sneakywhitelegs
Member
Title says it all. What's the difference between men's and women's skis as far as construction and handling/skiability goes?
Difference between Men's and Women's skis
- Thread starter sneakywhitelegs
- Start date
CoalitionSnow
New member
They're all just skis. There is no magic formula of rainbows and unicorn farts that make a ski a women's ski.
The difference is generally the women's ski market is heavily focused on intermediate and beginner's gear meaning theres a ton of great options for women who are just learning to ski. However once a women is confidently ripping the whole mountain the options are pretty limited. Most companies high performance women's gear is a softer and lighter version of the men's gear and comes in shorter lengths giving women less variety when choosing a ski. This means that many ripping women choose to turn to so-called men's skis.
Now there's physically no problem with a woman shredding on a "man's" ski - as I said before... they're all just skis, but it's a pretty shitty feeling to think that the entire industry surrounding the sport you're the most fucking passionate about seems to think you're not good enough for their high end gear.
The difference is generally the women's ski market is heavily focused on intermediate and beginner's gear meaning theres a ton of great options for women who are just learning to ski. However once a women is confidently ripping the whole mountain the options are pretty limited. Most companies high performance women's gear is a softer and lighter version of the men's gear and comes in shorter lengths giving women less variety when choosing a ski. This means that many ripping women choose to turn to so-called men's skis.
Now there's physically no problem with a woman shredding on a "man's" ski - as I said before... they're all just skis, but it's a pretty shitty feeling to think that the entire industry surrounding the sport you're the most fucking passionate about seems to think you're not good enough for their high end gear.
freeski1620
Active member
I think more and more these days the differences are more the graphics than whats inside. Because of what the post above me said. girls are turning into rippers all over the place and want a ski thats on the same level as the boys. A good example of this is Armada. All of their women's skis are the exact same on the inside as the guys ski. Just a women's specific graphic. Girls like things that are pretty. It's an important question to ask when you're selling them skis thats for sure!
tomPietrowski
Active member
I would tend to disagree a little with the above comments. Woman are built differently to guys there is no getting away from that, the center of gravity is different and if you watch woman ski you can nearly always spot its a woman rather then a guy just from small differences in movements.
Because of this I do think there is a need for different skis. Alot of brands do go the pink it and shrink it route but there are skis out there being built differently and I think they work. at 5'11 and 160lbs Im not the biggest guy but I really like womans skis some times. They are often lighter weight which just makes sense for skis and although this is less of a concern in freestyle and freeride skis the change to mount point and heel height can help.
I think things like collation above will be good as will on3p making womans skis give them some time and I think you will see some cool innovations coming along just for the ladies.
Because of this I do think there is a need for different skis. Alot of brands do go the pink it and shrink it route but there are skis out there being built differently and I think they work. at 5'11 and 160lbs Im not the biggest guy but I really like womans skis some times. They are often lighter weight which just makes sense for skis and although this is less of a concern in freestyle and freeride skis the change to mount point and heel height can help.
I think things like collation above will be good as will on3p making womans skis give them some time and I think you will see some cool innovations coming along just for the ladies.