A breakdown of the categories
How we have classified skis and boots
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Race
Focus
performance
Vertical goals
≥ 2000 m Elevation Gain
Downhill technique
Straight downhill for the experts, turns for everyone else
Handling
Aggressive for experts, control for everyone else
Ski characteristics
Lightweight, robust, supportive
Boot characteristics
Lightweight, reliable, good walkability
Binding characteristics
Lightweight, fast, maneuverable
Weight and maximum width underfoot
650–750 g (around 1.5 lbs.), +/- 65 mm
Maximum boot weight
550–800 g (1.2–1.8 lbs.)
Maximum binding weight
100–150 g (3.5–5 oz)
Light
Focus
summit
Vertical goals
1000 m EG when taking it easy, ≥ 2000 m EG
Downhill technique
Short turns
Handling
Control
Ski characteristics
Lightweight, easy to use
Boot characteristics
Good walkability and control
Binding characteristics
Lightweight, brake, heel riser
Weight and maximum width underfoot
950–1300 g (2–2.8 lbs.), 75–90 mm
Maximum boot weight
950–1250 g (2–2.8 lbs.)
Maximum binding weight
160–300 g (5.6–10.5 oz)
Tour
Focus
excursion
Vertical goals
1000–2000 m EG
Downhill technique
Variety of techniques
Handling
Fun and exploration
Ski characteristics
Versatile, responsive, relatively lightweight
Boot characteristics
50/50 walking and skiing (edge control and rear ROM)
Binding characteristics
Good-sized base plate, adjustable release values, good brake
Weight and maximum width underfoot
1250–1800 g (2.7–4 lbs.), 90–100 mm
Maximum boot weight
1300–1550 g (2.9–3.4 lbs.)
Maximum binding weight
300–500 g (10.5 oz–1.1 lbs.)
Free
Focus
tracks
Vertical goals*
300–1000 m EG
Downhill technique
Wide turns, finding the best line
Handling
Freestyle, speed, jumps
Ski characteristics
Supportive, responsive, good float
Boot characteristics
Focus on lateral and rear support over walkability
Binding characteristics
Wide base plate, certified release system, good brake
Weight and maximum width underfoot
1550–2200 g (3.4–just under 5 lbs.), 100-115 mm
Maximum boot weight
1650–2000 g (3.6–4.4 lbs.)
Maximum binding weight
≥500 g (over 1.1 lbs.)
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2025
Split All Mountain
Intro
Boards, boots, and bindings for splitboarding
Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
2024
Intro
Skimo bindings
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
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