;)
So you’re thinking about buying a new pair of skis… However, when it comes to all the complexities of all the latest models, all the lingo can get a bit confusing. Do I need carbon reinforcements? What’s a sandwich construction? What really is the difference between camber vs rocker?
We visited the SIGB Ski Test in Galtür, Austria, to see what’s what when it comes to camber vs rocker.
Traditional racing skis tend to have more camber as this enhances speed and grip, keeping more of the edge in contact with the snowpack. Meanwhile, all mountain and powder skis tend to be more rockered.
Rocker, or early rise, means that the rise of the ski begins earlier than on a fully cambered ski, with the tips of the ski beginning to separate away from each other. Rockered skis can have just a tip rocker, or both a tip and tail rocker. This means that less of the ski is in contact with the snow as on a full cambered ski and gives the ski a lot more float when it comes to powder snow.
Many all mountain skis strike a balance between the two, with a cambered centre and tip (/tail) rocker for enhanced versatility.