Freestyle skis are designed for take-offs, landing on jumps, terrain park, and pipe features, and are typically lighter and shorter than other types of skis. In this blog post, we will compare the weight of freestyle skis to all-mountain skis, investigate the durability of lighter freestyle skis, and discuss the skiing experience with lighter freestyle skis.
What is the Weight Difference Between Freestyle and All-Mountain Skis?
Freestyle skis are generally lighter than all-mountain skis. According to the Ski Weight Project by Powder7, freestyle skis typically weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 grams per ski, while all-mountain skis weigh between 1,800 and 2,500 grams per ski.
For example, the Line Blade Optic 96, an all-mountain ski, weighs around 2,000 grams per ski, whereas the Line Blend, a freestyle ski, weighs around 1,800 grams per ski.
Ski Type | Weight Range (per ski) |
---|---|
Freestyle Skis | 1,500 – 2,000 grams |
All-Mountain Skis | 1,800 – 2,500 grams |
The lighter weight of freestyle skis is achieved through the use of materials like carbon, which helps to reduce the overall weight and enhance maneuverability.
How Durable are Lighter Freestyle Skis?
While the lighter weight of freestyle skis provides benefits in terms of maneuverability and performance, it can also compromise on durability. The lighter materials used in the construction of freestyle skis, such as carbon, may not offer the same level of durability as the heavier materials used in all-mountain skis.
According to Powder7, lighter skis tend to keep most people skiing better and longer, but skis with more mass tend to please hard-charging experts who don’t mind a little extra weight in the name of more powerful performance.
What is the Skiing Experience with Lighter Freestyle Skis?
Lighter freestyle skis are often more fun to ski, particularly in the park and for freestyle maneuvers. Their lighter weight provides better maneuverability and makes them easier to spin and flip. Skiers often prefer lighter skis for their playful and responsive nature.
For example, the Line Blend is known for its light and playful feel, making it ideal for freestyle skiing. The reduced weight of the ski allows for quicker edge-to-edge transitions and more agile movements, which can enhance the overall skiing experience for freestyle enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, freestyle skis are generally lighter than all-mountain skis, with typical weights ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 grams per ski, compared to 1,800 to 2,500 grams for all-mountain skis. While the lighter weight of freestyle skis can compromise on durability, it provides a more enjoyable and responsive skiing experience, particularly for freestyle maneuvers and park skiing.
References:
1. Powder7. (n.d.). Skis Weights Project – Skis Hand Weighed & Graphed – Powder7. Retrieved from https://www.powder7.com/ski-weights-project
2. evo. (n.d.). Ski Weight Chart for Alpine & Backcountry Skis | evo. Retrieved from https://www.evo.com/guides/alpine-and-backcountry-ski-weights
3. OnTheSnow. (n.d.). Which Ski is Right for You? – OnTheSnow. Retrieved from https://www.onthesnow.com/news/which-ski-is-right-for-you/