2015/2016 Innovative & New

Choosing the right ski was once a relatively simple task Spider Sabich, Wayne Wong Choosing the right ski was once a relatively simple task

Progression was Few and Clear

Today’s skis are a complex marriage of technologies Carbon, Carbon Fiber, Prepreg CA refers to an extremely strong and light reinforced polymer. Similar to fiberglass, but much stronger, lighter, and resilient. Carbon adds stiffness and rebound to a ski, and saves remarkable weight. Carbon and it’s structural shaping is one of the most significant materials being used in skis today. Metal is primarily used to dampen vibrations and chatter, although it can be used as a stiffener too. Metal has benefits for high speed performance. The Core is the central structure and says a lot about the personality of a ski. Mostly cores are made laminated woods – because of wood’s ability to store and release energy, inherent dampening, and longevity.

Downhill skiing hottest trend is coming from going uphill

Skis are the most beneficial place to shed weight

DPS Wialer 99 Benefits of a lighter ski are: Easier maneuverability More control and confidence Livelier and less fatiguing Crossover friendly Benefits of a lighter ski are: DPS Wialer 99 4.5 lbs 3.6 lbs 3 lbs

Elan Spectrum Metal / Wood Carbon / Air

A Revolutionary Thought Rocker makes turning easier and provides soft snow float

Common Rocker Profiles

Easier Turning is a Trend

Sidecut: How it Works

Advanced Sidecut Technology reverse sidecut tapered tail Traditional sidecut reverse sidecut tapered tip Eases turn release. Adds stability. Aides tip flotation. Delivers valuable hard snow grip & carved turns. Loosen the ski for increased maneuverability in deep snow. Reduces defection & shoveling. Helps maintain deep snow speed.

Profile also Determines Maneuverability Camber acts as a spring for lively, more responsive turns, but are harder to initiate. When you stand on the ski the camber section flattens and maintains contact with the snow delivering steadfast edge hold. Skis with rocker maintain less snow contact, thus they initiate turns easily and grant more float in soft snow.

Dedicated Right Ski Dedicated Left Ski Twisted Sisters Rocker makes a ski turn easier, but sacrifices edge grip. Camber delivers edge grip, but lack easy turning. Common rocker / camber profiles make a compromise towards one way or the other; soft flex and easy turning or power and precise edge grip. Elan’s Amphibio technology places camber on the inside edges and rocker on the outsides, thus there’s a dedicated right and left ski. This technology yields fast and easy turn initiation while maintaining valuable edge grip and delivers enhancement for race product to free ride territory.

Getting More Deliberate and Precise Turns

Shapes of the Future FISCHER RANGER

Sidewalls, What’s the Difference? Vertical Sidewall Beveled Sidewall Cap Sidewall Sidewall Construction: Will that be vertical or beveled, sandwich or cap construction? Most skis today employ a combination. Vertical sidewalls and sandwich construction apply the most edge pressure. Beveled and cap are more forgiving and roll in and out of turns with less effort.

Versatility is a Holy Grail GOAL A single ski that performance across all terrain and all snow conditions. THE PARADOX Hard snow and controlled surface = rigid and precise ski Soft snow and irregular surface = yielding ski

Width Underfoot is Important About 86mm or less underfoot for packed conditions About 87mm and above underfoot for off the groomers 105mm or greater for deeper powder, like the West Width Underfoot is Important (Waist Width)

Underfoot width affects how well the ski will float as the snow gets deeper

Underfoot width affects how quick & aggressive they’ll roll over and turn