only. If this setting is wrong, it can lead to them either releasing to early, or not releasing at all, which can lead to serious injury.
4. Size and Flex: Choosing the right size and flex is essential for optimal performance. The size of the snowboard should be based on your weight, height, and riding style. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pair that reaches between your chin and nose when standing upright. For beginners it should be betweeen shoulder and chin and for experts it should be eye level or taller. Flex refers to the stiffness of the skis. Softer flex skis are more forgiving and easier to control, while stiffer flex skis offer more stability and responsiveness. In conclusion, choosing the right pair of skis involves considering your skill level, riding style, preferred terrain, size, and flex. Take the time to research and try out different skis before making a decision. Remember, a well-suited pair will enhance your skiing experience and allow you to progress and have fun on the slopes. Happy shredding!