Truly, for those who live to ski, good skis can make you smile. This year the ski manufacturers have unveiled hundreds of new and improved skis designed to make your grin so wide you might laugh with joy. The menu ranges from ultra wide powder skis to all-mountain cruisers. To help you in your search, we answer several key questions intended to guide your thinking. Then, we offer reviews on top test picks.
Welcome to the test center.
TEST QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS
Q: Can one ski actually fit every condition?
A: While many skiers dream of a one ski quiver, the reality is that skis vary in performance across terrain and snow conditions. Today's race skis, for example, really excel on hard race-like snow conditions but tend to lack versatility in powder. Somewhat similarly, free-ride (off-piste) skis tend to float easily in powder but feel less versatile on blue iced slopes. Unless you are considering two pairs of skis, you may wish to elect a ski best suited for the conditions you most frequently visit. At the same time, do know these newer skis are more versatile than years past and can actually more easily handle differing conditions.
Q: Is a demo ride useful?
A: On snow the performance of new skis can vary according to skier weight, strength, and skill. In addition, the same ski in different lengths can ski like, well, two different skis! We suggest you consider testing three different skis in your favorite category. Then, test your top choice in two different lengths.
Q: Is tuning important?
A: Former Volkl Product Manager and Retired World Cup Tuner Mike DeSantis, who owns Ski MD in Massachusetts - outside Boston - knows that proper tuning can transform a mediocre ski into an outstanding tool. In fact, his tuning skills are so polished that top racers frequently visit his shop from throughout the East. Unfortunately, not all new skis come properly tuned even when new. Moreover, to maintain new ski performance over several seasons consider a top tune. Take the time to learn why many elite racers and ski company representatives (from Blizzard to Volkl) praise and use the standards someone such as Mike DeSantis brings to the tuning bench.
Q: Are the newer skis and designs actually new and different?
A: The skis top skiers, freeskiers, and experts are using today are truly more versatile than those skis common, say, a decade past. No longer are shaped skis new! Today, manufacturers have continually refined ski designs such that skis that once were only found in powder now can hold easily on Eastern hardpack! At the same time, last year's designs can often be found at remarkable values. Which is say that just as left over cars can equate to tremendous values for shoppers so skiers can often find wonderful bargains on last year's stock.
2009-2010 Mens Skis
