• What ski model to choose ?
• How to choose ski size ?
• How to get the best price ?
• What is the product warranty ?
• Will be bindings mounted and adjusted on my skis ?
• Are skis ready for use ?

What ski model to choose ?

The development of parabolic skis or "carving" in recent years has significantly changed the practice and new product lines appeared with strange names  (all moutain, rocker camber, backcountry ... etc)

It is becoming harder than ever to find the Shoe Fits, especially as new brands and design appear each year.

The objective of Sportmania is to offer the best selection of products by category, and help you in choosing your skis according to your pratice, your budget and your level.

The flex

The rigidity of the ski conditions the level of nervousness and responsiveness. A flexible ski, is more comfortable at medium speed and can link turns without too much effort, but becomes more unstable and less accurate at high speed. A stiffer ski will less deform and have more accurate trajectories and better place in tight corners and big curves. In return, they are more technical ski to ski, which require strong legs and offer less tolerance on bumpy terrain.

We also speak often of the stiffness of the heel which is the shorter part of the ski and on which body weight is sometimes deported at the end of turn. A dynamic heel will help to reposition the skiers on the front of the ski thus facilitating the sequence of turns.

The choice of the stiffness of a ski also depends on the weight of the skier, so the heavier the skier is, the greater the deformation of the ski is going to be important. It should also not choose to ski too stiff for a light person.

The torsional stiffness is the resistance of the ski when it is deformed in the width. In an edging, your weight puts pressure that may twist the ski, and distort the line of edge that is no longer in contact with the snow evenly. For this reason, a great torsional rigidity is preferable, especially for performant racing skis.

The radius

The radius of the ski is defined as the difference between the width of the nose (front of the ski), skating (middle of the ski) and heel. A ski with wasp waist, has a shorter radius and is designed for short turns. Conversely, a straighter ski will be for freeride use to ensure optimal lift and large curves at high speed.

Generally, there are radius range corresponding to following practice:

• Slalom : between 11 et 13 meters
• Giant : between 13 et 17 meters
• All mountain : between 15 et 20 meters
• Freeride, freeski : over 20 meters

The camber

Classic camber :

We find the camber on the majority of pure racing skis. This is an camber that provdes a contact edge over the largest possible length of the ski for better grip and less vibration.

Rocker camber :

Introduced few years ago, this type of camber naturally raises the front of the ski, which allows to plane more easily in deep snow, but also offers an excellent handling due to the reduced contact surface on the edges. We find the camber mainly on freeride skis, but also increasingly on the versatile skis. This type of camber does not necessarily penalize the grip on the track, as manufacturers have introduced the concept of double radius, which increases the contact length of the edge on hard snow and adjust the radius accordingly.

Double rocker

Same as the reverse camber rocker, but also found on the heel of the ski, thus able to ski switch. Is found on some exclusive models freeride and freestyle, little grip on the track.

Flat camber

This type of camber is mainly used in freestyle to allow better contact with the modules on the snow parks.

Width of the pad

Choosing pad width is critical, especially if you want to get out from the slopes. In soft snow, the ski will tend to sink, and are much less manageable, with a "rail" effect. Thus, a larger pad will allow you to immediately improve floating and have a sensation of pleasure. Previously, only the technique of smalljumps, quite difficult and physical allowed to scull in the snow. Today, wide skis provide fun in deep snow.

For a versatile ski (60% track, 40% powder) as a pad width of 85mm. After we find the skis called "fats" that can be up to 120 mm wide. These skis are exclusive and reserved for good skiers as difficult to handle in the changes of edge.

Construction

There are a variety of building techniques specific to each brand and it would be futile to try to make a list on this site. What you should remember is that there are two main types of skiing.

Molded and injected construction

These are generally cheap skis, consisting of a core or not (wood, Densolite ..), which are obtained by injecting a resin on a support made ​​of composite material (eg fiberglass ..). The simple construction allows a low cost of production, and produces suitable skis for occasional practices, for children or beginners.

 
Sandwich construction

These skis are produced by the superposition of several layers starting with a core that guarantee the overall stiffness of the ski. Then several frames of various materials (composite, carbon, titanium ..). The multitude of layers can give special characteristics of torsional and bending, and an escalation of ski properties as a function of deformation.

How to choose ski size ?

Here is a summary table to help you to choose:

Children skis

Parabolic skis for slopes (pad width under 75 mm)

All mountains skis - (pas width between 75 and 90 mm)

Freeride and powder skis (pad width over 90 mm)

Skis freestyle

Freestyle skis are usually choose a smaller size from 5 to 15 cm insize depending on the skier's practices.

How to get the best price ?

At Sportmania we fight to offer the best quality / price ratio in Switzerland, and a wide range of equipment to satisfy as many customers.

However the price offer is very wide and varies with the season, so it is easier to find good deals late in the season rather than during Christmas period.

However, if you can find better price (offer from a store based in Switzerland, excluding sale period and special promos), we thank you to inform us and we will provide you a voucher of the difference valid on your next purchase .

What is the product warranty ?

All products have a manufacturer's warranty, to the extent that the failure of the product can be attributed to a manufacturing defect (apparent or hidden defects).

The manufacturer warranty period is normally one year but there are some exceptions (warranty that may extend beyond one year).

The qualification of "manufacturing defect" or "failure to use" can only be determined by the manufacturer itself, Sportmania serving only as an intermediary in resolving these problems.

A lack of use does not benefit from the manufacturer's warranty.

For this reason, Sportmania offers an optional damage insurance, see conditions.

Will be bindings mounted and adjusted on my skis ?

We can achieve for you for free, installation and adjustement of your bindings on your skis or snowboards according to the information you provide at the time of the order (size, weight, level, practice ...). Our technicians have in depth technical knowledge, to guarantee maximum security. You can also buy some skis only, and bring your own bindings, we will be happy to set them.

Are skis ready for use ?

When you get your skis at home, your equipment is prepared according to your weight and your level. So you are ready to ski downhill on the slopes!