Ski Flex and Handling
Generally speaking, skis that have a stiff flex will feel stable at speed and have good precision on hard snow. Stiff skis grip better on hard snow because they maintain full-edge contact and don’t bounce off the snow. However, a ski that is too stiff will buck you around. A softer ski will be easier to initiate into and release from turns, and will feel more forgiving in bumps.
The level of flexibility corresponds to how stiff the ski is. A stiffer ski will require more force in order to make the turn, while a softer flex will make the ski easier to turn. There are two types of flex to consider when determining the stiffness of a ski: Longitudinal flex and torsional flex. Longitudinal flex refers to the flexibility of the ski lengthways (from the tip to the tail).
Choosing Stiffness for Skill Level
Skis in general are easier to turn than they were 10 years ago due to parabolic shaping. However, a skilled skier looking to maintain speed and precision on hard snow or icy conditions will benefit from a stiffer ski, whereas stiff skis do not perform as well in powder due to their rigidity.
Evaluating Ski Stiffness
Of the ski characteristics to evaluate, stiffness is the toughest to quantify. A ski’s flex pattern can vary greatly tip to tail, but understanding the specifics is less important than knowing a well-designed ski will have a balanced flex pattern suited to its intended use.
Recognizing Oversized Stiffness
How do I know if my skis are too stiff? If skis are too stiff, they will feel overly difficult to manage in turns and may cause the skier to feel unsettled over uneven terrain, which indicates that a softer ski may be a better choice.
Considerations for Park Skiing
Are stiff skis good for park? When it comes to park skiing, balance and maneuverability are key, and while stiffness can provide stability, it can also limit the ski’s playfulness and ease of trick execution, suggesting that less stiff options may be preferable for park skiers.