Variations Ski geometry

today, radius , sidecut data printed on skis.



a shaped alpine ski relatively little sidecut , classic camber: tip , tail touch snow while midsection in air.

different types of skis have different sidecuts. skis drastic sidecuts tend make quicker sharper turns , have smaller turn radius. example world cup slalom ski have extremely large tip (probably around 120 mm) narrow waist (in around 60mm) , large tail (slightly narrower tip). drastic shape of ski allow make extremely quick turns (radius between 11m , 14m) without skidding. disadvantage pronounced sidecut ski less stable @ high speeds, preferring short, quick turns. also, skis drastic sidecut perform poorly in moguls. skis have moderate amount of sidecut. allows reasonably fast turns (radius around 17m on skis) while still maintaining stability @ higher speeds. possibility slight sidecut. commonly found on giant slalom skis , competition level mogul skis. straighter sidecut allows skis make long, fast, highly stable turns (radius around 30m giant slalom, more mogul skis). in mogul skis, narrow width, straighter sidecut, , light weight allow ski maneuvered through tight troughs in bumps. jumping skis wide , have virtually parallel sides, ski jumper more concerned maintaining fast , straight trajectory, , not turning @ all.

as powder-specific constructions becoming more popular, extremely unusual sidecuts beginning appear. example, k2 pontoon s widest point tip. gradually gets narrower way down tail. also, skis volant spatula , goode scoop have reverse sidecut. in reverse sidecut, tip , tail normal size, ski becomes extremely wide @ waist, giving ovaline shape. these constructions thought provide maximum floatation in extremely deep powder, useless on hard snow. people, however, prefer traditional sidecuts, in powder.