What are the differences between Men's skis and Women's?

Question

Were talking downhill skis here.

Answer 1

women skiis are lighter.

Answer 2

Womens skis are no longer the old standard of "shrink it and pink it". There is some significant technology that has been put into the womens lines. Differences that make a significant difference are the softer flex and lighter weight. Another difference is a binding mount that is slightly forward, to allow for the difference in the way men and women balance.

As for the strengths of women skis. I have found many of them to be very substantial, when you're looking at the higher end of the line up, but when compared to their unisex counter part, they're still missing something.

Example:

I demoed the Nordica Olympia Speed and Speedmachine 14 back to back

The OS is Women Specific version of the SM14.

They performed almost identically, but the SM14 had just a touch more kick coming out of a turn than the OS. This can be because of my ski style.

At the end of the day, I'd be happy on either ski, but I'd buy the SM14 if given the choice.

Answer 3

Mens skis are generally stiffer and Bigger all around and made for more agressive skiers. Wemons skis are not as stiff and not as as highperformence as mens skis. Thats why you see a lot of female skiers on mens skis this year.

Answer 4

Womens skis are lighter and flex easier. the edges rip a little easier. A big difference is the art on it. You will find smaller sizes and also a big thing is that you have less base for more of the groomer girl

Answer 5

One difference is that women's bindings are usually set a little further forward on the ski. This is because women's body shape means that they have a centre of gravity set further back on the ski. Pushing the bindings forward a little compensates for that.

Answer 6

Mens skis are generally stiffer and heavier.  Some skis are speciffically designed to flex easier and be lighter for women.  Womens' ski also usually have pretty flower graphics.

Answer 7

Women's skis are shorter, lighter

Answer 8

Graphics...that's the big difference.

9 out of 10 times there is not much difference. Ladies skis, compared to the male versions, come in shorter lengths.

I've been to my fair share of pro-demos. All of the skis are either taped up so you can't see what skis you are on or they are devoid of graphics all together. You get a white ski with a number on it...that's it.

I can't tell you how many times I skied the ladies ski right after the men's ski and I freakin' couldn't tell the difference.

Ski reps will say just about anything when they know no customers are around and I've also had a bunch of them admit to me...usually after a few rounds at the bar...that there is no really significant difference.

"In wine there is truth." so the saying goes.......

Given that, and the fact that I just did a 2 hour stand at the beer pong table against some young ski patrollers...I'd have to say that's about all there is to it.