Top Ten Considerations Before Buying Snow Skis
You don't have to be an Olympic skier to hit the slopesSkis'>skis there are a ton of things to consider, especially if it's your first pair. Before you snag the skis of your snowy dreams, we have a few suggestions to help you take that first step downhill.
Men vs. Women
It's no secret male and female bodies are physically different, which means each gender must use a different set of skis.
Bindings
Shape
Before the 1990's, skis had a straight cut, which meant they were exactly parallel when placed next to each other. However, the shape of skis changed for a sleeker and much more precise look. Modern skis have a
slim curvature, similar to that of an hourglass. The inward curvature of the ski is known as a sidecut, or a waist. Without this indentation, skis would not be able to turn as accurately. For more detailed information involving sidecuts, take a look at our Sidecuts section below.
The width of the waist also varies by the type of ski you choose, but there are five points you must know about shaped skis.
# The curved sidecut makes it impossible to stand with your legs together. Stand one foot or more apart.
# Shaped skis will give you more feedback due to its increased mobility, which you can look for when choosing skis. Do they wobble? Make noise?
# Forget about leaning: curved skis require you to be centered. This means, if you lean forward, backward, or to the side, you will fall over.
# Expect to steer less, but use more edge.
# They're shorter for more control. The average ski is approximately 170cm long.
Cost
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, it's no secret that skis are expensive, which means you must be confident that your next pair of skis are a perfect fit. However, for those ready to hit the black diamond slopes, you'll probably shell out additional dough for the precisionnew and used. New skis cost the full retail price while you can expect to pay a few hundred less for used skis due to any possible wear and tear. However, keep in mind that used skis might not mean that they're discounted skis, and vice versa. If you prefer discounted skis, visit a ski expo or ski shop once the flowers begin to bloom. Sellers always get rid of last season's models at a much lower price tag.
'''The Gender Divide'''
We know that skis are made to fit the physical makeup of the individual sex, which means the cost of snow skis also vary by gender. We've rounded up some of the best skis for the upcoming season, so neither side will have to worry.
Stiffness
Demo
Although trying on a pair of skis might seem to be all you need before a purchase, you should also demo the skis before you whip out your credit card. By truly testing the product, you'll get a better feel for the ski and spot any problems. You will also be able to find the perfect size; by giving the skis a test run, you can ensure that they're snug as a bug in a rug, but not "circulationend skis without testing them out might cost your dearly, in more ways than one. Demoing skis before purchase is essential, especially if you're either new to the sport or you're buying a used product. Inspect each ski, even new ones, based on the list below.
* Make sure all layers are intact. The slightest peel could be hazardous on the slopes.
* There should not be any flexing or warping of any kind.
* Are the tips bent or damaged?
* Test multiple types of skis. Sometimes we may think a pair of freeride skis is what we need, when an all mountain pair is a better match.
* When you demo skis, they may or may not come with bindings. If they do, check the list of
indemnified bindings to see if they make the cut.
Width
Sidecuts
Types of Skis
There are various types of skis based on use, terrain, and skill level.
Research
As with any other high-end product you buy, spend at least an hour reading reviews and consumer reports about various skis. Not only will this help you execute a decision, it will also make you more knowledgeable when speaking with a ski shop expert. If you're still unsure about your impending ski purchase, check out these sites for additional information.
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BraveSurf.com
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LiveStrong.com
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IfYouSki,com
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Trails.com
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SkiShoppingGuide.com
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Skiing.About.com
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Suite101.com
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