Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 Fluke 8/7/84; site fluke.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!mhuxh!mhuxi!mhuxm!mhuxn!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!fluke!lowell From: lowell@fluke.UUCP (Lowell Skoog) Newsgroups: net.rec.ski Subject: Re: wood core vs foam? Comments on Selecting Skis. Message-ID: <813@vax1.fluke.UUCP> Date: Mon, 3-Dec-84 12:43:49 EST Article-I.D.: vax1.813 Posted: Mon Dec 3 12:43:49 1984 Date-Received: Thu, 6-Dec-84 04:46:15 EST Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Everett, WA Lines: 29 I would like to add some comments on ski selection, particularly on the notion that an intermediate skier should buy top-of-the-line competition skis. Ski manufacturers and ski technicians look to the top racers to develop more capable equipment and more efficient techniques. This is certainly justified, since racers, due to the rigors of training and competition, are the best skiers in the world. It is reasonable to label competition skis "top of the line". But you have to consider what these skis are designed for. Alpine racing takes place on smooth, very well-packed snow. Competition skis perform marvelously in these conditions. In other conditions however, they are not so good. In powder snow, slalom skis dive. In moguls, slalom skis ride rough, while giant slalom skis turn reluctantly. In chunky, semi-packed snow, slalom skis skitter, giant slalom skis go straight. To say that a competition ski is best for all conditions is like recommending a Ferrari for four-wheeling. Skis are tools--to choose the right one, you have to decide what you want to use it for. If you walk into a ski shop and ask for advice based on your skiing ability (e.g. "I am an expert") they may steer you toward racing skis. (Racing skis are macho.) If, on the other hand, you describe your ability and what you intend to use the ski for, you are more likely to get what you need. Some manufacturers and ski areas hold "demo days" where you can try out the latest skis for free. Check into these in your area. Lowell Skoog (in real life) Lowell Skoog Professional Ski John Fluke Mfg. Co. Inc. Instructors of America, NW Everett, Washington