What type of skis would work best for snowkiting?

[Leo Chan]

I have been doing some research on skis and found that the price range is all over the place. I can get a pair 2007/2008 model for intermediate skiers (like me) for under $100 and get a pair of good bindings for $60. However, I would imagine a pair of twin tips would work better since there is a fair amount of backward skiing with snowkiting. The potential problems for twin tips includes high cost and too soft for deep snow. Did I mention to expansive?

Any suggestions for the newbies?

[jason morton]

Leo-
I have yet to see a kiter ride switch on a consistent basis with skis. Twin tips are not a necessity for snowkiting but they are nice. And as far as twin tips being too soft for deep snow I think you've got it all wrong. Soft skis are good for deep snow. Well, to a point anyway. Pretty much anything will work. Most people prefer a wider ski for deep snow skiing and kiting. Something around 90mm wide and up will do great. Freestyle snowkiters on skis tend to ride shorter skis as they are lighter and easier to spin in the air. Shorter skis will be harder to manage in the deep stuff. But what do I know? I'm just another guy. From the picture you posted of yourself earlier you look like 5'6"- 5'9"? Am I right? The Rossignol Scratch is an example of a twin tip that would be great for skiing and kiting. Something around 173cm-183cm would be good for you if you are an intermediate.

Here is a pair of 178's on ksl.com for $180 bucks used!!
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad ... at=&lpid=0

[Erik Holmgren]

Leo, I teach up at Alta and rep with a couple companies.. low down on skis.

As far as flex goes, the stiffer the ski, the stronger the skier needs to be. the stiffer the ski, the better the grip on icier conditions, and the more challenging as the snow softens.

a softer flex ski is better in softer snow... dont take this to an extreme, super soft skis (like a Palmer) are incredibly unstable at speed or in crud conditions.

narrower waisted skis (65-80mm underfoot) are normally used in firmer or icier snow conditions.

fatter skis(90mm plus underfoot) are great for powder, and several models(Fischer Watea 94, Watea 101, Dynastar mythic rider/big trouble, Head Monster 94s, and Blizzard Titans) are very nice all around skis.

The newer reverse-camber skis are epic from what i've been told on deep powder kite days, they are also awesome for an advanced intermediate-expert skier in and out of resort boundaries.. but they are a very condition specific ski, anyone that says reverse camber skis like the pontoon, megawatt, kuru, etc are awesome all around skis are liars or idiots. they are pow weapons, period. nothing at all against them, they are great rides! just a one condition ski.

Rossignol until this season has has a very poor quality sk. they fall apart quickly and do not feel right after the first season as the material in the core of the ski breaks down or, in many cases, just falls apart. the same can be said about Salomon skis, line skis, 4-frnt, armada, and any of the newer volkl twin tips- Volkl was bought out by k2 at the beginning of last season, the quality of the skis went downhill fast- they've been known to delaminate IN THE WRAPPER and have turned several people(including myself) away from their products.

Any ski with Atomic Bindings that are not new for this season should not be considered- they recalled almost every binding made from 98-05, and until this past season were still not a very well made product.

not to slam on any companies. this is from my personal experience as a former racer and instructor, as well as the opinions and reviews from various shops across the country i've worked with since my race years as a high school student.

[Leo Chan]

Thanks, Jason and Erik. I guess I should go with a softer skis when going out on smooth new snow then. I was on a really hard skis last weekend and my legs were hurting like hell. Now I know why.
Erik, I got another question. What is the difference between man and woman skis other than smaller and lighter? They generally sell for lower price.

[Jason Klein]

women's skis usually have a softer flex to accommodate women's lower weight.

[Erik Holmgren]

what he said

[Leo Chan]

Thanks, Jason and Erik. I am getting a pair of woman skis then. I like flexes.