Beginner skis are lighter, more flexible, shorter and easier to maneuver than advanced and intermediate skis. Female-specific beginner skis are usually 120 to 150 cm long, and men's or unisex skis are 140 to 160 cm long, says OnTheSnow.com equipment editor Allen Smith. If you are a novice who has already developed an affinity for the K2 brand of skis, a few of its products will suit your purposes.
Female Beginners
The K2 T-Nine line of female-specific skis feature a forward-binding mount, which compensates for a woman's lower center of gravity. Female novices have two choices: First Luv and Sweet Luv, which have similar designs with minor variations. K2 designed the First Luv for balance and stability. The ski is best for skiers who play in 80 percent groomed and 20 percent ungroomed terrain. The company designed the Sweet Luv for stability and easy turn initiation, so this may be a more suitable ski for novices who are ready to link their turns. The Sweet Luv is best for skiers who ski on 70 percent groomed and 30 percent ungroomed terrain. While beginners usually stay in groomed areas, older and smaller ski areas do not do frequent grooming, even in the beginner areas. Choose Sweet Luvs if you ski at this type of resort, or if you plan to take lessons on a regular basis.
Male Beginners
K2 has added a catch-free rocker system to the Force, its men's beginner ski. The rocker has an elevated tip and tail, which eases turn initiation. The rocker also makes the ski more forgiving. If you accidentally skid your turn, the elevated tip and tail keep you from catching an edge in the snow. The Force is best for skiers who ski on 70 percent groomed and 30 percent ungroomed terrain.
Girls' Skis
K2 designed the Luv Bug, with its pink floral graphics, for young girls. The company's patented noodle ski system technology fuses the binding to the ski, making it lighter and more flexible. This ski is best for girls who ski on 70 percent groomed and 30 percent ungroomed terrain.
Boys' Skis
The K2 Indy, designed for boys, combines the catch-free rocker technology of the force with the noodle ski system technology of the Luv Bug. It is best for skiers who ski on 70 percent groomed and 30 percent ungroomed terrain.
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