Expert Skis

CONSTRUCTION - The monocoque construction provides for a stiff, strong ski. The torsional strength is increased but the softness and handling ease of the ski is sacrificed. Rossignol has combined the monocoque and the torsion box constructions into one two keep torsional strength without compromising handling ease.

STIFFNESS - Increased torsional stiffness allows for better edge grip on the ice at high speeds. The torsional strength also lets a skier change edges quicker (go in and out of small tight turns faster). The stiffness increases a ski's precision (it will do exactly what the skier tells it) but is less forgiving when making mistakes. The softness of the ski is sacrificed and allows for smoother runs at high speeds.

MATERIALS - Skis have a wood, acrylic, foam,or polyurethane core. These lightweight materials are used as fillers and the ski is built around them. More and more manufacuters are switching from the more conventional wood core to the more advanced foam core. Aluminium and fiberglass make up most of the ski and steel is used for the edges. They provide strength and are more cost friendly than some of the new materials being introduced to ski manufacturing. Kevlar, titanium, carbon, and boron fibres are some of the more pricey materials manufacturers are experimenting with. These materials are light and strong, but very expensive.

SIDECUT - A small sidecut is wanted for easier turning. If the sidecut is too large the ski has a greater swing weight which causes over turning and speed is lost. Deep sidecuts also take away from the torsional strength of the ski.

LENGTH - A long ski is better. The camber will distribute your weigth over the whole length of the ski, so the pressure of the applied by the skier on the snow is decreased and allow a skier to increase his/her speed. The skis should be about 20 cm taller than the skiers height.

PARABOLIC SKIS - Super sidecut skis are not the ideal skis for skiers who plan to be taking on moguls. The larger tips enhance the deflection effect when hitting the moguls which make the skis harder to control. Also parabolic skis tend to turn horizontol to the mountain which is disadvantageous when skiing moguls. For more flat terrain parabolics tend to be easier to use and less tiring than conventional skis.

CHECK OUT THESE EXPERT SKIS