Ladies Skis

Reading a lot of the manufacturer's literature about the special design built into the so-called "Ladies" skis, it should become obvious that they come in two basic designs.

The first is generally just a softer version of the "unisex" version with graphics designed to appeal to a more feminine stereotype.  Pay attention:  just a softer version.  They're really just designed for lighter weight skiers, because on average, at any given height, women will weigh less than men.  Different wood in the core - maybe a little less metal, etc.  It's all because it doesn't make sense that someone weighing in at 120 lbs can bend the edge of a particular ski as well as someone who weighs 180 lbs, but you may want the length for glide and a smooth ride. Therefore, the ski has to be softer.  You also aren't going to need as much snap to get you out of a turn.  So the manufactuer softens it up.  If you see the "L" version or "W" version of a well known ski, go ahead and ski it if you weigh less than average guy at your height - that is if you like the looks.  (Sometimes, it's a wonder that anyone, man or woman, would think some of these look good.  At Wintersales, we try to stock for style as well as function.)  However, even if you are on the light side and a woman, if you're strong for your size and an aggressive skier, you might want to consider the unisex version.

Please note, that in entry level recreational skis, there is generally NO difference in men's and woman's versions - it's almost always purely cosmetic.

Then there are those skis that the manufacturers claim are specifically deisgned for the particular needs of a women.  The ski is designed to favor a more forward pitch, and the bindings may even be mounted farther forward.  This is all supposed to compensate for the different weight distribution of a woman's shape compared a man's. Well... it's sure the engineers could explain it, but  we at Wintersales have doubts.  We invite our customers to let us know what they think.  We'll post their opinions here.