Fascinating! The women with whom I ski use the same skis that the guys do. I never heard any of them mention a "women's ski". Feel fortunate they're not hearing your comment while standing nearby. In all candor, the cmment sounds entirely patronizing to women.
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Volkl AC4: 2005/06 model versus 2006/07 model
- Thread starter saus
- Start date
riverc0il
New member
his comment is not at all patronizing to women. the ski industry is quickly realizing that men's body's and the physics exerted by the different sexes are different. most ski manufacturers are coming out with entire lines of skis more dedicated to women's physiques and builds. how is it patronizing to suggest women use skis designed for their physiques that are different than a males? HPD did after all point out that some women could easily handle the biggest and burliest of skis, but most women won't.
Of course, we're all entitled to our own opinions, including me and many women who don't buy into the need for "women's" special skis. Also, this post replied to a guy who says he's getting them fpor his wife. Perhaps others who don't know her know better than he and his wife just what she needs - but I doubt it. Since the "what women's skis are made for" responded to that post, it came across to me - and still does - as patronizing to women. As I say, we're all entitled to our opinions, patronizing or not, and in my opinion, the post was - is - gratuitously patronizing to women. That doesn't mean the guy needs to be worked over with a wet noodle or banned from interacting with women ever again - he just stated his opinion. I just stated mine.
highpeaksdrifter
New member
In all candor I resent your accusation. The purpose for recreational skiing is to have a good time. If a person (man or woman) is on a ski that is too difficult to turn for them it isn’t pretty and it’s not fun for the person. Truthfully based on what you’ve written about your own ability I would have to say the AC4 is probably too much ski for you. Men often let their egos get in the way when buying the correct equipment for themselves, most women I know don’t suffer from that problem.
I sell skis to women patrollers and instructors all the time, a few want men’s skis and benefit from them, but most want nothing to do with them.
I have a feeling you try to talk the gear talk, but your knowledge in reality is limited.
Below is a link about women’s skis written by a woman, one of hundreds you can find searching the Internet.
http://www.winterfeelsgood.com/winterfeelsgood.php?section=gear&page=buy_w_skis
I would like to hear the opinions of our female members.
My goodness! No problem! You have a point! and you're right - I'm not only an average skier (and that's no brag - I'm really that good), I also don't know squat about skis. Haven't I said I'm buying them because they're RED and look cool in the lift line?:grin:
In all candor, I wish I'd posted that in different language after waaaaay more careful thought. Bear in mind I was not intending to judge you, I was giving my opinon on your post. If my post conveyed otherwise, that's my error. Please accept my apology.
Some women in the business are strong advocates for gender (woman) specific skis. Some women in the business thinks that's rubbish. My own wifey is a level 5 on a good day (she doesn't ski all that much) and she just detests the "woman" things people have done to her boots and bindings. No more heel lifts, etc. She's happier on other stuff.
If I said that I've skied with my wife for six years, she's a strong skier, she was on ABC skis and didn't like them in crud, and so I was getting her some XYZ skis for that, I probably wouldn't want to argue with someone - who's never even met her - that my choice (and hers) is wrong based on her gender. However, that person STILL would be entitled to his opinion no matter HOW patronizing it seems to me.
Even we average skiers who don't know squat about skis are entitled to our opinions. For heavens sake! No offense intended! Here - :beer: I- owe you a beer when we meet. Fresh tracks to you.
In all candor, I wish I'd posted that in different language after waaaaay more careful thought. Bear in mind I was not intending to judge you, I was giving my opinon on your post. If my post conveyed otherwise, that's my error. Please accept my apology.
Some women in the business are strong advocates for gender (woman) specific skis. Some women in the business thinks that's rubbish. My own wifey is a level 5 on a good day (she doesn't ski all that much) and she just detests the "woman" things people have done to her boots and bindings. No more heel lifts, etc. She's happier on other stuff.
If I said that I've skied with my wife for six years, she's a strong skier, she was on ABC skis and didn't like them in crud, and so I was getting her some XYZ skis for that, I probably wouldn't want to argue with someone - who's never even met her - that my choice (and hers) is wrong based on her gender. However, that person STILL would be entitled to his opinion no matter HOW patronizing it seems to me.
Even we average skiers who don't know squat about skis are entitled to our opinions. For heavens sake! No offense intended! Here - :beer: I- owe you a beer when we meet. Fresh tracks to you.
I won't resist making a comment about Lisa's article. She's doing the same thing - making statements about problems caused by being a female skier. My concern about that is - many men have the same problems. Maybe it's their weight or weight distribution, maybe it's their athletic abilities - whatever. Many of these men can benefit from what are called "women's skis" - but they won't. They don't want to be "girlly men".
Sure, woman are built differently than men (Gott sie dankte). But women are built differently from each other, men are built differently from each other, and we all have different neervous systems. Why not deal with individuals in skiing?
The women who have argued for women specific equipment are very convincing to a very large market. Frankly - I mean, in a ll candor - I'm delighted with what these women they bring in to the skiing market. I also listen to the other women - professionals and recreational skiers.
Anyway, debates that argue issues are good for the sport.
Excuse me, must go now. I have a craving to look at the pictures of my red skis. I'll let you know at the end of the season whether that color helps me to ski better, or not.
Sure, woman are built differently than men (Gott sie dankte). But women are built differently from each other, men are built differently from each other, and we all have different neervous systems. Why not deal with individuals in skiing?
The women who have argued for women specific equipment are very convincing to a very large market. Frankly - I mean, in a ll candor - I'm delighted with what these women they bring in to the skiing market. I also listen to the other women - professionals and recreational skiers.
Anyway, debates that argue issues are good for the sport.
Excuse me, must go now. I have a craving to look at the pictures of my red skis. I'll let you know at the end of the season whether that color helps me to ski better, or not.
highpeaksdrifter
New member
Apology? No need I liked your post. I like to mix it up sometimes and defend my position. U called me out a little and I hit back a little, that's all.
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highpeaksdrifter
New member
Of course they won’t, they’d be laughed off the hill. There’s also no reason to cause there are all sorts of men’s soft flex, easy turners on the market.
Also take a look at the graphics lately on women’s skis, very feminine. I think that’s empowering for women. In a sport where men make up the vast majority, it’s saying the ladies are here too.
tree_skier
New member
As a race coachI have yet to see any women racing on women skis.
Also if you dig into the tech. data the big difference between most womens skis and mens of the same product slot is graphics and perhaps a softer flex. Some have identical specs. So should a 5'10 180 lb strong female be on a womens ski that may be softer then a mens and a 5'4 130 lb seditary man be on a mans ski that may be stiffer?
highpeaksdrifter
New member
I wasn't referring to women who race, that's a whole different deal. You as a race coach know that better then I.
tree_skier
New member
My wife doesn't race anymore but still loves the slalom skis, just doesn't like how they ski off of a smooth surface thus the AC4 option
Great experiment: Conceal all graphics and markings on a set of unisex and women's skis. Take ten average men and ten average women of comparable weight ranges. Have them evaluate the skis. Be sure that the lenghts are appropriate for weight/height of each skier. Then . . .
BeanoNYC
Active member
Good idea.....Beano likey.
