How to choose skiing

Skiing gives a lot of incomparable emotions, however, it has a very high risk of injury. In order to maximally protect oneself, it is necessary to resort to a qualitative choice of equipment, as well as to carefully approach the choice of the skis themselves, paying close attention to the main characteristics.

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1. Top ski makers
   
2. Types of skiing
3. The main criteria for choosing skiing
4. Choosing a ski child
5. Choosing a ski for beginners
6. Choosing boots for skiing

Top ski makers

Not every model is able to withstand the severe mode of ski operation, and therefore, choosing skis for high-speed maneuvering in such conditions, preference should be given exclusively to high-quality and well-known products:

1. Salomon;

2. Tisa;

3. Fischer;

4. Rossignol;

5. Atomic;

6. Madshus;

Before you give your choice in favor of a particular model, you should not only study its characteristics, but also get acquainted with the reviews of specific athletes using the device in real conditions and highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

Types of skiing

Modern models of alpine skiing are divided into several categories depending on the style and technique of skiing.

Carving class skis

Classic models designed for high-speed maneuvering on specially prepared platforms and highways. Enjoy high popularity among the regulars of ski resorts. The width at the waist is 65-70 millimeters, the nose has a wide elongated shape, thus providing the convenience of maneuvering during descent.

Virtues

• High functionality;

• Convenient to manage;

• Allow the possibility of skiing in an arc;

• Designed for riding on prepared tracks;

disadvantages

• Enough expensive;

• Not suitable for skiing on an unprepared slope;

Skis for free skating (freeride - models)

In a sense, these models are the opposite of carving. They are designed for skiing on snow covered virgin soil and unprepared slope, and therefore have the appropriate characteristics. Such models are much wider - the minimum width in the waist is 80-82 millimeters, there are models with widths up to 100-110 millimeters. They have a wide toe and heel.

Virtues

• Great for riding on unclean powder;

• Withstands ski jumping on unforced snow;

• Allow to perform various tricks and maneuvering in an arc;

• Stable and manoeuvrable;

disadvantages

• Enough expensive;

• Require certain skills, not suitable for beginners;

• Difficult to learn;

Universal skis (all-terrain models)

Include the advantages of the types described above and allow you to ride with the same success both on specially prepared tracks and on snow covered virgin snow. An excellent choice for beginners who want to learn the right technique of riding. The width at the waist varies between 65 and 80 centimeters, the shape of the nose and heels is wide, curved.

Virtues

• Universal;

• Sufficiently maneuverable and comfortable;

• Allow to go both on a virgin soil, and on a specially prepared track;

disadvantages

• Mediocre handling;

• Not suitable for complex tricks;

Freestyle skiing

Models designed for free riding and performing all kinds of acrobatic elements, tricks and jumps. They are characterized by a significant waist width (80-100 centimeters) and a relatively small proper length. Thanks to a special form, it is possible to travel in both directions with equal efficiency;

Virtues

• Universal;

• Equipped with twin-types - special elements that allow driving both forward and backward;

• Allow you to perform various acrobatic elements and ski jumping;

• Wide;

• Powerful and durable;

disadvantages

• Roads;

• Not suitable for beginners;

• Requires certain skills;

Racing skis (racing)

Exceptionally professional models designed for speed maneuvering. With appropriate technology, they can easily reach speeds of 80 or more kilometers per hour. Powerful, tough and resistant to mechanical stress. Do not differ in wide width - about 72-75 millimeters in the waist, and longer than all the above models.

Virtues

• Hard;

• Allow to develop tremendous speed;

• Minimum coefficient of friction;

• Hardy;

disadvantages

• Narrow specialization;

• Requires serious training and the ability to maneuver at speed;

• High price;

The main criteria for choosing skiing

According to this parameter, all skiing are divided into several classes.

1. Soft skiing, 6-8 classes. Beginner models forgive a multitude of errors to be made;

2. Alpine skiing medium hardness, grade 8-10. Universal models that can be recommended for purchase as a beginner and advanced amateur.

3. Hard skiing 10-12 class. The lot of professional riders require sophisticated control and maneuvering techniques;

Turning radius

The parameter that determines how maneuverable and convenient to control will be the skis and how suitable they are for operation in certain conditions. The value of this parameter can vary in the range from 10 to 40 meters. The greater the value - the greater the skill in handling require specific skis

1. Beginners and riders will need skis with a turning radius of about 16-18 meters;

2. Professional models designed for downhill, have a turning radius of 35-40 meters;

3. Skis designed for slalom, with their small length, can have a turning radius of up to 25-30 meters;

Choosing skiing in height and weight

Traditionally it is believed that the longer a ski is, the more comfortable it is to maneuver them and the greater speed a rider can develop. However, to go to the store and buy the longest of the models on sale is wrong, the choice should take into account the following factors:

1. Rider growth. The best are skis, which are 10-15 centimeters taller than a skier;

2. Weight. The more weight a person has, the longer the skis should be. This is due to the need to compensate for increased bending at the point of attachment. An alternative to the choice of long skis in this situation could be a choice in favor of a more rigid class model;

3. Short skis are more maneuverable compared to long counterparts, but managing them is much more difficult. It is for this reason that such models are the lot of professional riders;

Ski geometry

Take into account the following three parameters:

1. The width and degree of roundness of the nose. The wider and rounder the nose - the more convenient it is to maneuver the rider on the track.And on the contrary, the nose of a narrow and elongated shape is capable of developing increased speed, yielding to a wide in maneuverability;

2. The width of the waist is the narrowest point in which fasteners are usually installed. The wider the waist - the more passable are the skis. For riding on equipped tracks, models with a waist width of about 65-68 centimeters are suitable;

3. The design and width of the heel. The situation is similar to that of a sock: the wider and more rounded the heel, the more maneuverable and safer in the turns of the ski. The narrow and pointed heel is the lot of high-speed professional models;

Type of mounting ski

This parameter indicates the ultimate load that the mechanism allows for intensive use. Denoted by numerical values, where each unit defines 10 kilograms of rider weight. The situation is viewed from two sides:

1. For beginners and lovers to choose mounting should be on the principle of "own weight - 1-2 points." For example, with its own weight of 80 kilograms, it is preferable to fasten with 1-2 grades less than the value 8. 6 or 7 fasteners will be optimal;

2. For experienced riders who regularly practice downhill, the parameter is determined in the opposite direction - the weight of the rider plus 1-2 points. Thus, the above described 80kg experienced rider in this situation will require attachment of 9-10 class;

Choosing a ski child

The criteria for choosing a ski for a small rider are in many ways similar to those for adults with appropriate adjustments in the direction of height and weight of the baby. You should choose the most stable and maneuverable models that are suitable for mastering the technique of skiing and will teach your child to stand confidently on skis. In the future, as the skills of the young rider increase, more uniform ski models may be required.

Choosing a ski for beginners

For a novice rider who does not fully own the technique of skiing, skis must have the following criteria:

1. Class - universal or freeride;

2. Length exceeding 10-15 centimeters, its own height;

3. 6-8 class of rigidity;

4. Wide and round toe and heel;

5. The class of installed fasteners depending on weight;

6. Waist 72-75 millimeters wide;

Choosing boots for skiing

Properly chosen boots for skiing must meet the following requirements.

Shoe size

Selecting shoes for skiing is necessary solely by fitting. It should be carried out on the sock, which will be skating. After all the fasteners take their place, it is necessary to apply a dynamic load and see if the leg is securely fixed, if there is any play or discomfort.

Rigidity

Unlike classical skiing, downhill skiing involves the use of extremely rigid and high boots, which fix the ankle as reliably as possible and allow you to clearly control the movement path.

Number of belts

The greater the number of clips on a shoe, the more securely the leg will be fixed and the more fixed its position will be during intensive descent from the mountain. The best models are those equipped with four-point fastening with variable pulling force. One should also pay attention to the width of the belts - the bigger this parameter is, the more securely the lower leg is fixed during the ride.

Pad width

It is selected individually, taking into account the geometric dimensions and the anatomical structure of the leg. Divided into three categories:

1. Narrow shoe - 88-96 millimeters;

2. The average block - 95-100 millimeters;

3. Wide block - more than 100 millimeters;

Liner design and material

1. The liner is an inner soft insert designed to protect the feet from cold and moisture. It is made of dense membrane materials and completely follows the contours of the rider's leg.There are three main types of liner on sale:

2. Classic unformed. A boot that has a fixed size and is selected by fitting;

3. Formed. A standard-sized, soft liner that needs to be worn, during which it gradually assumes the anatomical shape of the rider's leg, repeating its contours and curves;

4. Jellied liner. The design is similar to that which is being molded and is also intended to create the internal structure of the anatomical shape;

5. As a heater you can find felt (in cheap models), natural fluff, as well as synthetic material thinsulate, which is by far the most modern heat insulator.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a ski baby and secrets selection of cross country skis.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.