Choosing the Right Skis
Recent developments in ski types and shapes have given the skier a wide selection to choose from. Where do you begin to select the right ski to suit? Here is some basic information on choosing the right skis.
The first question you may ask when looking to buy skis is what length of ski do I need? In order to answer that question you first need to consider where you will use the skis.
Conditions will differ considerably between on-piste, off-piste, backcountry or combined skiing. Your skill level as well as your bank balance will also have a great effect on your choice. Skis have become very fashionable items with designers having a ball with graphics designs of every color and sort imaginable. Ski graphics may be fun but should be the last thing that decides what you buy.
Some basic principles about ski length are the longer and wider the ski the more the ski will float and the faster it will go over the snow. The shorter the ski the easier it will be to turn. Some trick skis that are becoming popular are very short in length and behave more like snowboards with the ability to go forwards and backwards. For the beginner it would be a good rule to choose a ski that when stood on the floor beside you comes up to your nose. Any longer and it will be more difficult to turn. If too short it may be unstable for the beginner.
The shape of the modern ski has changed considerably from traditional skis. The snow ski has become wider at each end and narrower in the middle allowing for an easier turn. However if you want the ski to float more over the snow then use a wider ski. A ski that is narrower at the back will skid out more on the turn.
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