What does side cut mean on skis?
What does side cut mean on skis?
Sidecut is the extent to which a ski or snowboard is narrower at the waist than at the tips. It is the arcing, hourglass-like curve that runs along a ski’s edges from tip to tail. This curve dictates how skis turn: the deeper the curve, the tighter the turn.
Why do some cross-country skis have metal edges?
Metal-edge touring skis are made for skiing out-of-track or on steeper terrain. Compared to touring skis, they are typically shorter for better maneuverability and wider for more stability and flotation in deeper snow, and they have metal edges for better grip in icy conditions.
Why do cross-country skis not have edges?
The reason regular classic cross-country skis don’t have metal edges is because the metal: increases the ski’s weight. changes its flex characteristics (generally makes the ski stiffer) increases the amount of friction the ski will experience in snow.
What do the numbers on the side of cross-country skis mean?
All modern skis have a set of dimensions; three numbers that determine their width. For example, a ski might have this printed on it: 122-86-115. This means they have a width of 122mm towards the tip (the widest point), a waist width of 86mm (under the foot), and a tail width of 115mm.
How do you measure a side cut?
If you imagine a big circle along the edge of the ski (as per the image below) – then measure that circle’s radius, then you get the Turn Radius/Sidecut radius of the ski. You can also measure the “sidecut depth” by standing your ski on it’s edge and measuring between the floor and the waist of the ski.
Are wider skis easier to turn?
Backcountry skis are typically lighter than alpine skis, which is advantageous when climbing. They feature waist widths of approximately 80mm–120mm: Narrower waists make turning easier when skiing hard snow; wider waists work better in powder.
Do I need metal edges on cross country skis?
Metal edges will give you more support and control on short downhills, and will give you a firm grip on the snow as you traverse across a slope. Groomed Cross Country skis that are designed best for use on the groomed tracks and have scales on the bases that provide you with traction as you glide down the track.
How do you size cross country skis chart?
For properly sizing a set of cross country skis you will first need to figure out what type of cross country skier you’re going to be….Compact Touring Cross Country Ski Sizing.
| Ski Size | Skiers Weight (Lbs) |
|---|---|
| Small (160-165cm) | <140 |
| Medium (170-175cm) | 132-185 |
| Large (180-185cm) | 176-209 |
| X-Large (185-195cm) | >209 |
What do the numbers on snow skis mean?
Where is the side cut on a ski?
The sidecut is ski’s curved cut located mid-ski, and the shape of this cut is easy to see when you look directly down at the ski from above when it’s flat on the ground. When the edges of a ski are as straight as a narrow wooden plank, it has little to no sidecut.
How is the width of a cross country ski measured?
Cross-Country Ski Width and Sidecut. Ski width is measured at 3 locations—the tip (the widest point near the front of the ski), the waist (the narrowest point near the middle of the ski) and the tail (near the back of the ski). The resulting hourglass shape is called the sidecut.
How do you measure the sidecut radius of a ski?
If you imagine a big circle along the edge of the ski (as per the image below) – then measure that circle’s radius, then you get the Turn Radius/Sidecut radius of the ski. You can also measure the “sidecut depth” by standing your ski on it’s edge and measuring between the floor and the waist of the ski.
What are the different types of cross country skiing?
There are two main ways to enjoy cross-country skiing (also known by the umbrella term “Nordic skiing”): You can either classic ski or skate ski. With each one, your heel is always “free” (not connected to the ski as with downhill skiing) and you use your muscles and gear to move yourself forward.
