It is not surprising that you do not know how to choose alpine skis, because at least three dozen completely different models are exhibited in modern specialized stores. Difficulties arise even for experienced skiers, and beginners, and at all, get lost and in a panic they call consultants. By the way, this is a good decision - to seek help from an experienced seller, who will tell you how to decide on the size, and explain how to choose according to the characteristics. However, this decision has one significant drawback - if you do not understand the nuances of the purchase on your own, there is a great risk that you will be sold "stale" goods. One that a professional will never buy, as there are others much more suitable.
That is why, before going to the store, you should thoroughly study how to choose alpine skis for height and weight correctly - then you will feel more confident. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to choose alpine skis by height, parameters, level of training, skiing style, and also give the TOP-5 of the best models of 2018-19. Are you ready to start your educational program? Go!
How to choose a mountain pair by height?
Ordinary inventory is most often chosen by height, guided by length, 15-20 cm longer than the crown. Ski models also try to choose according to generally accepted rules, but here deviations are possible. The fact is that, depending on the style of skiing, skiers use pairs of different lengths and this is not considered a violation.
Please note that choosing skating skis is no more difficult! But there are a number of features!
If you are looking for how to choose alpine skis for beginners, how to choose the right one, we recommend sticking to the most "common" sizes:
- Male couples. With a weight of 60-100 kg and a height of 160-190 cm, buy a pair with a length of 165 cm if you prefer tight turns; 170-175 cm for medium to large turn;
- Female couples. With a weight of 40-80 kg and a height of 150-180 cm, take the models 155 and 165, respectively.
Here are some more tips on how to choose alpine skis for your height:
- Shortened pairs (5-10 cm) should be taken:
- For skiing on carefully prepared trails;
- For driving on gentle and medium slopes;
- For beginners to ride;
- If the height and weight are less than the above;
- For people who prefer a calm skiing pace.
- Extended pairs (5-10 cm) should be taken:
- With a height and weight above the above:
- For driving on steep slopes;
- For experienced skiers skiing at high speeds on large slopes;
- For those who ride on unprepared tracks, in deep, uncomfortable snow.
The selection of alpine skis by height and weight is not always a good guideline, so experienced ski instructors recommend focusing on the technical parameters of the equipment.
How to choose mountain ski equipment according to characteristics?
A little later, we will give a rating of alpine skiing for 2018-2019, and now we will move on to the intricacies of choosing a mountain pair depending on its rigidity, geometry, width and radius.
- Sidecut radius measured in meters, it depends on how steep the skier will perform the turns. Remember, the smaller the radius (13 m and less), the more often and sharply you will be able to turn. If the radius is more than 15 m, the turns will be smoother and wider.
- Width affects the cross-country ability of the model and is measured in mm. The narrower the waist, the more prepared the track you should ride on such a pair. A universal size is considered to be 73-90 mm wide; it is suitable for skiing on prepared slopes, and on shallow untouched snow, and on broken cover.
Would you like to know how to choose the size of a ski pole, because this equipment plays a huge role in the correct skiing technique? Remember the main rule by which you can always easily choose poles for both an adult and a child - focus on the height of the skier. The length of the sticks should be slightly less than 3/4 of his height. By the way, if you need to pick up alpine skis and poles for your child, while you yourself are a beginner, we recommend, nevertheless, seek advice from an experienced instructor.
- Pick up length Alpine skiing is not at all difficult in height, however, for a more correct choice, the geometry of the pair should be taken into account. These are numbers that characterize the model, its width at the waist, toe and heel. The wider the toe in comparison with the waist, the more intensively the ski enters the turn, the narrower the heel, the easier it is to slide.
- Rigidity mountain pair is not calculated in units of measurement, it must be checked independently, that is, directly with your hands. The distribution of stiffness varies greatly from model to model. The parameter depends on the number of metal layers in its base, its width, and also what the core is made of. Models with uniform stiffness are suitable for ready-made trails, but if you plan to ride on unbroken slopes, you should choose a softer pair.
How to choose depending on the skill level of the skier?
If you are interested in which mountain skiing to choose for a novice adult, we recommend, for a start, to objectively assess your level. That is, are there basic skills, or have you never skated at all.
- Beginners should not take top-level equipment - it is both expensive and requires professional riding skills. You simply will not be able to fully experience its full potential and will be disappointed in the purchase.
- To begin with, you should choose a model that is wider and softer - of course, you will not be able to reach breakneck speeds, but at the starting stage you do not need it, believe me;
- If you go to a resort where there are sharp changes in altitude, then long and steep trails are waiting for you there. In this case, it is worth choosing longer skis - you will feel more confident;
- If you already know how to skate, but do not consider yourself an experienced skier, take a model of a level higher than your skill. This will give you a compelling incentive to improve your riding skill.
How to choose based on your riding style?
So, now you know how to choose the length, the size of alpine skis by height, and now we will consider how to choose a pair depending on the style of skiing:
- For carving (descent along smooth and soft slopes) skis with a narrow waist and wide ends, 10-15 cm long are less than the height of the skier;
- For freeride (free skating) the waist of a couple should be from 80 cm, radius from 30 m, length approximately equal to the height of a person;
- For sports skiing, you should choose the hardest skis;
- For trick riding (freestyle), buy short models with a narrow waist and curved edges;
Then there are the allround skis - Allround, they will allow you to ride on any, but not at the maximum possibilities.
Ski rating based on reviews
Well, here we are getting to the rating of manufacturers of alpine skiing station wagons 2019 by brands - study it and take note:
- Fisher Is one of the most honored brands in its field. One of their most famous alpine skiing models: the RC4 Worldcup SC. Pros: Lightweight, with titanium edging, high torso rigidity, makes it easy to perform beautiful arcs. Suitable for riding both on icy slopes and downy snow.
- Volkl Is a premium brand that deservedly boasts the best quality ski kits. Pros: the equipment is suitable for skiing in low temperatures, modern manufacturing technologies, high wear resistance, glide quality, better performance, a wide range of models. These two brands have only one drawback - they are expensive, from 35 thousand rubles.
- K2 - a proven manufacturer, is in great demand in the Russian market. The skis are lightweight, maneuverable, with different characteristics of rigidity and geometry. There are a lot of female models, and here you will definitely be able to choose a suitable size for your child's alpine skis. No matter how hard we tried, we did not find any drawbacks to K2 products, even the prices here are democratic - from 15 thousand rubles.
- Nordica - produces cool and stylish ski kits, which are distinguished by high manufacturability, excellent skiing quality indicators. The assortment includes the widest model range. For skiing, the NAVIGATOR TEAM skis with additional carbon inclusions to reinforce the frame are especially suitable.
- Rossignol - a ski brand that has developed and implemented a special technology, thanks to which the weight of a pair is reduced by 20%. In this case, the strength parameters remain the same! The models are strong, beautiful, suitable for off-piste trips. Unfortunately, these skis are not worth buying for beginners, and this is perhaps their only drawback.
Why is it so important to choose the right mountain kit?
In conclusion, we will tell you why it is so important to choose the size of alpine skis, as well as all other parameters, correctly:
- Due to the high risk of injury;
- To learn the correct riding technique;
- To get real pleasure from doing sports;
- In order not to be disappointed in skiing;
- In order not to waste fabulous money.
We hope that after reading our article, you have no further questions. Feel free to run to the store and ask the consultants tricky questions - now you are definitely ready to buy!
