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The question here shouldn’t be why are twin tip skis cool, but rather why wouldn’t they be? I’m serious here, why wouldn’t you want rip up the mountain or tear up the park & pipe on a pair of twin tips? There is absolutely nothing that you do on an All Mountain ski that you can’t do on a pair of twin tips. The same cannot be said for All Mountain skis however.
The question here shouldn't be why are twin tip skis cool, but rather why wouldn't they be?
The mountain takes on a whole new look and you begin to venture off into places you have never been, or even thought about going before. The next thing you know that foot of fresh powder is effortless to ski through and you begin praying for more. You seek out the little lips of rollers to catch a little air and the terrain park is not as scary as it once was.
When it comes to what twin tip you should consider, it is important to know that there are many different types within this small niche of skis. Many aren’t much wider or structurally different in sidecut from most other All Mountain skis. These will ski very much like an All Mountain ski but with the added benefits of a quicker release in the moguls and extra surface area for better flotation in soft snow.
Also understand that some twin tip skis are designed specifically for skiing in the terrain park. These skis generally have a symmetrical or nearly symmetrical sidecut which allows the ski to ride just as well when switch (backward) as forward.
You will also find Powder Twins. Many believe that Powder Twins are only for the deep snow, which isn’t necessarily wrong. Many of these style skis are deep snow specific. However it isn’t the case for all because of the sidecut of today’s Powder skis. Twin tip skis that are as wide as 100mm at the waist are phenomenal as All Mountain/Powder skis. They will turn and hold well on groomed snow, remain super stable at high speeds, and when new snow falls you won’t struggle to stay afloat, or have to waste time in the rental shop. Instead, you’ll be outside enjoying the fresh powder like you never thought you could.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is that if you haven’t skied a pair of twin tips yet, I strongly encourage you give it a shot. They will alter any previous idea you have about what is possible on a pair of skis. They are lighter, more versatile, and just flat out more fun! Just about a decade ago I was so bored of skiing that I gave it up to snowboard full-time. Then twin tip skis hit the market and I haven’t owned any other style ski. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a similar story…provided you give them a shot!
If you have a similar story to mine or any comments that you’d like to share with me or other readers, please feel free to do so by posting comments to this blog.
Wanting to know your take on today’s all mountain twin tip skis, specifically The Line Prophet 90. I’m told its a 50/50 ski; meaning 50% backside and 50% frontside. Can such a ski with a 90 waist be my best compromise?
Rich,
The Prophet 90 really is one of the best all around skis out there. At 90mm under the waist they provide good float on all but the deepest days. The great thing about the Prophet series is that the have more side-cut than most other twin tip lines, so they really do handle as good or better than a non-twin all mountain ski. Combine this with their metal-matrix top sheet and they have exceptional edge grip and are very stable. So yes they really are your best compromise.
- Kevin
I am trying to buy ski equipment for my 18 year old son for Christmas. Thinking about twin tips because he goes to the terrain park with his board buddies but skis the extremes otherwise. favorite- above imperial lift at Breckenridge. Any suggestions for him that won’t break the bank? What about bindings? Are the NordicaSpark boots a good match? thanks!
Carla,
The Spark boots will work great for him. As for skis I would look at the ARV from Armada or the Laurent Thevent From Ninthward. Both of these skis will work just as well in the park as they will when he goes of the backside of Imperial (some of my favorite runs are back there too). As for bindings, I am a big fan of the Griffon from Marker. I use these on my personal skis and love them as they are very light and safe.
Kevin
I don’t know what all the hype is with twin tip skis. I think most people would agree with me that snowblades are where it is at. With my blades on I can throw some pretty sweet spread eagles and daffys. Plus it is easier to do a grab since you don’t need poles.
I’m looking so some new skis. I’m 15 years old male, my height is 169cm or 5ft7, and I weigh 143 pounds. I would classify myself as a Advanced Intermediate to a Advanced Skier. I’m looking for some twin tips that can hit the terrain park, but still be able to rip down the slopes. I currently have my eyes set on some K2 Silencer, or K2 EXT, I was wondering if these are the right choice. If yes what type of binding should I get with the skis. Also is there any other recommedations for me that wont break the bank?
Thanks
Ben Cheung
Ben,
I would go with the EXTs as these will be a much better all mountain/park twin than the more jib specific Silencer. The EXT has a side-wall construction so it will have much better edge grip. The 169 is the correct length.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for your advice. You have recommeded me the K2 EXT but my friend recommeded me the Line Mastermind. Which one would be the better deal? Once again I’m looking for an All mountain/park and pipe skis, weigh 143 pounds and 169cm tall. Also what bindings would you recommend for me?
Thanks
Ben Cheung
I´m from Argentina and i won´t to buy a twin tips that i used in all mountain (piste, powder and some tricks). I skiing for six years. Which skis you recomended, the ROSSIGNOL SCRATCH o the DYNASTAR TROUBLE MAKER? Or another? Thanks
I’m looking to get new skiis. I’ve been skiing a lot for 5 years on a pair of intermediate elan fusions. I don’t hit terrain parks but I did just learn how to switch on them and I love switching! I mostly ski downhill and I like to cut lines and ski pretty fast. I also like tree skiing too. Should I try all mountain twins? I live in the NE where it’s pretty much PP on good days bit can get icy. I’m 5′7, what size would be good? Im just nervous that they wouldn’t be for me. I could use some feedback!
Brian,
Why not? Sounds like you would have a ton of fun on a set of all mountain twins! Upgrading to a good all mountain twin like the Line Prophet 90 or the K2 Extreme will provide better edge grip, stability, and control than your Elans, but will also make skiing switch easier and safer. Size wise I’m thinking in the 165-170 range depending on your weight.
Kevin
Topinito,
Both would be good all mountain twins if you are planning on skiing mostly on piste. If you plan on venturing off trail more than 40-50% of the time then look at a ski like the K2 Kung Fujas or the Line Chronic Cryptonite.
Kevin
Ben,
They are both great intermediate to advanced intermediate twins but the EXT edges out the Mastermind in overall performance as it has ABS vertical sidewalls which will provide much better edge grip. I would put the Mastermind more in line with the Silencer, they have nearly identical constructions, with the Silencer having a more park orientated flew pattern. As for binding if you’re on a budget look at a binding like the Salomon Z10, if you’re willing to spend a little more for a binding you can transfer to your next pair of skis go with the Marker Griffon. I switched to the Griffons last season and I’m hooked. They are built a little wider to work with the wider ski and have a slightly higher stand height for more leverage, which will make it easier to put your skis on edge.
Kevin
My 12-year-old son Joe wants twintips, so he can have some fun at the little ski hill where we spend most of our time.
It’s called Rabbit Hill, outside of Edmonton.
Joe is 5-feet, 2-inches, about 100-pounds, fairly athletic and a solid intermediate skier in the mountains (we most often ski Sunshine, Silver Star, Lake Louis, Marmot).
So I’m looking for a good starter set of twintips for Joe, so he can have some fun with his buddies at the ski park, but can also use the skis on a mountain blue or black diamond run.
Any suggestions? We’d be looking at a price range of $300 to $800 for the skis (my wife is an expert and patient shopper, so we’re often able to track down the higher end skis at a good price)
Thanks David.
A follow up question:
I’d like to ask about two different skis, the Icelantic Scout, 143 cm, and the Head BlackJack 142 cm?
Have you heard anything good, bad, negative about these skis?
Hi,
I am late 20’s female with 20yrs of ski experience. Just started terrain park lessons and looking for a twin tips that can also ski on off-piste thick powder snow. What is your view on Salomon Suspect? Is it good for woman? Do you have any other recommendations?
David- I think we may have just the twin for your son. Check out the K2 Bad Seed. I’m including a link to this ski below. This will be a great all around twin that your son can take into the park, or just explore the mountain with his friends. It is 85mm wide, making it a stable ski that will handle any conditions that may arise. To fit this ski, I’m also providing a link to the Marker M 7.0 EPS junior wide brake ski bindings that will fit these skis and accommodate your son’s weight of 100lbs.
http://www.skis.com/kids-twin-tip-skis/c811/k2-bad-seed-kids-twin-tip-skis-2010-p162009.html
http://www.skis.com/kids-ski-bindings/c449/marker-m70-eps-wide-brake-ski-bindings-2010-p181729.html
I was looking at the LibTech NAS, but not really sure which one to purchase, trying to decide between the Pipe and the Pipe Recurve, 113/84/108 vs. 113/92/108 respectively. I ski mostly Eastern US piste with some shallow powder at times (a few inches at best) with an occasional trip out west…I’m 200 lbs and stand 5′11”…do i need the wider waist for what i ski? how does LibTech’s technology compare to others skis (re Curve and Magne-traction)?
Hi I am a 15 year old male looking for a pair of good but not so expensive pair of Twin tip skis. I weigh about 130 lbs. I’ve been skiing for around 3 years and i take on everything up to simple double black diamonds. BUT i love the terrain thats where i spend most of my time. I hit jumps and boxes and maybe sometimes a rail. So if anyone can help me find a nice pair of twin tip skis i would appreciate it.
I like colorful skis too. Hahaha\
Thanks
The Salomon Suspect is a great twin ski and based on your experience I’d say you could handle it. I don’t typically recommend men’s twin skis to women unless they have a lot of experience simply because the design of a men’s twin typically overpowers female skiers. However if you’re experienced you can typically over come the obstacle. So I’d say your choice would be a good one with the Suspect.
Sao366,
If you are only experiencing a small amount of powder where you ski and only head west once in awhile we would suggest staying with the narrower waisted ski. You could go with either but for how you describe your skiing leaning towards the narrower might be the better idea. The Lib-Tech technology in the magne traction that they offer is tech that turns ice into snow and eliminates any chance of sliding out. The magne traction works well if you are a park rider because you can ride your edges de-tuned and still have edge hold all over the mountain. Here is a link to the Lib Tech NAS skis we currently have in stock. Hopefully this helps, Happy Skiing!
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Andrew,
We are happy to help you make your skiing decision. Given your stats the size recommended for you would be in the 160 range. This is going to give you control all mountain but also ensure you have as much fun as possible in the terrain park. It is late in the season but we still have some great choices on sale and with bright vibrant colors.
The K2 Disorderly in a 159 would be a great choice for your skiing type. At 109/85/109 you can take on the groomer to a little backcountry while excelling at the park. With poppy wood core technology and durable ABS sidewalls you will be ripping in style for many seasons to come.
A little wider and more versatile all mountain twin would be the Line Anthem in a 161. With a 119/93/119 profile you can see it gets a little wider underfoot. Still a solid park performer with a butterzone and ollieband but also offering a bit more control in ungroomed areas with a wider profile.
Check out the user video reviews from those who have skied the skis offered, both the above skis have reviews done on them. Hopefully this helps in your decision.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski