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Sail And Ski Online | Buying Guides |  Guide to Skis

Buying Guide - Skis
Buying Guide - Skis

Buying your own set of skis can be a daunting process as there are many types and features of skis available in today's marketplace. Therefore, you need to take a lot of things into consideration before buying skis. You will save a lot of time and effort if you already have something in mind about what features the skis must have. You will improve your skiing and have a lot more fun on the slopes if you have the skis appropriate for your ability and style.

Here at Sail and Ski we have developed this easy to use guide that is designed to help you select the most appropriate ski while shopping on-line. Our guide is based on questions we would ask you if you came into one of our stores, giving you the best advice straight from our experts.




Are you male or female?Are you male or female?

A simple question to start but an important one. Women have a different body build with a lower centre of gravity than men and tend to lean back more when they ski. To combat this most female specific skis have a centre boot mark that is further forward than on a unisex ski forcing more weight over the tips of the skis. Women also weigh less than men, which means that their skis need to be more flexible to gain the same level flex in their turns as men do. In short, if you are a woman, it is wise to buy skis that have been specifically designed for women. We stock women specific skis for all abilities, click on the link below for our full range.


click here to view all skis

What level of ski ability do you have?

This question refers to how much skiing you have done and will affect the amount of flex your chosen ski will have. Check out our definitions of skier level to find the most appropriate definition for your ability. These correspond to the levels shown at the bottom of the description of each ski shown in our on-line store.




click here to see the ability definitions

What level of ski ability do you have?
What type of skiing are you doing?
What type of skiing are you doing?

Buying the right ski for your preferred style will ensure you get maximum performance and enjoyment out of your skiing experience. Manufacturers produce specific skis for specific styles so it is important that you identify your style to enable you to choose the right ski. Pick the style that most closely represents your skiing from the link below. This is then shown at the bottom of the description of each ski.


click to view ski styles

And finally, we determine what length ski you need.  And finally, we determine what length ski you need.

As a general rule a ski should reach between your nose and your forehead although your weight can also be used to provide a more accurate guide when choosing the right ski length. See the chart below for an indication of the length of ski you should buy although this will vary if you require Freestyle/New School or Freeride specific skis (refer to our section on skiing style if you are unsure about your skiing style). For example, if you are buying a Freestyle/New School ski then you want to aim for an ski that is about 5-10cms shorter than recommended below and for a Freeride ski go for a ski that is 5-10cms longer than recommended below.


click here to select your ski length

Feel free to give us a ring or pop in

So now you've a good idea of what to look for when buying your skis. If however, you're still confused or just want a more personal opinion then call one of our experts on (01743) 353776 or (01244) 344580. Alternatively, email us on estore@sailandski.co.uk with your question or pop into one of our shops.


Click here to find our shops

Feel free to give us a ring or pop in

Sail And Ski Online | Buying Guides |  Guide to Skis