The type of construction used to make a ski has a direct bearing on how the ski will perform and sometimes on how long it will last. A feature as simple as the sidewalls can make all the difference. “Sidewall Construction” has become synonymous with high performance skis partly because it’s strong and effective for high performance. Ski makers have been very creative in how they choose sidewalls to tailor their skis to the mission.
For example, K2 uses two basic sidewall designs:
1. Twin Tech Vertical ABS Sidewall. In general K2 notes that vertical sidewall skis give the most precise performance with a direct transfer of power down through the ski. They’re also more durable because the sidewall supports and reinforces the ski edge from above. Not surprisingly all skis in K2’s Factory Series (except Press) feature vertical ABS sidewalls for bomb-proof performance. ABS is a good material because it’s dense and tough as well as being water-proof. Twin Tech has one more little feature on K2 skis. The sharp edge where top and sidewall meet is prone to damage so they have shaped the top edge at an angle to further improve durability.
2. Hybrid sidewall (Hybritech) – ABS doesn’t absorb water but it’s not very good at absorbing shock either so K2 has cleverly mixed two materials: urethane sidewall underfoot for damping vibration and ABS in tip and tail to maximize performance and grip. Darkside and the new Aftershock in the A.M.P. all mountain series are examples of hybrid sidewall skis.
Dynastar has its own version of hybrid sidewalls. It has mixed the best of both worlds by making some skis that feature a traditional sidewall in the mid section but cap construction for the rest of the ski. Cap refers to the topsheet curving down to the edges in one piece. All Dynastar skis that feature Autodrive have some version of this system.
Top and Sidewall in one (Cap) – When Salomon introduced its first ski in 1990, the S9000, they also introduced “monocoque construction.” It was a new way of making skis in which the top sheet was extend down over the sides to meet the edges, eliminating the sidewall altogether. Basically, cap construction was a more economical way to make skis and it caused major changes in the world of ski manufacturing. As late as 1994 Rossignol built an entire factory for the injection-molded 4SV cap ski. Cap skis are ideally suited to mass production and come in all varieties from beginner to expert models. |
