Unlike competition models or regular carving skis, freeski models come in a huge variety of shapes and widths. They can be enjoyed on any slope, not just the groomed runs at ski resorts, but also in the backcountry, and they can be used in a variety of ways, not just for gliding but also for flying and scrubbing. With that in mind, let's start by looking at the basics of what a freeski model is and learn the basics of choosing a ski
*Basic knowledge about ski structure and materials was supervised by Masayuki Akiba of Vector Glide, a ski rider and ski developer.
*Ski specifications: D (dimension = sidecut), L (length), R (turning radius)
POINT 1 Different characters depending on waist width
The most important factor in distinguishing the characteristics of freeskis is their waist width. The wider the waist, the more buoyant they are; the narrower the waist, the faster the edge transitions. In other words, the wider the waist, the better suited they are for powder, and the narrower the waist, the better their turning performance—that's the basic principle. The rest is about finding the right balance between buoyancy and turning performance. It
's also worth noting that each brand incorporates ingenuity into the outline and construction to compensate for the disadvantages of each.
[Waist > 90mm]
Allows for direct transfer of leg power to the edge, resulting in high carving performance on backburns. The overall slender volume also makes it ideal for lightweight touring models.
[Waist = 90-100mm]
This waist width is common in park models. It makes edging easier even on hard-packed snow, and the not-too-narrow outline (waist) makes jumps and ground tricks easier.
[Waist = 100-110mm]
This waist width is the most all-around width, allowing you to enjoy carving on groomed slopes and providing the necessary buoyancy in powder. If you're looking for a single board for the entire season, this size range is recommended.
[Waist = 110-120mm]
The priority is skis for enjoying powder. However, at the same time, it's a choice that doesn't want to sacrifice edge control on hard-packed snow.
[Waist = 120mm~]
A deep powder model with an extremely wide outline. While it can be used for turns on groomed slopes, it's more realistically positioned as a second model for deep powder.
POINT 2 <BOTTOM DESIGN> Camber and rocker
Differences in bottom design have a big impact on the maneuverability and riding feel of skis. Basically, camber allows for quicker turn transitions, nose rocker promotes buoyancy and easier turn initiation, and tail rocker makes it easier to slide the tail. There are several combinations of these, and they are adopted depending on the purpose of the ski
[Camber Model]
A classic bottom design without rocker. The long contact edge and camber provide agility and stability in turns, but require a certain level of skill in powder.
[Nose Rocker + Camber Model]
This bottom design is used in most directional models. The nose rocker promotes buoyancy in powder, and the relatively straight tail provides stability in the latter half of turns.
[Nose Rocker + Camber + Tail Rocker Model]
The relatively short effective edge compared to the overall length allows for greater freedom of riding, and the tail rocker enables effortless sliding and gliding. This style is common in wider freestyle models.
[Full Rocker Model]
The entire bottom features a smooth, full rocker design. The nearly flat underfoot makes sliding maneuvers easy. Enjoy exhilarating and free riding on banks, natural terrain, and deep snow.
POINT 3 Directional and Freestyle
Freeski models have two main outline types: "directional" and "freestyle.
" "Directional" comes from the word "direction," meaning direction or orientation, and is designed for skiing forward. If a skier who predates the advent of twin-tip skis were to read this, they would surely think, "What, that's obvious!" But that's exactly what it means; this type of ski has the same orthodox shape as a typical carving ski. It excels in turns and high-speed stability, allowing you to enjoy stable high-speed turns even on hard-packed snow.
The "Freestyle" skis are twin tip or twin rocker models with a distinctive curved tail. They're perfect for not only turning, but also flying, scrubbing, sliding, and even switch landings, making them truly freestyle skis. The binding attachment point is set near the center of the ski, providing excellent swing balance and superior maneuverability and stability for jumps, freestyle tricks, and switch runs
POINT 4 Basic structure
The wooden core is reinforced with fiberglass, resin, or metal materials, and the sliding surface is made of edges and base material, with a topsheet topped with a graphic. This is the basic structure of a ski. Each part is glued together and then pressed together with pressure in a press. There are endless options for the type, combination, and shape of core and reinforcement materials, which gives rise to the individuality of each brand and the differences in performance of each model
When you pick up a ski and push down on the center, it bends smoothly, and when you release it, it returns to its original shape. This important property of skis is mainly the function of the core material. The role of the reinforcement material is to compensate for the strength of the long, thin, and easily breakable core material, while balancing the elements that determine the ski's performance and ride feel, such as tension, toughness, resilience, and vibration absorption. With this core material and reinforcement material at the center, it is important to consider what materials are combined and how, including the top sheet, sidewall, base material, and edge material. This is the technology of modern skis
POINT 5 <CONSTRUCTION> Side structure
A common topic when discussing ski construction is the distinction between sandwich and cap designs, or a semi-cap design that combines both. Historically, these differences haven't significantly impacted ski performance or handling. The main reason for these differing sidewall designs was purely manufacturing considerations. Simply put, cap designs are suited to mass production, while sandwich designs, requiring skilled craftsmanship and time, are not.
However, recently, there have been signs of change in these designs. The increasingly common 3D-shaped designs are a prime example of this shift. Semi-cap and cap designs offer greater design flexibility and lighter weight compared to sandwich designs, leading many brands to adopt them.
POINT 5 Material
[Core Material]
Except for junior and entry-level models, wood is the dominant material for ski cores. Nothing beats a wood core for providing the supple rebound and smooth flex required for skiing. Naturally, the type, part, and quality of the wood affect the ski's specifications. However, the hardness and lightness of the wood are not directly reflected in the ski; it depends on how the layers are combined. Most wood cores are made of laminated wood, not single-ply wood. By combining different materials, the flexibility and strength are adjusted. There are also examples of inserting advanced materials such as carbon as stringers.
[Reinforcement Materials]
Fiberglass is the most commonly used reinforcement material for wood cores. It is a flexible reinforcement material that is easy to process. Carbon fiber is a lightweight material with high rebound properties. Titanal, an alloy of titanium and aluminum, has excellent vibration absorption properties. Each of these materials has its drawbacks depending on how it is used, and companies are currently pooling their technological expertise to figure out how to best utilize these materials.
Supervised by Masayuki Akiba (VETCTOR GLIDE Producer)
Text by Chikara Terakura