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voy10I kinda see where you’re coming from. Like the iPhone thing, there really is no point to keep making it lighter because it’s not like it needs to be lighter. But on skis, lighter is usually better, unless they’re sacrificing Durability. The only time I see when skis should be lighter is when they’re noticeably lighter.
When you’re doing tricks, lighter is obviously better. Sure you can do the same trick on a mid weight ski vs. a light ski, but you may not be able to do a same trick on a super heavy ski vs. a midweight ski.
Almost like a pass or fail class. Once you get a high enough grade, you’re good. In other words, if you’re good, then you’re good. Which translates to once the ski is light enough, there’s no need to make it much lighter because A. You’re going to be able to do the same stuff on something that’s a little heavier and B. Once the ski gets so low in weight it’s going to stop making a difference, and then it’s going to come down how heavy your boots are or how strong your legs are or something.
Kinda goes in circles, Hope that makes sense
CLQI don't ski park but that makes sense. What about other skis besides park skis though? Are there lighter skis that are just as durable and can still bust crud? Are lighter skis more fun to ski then heavier skis?
noahleppy10lmao my dad has dynastar chams and they are probably some of the heaviest skis ive ever seen, but apparently they ski well on hard stuff bc the added weight reduces the chatter. however, lighter skis are obviously way better for spins or swaps on rails.
RparrYeah all of these ski companies must be wrong, I’m going to strap lead weights to my skis next season
RparrYeah all of these ski companies must be wrong, I’m going to strap lead weights to my skis next season
skiermaneyeah lets all just shut the fuck up and not talk about it because the ski companies know whats best
**This post was edited on Jul 9th 2018 at 11:21:25pm
CLQI'm not talking about backcountry skis, it just seems like every ski manufacturer is trying to reduce weight. Is this just the same thing that Apple does with the iphone? There isn't anything to innovate so they just try to make the skis lighter because what else they can do? What are the benefits that I am missing?
chris.goodhueIdk on3ps are super trendy and they are heavy as fuck.
Obviously I like light skis for Backcountry and hiking around Bridger. I'd trade some weight for a quality ski that performs well though, seems to always be a trade off with weight / performance. Being able to day a ski is super light is definitely a marketing tool
SessionThey are super trendy with real skiers for the most part. Realistically real skiers don't want something super light unless they are touring. Everyone I know who puts in 30+ days in the resort is looking for something to mash when the place gets skied out. There are expections.
philipcYou gotta remember that the ski industry runs on people who ski for only one week a year. These people HATE carrying their ski's and boots around because they are not used to it, ..And it's going to be the same thing with ski boots soon.
skiguy04How are the boots changing - mass would imply strength and don’t think companies need that liability
BigPurpleSkiSuitthis is how I'm gonna make snowbird top to bottom in a minute
DensecloudsEven the worlds fastest freeskier could not T2B snowbird in under 60 seconds.
DensecloudsEven the worlds fastest freeskier could not T2B snowbird in under 60 seconds.
CLQI'm not talking about backcountry skis, it just seems like every ski manufacturer is trying to reduce weight. Is this just the same thing that Apple does with the iphone? There isn't anything to innovate so they just try to make the skis lighter because what else they can do? What are the benefits that I am missing?
DominatorJacquesI love a pair of heavy skis for rippin' the groom. Light skis are fun as long as they are stout enough.
wpskiI'm surprised you like the light and stiff mix. I demoed a pair of faction dictator 3.0's (light and stiff) and all it seemed to do was cause more deflection.
CLQIs this just the same thing that Apple does with the iphone?
freeskibum82OP must ski on K2s. K2 skis are always so heavy compared to other manufacturers.
TRVP_ANGELYou dont know who he is do you?
this isnt even his final form
steezy.stewThis trend has particularly taken off with more traditional on piste carving skis. A few seasons ago most major ski manufacturers started distributing foam core rental skis, opting away from heavier and more expensive wooden chassis. This change benefits alot of beginner/intermediate skiers who find the skis more maneuverable and less tiring. However it greatly reduces the integrity; some skis would come back with snapped cores from seemingly small impacts. So while there certainly are benefits of a ski designed to be light, most hardcore skiers are still going to prioritize performance with the swing weight being a smaller consideration.
freeskibum82The best part is those rental skis, especially for kids, are injected molded foam. not even layered foam sheets with fiberglass. Cheap to produce and dont hold up for shit. Lucky to get a few seasons out of them. The base tunes for shit and the binding plates are even glued on. But if that gets more skiers on the hill it means more money going into the sport and it allows those manufacturers some R&D money for the fun stuff we all like. Like carbon stringers in skis with hybrid flex patterns and bomb proof bases.
steezy.stewExactly. There were countless times this past season where out of shape middle-aged ladies where ravings about the newer generation of rental skis because they had never had an easier/more fun time skiing, despite the low tide conditions we had in CO. So I would reckon that these trends are succeeding to make skiing more attractive to a larger audience, despite the challenges in the industry like climate change and general costs. Even Armada is introducing a rental lineup this season, equipped with rebranded tyrolia demo bindings. Like you eluded to this should make Armada more appealing to more people, not just core shredders, which hopefully translates to more sales, greater R&D and more opportunities for their team. Time will tell. It’s certainly an interesting time in the industry.
tcurleWhen people pick up my skis that have a lot of metal and pivot 18's they immediately say "wow these are heavy" but no shit they're going to be heavy if you want those materials and an in bounds performing ski the weight will benefit you. If you're touring you sacrifice the performance of the ski to benefit from a lighter set up.
MLBHonestly lighter skis are so much easier to ski on then heavy skis. The biomechanics that are involved in skiing can take quite a toll on different parts of the body. You can have things like ACL/MCL tears, and ITB issues. Not to mention issues with joint problems ( knees/hips I’m looking at you...). Lighter skis is the cheapest way to deal with those issues.
Another way to look at it is ski equipment in general is the most advenced sporting/leisure equipment in the world. We had things like carbon fiber, fiberglass, modern epoxy mixes, computer design, etc way way before any other sporting goods . As a result this kind of has a trickle down effect throughout many markets. You have multi-sport conglomerates ( Head for example) that will use skis as a test bed for materials, technologies, and processes that will flow down to their other sporting goods ( road bikes, tennis rackets, skates, etc).
Another thing to think about is park skis make such a small segment of the market these days. Touring is moving up very quickly as far as sales/investment go, and all terrain/caving skis always have a large market share. So as a result your going to see skis marketed and built to what sells. Hell Salomon is a perfect example. They used to be the market leader in terrain park skis, now they only have two models ( I think) that nobody really buys.
freeskibum82Salomon now owns Armada. The Salomon brand doesnt need park skis anymore to hit that demographic. Most companies only have a few park skis these days. Most are moving into all mountain and side country skis because thats where the money is heading.
CharlzHubIt’s obviously way easier to do things on light skis. Easier to manoeuvre and shit. Simple