3/17/2023 0 Comments Atomic skisSkis intended for exclusive use in the park tend to have a more symmetrical sidecut, whilst freestyle skis designed with all-mountain versatility in mind feature more directional shaping for downhill and powder performance. This symmetrical shaping is what allows freestyle skiers to ride switch (backwards) as effortlessly as forwards. Unlike traditional skis (often referred to as ‘directional’ skis), freestyle skis feature near symmetrical shaping in the tips and the tails, which is why you’ll often hear them referred to as ‘twin tips’. Skis with a longer radius are stable at speed through long turns, while skis with a shorter radius are easier to turn and create shorter snappier turns.įreestyle skis tend to have a medium radius making them easy to handle, but stable at the higher speeds required for ultimate control on kicker in-runs and landings. For example, the set of numbers in the paragraph above represent a radius of 25 metres for 180cm ski. This radius is the distance the ski would travel to make a turn, if you were to put it on edge and follow the shape that the sidecut creates. When combined (also taking the amount of tapering into account), the sidecut also gives the radius (in metres) of the ski in question. Presented by brands as ‘120 / 95 / 115’ (numbers will vary) this figure shows the width of the tips (first number), waist (second number), and tail (third number) in millimetres. This makes for extremely manoeuvrable skis that sail through deep snow, at the cost of bite on firm snow. Fully ‘rockered’ skis will have minimal contact points on the snow, as the tips and tails are heavily raised above the surface. Rocker shortens the contact length of the edges, requiring less effort to steer your skis into turns. It’s the upwards curve into the ski profile, usually in the tips and tails. Rocker is essentially the opposite to camber. If you’re looking for skis with a lot of energy and bite in firm snow, then look for skis with a liberal use of camber underfoot. This rise means that when the ski is weighted, it will have an even distribution of weight throughout the whole length of the ski rather than exclusively at its midpoint. The rise, most prominent from the waist, is something we call camber. Lay a pair of skis flat on a surface and you’ll most likely see the ski rise up from said surface. This accommodating nature comes from their soft to medium flex range, relatively light weight, and optimal manoeuvrability. “Freestyle skis really can turn the mountain into your playground”ĭespite what the monumental level of trickery currently displayed in freeskiing films and competitions might suggest, freestyle skis tend to be pretty inclusive in terms of ability level (with a few competition-specific exceptions). Freestyle skis are designed to bring out the most creative, playful, and stylish elements of your skiing, a pair of freestyle skis really can turn the mountain into your playground (excuse the cliché, but it exists for a reason). Tired of skiing with two planks firmly on the ground? Looking to spice up your skiing? Grab yourself a pair of freestyle skis and get airborne.
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