Do you have to have twin tips to hit rails and jumps while skiing???

Question

i have regular all mtn skis...165 salomon scramblers to be exact...do u think it will be alright to hit rails with these...and any pointers on hitting rails..and i don't have the money for twin tips.

Thanks..

Answer 1

The reason people use twin tips in the parks is so they can ski switch (backwards) easier.  You can ski backwards on regular skis if you learn how.  

You can use pretty much any skis in the park.  The thing is that you will beat the living daylights out of your edges.  Better to use a pair of 'rock skis' that you don't care about.  It's easier to get away with bad edges with a board but it can mess you up with skis.  

For rails or boxes you have to keep your weight centered on your skis.  If you don't you are asking for a headache.  It's a good idea to have a helmet.  The guy above me pretty much describes the whole technique.  If you have decent forward momentum you should be able to do a nice rail slide.

Answer 2

You dont need twin tips to jump or slide rails, though there are advantages to twin tips.  with twins you can ski switch, they are lighter and more balance.  all mountain skis will work fine for you.

the biggest thing about rails is self confidence.  you need to know you can do it before you try.  start on boxes, they are much easier.  apporach the box straight on, at medium speed.  at the front of the box do a small jump and turn 90 degrees so you slide down it sideways.  when you are on the box stay low and keep your boots centered over the middle of the box.  when you reach the end, jump off and turn so you land facing down the hill.  once you have mastered boxes move on to low rails.

Answer 3

well, you could hit rails with these, i hit rails with my race skis a lot (dont tell my parents!  ;]) but anyways....my BIGGEST pointer for a rail is to simply ride up the jump for a plain flat-box and turn slightly 90degrees and keep weight BALANCED on both feet.  NEVER EVER try to hockey stop, and you're gonna pe perfect!! it's just like standing on flat ground, just a lil' bit creepier.... :]

so anyways....mostly rails is just about getting the guts to focus on what you have to do and just doin it.  it took me a few years of skiing to finally decide to try a rail.  i made it okay and now i'm getting better every day!   speak of it...i get to go skiing tomorrow and ditch school! heheheheee :)    

have funnn!!!!!!!

Answer 4

The reason most park junkies use twin tips is because they have a wider waist, and obviously, two tips (which makes it alot easier to ski backwards). The advantage to this is that it is easier to turn, which is vital in the park. The other thing thst you might want to consider is the fact that it is alot easier to hit jails with twin tips because, yes, they are shorter. Althought they are not neccesary, hitting rails with 165s might be a little hard just because of the length. The longer the ski is, the harder it is to get your weight centered over the rail.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Nope, don't need them, they just help when landing backwards.

Answer 6

dude. twin tips are super over-rated. they help, but dont sweat it. as for rails, as long as you dont mind destroying your edges, go for it bro.