October 10, 2019
If you walk into a ski shop, you might notice that there are dozens of different types of skis. There are skis of different shape, different length, different width, and even different curves.
Generally speaking, you will need to choose between speed and maneuverability. Here at Bill Jackson’s, we have trained staff to help you pick out the right ski for you.
Depending on what kind of skiing you will be doing, you will need to buy different skis. Here are a few of the different types:
Racing skis are built with one thing in mind: speed.
These skis are narrow, long, and quick turns. While they might be great for tearing down a slope at high speed, they aren’t good for quick turns or jumps.
If you want to tackle the halfpipe, freestyle skis are the way to go. These are twin-tipped to allow backward skiing. They’re wider and thicker than racing skis, offering superior performance when riding rails or going off of ramps.
These give superior turning, but they’re a poor choice if you want to tear down the hill at top speed.
The most common skis on any slope are carving skis. Carving skis have an hourglass shape that gives great performance on a variety of terrains.
These are great for beginners, but many expert skiers still ride carving skis.
If you’re going off the beaten path, you’ll be encountering deep, powdery snow that thin skis might fall right through.
Powder skis are very broad, offering buoyancy to the skis to keep you on the surface of the snow.
If you’re more interested in trick riding than downhill speed, you might be interested in skiblades.
Skiblades are much shorter than traditional skis. This makes them perfect for jumps, spins, and flips. Think of them as rollerblades for snow.
Whichever type of ski you go with, it’s imperative that you get the right length.
Traditional wisdom dictates that when the tail of your ski rests on the ground, the tip should come somewhere between your chin and the tip of your head. However, there might be some wiggle room depending on what kind of skis you buy. Our experienced staff at Bill Jackson’s can you help determine the perfect length.
There are two types of bindings: track mounted and drill mounted.
Track mounted bindings rest on a track that runs along the top of the ski, and you can change how far forward or backward your boots stand on the ski.
Drill mounted skis are drilled permanently into the ski and glued in place. Some say this gives you more control as your foot is closer to the ski itself.
Did you know we have snow ski and snow board shop services available? From adding wax to your skis to mounting the boots, we help you in every stage of the skiing process to ensure you have the best time hitting the slopes.
If you’re buying skis for the first time, it can be a confusing experience. But it doesn’t have to be.
Visit our store, and our helpful staff will take the guesswork out of buying skis. We even have an indoor slope where you can take lessons before hitting the slopes.