Many people
ask us why not get a downhill ski. There are really only two reasons. Expense
and weight.
A down hill
ski is generally much harder to twist side to side which makes it a much superior
ski on groomed trails. To give that kind of rigidity takes heavier materials
(in general - otherwise expense is a real issue). The ungroomed snow found
in the backcountry usually does not need that kind of side to side support.
If you are skiing steep icy chutes you may want a down hill ski (if you are
skiing steep icy chutes you know what you need) but for most conditions it
is just not necessary to have that stiffness and weight. In any case the Beta
Construction found in the Atomic back country skis rivals most down hill skis
for lateral rigidity.
Down hill
skis can be $800 or more and the midrange down hill skis are usually heavier
than good backcountry skis that share a price range but ski as well or better.
We won't lie. A good all mountain down hill ski will ski like a dream in the
backcountry as well but you should really put a pair of downhill boots on
them to controll them which adds more weight and expense. not to mention they
don't walk worth a damn.
If you have anything to add or want to disagree email us. We may just put your comments here.