How Do You Choose the Right Skis for You?
Whether you are looking at skis for sale, or are just ready to make the most of new powder, finding the right skis does not have to be a difficult decision.
Follow our ski size guide for the best skis, no matter your experience.
Ski Length
Your ski length should sit between your chin and the top of your head.
When purchasing skis, consider your experience on the snow. First time skiers will preference shorter skis, with longer skis suitable for advanced skiers.
Purchase skis that are closer to your chin and shorter if you weigh less than average for your height, prefer to ski fast with short turns, or preference camber to rocker.
Long skis are suitable for fast and aggressive skiers, if you weigh more than average for your height, preference off-trail skiing, and prefer rocker over camber.
Gender
Made for their anatomical shape, weight and stance, all women’s skis are typically lighter. Needing less weight to turn and having a lower centre of gravity, mounting positions are a centimetre or so further forward.
Men’s skis are designed with every body shape, height, and skillset out there. Despite their designs, both men and women’s skis are unisex as required.
Children’s skis are soft enough to introduce them to the sport, allowing them to build skills. Most children’s skis are suitable for all and do not need to be updated as they grow.
Children’s skis never require re-drilling, only re-adjusting. There is no difference between boys and girls skis, for children.
Weight
Skiers over 90kgs should upgrade their skis to an advanced ski level.
Whereas skiers below 52kgs should consider adopting a ski with more flex.
Ability Length
Skis with more flex, a narrow width, and specific design shape allow for an easier turn and more control.
Skis for intermediate skiers are wider and stronger. Depending on the specific skis, intermediate-advanced skis may have full camber, rocker, or a combination of the two and are able to ride on different terrains.
Advanced and Expert skis contain elements for the fast and aggressive skier.
Skiers that are confident on steep and various terrains are expert skiers and the materials used in these skis are designed for better performance as they are stiffer and can be challenging to manoeuvre at slower speeds.
Width
This is the measurement at the waist (middle) of the skis, the narrowest point.
Narrow waists mean quicker carving down slopes, whilst wider waists provide more support over powder. Ski dimensions are usually specified by a three-digit number measurement for the tip/waste/tail.
Turning Radius
Turn radius is the shape of a ski determined by its tip, waist, and tail width, usually expressed in metres. The narrower a ski’s waist is in relation to its tip and tail, the shorter the turn radius and the deeper the sidecut.
A ski with a deep sidecut makes quicker turns, while a ski with a subtle sidecut will turn more slowly and is typically more stable at high speeds.
Modern skis may combine two or more radii on a single edge.
Camber
Camber is a slight upward curve in the middle of a ski board, with the contact points close to the ends.
Camber requires precise turns and precision with power on groomed and harder snow. The rider’s weight puts an even and concentrated pressure on the edge from tip to tail, resulting in an increased edge-hold thus resulting more stability for the skier.
However, it’s not an advisable for deep snow due to its difficulty to manoeuvre. But will be a great option for beginners.
Rocker
Also known as reverse camber, the tip and tail of these skis are elevated so that the middle of the ski makes contact with the snow.
Better for powder snow, rockers allow faster rotation and rotation on the snow and edge grip.
Rocker/Camber
Combining rocker and camber gives skiers control and stability when traditional camber is underfoot. The rocker in the tip and tail can aid in turn initiation and increase flotation in deep and fresh snow.
Skis with only a tip rocker will have increased float and manoeuvre easily but retain edge grip due to the traditional tail. Tip and tail rockers are better for tricks, but may sacrifice edge and grip on hard snow.
Skill Length
Choosing a ski length to complement your skill set will drastically improve your movements on the slopes. Skill levels respond to the flex, terrain type, and waist width. A softer flexing ski is easier to learn on and more forgiving to any errors beginners may experience.
Experienced skiers should have a firmer, less flexible ski as they are putting more pressure and force on their equipment with jumps and tricks.
Shop for your custom skis at trusted snowboard and ski stores, and find out why they’re the trusted brand for skiers and snowboarders.