How to Pick Gear for Skiing: Buying right Skis and Ski Poles
Everyone knows how it is important to have well-fitting ski equipment to get ultimate joy from a ride. Even if you are a newcomer, and you have never been involved in such activity, proper gear might considerably affect the quality of your first training. Sometimes it can take lots of time for a professional skier to pick proper skis for their mountain rides, not to mention total beginners. But if you really want to enjoy the whole process of acquiring a new skill, getting perfectly suitable skis and poles is definitely a must.
There are various types of models in the sports shops to be found for any price. However, it is essential to understand your needs clearly and consider options that would meet your personal requests. Here are a few useful tips that will be efficient while picking ski gear for yourself.
How to Find your Right Pair of Skis
Nowadays there is a wide diversity of models available on the market. Dazzling design, varied brands and sophisticated shapes make it too problematic to focus on. But you need to take into account that your choice of winter gear will depend on your skills, type of terrain you want to deal with and money you are ready to pay.
What are Main Types of Skis
Downhills skis can be divided into three main categories. On piste skis tend to be narrower and they feature a good edge that works well with hard-packed snow. It is a flawless solution for those who are eager to boost their skills on groomed slopes. All-mountain skis are suitable for a wide range of terrains and different snow types. They usually have a rocker in tip that makes it easier to maneuver and keep control. And the last type of skis that is highly appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts is known as Freeski.
Specific features of their configuration will make your ski ride exceptionally pleasant through powder, but remember that they are not good for icy slopes. While picking skis for your next trip, it is also important to focus on their width.
Consider Your Riding Level
Are you an intermediate skier seeking to explore your abilities or a newcomer who only gets started? Your level of expertise is one of the major factors defining your choice of equipment. If you are a first-timer there is nothing shameful about picking beginner skis to enhance control and build up your confidence on the mountains. They are shorter, feature softer flex and have narrower waist. Advanced levels should pick skis with harder flex that are more suitable for various rough conditions and better technical skills.
Keep in Mind Ski Length
After you decide what type of ski would be perfect for you, another thing to consider is length of your winter equipment. It differs and depends on a model, your level of experience in riding, personal preferences as well as your weight and height. Modern skis are divided into two categories chin level or head high. If you are an absolute starter and you have no intention to ski super aggressively, the best option would be getting shorter chin level models. This type of ski is excellent for well-groomed slopes and they make it easy to perform turn. For those seeking to boost their technical skills, considering skis that reach top of their head is a wonderful solution. Head high skis are ideal for fast and aggressive riders preferring off-piste trips.
We offer comfortable ski bus trips to Hunter Mountain from New York City.
Choose Models Designed for your Gender
There is no universal option when it comes to skis as men and women’s body has considerable differences. Most of the models are available in two versions so that they can be suited to your anatomical peculiarities. Skis for men are manufactured to handle force of a rough skier while women’s skis are created in compliance with anatomical needs of a woman’s body. When you are choosing a model for yourself, stick to your gender and it will help you to narrow down available options.
Choosing Ski Poles: Things to Know
How do flawless ski poles look like? The answer is simple: they must be light, reliable and adaptable enough, so they do not crash when you find yourself in a trouble. To determine which poles would match your needs, there are a few simple steps to make. First of all, you need to wear shoes and put the poles upside down. Then grab them right under the basket. If the poles are suitable, your elbow will be positioned by your hip and your arms will be at a 90 degree angle. But if the angle is less or more than 90 degrees, it means that you need shorter or longer poles.
Materials Used for Ski Poles
There are a few types of materials used to make ski poles that include aluminum, carbon fiber, bamboo and composite. For example, aluminum ski poles are preferred by different outdoor enthusiasts and the main reason for that is their low price and great durability. It is a good choice for a first-timer that will help you to learn basic technics. Intermediate to advanced levels usually find preferable carbon poles due to the extended range of benefits they offer. These models are ultra-light which is excellent for long-distance trips in the backcountry. Composite ski poles are some of the best on the market. Flexible, super strong, and extremely lightweight, they work well in hardback snow and they are suitable for backcountry runs too. And the last type is bamboo poles. While they aren’t really favored by skiers, still bamboo is an eco-friendly material providing a fantastic combination of flexibility and rigidity.
Consider Pole Basket
Another crucial detail to pay attention while acquiring a set of brand-new gear is basket. Properly chosen basket significantly improves your riding experience even if you are only learning as it aimed to prevent pole from getting too deep into snow. If you are planning to have calm, non-aggressive mountain journey, consider a small basket. Majority of ski resorts offer terrains with shallow snow, so there is no need to stick to baskets of larger sizes. However, if you are into deep snow free ride, narrow down your choice to poles with a larger option. There are also models offering adaptable baskets that can be adjusted depending on the terrain and type of skier.
Whether you are a newcomer or a real ski pro, getting right sports gear will provide safe and fascinating experience while you are getting thrill on slopes. There is no need to spend all your money on expensive equipment if you are on a tight budget but make sure that it is quality and suitable for your skills.