When it comes to alpine ski racing, the right equipment is essential for success. Every time a racer is back on the market for a new set of skis, there is always the question of which brand to pick.
There are a few things to consider, including your skill level and the type of skiing you’ll be doing but the brand doesn’t matter as much. There are some popular ones among clubs, colleges and pro racers but as any good racer knows, you can win with any brand.
What are Some Popular Alpine Race Ski Brands?
There are a variety of alpine race ski brands to choose from. Atomic, Dynastar, Fischer, Rossignol, Volkl, and Head are all popular brands that offer high-quality skis. Each brand has its own unique features that has racers swearing by them.
There is certainly a bit of brand loyalty among racers.
When choosing an alpine race ski brand, it is important to consider your personal preferences and skiing style. Do you race downhill, slalom or super-G?
If you are looking for a fast and lightweight ski, then Atomic or HEAD might be the best option for you. If you want a ski that is built for stability and durability, then Dynastar or Rossignol often gets good reviews in the racing community.
Ultimately, it is important to try out different brands and models to find the perfect ski for you. Some local shops will let you demo race skis if they are already used so this can be a great way to try them before you buy.
What Makes a Good Race Ski?
When it comes to race skis, there are a few key features that make them stand out from the rest. First and foremost, race skis need to be fast. They should be able to zip down the hill with ease, making tight turns when necessary.
Additionally, race skis need to be agile. They should be able to change direction quickly and effortlessly. Finally, all race skis must be FIS approved in order to compete in international competitions.
Race skis that possess these qualities tend to have great performance on the slopes. If you’re looking for a ski that will help you shave seconds off your time, then generally I’d say start with HEAD or Atomic.
These two brands always are putting racers on top podium finishes at all levels of the sport.
How Much Do Race Skis Cost?
Race skis can be expensive, with high-end models costing $1,200 or more. However, you can find good race skis for less than $400. The cost of race skis depends on the type of ski, the material it’s made from, and whether it’s designed for kids or adults.
The cost of race skis also depends on the type of ski and the material it’s made from. For example, carbon fiber race skis tend to be more expensive than those made from other materials.
Race skis designed for kids are usually less expensive than those designed for adults.
At $400 you will most likely be in the used club level while if you jump up to $1,200 then you will be looking at the latest and greatest in racing. Just like nonrace skis, there are good deals to be found on used race skis.
Where Can You Buy Alpine Race Skis?
If you’re in the market for alpine race skis, you have a few different options for where to buy them. You can purchase them online from sites like The Race Place or straight from the manufacturer.
You can also find used skis from people on ski teams who are looking to upgrade their equipment.
When it comes to buying alpine race skis, you’ll want to consider your budget and what kind of skiing you’ll be doing. If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to purchase used skis so you don’t have to invest too much money upfront.
However, if you’re an experienced racer, buying new skis straight from the manufacturer may be the best option. The highest-end pros even receive their skis for free.
Often if you join a race club then they may have a group discount with a manufacturer, so be sure to check that out too.
No matter where you decide to purchase your alpine race skis, be sure to do your research so you end up with a pair that’s right for you.
What Skis Do College Athletes Wear?
Two brands that tend to dominate the college race scene from what I’ve seen are: Atomic and Rossignol. Both companies make excellent alpine race skis, and both have a strong following among collegiate skiers.
Atomic’s skis are known for being lightweight and nimble, making them ideal for quick turns and tight corners. Rossignol’s skis, on the other hand, are designed for stability and speed, making them ideal for long downhill runs.
You can really dive into individual models of the brands that will provide specific benefits but that is a high-level view.
So which brand is the best? That’s a matter of personal preference. Some skiers prefer Atomic’s lighter skis, while others find Fischer’s more stable skis to be better suited to their style of skiing. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re looking for in a ski.
What Skis do Pro Alpine Skiers Wear?
There are many brands of skis that pro alpine skiers wear but often they are the same as college and made up by the big 3: Rossignol, Atomic and HEAD.
While some skiers have a personal preference for a certain brand, others ski on whatever brand their sponsors tell them to.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what brand of skis you’re wearing. It’s all about personal preference. Some skiers prefer the feel of one brand over another.
Others simply like the way a certain pair of skis looks.
So, what do pro alpine skiers wear? The answer is: it depends. There are many brands out there, and each skier has his or her own preference. Take Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn, two great skiers that choose different manufacturers.
At the end of the day, skill matters more than the brand when you hit the slopes.
Make Sure You Get the Right Size
When you hit the slopes, you want to make sure you have the right size skis. The size of your skis will affect your speed, control and overall experience on the mountain. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re choosing your skis:
First, check the ski length. Ski length is important for both beginners and experienced skiers. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose a ski that’s not too long or too short. You should be able to comfortably control your skis at all speeds.
If you’re an experienced skier, you’ll want to review the ski’s radius. This is the measurement from the center of the ski to the edge. A longer radius will give you more stability and speed, while a shorter radius will be more maneuverable.
Do You Need Race Skis?
Whether or not you need race skis depends on a few factors. If you’re interested in racing, then race skis are a must. They’re designed specifically for high-speed turns and provide the edge grip and stability you need to stay in control.
However, if you’re just looking to casually ride the slopes, race skis aren’t necessary. In fact, they can actually be more of a hindrance than a help. Beginner skiers shouldn’t go out and buy used race skis.
Personally, I’ve seen some people asking on Reddit if they should buy some to ride all-mountain runs. If you’re not planning on racing, stick with traditional all-mountain skis.
Get Ready to Race with New Alpine Race Skis
If you are looking for new alpine race skis to get you ready for the upcoming season, look no further. The new season is just around the corner and you should now have some direction.
Take Atomic and HEAD as a starting point, narrow down to your racing discipline and you’ll land on a solid set of skis to get you on the podium.
Alec Wilson writes for Proper Peaks and lives near Claremont, VT. He hardly misses a weekend on the ski slopes in the winter. If there is snow, Alec’s skis are on for a go. Look out for his stickered-up helmet and you might just meet him on the trails.