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I've been skiing downhill since the age of 4. The higher-end skis really do make a huge difference tackling advanced terrain. I don't enjoy mogul fields on chea
by nickbauman 11y ago
I've been skiing downhill since the age of 4. The higher-end skis really do make a huge difference tackling advanced terrain. I don't enjoy mogul fields on cheap skis: I can't read the changes in the terrain as well through my feet, I have to push harder and earlier to initiate a turn and my edges never feel as responsive or planted as they do with better skis. I have no idea what goes into better skis, though. I just know they cost more.
- matwood 11y agoI agree. I've been doing board sports since a similar age, and once you get past intermediate the higher end stuff does make a difference. (Surf|Snow|Wake|Skate)boards all have cheap intro versions, but the high end stuff does make a difference after a certain level. Should they cost _that_ much more? I don't know.
- nn3 11y agoDo you think your findings would hold up to a double blind test? Often expensive items have a strong placebo effect just based on price ("it has to be better")
- nickbauman 11y agoDoubt it. My skiing changed dramatically when as a lad I got top of the line skis. Later, as a ski instructor, I had to use rental skis, I found that I was unable to keep up with my advanced students with the el-cheapo rentals.