After writing the first article about the Rocker Technology, I sat around wondering if I really understand the concept, or am I missing something. So, take a look at the video below from Jason of the Backcountry.com You Tube channel, and then take a look at the article “Rocker Technology” written by RippinSkiers.com and let me know in the comments section what you have to say. The strongest point I’m trying to make is with the Rocker Technology, your ski is almost an optical illusion. Click here to read the entire article and please…do let us know what you think.
Archive for the ‘Rippin Skiers’ Category
Rocker Technology Part II
Sunday, August 8th, 2010Rocker Technology
Saturday, August 7th, 2010Are you familiar with the Rocker Technology that has been funtional in skis and snowboards for years? This is the major breakthrough year. In the upcoming 2010 – 2011 ski season, top ski shops throughout the United States will have a large percentage of skis with the Rocker Technology. You should be highly aware of this technology before buying your skis or snowboard. During my first experience on the Armada JJ, I flailed terribly. I was at Vail on a tight powder day and did not have the greatest experience putting turns together. If I only understood what I was getting myself into testing the Rocker Technology, I feel I could have had a much more positive experience. So this is why I am writing this post. It’s not about anything but to try to make sure you have a positive experience going into the season and really understand how the rocker technology works.
Rocker Technology is designed to make skiing on one pair of skis all year more efficient because the rocker technology can help you effectively ski through all conditions including groomers, powder, crud, corn and whatever else comes your way. Ice…sorry, you’re still on your own for this one!
Rocker Technology is built different in each ski. It seems to me after getting a strong lesson in the ski shop, the skis do not appear to be built long enough. A local ski expert in Aurora, Colorado explained the difference in skis that have the Rocker Technology. Simply put, if the ski with the Rocker Technology is a 180 and skis like a 150 to 160 or shorter, then you need to be up in the 190′s or more to feel like your skiing on the length of the 180. It’s a wild concept, but remembering my day last year on a 185 Armada JJ, I felt that day as though I was skiing on a much shorter ski, and I remember feeling as though I was falling forward on every turn.
Volkl makes their skis different than other manufacturers. The Volkl Kuro has the Rocker Technology extended in the ski so a 185 may feel like a 175. Whereas, you may find as described above, the Armada JJ 185 feels like a 140. The Nordica Jah Love will have rocker technology built in their new model, yet the amount of Rocker in the ski is so small, it will be difficult to notice the difference from last years model. Last years model is extremely stiff ski and requires a tremendous amount of leg strength to ski.
With that being said, it’s quite simple…the ski’s are just skiing shorts and turning quicker and that’s because of the Rocker Technology. When you are going to buy skis this year, make sure to put the bottoms together and notice the tip and tail. The more Rocker Technology, the more it will curve like a banana. When you see the break or the beginning of the curve, that’s where your ski ends when you ski on groomers. The remainder of the ski is used for all other various conditions.
My prediction and this is not unique, the ski manufacturers will learn quickly they need to enhance the skis two ways. The first is all skis need to be wider under foot. The second is all skis will be longer so long as they continue to use the Rocker Technology.
Lastly, please keep an open mind. The band wagon always comments on skiing a ski that is too wide under foot in any condition. I completely disagree and believe in skiing as wide as possible. Don’t doubt us. We are on the correct path, so jump on board the fat ski revolution with us. If you’re skiing on anything less than 100-110 under foot, get rid of those skis and join us!
Please comment in the comments section below. We would love to hear what you think of the Rocker Technology and the fat ski revolution!
Snow in May in Colorado
Monday, May 3rd, 2010That’s correct. I was skiing in powder on May 1st 2010 at Arapahoe Basin. I had freshies aka first tracks in the chutes on Pali and in Montezuma, all over the place! The pow was not as deep as the Saturday prior where I was literally realizing how much I ski with my mouth open…so much snow going in my mouth. I’m not exaggerating at all and I didn’t fall! The ski season this year has been challenging in terms of snowfall. There really hasn’t been much compared to years past. However, the past 2 weeks have been phenomenal. Colorado really does offer you the ability to ski in powder, golf, and catch a baseball game all in one day. There simply not too many other places in the world that provide or allow you to have this lifestyle. If you’ve hung up your skis for the season, I’d highly reconsider. Let me put things in perspective…2 days ago, I was jumping off mandatory air, and hucking off small rocks, plowing through bumps, taking huge turns at high speeds with zero fear of falling, slipping on ice, and hitting a rock or tree. It’s still awesome skiing and I do highly recommend spending your time and cash at Arapahoe Basin!
How to Ski in Powder
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010How to ski beginners style of skiing is the first thought although how to ski expert style was at Vail and Beaver Creek today. With more than a foot of snow reported at both, the powder was deep. The fat skis were out and could barely be seen covered by the April storm. Spring skiing is in full effect and turning need not apply. Well…if you don’t have to! When skiing on a day like today where the powder is waist deep, be sure to remember the more you turn the more you burn. The trick of skiing powder is finding an extremely relaxed state of being where your body feels at though it’s floating as you point your skis downhill. At the point of sheer relaxation while bombing down a run, powder flying through the air and down your mouth, notice how far downhill you are looking. Your sight of vision is far beyond where you would find it in a hairy area where your entire body is tight for fear of falling. Looking as far forward as possible is a key to learning how to ski as a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier. Finally, don’t be afraid to sit back to gain speed. There are many times on a deep powder day where you need speed to get to your destination. If you have questions or comments about this article on how to ski in powder, please make them in the comments section below.
