Question about Ski Stiffness

[CMCM]

Can anyone give me some details about ski stiffness.....Is this a desirable feature when trying to improve? I currently ski Nordica Serenity 06's, I think perhaps similar to the current Nordica Fox. The Serenity was rated as an intermediate ski, yet not too stiff and apparently with good torsion. I'm wondering what might be a SLIGHTLY more advanced ski to try....when I've looked at various skis I've noticed big differences such as overall weight (the Volkl's seemed quite heavy, for example, while Dynastar seemed incredibly light), some are obviously very rigid and stiff while others less so. I'm just not sure what to look for, although I am kind of interested in the K2 Burnin Luv, possibly the Tru Luv or One Luv.

I think keeping a fairly narrow waist (my Nordicas are 68) is where I want to stay. Currently length is 150, and I might go as high as 153 or 154, no more. Beyond that, I don't know what to consider. My options to demo are limited at this point as a lot of demo skis seem to have been sold already, especially in the shorter lengths. I missed the boat on that one...

Any comments/input/suggestions?

 

[volklgirl]

Unfortunately, ski construction really isn't simple enough that you can just single out one factor like stiffness. It is directly affected by all the other factors like sidecut, flex pattern, torsional stiffness, and weight.

In general, the stiffer the ski is the more responsive and less forgiving of mistakes it will be. Flex pattern is more difficult to determine without demoing....a ski with a soft tip will move into the turn more easily, but a stiff tail will make it more difficult to release the turn. Heavier skis are like bulldozers in cruddy conditions while lighter weight skis tend to get bounced around more.

The characteristics that you look for in a ski really depend on what your abilities, likes, dislikes, goals and aspirations are. No one else can really pick a ski for you without knowing you and watching you ski. You'll know that your current ski is too soft or too short for your current ability when it feels like it bounces out of the turn or skids out from underneath you. It may also get wiggly or flappy at your preferred cruising speeds. Really, if possible, you need to at least demo a few skis....even if it's not something you want to buy, it will give you an idea of what characteristics are most important to you. I think you're truly short changing yourself in regards to length, too.

For an "improving" ski, look for the middle of the line. Here's some general characteristics of the bigger brands (as always, YMMV!!):

Volkl: heavy, great edge in ice, needs speed to perform, lively and reactive, rewards skill.
K2: med heavy, calmer, med feedback, may have a speed limit.
Rossignol (Roxy): very damp and calm, decent edge grip, ok at most speeds.
Dynastar: light and lively, reactive, sometimes nervous at speed.
Head: damp but not lifeless, thrives on speed, med heavy, calm and confidence inspiring.
Atomic: heavier, thrives on speed, typically stiff tail, med damp.
Fischer: heavier, med damp, great edge grip, loves speed.
Salomon: light and lively, decent edge grip, may become nervous at speed.
Nordica: stiffer, heavier, somewhat damp but not lifeless, needs speed and skill to perform.

 

[Solincia]

Volklgrl, thank you for that! As someone who owns the K2 One luvs, but hasn't demo'd any other skis, that's a great list to go by.

Question, how would you rate Elan skis?

 

[volklgirl]

Thanks.

I didn't include Elan because I've never tried any. Maybe SnowHot will add that one to the list for us.

 

[Kiragirl]

interesting--I had Elans for a LONG time and I always hated them*, it was a mistake to buy probably becuase the person in the shop just wanted to make a bargain sale...
but, my friend currently skis on (obviously much more current) Elan racing skis (called RCG I think) and just the other day said they were his fav, and he can do ANYTHING on skis.

* I think I will make a cute coatrack out of them

 

[SueNJ]

Volklgirl, you're just a wealth of useful information! Thanks for posting this list--it's bookmarked in my favorites, just in case I want to add to my quiver somewhere down the line (hope my SO doesn't read this... )