Ability level
Approximate skill level the skis are designed for.
— Beginner. Equipment designed for those who have no or little skiing experience and are learning the basics of skiing.
— Progressive. Models for those who have mastered the basic skills of riding, but still need practice to use skis confidently.
— Medium. Models for amateurs who ride regularly and in large quantities, but in relatively uncomplicated conditions.
— Experienced. Skiing for those who have surpassed or intend to surpass the experience of the average skier (go to more difficult tracks, learn new tricks); also suitable for the initial training of athletes.
— Expert. Professional models designed primarily for athletes.
The more professional a ski is, the more features it provides, but the price comes at the cost of difficult handling and the need for specialized skills. Therefore, when choosing according to this indicator of skiing, you need to soberly assess the level of the skier. Also, note that some models may be suitable for several levels at once. For example, skis for progressive skiers can be comfortable enough for initial training, or vice versa, quite advanced and suitable for intermediate levels.
Size (length)
The length of each ski. First of all, stability and turnability depend on this parameter: the longer the ski, the easier it is to keep it on course and the harder it is to turn.
The choice for this parameter depends primarily on the height of the rider. However, for different types and styles of riding (see above), recommendations for height will also be different, they should be clarified in each case separately from special sources. It is not worth neglecting the recommendations for size: skis that are too long will be bulky and make it difficult to manoeuvre, too short will be unstable and will fall heavily on loose snow.
Sidecut radius
The radius of the curved line that forms the sidecut of the skis. Such sidecuts are typical for mountain models — they are necessary for successful cornering at speed. At the same time, the smaller the sidecut radius, the more pronounced its curvature, the greater the difference in width between the tip/tail and the waist, and the higher the steering (smaller turning radius). In turn, for "high-speed" skis (for example, for giant slalom), the radius of curvature is usually small.
Tip width
The greatest width of the skis in the front.
The ratio of the width of the "tip", "waist" and "tail" allows you to estimate the radius of the side cutout (see above) — there is a special formula for this. In general, wider skis (with the same length) are more passable and less “fast” than narrow ones — they fall into the snow less, but they also go forward worse.
Waist width
The smallest width of the skis in the middle part; usually, in the binding area.
The ratio of the width of the "tip", "waist" and "tail" allows you to estimate the radius of the side cutout (see above) — there is a special formula for this. In general, wider skis (with the same length) are more suited for cross skiing and less “fast” than narrow ones — they fall into the snow less, but they also go forward worse.
Tail width
The greatest width of the skis in the tail.
The ratio of the width of the "tip", "waist" and "tail" allows you to estimate the radius of the side sidecut (see above) — there is a special formula for this. In general, wider skis (with the same length) are more designed for cross-country skiing and less “fast” than narrow ones — they fall into the snow less, but they also go worse forward.
Base
A ski base is the lower part that is in direct contact with the snow and is responsible for sliding, but only if the base material is different from the core material. In cross-country skiing, such a design is rarely found, but for mountain and stunt skiing, a ski base is required. Usually, polyethylene with various additives is used as the base material. Here are the main types of such polyethylene:
— Sintered. The production technology of sintered polyethylene includes sintering under pressure and applying micro-notches directly at the factory. Such a material is strong, hard, glides easily and provides higher speed than extruded, but is more expensive and more difficult to repair. It is used mainly in professional skiing.
— Extruded. Ski base of this type is produced using a simpler technology than sintered ones and do not have notches. They are softer, have medium strength, slip less and are not suitable for high speeds. On the other hand, if the goal of the skier is not the highest possible speed, this option is also quite acceptable; while extruded polyethylene is much cheaper and easier to repair.
In box
Additional items included in the package.
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Poles. Most skiing styles involve the use of poles. At the same time, such equipment is found mainly among children's skis; it is more convenient for an adult user to choose poles separately, according to their specific skills and preferences.
— Bindings.
Bindings are included, eliminating the need to purchase them separately. At the same time, default bindings are most often optimally suited for skis, while with third-party bindings there may be problems. On the other hand, this option is not always optimal: it is more convenient for some skiers to choose bindings on their own, at their discretion.
Also note that if there are bindings, their model may be indicated in the characteristics — for example, the popular brand Atomic uses a designation of 3 letters and 2 numbers, like “XTE 10”. Knowing the bindings model, you can find detailed information on it and clarify how it fits certain requirements.
Release year
The year, or more precisely, the season for which the skis were produced. Each winter season is at the junction of calendar years, so the model year is indicated by two numbers - for example,
2022/2023,
2021/2022,
2020/2021,
2019/2020, etc.
Model ranges are constantly being replenished, and existing models are being improved. Accordingly, newer skis (
model year 2023 – 2024) are considered more advanced. On the other hand, updates may not match the rider's preferences (or even be insignificant), while the new models are noticeably more expensive than the old ones.
