Although freestyle skis and alpine skis might appear similar at first glance, there are a few subtle differences that set them apart. You can use your freestyle skis when venturing out onto a regular or recreational slope. Most freestyle skis feature an all-mountain design that can adapt to numerous types of riding conditions.
Riding Terrain
Mountain ski resorts offer a wide variety of slopes for riders of all ages and skill levels. The regular or recreational skiing slope consists of a finely groomed terrain that features a hard-packed surface. According to ESPN, the freestyle skiing slope, often referred to as the terrain park, has the same groomed surface as the recreational slope. The sharpened edges of the freestyle ski allow you to perform high-speed turns and maneuvers on a regular slope without catching an edge or sliding out.
Ski Dimensions
When placed side by side, the regular ski and the freestyle ski feature similar dimensions. Although the length of the freestyle ski blade is slightly shorter than the blade of the recreational ski, the two models have an almost identical waist width. According to the skiing experts at REI, the narrow waist of the freestyle ski offers increased handling on the groomed runs of the regular skiing slope. The compact blade allows you to easily transfer your body weight between the edges of the freestyle ski.
Ski Shape
The front end or nose of the recreational and freestyle ski features a similar rounded shape. When placed onto the snow, the nose of the skis will remain slightly elevated above the riding terrain. This unique design helps to prevent you from catching an edge when riding down a regular slope on your freestyle skis. The tail of the freestyle skis also features an elevated tip that enables you to ride down the regular slope in a backward or "fakie" position.
Flexibility and Weight
Both the recreational ski and the freestyle ski feature a similar amount of flex. The pliable design of the ski blade allows you to ride over small bumps in the slope with ease. Another key similarity between regular and freestyle skis deals with the overall weight. For increased turning efficiency, recreational and freestyle skis feature a lightweight wooden core. This allows you to perform flat ground jumps while navigating your way down the regular skiing slope.
Member Comments