No hype. The new 2010-2011 skis are exciting. Boasting new technological advancements, the latest collection of alpine skis represent some of the finest advances in skis found in years. In fact, the group of test team members I worked with - testing dozens and dozens of new skis - all were very impressed by the new designs.
So, how can you narrow the search? To start understand that just as a sports car will handle differently than a minivan so too, skis truly vary remarkably on the mountain. And no one ski can function perfectly in all conditions. Just as that sports car with rear wheel drive may slip and slide on the access road, so a wide wide deep powder ski may slip and slide on hard Eastern ice. For purchasers the choices generally include Race Skis, Powder Skis, All Mountain Skis, and Park and Pipe Skis. Yes. Purchasing new skis is a complex, sophisticated, decision. Still, we found the choices impressive and fun!
Looking for a detailed guide? Here are a sampling of top choices culled from a very large smorgasboard of choices available to the consumer. Our best advice? Take a test ride!
2010/11 Atomic Skis
Image Courtesy PriceGrabber
Atomic Skis have remained a staple on the world cup for years. And that racing heritage and technology continues to impact ski development for skiers at all levels.
Atomic notes that traditionally sidecut, waist width, and flex has been key to determining performance. This year, camber profiles has been added to that mix. Basically Atomic uses rocker for freeskiers, a more adaptive camber for all mountain skies, and a traditional camber for harder snow conditions. That the technology.
2010/11 Blizzard Skis
Courtesy PriceGrabber
Last season Blizzard took the business by, well, storm. This past season their skis simply outperformed most of the competition. In fact, I was so dazzled at testing last year that I decided to ski on a pair of Supersonics for my personal fun. Fortunately, with more than 30 models this line is as deep as a great snowstorm.
2010/11 Dynastar Skis
Courtesy PriceGrabber
2010/11 Men's K2 Skis
Courtesy PriceGrabber
K2 has always been about innovation. Years ago, a then unknown - and still brash - Bode Miller took a pair of intermediate K2 shaped skis and rocketed into the spotlight. His win in a junior national race first highlighted the possibility of radically shaped skis.
2010/11 Line Skis
Copyright Prophet Skis
Line Skis offers a variety of options for the 2010-2011 season, including the Prophet 115 which creates a middle ground between powder skis and carving skis. Freestyle skis include pro, park, and all-terrain. Freeride options include both big mountain and all mountain skis. There are also women's and kid's skis available in several models.
2010/11 Rossignol
Courtesy PriceGrabber
As the largest ski manufacturer in the world Rossignol Skis are legendary and the company has boasted a number of skis, over the years, which have been trend setting. So, what can you expect this year?
"We are extremely excited about these new skis and graphics," explains Deno Dudunake, a former elite mogul skier and presently part of Rossignol's Eastern sales force. "Our new Strato Series has 'street racer' graphics. "
