How to choose a ski - features, types and reviews

The right choice of snow travel equipment depends on several factors. Not only the person’s skiing style is taken into account, but also his height, weight, as well as additional elements necessary for each skier. How to choose skis to spend a 100% winter vacation and not get hurt?

Ski types

All skis can be classified into two main groups: mountain and cross-country. The first option is selected for descents on uneven mountainous terrain and for performing stunts, and the second is for traveling on a relatively flat snowy surface.

Varieties of running models:

• Equipment for classic running. Such skis can be up to 207 cm long, and are designed for skiing with poles on a relatively flat surface. The material itself is soft, and the toe is a bit pointed.

• For skating. Before you choose skating, you should pay attention to the features of such equipment. They differ in shorter length than the models that are needed for classic running. Their maximum length is 190 cm. The whole structure is very rigid, which is not suitable for beginners, since the foot of a beginner skier will be uncomfortable.

• Universal or combined. Combine the elements of the two previous varieties, their maximum length is 200 cm, so they can be used for different types of descents.

It is important to know how to choose skis for height, a table taking into account the length of the boards and the person’s height will help to make the right choice. Also, devices for moving on snow can be divided into professional, amateur, walking, tourist and hunting varieties, which are distinguished by their large weight, as they are designed for comfortable movement on deep snow cover.

There are also skiing equipment designed for children and separately for the female half. Children's skis are most often made of plastic, so they are lightweight, and the female version has a striking design and special fastening, taking into account the female anatomy.

Made of wood or plastic?

Before you choose skiing, you should know what material they are made of, which directly affects the price of the product.

Features of wooden models are the high price for good quality, durability, but there is a difficulty in care (periodically such skis need to be wiped with a special ointment) and a lot of weight. Plastic analogues are unpretentious in care and very light in weight, but do not differ in long service life, since they can crumble under low temperature pressure. Although in most cases, high-quality plastic is used for manufacturing.

There are also plastic-wooden models that have recently become increasingly popular. The choice of skis by material depends on the style of skiing.

Do I need a stick?

A special stick for riding is absolutely necessary for a beginner, as well as a professional athlete, depending on his riding style. This must be considered before choosing skis.

The purpose of the stick is to maintain balance when a person is not yet confidently riding, as well as an acceleration element necessary for a professional skier.

They can be carbon fiber (the lightest and springiest, which are chosen by professionals, but are expensive), fiberglass (lightweight and cheaper), composite (a budget option, which is most often chosen for children or beginners).

When choosing a special stick, it is also worth considering the weight. If a person weighs about 100 kg, it is better to give preference to sticks made of aluminum alloy, which are durable and wear-resistant, do not break when dropped, but only bend, but are heavy in weight.

The length of the stick depends on the height of the skier. For cross-country skiing, it should be 30 cm shorter than a person’s height, for mountain slopes - 50 cm.

Mount Features

It is important not only to choose the skis, the table of which is indicated depending on the person’s height, but also to pay attention to the fastening. It should fix the foot well, depending on the shoe, and also when not falling, do not squeeze the foot strongly.

It is worth paying attention to their quality, since low-quality models easily crumble when dropped, and the straps break, which can be traumatic.

In order to choose, the most suitable mount is to try on several variations. It is important not only to move comfortably in such equipment, but also to make turns, as well as sharply slow down. Mounting can be hard, soft or medium, depending on the person’s ability to ride.

How to choose skis for height?

When choosing skis, it is important to consider not only the rigidity of the equipment and the material of manufacture, but also the level of athlete skill, physical fitness and riding technique. But this is not the main thing.

An important aspect when choosing devices for moving on snow is their length, which directly depends on the person’s height. Although this is not the only factor when choosing an inventory. There are special tables that also take into account the age of the skier and his weight.

Table of correspondence of the length of different types of skis and poles to the height of a person

Those who are interested in the question of how to choose skis by weight, there are many smart and complex ways to calculate the necessary mass of equipment on the network. But here the main thing to remember is that for a person with a small body weight, light options for a comfortable ride are suitable. A heavier athlete should choose a more massive equipment.

Criterias of choice

Before you choose skiing, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

• Length. The longer the option, the more stable and comfortable for riding. Such skis are quite maneuverable and stable on uneven snow.

• Width. Narrow models have more maneuverability and less weight, they behave well on uncleared tracks at high speed. This is the best option for beginners.

• Rigidity. There is no certainty here, since the professionals themselves have not fully decided what suits them best. It has been proven that at low speeds it is most comfortable to move in soft skis, and in hard ones you can conquer mountain slopes and perform tricks. But here it all depends on personal preferences and comfort.

• Maneuverability. That is the ability to make various turns. This indicator is also called geometry. Good and maneuverable are absolutely equal boards.

Features of the choice of equipment for skiing in the mountains

Before choosing the right ski for skiing in the highlands, it is worthwhile to determine the skiing style of an athlete who needs special equipment. Depending on the riding style, their design is chosen.

What should I look for when choosing equipment for descent from the mountains?

1. Narrow and short skis are suitable for slalom technique, that is, descent from low slopes (altitude difference should not exceed 150 m), and when riding short distances (up to 0.5 km).
2. Rigid and stable models are suitable for high-speed driving with the style of racing on a specially prepared, cleaned and flat track.
3. Wide with good cushioning options are suitable for descending from uncleared tracks freeride style.
4. Light and maneuverable, suitable for both beginners and professionals who perform various jumps and tricks in the style of carving.
5. Balanced skis of medium width and not too light are suitable for performing freestyle acrobatic stunts, in which you can also ride equipment on a metal pipe, railing or springboard.
6. Soft equipment is suitable for beginners and those who ride the most simple and versatile all mountain skiing technique.

The riding style is taken into account before choosing skis for height, the average table, depending on the level of skill presented below.

If a person is not a professional yet and has not decided on the driving technique, then it is worth choosing a model for carving of medium hardness.

Skier reviews

Before choosing skis depending on the style of skiing or need, it is worth reading user reviews. So, some say, it is important to learn how to properly use and care for such equipment. Even the highest quality products can break or lose their original appearance if used improperly. If everything is done correctly, then one pair, regardless of the model, can last more than 10 years.

Skiers also note that the choice of skis should correspond to growth. In too short models it is not comfortable and inconvenient for even a novice to move around. Heavy options are not good for maneuvering. The most optimal option is a combined material (plastic and wood) for the manufacture of skis.

Output

The answer to the question of how to choose skis is quite multifaceted. For a successful and comfortable skiing, it is important to choose not only the equipment itself for moving around the snow cover, but also additional accessories. This includes not only clothes and shoes, but also poles, a backpack and a ski bag in which they will be stored.