If you've ever read a ski equipment review in a magazine or on a message forum, you realize that the process is rarely 100 percent objective. Your skill, terrain preferences, height weight and gender will influence your opinion, as well as the conditions on the day that you tested the gear. Some people are even influenced by color, graphics, and brand loyalty. In fact, some ski testing teams test equipment that has had its graphics and brand logo removed.
Rating Ski Boots
Step 1
Click into your bindings and ride the lift to a groomed slope. Ask your friend to join you with his video camera.
Step 2
Make a series of turns down the slope, and have your friend focus the camera on your shins, feet and ankles.
Step 3
Repeat the process on steep terrain and on moguls.
Step 4
Watch the video, and observe your shin position. Note whether you were able to keep your shins near the boot tongue, and note the ability to simultaneously place both skis on edge. An overly stiff boot might make this impossible to do on easy terrain, whereas an overly flexible boot might not provide adequate edge control on steep terrain.
Step 5
Note your foot's comfort level. Cold feet might indicate that the boot is too stiff, and that it is cutting off your circulation.
Step 6
Write down your observations and make your rating.
Rating Skis
Step 1
Make a series of short, medium and long radius turns. Have your friend video your entire body as you turn. Watch the video and note how well the skis were able to complete each of these turns.
Step 2
Turn at high speed and note the skis' stability.
Step 3
Ski in crud conditions and note whether the skis chatter.
Step 4
Go to a resort that has a NASTAR recreational racing course. Note your speed and your ability to make precise turns within the gates.
Step 5
Watch the video and make an overall assessment of the ski's performance.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan to post your rating online, list as much information about your skill level, terrain and conditions.
- Less than optimal performance might result from less than optimal ski skills and should not be attributed to the equipment.
Things You'll Need
- Skis
- Ski boots
- Friend with a video camera
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