Skis or Snow Blades? Advice required!

joe.skids

I personally snowboard but my Girlfriend and both her parents use blades and find they are more confident using blades than ski's because they are easier to turn on.

One key thing, is to make sure you get the blades with releasable ski bindings rather than the fixed bindings. They are more expensive but reduces the chances of an injury to less than if you were using full length skis.

SpeedX

some of the above comments i will agree with.

Blades are REALLY fun and easy to pickup. HOWEVER because of this people go beyond the capabilities as they think they are bettere than they are. Blades ARE dangerous when going fast unless your very good.

i've seen many people try to race me on my blades inc advanced skiers and boarders and theres never been anything in it even racing down black runs.

Blades will certainly make your legs ache more with the hard turning!


Give them a try just dont go beyond your own capabilities as they can pick up speed quickly!

Rink

Ugh. If you type snowblades into Google then this page seems to come first so I thought I'd better address some of this.

Firstly, snowblades is a trademark of Salomon to refer to their models of skiboards. So if you've come from Google after typing snowblades and are looking for general advice, hit back and research on the word skiboards.

There's no problems stopping on skiboards. End of story.

Unless you're an idiot, they go at fast as you let them. Not faster. They're not rocket powered - learn the techniques and be sensible out there. Skiing lessons will help.

I just laughed when I read the post stating they should be banned. Not really much to add there other than thats what skiers used to say about snowboards.

Bindings are a matter of choice for most. In an accident, skiboards shorter than 100cm put far less strain through the lower leg than skis so non-releasable bindings are an option. Having said that, you can still injure yourself and releasable bindings are there for you if you want them. Possibly more likely to sustain a lower leg injury skiboarding but you're still surprisingly unlikely to sustain a bad injury. Google for accident stats for more info.

Power. Get a proper skiboard instead of those skinny Salomon things and yes, you can ride powder.

The one thing I will agree with is that yes, skiiers and snowboarders will look down their nose at you. In the UK they'll just call you "gay" and in the US they'll complain that skiboarding is "too easy". Frankly, I don't care enough about what strangers think to worry about it. I used to snowboard; I currently ski and my skiboards are just too much fun to put down.

Oh... and no, its not "real skiing" as someone said - its skiboarding.

*cough* skiboardsonline.com *cough*

snow_drifter

Scooby_Drew wrote: »

Don't mean to be a ski-snob, but snow blades are dangerous.

You can't stop properly on them and tend to go faster than you can really handle. Blades should be banned on all but slopes specifically for blades.

Plus people who can ski properly or board laugh at you... for the simple reason that you look stupid and will probably end up breaking a bone sooner or later.

I know this is a money saving board, but the best money you will ever spend skiing or boarding is on lessons to ski or board properly. You'll see more of the mountain and have a skill that will last the rest of your active life.

If you're wondering whether I'm qualified to say this... I have been skiing for 15 years, have worked as a professional ski instructor and have several mountain qualifications.

I don't have any mountain qualifications but to be honest I don't need them to recognise that these comments are not just snobbish they are incorrect and unworthy of anyone who purports to know about such matters. If Scooby_Drew can't stop on blades or can't control his speed then can I respectfully suggest that he's in the wrong job. Narrow little snowblades will get you started but are limited to groomed pistes. Proper skiboards are not cheap but if you get a decent pair of 110 cm skiboards with releasable bindings you can go anywhere, including powder. They are easier to turn than skis but require more precise balance. The only people who will laugh at you are those who don't understand what you are riding and don't want to. If you want to see what decent skiboards can do enter 'what's the deal with skiboarding' into Google and watch the video.