Progress is inevitable and once again the ski manufacturers have brought new-fangled features to the market. It seems that all-moutain skis are getting fatter and the latest thing to have is a rocker tip - but how much difference does it actually make? I’m thinking of my skis now (Salomon X-Wing Tornado Ti, which I upgraded to earlier this year and think are brilliant) - they claim to be 70% on-piste and 30% off, which suits me because what I wanted was something that could deal with all piste conditions and the occasional foray off-piste, though I have not had the chance to try them in deep powder.

Now everyone seems to be raving about the new Enduro, which is slightly fatter and has a rocker tip, claimed to improve both on and off-piste performance. Is this a big step forward? Has anyone done a comparison? Will I be kicking myself for not waiting a few months for the latest kit? Or is the new ski only for serious performance skiers / experts and does it actually take more skill and effort to see the difference? Or am I completely missing the point and skill and technique are of more influence than technical features?

Discuss…

Hugh,
Personally I think its a matter of both things, the worlds best ski will not turn you into the worlds best skier.

And no doubt you could not become the worlds best skier with substandard equipment.

I have recently upgraded to an ex rental set of Elan Magfire 82tis, I purchased them primarily because i was finding that my rossi Z3s had a tendecy to let go on steep icy runs, also at speed on less than perfect piste they seemed to have an excess of movement at the tip.  I was reccomended these as my weight was probably the problem (I am 16 1/2 stone) and that a much stiffer ski was reqiured, the extra width will also give the opportunity to sample a little off piste, I have only tried them in the fridges at Hemel and Milton Keynes and they are much more rigid, will only really notice the difference on this years ski holiday.

My point really is to get equipment that is relative to your standard at the time you purchase it, when I started skiing 6 years ago the Z3 s were ideal learning tools, but as I have progressed I think I have outgrown them.

Also there are some people who will always want the latest gear, wether it be because they are better or as a fashion statement, equipment does seem to advance each season, but I think you are right when you suggest that its skill and technique that are generally more important than having the latest equipment.

These are only my personal views and I may be way off the mark.

regards

Don.

Don,

I think you’re right about having skis appropriate to your level of skiing, but also the type of skiing you’re likely to do. One of the difficulties when you buy (or even hire) kit is that it’s difficult to explain to others or follow guides as to what your level really is (even if we’re being honest ! ). The other problem is that reviews are usually done by highly competent (expert) skiers, who have the necessary skill level to get the best out of the kit.

I guess the only way to find out is to try stuff out (usually by hiring first) and get a ski that suits you, then move on when your skill level improves or your type of skiing changes. For example, on one trip a few years back I was given a pair of Volkl Racetigers on hire. They are viritually slalom race skis, were super stiff and grippy on hard packed pistes and suited my skiing style (100% on-piste) at the time. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread and bought a pair there and then, but on subsequent trips where I encountered variable conditions (fresh powder, crud, spring snow and slush) they proved to be too stiff for me (I’m a fairly lightweight 65 kilos) and difficult to control. Last year I decided to try a pair of the XW Tornados and lent my Volkls to my buddy. He though they were superb and I found the Salomons ideal - still precice and grippy but with the extra weight and width to deal with all conditions. We did a deal - he bought my Racetigers and I bought a new pair of Tornados - sweet.

I suppose my point is that, whilst having the latest bit of kit might not make you the world’s best skier, having the wrong equipment could take away some enjoyment, dent your confidence, frustrate you or hold back your develpoment, especially as most of us only get the once or twice a year fix. I often wonder about this with people who just accept what the hire shop gives them - I would often go back to the shop and swap skis until I found the best ones.

Of course technology moves on apace each year - this is the risk you take when you buy (rather than hire) your own equipment - as (hopefully) does one’s skill and expertise. Who knows, in a couple of years I might decide that the backcountry is the only place to be and nothing but a pair of big moutain fat planks will do - he, he…

Hugh