Q: What is side-cut?
A:  Side-cut is the difference in width between the tip and the tail in relation to the waist.  Generally, the narrower the waist width in relation to that of the tip and tail, the sharper and quicker the turn will be.  Conversely, the smaller the difference, the larger the turn will be.  For example, a side-cut of 119-64-102 (tip-waist-tail) is considered a "slalom" or "SL" side-cut, which will be ideal for tight, quick, short turns.  A side-cut of 102-63-88 (tip-waist-tail) is considered a "giant slalom" or "GS" side-cut, ideal for large, long, sweeping turns.

Q: What are tip, waist and tail measurements, and what do they tell me?
A:  These measurements are taken at the contact points in the tip, and tail, and the boot-center line between the bindings.  Let's break it down to each measurement and what it tells us:

    1) Tip Width:  The wider the tip in relation to the waist, the more aggressively the ski will initiate into the  turn.  Conversely, the narrower the tip in relation to the waist, the less aggressively the ski will initiate into the turn.
    2)  Waist width:  The narrower the waist, the quicker the edge-to-edge transfer between turns, which is ideal on hard-packed (groomed) terrain.  With a wider waist, there is more surface area working to  keep the ski on top of the snow, which is ideal on off-piste (un-groomed, powdery) terrain.
    3)  Tail width:  The wider the tail in relation to the waist, the greater the guidance at the end of the turn.  The narrower the tail, the more easily the ski can slide, or skid in a turn, versus carving on edge.

Q: What is flex?
A: Flex is, quite simply, a rating of the stiffness of a ski.  A stiff ski requires much more force to bend in order to achieve its optimal shape in a turn.  Stiffer skis are designed to offer more stability at higher speeds.  Conversely, softer flexing skis are easier to initiate into the turn, requiring less effort and energy to turn.  Softer-flexing skis are ideal for those who want to start at comfortable speeds and be able to make fun, carving turns.  Generally, the more expensive the ski, the stiffer the flex; this is due to high-priced materials such as titanium, kevlar, and carbon, which are used to create stiffness in the ski.

Q: What is camber?
A:  Camber is an amount of flex in the ski where the center rises higher than the contact points in the tip and tail.  This is generally not classified or measured in ski construction, but has profound effect on a skis performance.  All camber is basically equal, where your skis either have have it or don't.  Camber is pre-loaded factory flex in the skis.  When a ski  is counter-flexed in a turn, it desires to return to it's normal state quickly.  This is what makes your skis "lively, snappy, and full of rebound".  When the camber wears out over time, which it will, it is time for new skis.


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