SIDECUT Sidecut is the curved shape along the sides of a ski, which is easy to see when looking at the top or base of the ski. Te curvature on either side is determined by the width at the widest part of the tip, the narrowest point at the middle (waist), and the widest part of the tail. Tipped on edge, a ski with more sidecut (curvature) will make a more tightly carved turn than a straighter ski with less sidecut. A straighter ski must skid to be able to match the size of a carved turn made with a ski that has more sidecut. Sidecut radius is specified on most skis. To understand it, envision a line that traces the curvature of the ski and continues around to form a full circle. Te radius of the circle (sidecut radius) is the distance between the center of the circle and the side of the ski. Tis measurement corresponds to the size of turn the ski is most suited for (which is not to say it’s the only type of turn the ski can make).
Designed for everything from skidded to carved turns, all-mountain skis are the most versatile. Big-mountain skis are designed for medium- to long-radius turns, and they pivot and skid easily.
■ Carving skis, 12-15 meters (39.4-49.2 feet) ■ All-mountain skis, 15-21 meters (49.2 feet-68.9 feet) ■ Big-mountain skis, 21-30 meters (68.9 feet-98.4 feet)
To understand turn radius, envision skiing through a carved turn, with the outside ski placed on edge, weighted, and bowed into an arc. Te turn radius is the distance between the center of the imaginary circle and the arc made by the edged ski.
WAIST
Te waist is the narrowest part of the ski, located under the foot. Waist width is specified on most skis. Narrow-waisted skis are quick from edge to edge and have better edge-hold on hard snow than wider skis. As the waist width increases, edge and direction change occur more slowly and, therefore, medium and longer turn radii are more the norm.
72 PSIA ALPINE TECHNICAL MANUAL
TheSnowPros.org
FIGURE 5.1: Sidecut, sidecut radius, waist, and taper. TIP
126mm
WAIST WIDTH 85mm
SIDECUT RADIUS 18 meters
126mm TIP – 113mm TAIL
13mm TAPER
113mm TAIL
TABLE 5.1: SKI CLASSIFICATIONS WITH TYPICAL SIDECUT RADIUS
LENGTH 177cm SIDECUT
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