In this 3rd Chapter, we’ll find all the different categories briefly explained. This will be helpful, specially for the first timers..
GS. Giant Slalom Skis – Wide turns and high speed. They’re great multipurpose skis if our skills are also high. The penalty will be found on the clean edged short turns, but only when skiing on the more focused models. The best performance will be obtained on the grooms, although they can also be a very good option out of the trails.
SL. Slalom Skis – For short turns at medium and medium-high speeds. Easy turn entry. There are some models with a high technical and physical demand due to their powerful response. There are some nicer models with a quite decent medium radius turn, although all of them clearly fail at high speed wide turns. They are not polyvalent at all, the piste is their terrain.
All Round Skis – Many models are skis falling in between the GS and the SL concepts. They are good skis that work quite proficiently everywhere but do not shine in any specific aspect. Depending on the chosen model, some have a more GS-like character (easy wider turns and speed) and some others have a more SL-style tendency (rounder and easier turns). Grooms are their preferred terrain.
All Mountain Skis – If we grab an all round ski and we make it wider, we’ll already have three quarters of what an all mountain ski is. They are the multipurpose skis’ spice. Medium turns, noble reactions and extra capabilities for facing a wider selection of terrains and snow conditions.
Fats (low, mid and fat) Skis – These are the skis dedicated to the outbounds and off-piste skiing. Some, as the low-fat models, show quite good manners inside the trails although they do not perform at their best. As we climb up into the range and choose wider shapes, we’ll change the terrain as well as the snow conditions they are built for. The wider the ski, the deeper and dryer the snow has to be.
Freestyle Park / Freestyle Bump – The former are those skis dedicated to aerial maneuvers being performed on half-pipes, rails, etc. The latter are those specialized in bumps as well as acrobatics in special jump ramps.
Woman Skis – For her. Less aggressive in their response, with a binding position adapted to feminine morphology, as well as a distinguished looks paired to what’s commonly understood as “women style”.
Junior Skis – For youngsters and kids. There aren’t many models to choose in between for the smaller kids and what really matters is they can enjoy a nice day with us. For the rest, specially for teenagers, there is an excellent and assorted range to choose from. Quite similarly diverse as the adult ranges.
SkiReviewer’s Buying Skis Guide
1.- Sailing the Ski’s Gear Ocean – An introduction to variety
2.- To Buy Skis or To Rent Skis? – How worth is to own your skiing gear
3.- All Types of Skis Quick Guide
4.- Types of Skis – Explained one by one
6.- The Skier’s Height and Weight – And some other important considerations
8.- The Ski Size Chart explained – Tips and ideas for choosing the right ski at first sight
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