Author Topic: Are you a centered skier? (Read 443 times)

Gary · « **on:** August 06, 2008, 08:00:15 am »

Finding YOUR balance point on your skis I think is one of the most critical factors in ski performance.

This is the point from which all movements small or large muscles initiate are transformed to your skis. If your binidng location has your center mass to far to the rear of the ski, you'll feel like your always in the back seat. Too far forward, your tails will wash out every turn.

I've actully experimented with this on a new pair of skis and by doing so, I could really feel and identify the most optimal position for me personally to ski in. I moved the bindings to their extreme distances and could really appreciate how the performance was impacted.

Fortunately, many of the new bindings your seeing on skis are adjustable allowing the rider the opportunity to experiment with the location of the center mass. Last year middle of the season, I actually had my Fischer Watea 84's mounted initially 1 centimeter forward and then went back to have them move it 1 additional centimeter. The difference was huge and it allowed me to ski much more centered and effortlessly.

Ron too had a similar experience when we skied at Jackson Hole last season. He wanted to rent a pair of powder boards and as luck would have it, they had the Watea 94's. Based on discussions we had regarding center mass, Ron asked the tech to move the bindings (easy with demo bindings) 1 centimeter forward. Ron was blown away what that wee bit of difference made with that ski.

I think it's important to take advantage of this factor. Find your center mass on your ski and you'll be amazed how much more control you have with your sweet boards!

Best,
Gary

Ron · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2008, 08:09:49 am »

Excellent points and its starting to be recognized more and more. In addition to th TY/Head/Fisecher bindings, the Look bindings and Vists can also be moved around.? (one clarification, I don't consider the 94 a true powder ski

)

midwif · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2008, 09:24:37 am »

How centered I am depends on how much wine I've had the night before!

Glenn · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2008, 10:30:38 am »

I know my bindings slide on the rail...I should see if I can move them back and forth.

They also say "SEX" on them.?

Ron · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2008, 01:33:21 pm »

Did you just find that?

Which binding is that? For some reason I was thinking it was an atomic?

gandalf · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2008, 03:35:28 am »

Nordica XBS (I think). Cross Balance System, Either Marker of Tyrolia based, can't remember which.

Unfortunately, Svend has been reading it upside down.

Ron · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2008, 08:11:15 am »

yes!? You are correct, I remember when that came out. I think it actually may be a Vist binding? Good to hear from you!

Glenn · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2008, 10:08:33 am »

Markers. I really noticed that because I bought the skis and bindings from SierraJim; and they were shipped un mounted. You see it much clearer when the toe piece isn't there.

Ron · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2008, 10:47:32 am »

OK, you can probably cheat them forward a cm or so. If yo aren't positive about how to do this, consult a tech. Don't play around! Basically, you move the toe piece forward as if yo had a larger boot, then move the tail piece forward as if the boot was smaller. THe net result should be about 1 cm. Both pieces have to move the same amount!!! BE CAREFUL! Make sure the tabs lock firmly back into place.

Gary · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2008, 09:22:22 am »

Glenn because the entire set up from skis, boots and bindings is entirely new, it might be worth trying it all in the stock set up. Unless you can slide a binding back and forth, having them re-drilled requires a bit more patience but definitely worth the effort.

Having said that, if you find that with your skiing you always feel like your struggling to ski centered where moving fore and aft on the ski is more challenging moving your center mass forward, it may be worth it to have them mounted 1 cm forward and give it a ride!

Gary

Glenn · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2008, 10:28:49 am »

The good thing about getting new skis at the end of the seaon...at the begining of the next seasaon, you're still "testing" them out.

The mounts felt pretty good IMHO. It didn't throw me in the backseat much despite the spring crud.

Philpug · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2008, 11:05:34 am »

I am the center of my ski universe, does that count?

Ron · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2008, 11:13:04 am »

Yes, in fact it does.

Gary · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2008, 12:50:53 pm »

Ok...then I'm in the center of my ski bubble...you know....boy in bubble...

Universe....hmmmm.. ..a little to far reaching for this snow craving maniac!

Geez....if you're going universe....why not go galaxy....wait....y ou have to have Ron's wardrobe to go galaxy...

Gary

Ron · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2008, 02:01:30 pm »

How did I get dragged into this? AND mr. more-orange-than-a-hazard-cone, you can see your jacket from the milkyway!

Bubble-boy- LOL.....

realskiers

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