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July, 2025

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Skis after ACL tear

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japanair
Posts: 441 - Karma: 40
Anybody have any advice on whether certain types of skis are better after you've torn your ACL? For example, is a light nimble ski much better than something that is big and burly? Just thinking that maybe a lighter ski would have less torque on your knee.

And what about size and turn radius? Better to find something that is shorter than what you were riding before your ACL? Would something with a shorter turn-radius be better? I have no idea what my knee will feel like after I recover, but just wanted to know if your equipment needs to change.
12 years ago
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7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
IN MOST CASES the design of a ski wont change much. Think of it this way: Skis are an extension of your feet. (Forwards and backwards by a couple feet). Depending on how you fall, it is the bindings fault much more often than not. When I tore my ACL, it was because my ski planted to the ground while my leg was twisting, binding didnt release and CRACK goes the ACL. It really depends on the falls. PM me if you want some more info. Good luck on your recovery! Im 18 weeks out and I got full ROM back and strengthening it back up for next season!
12 years ago
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Lemuel
Posts: 14544 - Karma: 11,165
In general, wider skis are typically more difficult on the knees. I tore my ACL twice, going in for surgery in 2 weeks. For me, I have to change the way I ski. Both tears were from landing back seat on massive airs, basically no recovery possible. Neither was from twisting. The first year back was the hardest, my knee would get tweaked if I landed wrong, but the next 2 years were fine until it blew again. I've skied all sorts of skis since I've done it the first time, couldn't tell a difference with the knee.
12 years ago
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smuggs
Posts: 6561 - Karma: 1,375
you are right, get something light big skis hurt your knees
12 years ago
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,590
While big skis are harder on your knees, it's better to strengthen your knees to be able to ride them comfortably than sacrifice performance so you don't have to exercise as much. Pt and exercise will be the most important things, not changing gear
12 years ago
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skifiend
Posts: 2063 - Karma: 13
this.  i've torn my acl twice in my right knee.  it's all about taking your pt very serious and getting your knees(legs) as strong as possible.  look at how many pros have blown their acl's...do you think they ski on lighter gear post-operation?
12 years ago
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jca
Posts: 4186 - Karma: 6,391
i dont have an acl in my left knee and i ride 191 caylors and 191 wrenegades with no problems at all. start squatting!
12 years ago
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Physio.  Lots, and lots of physio.

I blew my ACL skiing 194 Factions Thirteens and 916s.  I found that I was a little hesitant when I first got back on snow, and the best ski for me was something I was comfortable on.  My favorite skis before I wrecked my knee were 192 Elan 777s and 185 Nordica Blowers.  Big burly skis with lots of metal aren't normally the best things to ski fresh off rehab, but that's what I felt comfortable on and those are what I could trust.

Once I felt comfortable on snow, I got onto a pair of 190 Ninthward NGPs w/Dukes.  Some people will say stay on a skinny ski, but I felt there was nothing wrong with me skiing a stiff, 190+/110mm+ ski.  That's what I'm happy on.
12 years ago
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