Free skis

This year’s range starts with a 100 mm width and tools with an average structure that lend themselves to different setups. The choice of length, the binding mounted, and even the boot can significantly affect the performance of these skis. The setup needs to prioritize balance as much as possible. Float is important, as is overall size, and both factors will suffer without adequate structure and torsional rigidity. So paulownia is not the only wood used in the core: yes it’s light, but it struggles to withstand the stresses this class of ski is subjected to. Thus it’s usually paired with poplar, beech, ash and carob, all woods that have superior mechanical properties and heavier weights. Many companies still use titanal, but this is gradually being phased out, in part because of its high environmental impact. Among the additional laminates and shock absorbers, there are ever-more variables: kevlar, flax, rubber, fiberglass, carbon, aramid, and now also latest-generation bioalgae and bioresins. Designing freeride skis is a highly complex business. It’s not enough to merely shave the weight. And you have to be careful not to overdo the structure or the titanal. To get the weight right takes the right developers and clear ideas. Yet the end result is always a compromise. As mentioned in the past, the perfect ski doesn’t exist: there are all-rounders that hold up well, but the reality is that different situations each have their own optimum shape.