Whether you are new to skiing or you feel at home on the slopes, when it comes to the need to buy new skis, it can be quite difficult to find your way around the extensive market offer. Which parameters should be kept in mind when choosing skis?
Answer the 3 main questions:
- What is the level of your skiing skills?
- What terrain are you going to ski on?
- Do you want to make shorter or longer turns?
Definition of the parameters in a nutshell
Depending on the level of your skiing skills, chosen terrain and skiing style, you need skis with different parameters. These have a significant impact on your skiing.
Ski length
In general, when choosing skis, what is most often discussed is their length. However, it is not the only parameter, and there is not just one general rule as to which length to choose.
MUZIKER TIP:
Roughly speaking, for an ordinary skier, the skis should reach the height between the chin and the nose.
- Choose shorter skis if you want to ride slower and make more turns.
- Choose longer skis for long turns at higher speed.
Shorter skis are easier to control, but longer ones are more stable when skiing fast.
Ski width
The width of the ski under the binding is a parameter that tells how easily the ski will tilt from one edge to the other. The narrower the ski, the easier it is to tilt. The wider the ski, the better it moves even in loose, soft snow or on ungroomed slopes.
MUZIKER TIP:
Wide skis are primarily intended for skiing in deep and ungroomed snow, while narrow skis are agile on smooth slopes.
Radius
The ski radius means the radius of the arc that the ski's sidecut forms. The smaller the radius of the ski, the more the ski turns and vice versa.
Stiffness of skis
The stiffness of the ski depends on the material of the core. The stiffer the ski, the more force you have to use to push it. It depends on your weight and strength.
That is why beginners are recommended soft skis with a composite or wooden core, while racers reach for extra hard skis in which the core is reinforced with other materials (titanal or carbon).
Ski skill level
When considering the parameters, do not forget the level of your skiing skills.
Beginner and intermediate
If you are just getting familiar with skiing, choose the appropriate skis. Investing in professional equipment makes no sense and can even harm you.
You need skis that are softer, easy to control, but stable. Choose skis:
- that reach the height between the chin and the nose,
- with a minimum width of 68 mm and a maximum of 90 mm,
- with a radius of 14-16 m,
- with a composite core to make them soft enough.
MUZIKER TIP:
The best thing to do is to search for skis in the category All-mountain; suitable type of skis are unisex skis Salomon S/Max W8.
Advanced skier
Are you a born skier, do you enjoy skiing and can handle all types of slopes, and at the same time you are in no rush? You need skis that can be managed well even at higher speeds without getting out of control.
Go for harder skis, with a medium radius and medium width. For example, Atomic Maverick for men and Atomic Cloud for women.
Sport skier
Do you love dynamic and fast skiing, do you want to push your limits further and further? You are an athlete, body and soul, and therefore you need skis that provide you with sufficient support.
- Choose the length and radius depending on whether you like frequent turns or prefer long curves.
- Choose skis with a wooden core reinforced with another material - for example titanal. The skis will provide you with stability not only at high speed, but also on hard ground. A suitable type is Salomon E S/Race.
Racing skier
If you participate in ski races, you know that you need absolute precision and maximum stiffness from your skis. Such skis can only be handled by a real pro, but in exchange you will be rewarded with a maximum dose of adrenaline. Take a look at Head World Cup Rebels.
Terrain
The type of terrain you will ski on has a decisive influence on the choice of skis.
Neat slope
On groomed pistes, you will appreciate skis with a binding width of up to 90 mm.
The narrower the skis, the easier they tilt from edge to edge - they are very agile. The narrowest are the skis from the category slalom skis and giant slalom skis, which have a width of around 65-70 mm.
Slightly wider are the all-round skis with a width of 68-75 mm, which are more universal and stable.
Skis from the all-mountain category are the most stable with a width of 75-90 mm and can handle ungroomed slopes or heavy and wet snow.
Free terrain
If groomed pistes are not for you, and you're more attracted to fresh powder snow, choose skis from the freeride category. Thanks to their width of 90-140 mm, they "float" on the snow. They are perfect for specialists who love freedom and new challenges.
Snowpark
Do you enjoy pushing your limits and go crazy on the snow? Skiing on a groomed slope is not for you, and are you more attracted to specially groomed trails in snow parks?
For various jumps, tricks, ski switch or hitting rails, you need skis that are stable on landing, with a robust and durable construction and a raised heel.
You will choose them from the category freestyle, a suitable option is Atomic Punx Seven. With these skis, you won't get lost in any snow park, but at the same time you'll enjoy riding on and off the piste.
Turn length
When choosing skis, your ski style and the length of the turn also play a big role. If you can balance the edges of the skis while skiing, you will react very sensitively to the radius of the ski, which will determine how big a turn you can make.
Short turn
Skis with a short radius - up to 13 m - are perfect for short turns.
Very "lively" slalom skis, which are narrow under the binding, harder and mostly shorter, excel in manoeuvrability. However, they are unstable in soft and loose snow. They fully show their potential on a groomed slope during dynamic skiing of sport and racing skiers.
Long turn
The long turn is made by the skis with a long radius in the range of 16 to 35 m. They are skis from the category giant slalom skis. These are narrow under the binding, which makes them very fast when tilting edges, but also less stable in loose snow. However, they have perfect properties at high speeds and in a medium to long turn. Similar to slalom skis, they are very hard and suitable for sport and racing skiers.
Middle turn
If you are looking for more versatile skis, look for skis with a medium radius of 13-16 m, they hold the direction well when skiing straight and are also easy to control. In combination with a larger width under the binding, they will support you even in soft and looser snow. They are made for all kinds of skiers, from beginners to sport skiers. They are skis from the category all-round and all-mountain.
The difference between women's and unisex models
Skis specifically for ladies are designed to suit them better. In addition to the different design and colours, they are lighter, have a lighter core and wider tip to make turning easier. They also have the centre of gravity shifted forward, making them more manoeuvrable overall.
Each of the mentioned categories offers a wide range of models for ladies as well, just choose. Do you already know which ones you will pick?
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