What To Look For
Inspired partly by many ski videos showing tricks, twin tip skis have become very popular among juniors and younger skiers. Twin tips are typically softer and easier to turn, and make skiing backwards to approach features in a terrain park easy. Twin tips also ski well in powder, making them good for Western skiers.
When shopping for twin tips, keep in mind the primary use your child will put the skis to. Park skis typically have more durable edges and a softer tip for launching onto features. All-mountain designs are stiffer, and better for going everywhere, including big mountain features. Powder twin tip skis will be fatter at the waist to help your child float up in deep snow.
Common Pitfalls
One issue when selecting twin tip skis is length. Because of the upturned tip and tail, the ski rides shorter than its actual length. If your junior is moving to a twin tip for the first time from a more traditional ski and likes that length, she will need to go longer in a twin tip to get a similar performance. Length can also affect float in powder and stability at speed; longer is better in both situations.
Where To Buy
Twin tip skis are sold anywhere you can buy skis, including specialty ski retailers, sporting goods stores and mountain stores like REI. You can also buy them online at places like Backcountry.com. If you buy locally, you can keep an eye out for special sales, and may be able to buy from the store's rental inventory so that you don't spend as much money on your rapidly growing child.
Cost
As of 2010, kids' twin tip skis typically cost between $230 and $400. Prices vary by ski design, with fatter skis and park ski generally costing a little more than narrower designs.
Comparison Shopping
Most popular ski manufacturers make junior models of their adult skis. Popular twin tip skis in 2010 for kids include the Volkl Gotama at $325, Line Afterbang for $355, Armada Coda for $340 and Rossignol S7 for $450. Twin tips are also available in girls' models, including the K2 Missy and Line Snow Angel for around $300.
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