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Attention, Skiers!!! Before you begin to wade thru all the new ski
magazines, catalogs, etc., read this – hopefully it will make
things easier!
KNOW THYSELF: Know “what” to look for. Ask yourself: What size
am I? Strength: Athletically strong with endurance, or not? Style:
Aggressive or casual? Ability: Carving or skidding? Favored
terrain: the whole mountain or groomed slopes? Snow conditions you
ski -- packed powder, slush, ice? When you understand WHO you are,
ask: Am I improving, happy with my current state, or struggling?
REMEMBER: It is NOT important on which slopes you ski, but HOW you
ski on the slopes.
F-A-B: (Features-Advantages-Benefits). Too often salespeople
and industry marketers will bury you with FEATURES without telling
you what the ADVANTAGES and BENEFITS are. Ask questions until you
are comfortable with the salesperson, or leave. Don’t buy based on
“cute” names.
SKIS: <66-70-75< (the 3 most common WIDTHS of skis under foot):
With our Northwest terrain and heavier snow, 70-75 cm skis are the
most popular. Skis narrower than 66 cm are best left to racers,
and wider than 75 cm are for off-piste skiing. Wide skis float and
plow thru crud better, while narrow skis move edge-to-edge
quicker. Flex: Stiff skis are more responsive; softer skis more
forgiving, easier to learn on, and easier to use if you are not
aggressive. Size: Getting shorter: most men will be on 180-185 cm,
with women on 160-170 cm.
BOOTS: FIT + ALIGNMENT = BALANCE: Consider the VOLUME of the
boot (high/low volume; flat feet/high arch?). Alignment: Is your
foot supported/locked in a neutral position? A custom insole can
make a world of difference. Choose the amount of flex that you
need. Most skiers are in boots that are TOO BIG and TOO STIFF.
Perfect fit = BALANCE.
BINDINGS: DINner with or without PLATES: DIN (release settings)
ranges are from 3-14, with heavier, aggressive skiers needing a
higher setting. Pick one with your setting in the middle of the
range. Most bindings now incorporate some type of lifter or
‘PLATE” which helps leverage the skis for edging and filter out
shock. Don’t get TOO much lift, otherwise controlling the ski is
more difficult.
THERE YOU HAVE IT! Hopefully you can proceed with the buying
process armed with more information to discuss with a trusted
salesperson. Good luck and happy skiing! |
