How to choose your men's ski + bindings package
Whether you're a fan of groomed slopes, an off-piste explorer, or a freestyle enthusiast, choosing the right ski + bindings package is essential to fully enjoy your time in the mountains. This guide will help you make the right choice based on your skiing style, skill level, and body type.
Define your skiing program
Your choice of skis depends primarily on your preferred terrain:
- Piste skis: Ideal for skiers who stay on groomed trails. These skis are generally narrow (under 80 mm waist) for better grip on hard snow.
- All-mountain: Versatile skis that allow skiing on and off-piste. Their waist width ranges between 80 and 100 mm.
- Freeride: Designed for powder and untracked terrain, these skis are wider (90 to 120 mm waist) for better flotation.
- Freestyle: Built for snowpark and tricks, these skis are often symmetrical with raised tips at both ends for easier landings.
Choosing the right ski length
The length of your skis should match your height, skill level, and skiing style:
- Piste skis: Choose skis that are 5 to 15 cm shorter than your height for better maneuverability.
- All-mountain: Go for skis close to your height to balance stability and agility.
- Freeride: Prefer skis that are 5 to 10 cm longer than your height for better float in powder.
- Freestyle: Choose skis that are 5 to 10 cm shorter than your height to facilitate tricks and spins.
Understanding camber and rocker
The ski profile influences how it behaves on the snow:
- Traditional camber: The ski contacts the snow at the tip and tail, offering solid grip on hard snow.
- Rocker (reverse camber): The tips are raised, improving maneuverability and float in powder.
- Double rocker: Both tip and tail are raised, ideal for freestyle and deep snow skiing.
Choosing your ski bindings
Bindings connect your boots to your skis. Their choice depends on your discipline and skill level:
- Alpine bindings: Suitable for piste skiing, they offer good power transmission and optimal safety.
- Freeride bindings: More robust, they handle the demands of off-piste skiing and offer better elasticity to absorb impacts.
- Hybrid bindings: Combining features of alpine and touring bindings, ideal for freerando (freeride + touring).
Make sure your bindings are compatible with your boots (ISO 5355 for alpine skiing, ISO 9523 for touring) and that the brake width matches your ski width.
Adjusting your bindings: the DIN setting
The DIN value determines the force required for the binding to release the boot in the event of a fall. It depends on your weight, height, age, skill level, and skiing style. Proper adjustment is crucial for your safety.
It is strongly recommended to have your bindings adjusted by a professional to ensure optimal release during a fall.
Our brand selection
We offer a wide range of men’s ski + bindings packages suitable for all levels and skiing styles.
For personalized advice, contact us (info line: 09.63.00.76.65 or via our contact form, our technical advisors will guide you in your ski purchase.
Find a wide selection of equipment on our online store Snow Concept, specialist in ski, snowboard and accessories equipment.For personalized advice, contact us info line: 09.63.00.76.65 or via our contact form, our technical advisors will guide you in your ski purchase.