Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports – every year more people discover the joys of skiing. Millions of people hit the slopes for some fresh air and fun. Skiing is an equipment oriented sport and without the proper ski gear beginners may get frustrated and discouraged.
Skis are arguably the single most important piece of ski equipment. Getting the right pair of skis for your level and style will help you get the most enjoyment out of the sport. Your skiing ability is the most important factor in choosing the right pair. Beginners and intermediate level skiers need skis that can be easily maneuvered while experts require more specialized skis. Skis differ in materials, type, length, shape, and stiffness.
Materials
Originally all skis used to be made of wood. Nowadays very little wood is used in skis manufacturing. The most common materials in skis are fiberglass and aluminum. Some other more exotic materials like Kevlar, titanium, carbon, and boron fibers are also used.
To provide various degrees of flexibility and strength in the different parts of the skis they are often made from a variety of materials. The core of the ski can be made of wood, foam or some other material. The tops and sides are usually made of fiberglass or aluminum. The base of the ski is a synthetic polyethylene edged with steel.
Type
Skis are designed for different types of skiing. Cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis because they are made for gliding along straight paths rather than making quick turns downhill. There are more than just two types of skis – alpine (downhill) skis come in a variety of shapes and styles depending on whether they will be used for racing, freestyle, powder or packed trails.
Length
Most beginners start off with a pair of short skis because shorter skis are easier to turn. Certain types of freestyle skiers also use short skis. Longer skis are faster, therefore they are used by racers and expert skiers who like the challenge of a fast run. Longer skis are also suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions. The proper length of ski is determined by skiing style, ability, and the weight of the skier.
Shape
Skis come in various shapes suitable for different types of skiing. Skis narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp fast turns while skis wider in this area offer more stability and will make broader turns. The ski length, when taken into consideration with the various shapes, results in skis with a wide range of characteristics.
Stiffness
The materials and the shape of a ski determine its stiffness. Longer skis are normally stiffer and more stable at high speeds than shorter skis. On the other hand, because short skis are not as stiff they offer greater maneuverability at the expense of high speed stability. Knowing your skiing style and level will allow you to choose skis of the appropriate stiffness.
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