Methodology

Each skier in the 2006 Independent Ski Tests was randomly assigned skis to ride and evaluate. Testers used their own personal binding system to better evaluate the ski’s performance. Each ski was tested by a minimum of four test skiers, and testers did not evaluate their own personal ski brand. Skis were first tested with factory binding and fin settings, but on subsequent rides the skiers were able to make changes to best accommodate their ability and style.

After every test ride, each skier rated the skis on five performance characteristics on a scale from 1 to 5: 1 equaling “Poor”, 3 equaling “Average” and 5 equaling “Outstanding”. The categories included speed, turning, stability, carryout, predictability and overall impression.

Speed: How fast a ski accelerates with a given amount of lean. A fast ski requires less effort and allows a skier to make up lost ground.

Turning: How well a ski initiates, turns and finishes around each buoy.

Stability: How steady the ski feels under the skier, while on edge or riding flat. An unstable ski feels squirrelly when ridden flat and does not give the skier a stable platform in the turn or when on edge.

Carryout: How well does a ski maintain speed and angle from the wakes to the ball. A ski with great carryout glides out in front of and wide of the ball.

Predictability: Does the ski react to the skier the same way ball after ball and pass after pass. A ski that turns poorly at every ball is predictable but, a ski that turns sometimes hard, and other times not isn't predictable.

Overall Impression: A value of how a skier feels about how the ski rides. Not a sum of the other criteria.